The Office

Four

(Photo is of Mitch's husband & son)

--Mitch--

I got home later that night after shopping and my interview, "Daddy!" Andrew ran over to me and I set the grocery bags down to pick him up in my arms.

"Hey little man. How was school?" I kissed his cheek after he gave me a disgusted look.

"I hate school. It's stupid." I set him down as his father came down the stairs.

"I know school is stupid honey, but you have to go."

"Ugh. I hate it." He ran back over to the couch and watched cartoons.

"You're late." Joel stated.

"I know. I waited forever to get into that interview and I had to do some shopping. We didn't have any food in the house." I grabbed the bags again and walked into the kitchen.

"You could've called." Joel said to me as he followed me into the kitchen.

"I know. I'm sorry, I should have." I was putting the groceries away when Joel slid his hands over my stomach slowly and set his head on my back.

"I missed you." He kissed the back of my neck and set his head down again.

"I missed you too." He removed his head from my back.

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not. I always miss you when we're apart." I turned around to face him.

"Mmmm. Well it's almost Andrew's bedtime. Wanna go get his pjs on him while I finish putting these away?"

"No I got it. You go do pjs and I'll do groceries." I turned around again and proceeded to put the food away as Joel walked into the living room.
-
I finished putting groceries away and went upstairs to say goodnight to Andrew, "Have his pajamas on?" I asked Joel as he walked past me out of Andrew's room.

"Of course." He stopped in his tracks as I walked over to our son's bed.

"Hey bud. Ready for bed?"

"Yes daddy. I got my favorite pjs on." He said in excitement.

"Very nice. As long as you're comfy for sleep." I kissed his forehead and pulled the covers over him as he snuggled into them, "Daddy loves you Andrew."

"Andrew loves you too daddy." I giggled and kissed his forehead again. I heard Joel walk away as I slowly stood up.

"Goodnight sweetie. I love you."

"I love you too daddy." He blew me a kiss as I shut his light off, blowing him a kiss back. I slowly shut his door as I saw him start to roll over in bed.
-
I got ready for bed and walked into my room where I saw Joel laying in bed already.

I slid under the covers and Joel rolled over and wrapped his arm around me from behind, "Goodnight." He kissed my cheek.

"Goodnight." I turned my head and kissed him, leaving a smile on his face, "I love you."

"You too." He laid his head back down and I closed my eyes.

--

I woke up the next morning to see Joel still sleeping. I slowly removed his arm from over me and got up. I walked past Andrew's room to see him asleep still. I smiled at my son.

I walked to the bathroom and stripped my clothes off. I looked in the mirror. I saw that nasty scar on my stomach. The one that was permanently there after having Andrew.

I started the shower and got in when I heard the bathroom door open. After awhile, the shower curtain pulled back and Joel got in. I turned around and stuck my head under water.

"Morning." He said, moving closer.

"Good morning." He turned me around and placed his lips on mine. I went back under the water after he kissed me. I did what I had to do and then got out.

I was walking to my room as I saw Andrew come out of his, "Morning bud. Go watch cartoons while daddy gets dressed." He nodded and went downstairs.

I got ready as fast as I could and went downstairs to feed my son, "Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles?" I asked Andrew as he sat at the table.

"Charms!" He yelled back to me.

"Very well then." Joel walked in as I poured Andrew's cereal.

"Hey Andrew. Morning kid."

"Good morning dad." He slumped down in his chair as Joel sat next to him.

"Ready for school?"

"I have to get dressed still."

"Help?" Andrew nodded as Joel stood up.

"He has to eat first Joel." I informed him as I placed Andrew's bowl in front of him, "Then you can help." I walked back into the kitchen to make coffee.
-
I picked up my ringing phone as I took a sip of my coffee, "Hello?"

"Hello. This is Scott Hoying. I was calling for Mitch McCormick."

"I'm him."

"Very good. I wanted to tell you that you got the assistant job. Congratulations."

"Oh! Thank you so much Scott. I appreciate it. A lot."

"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Most definitely. Thanks."

"Alright. Tomorrow then. Enjoy your day Mitch."

"You too Scott." I hung up as Joel walked towards the door.

"Who was that?" He asked, getting his shoes on.

"Scott Hoying. He called to tell me about the interview I had yesterday."

"And?"

"Well, I got the job. I start tomorrow."

"Cool. Where are the keys?" I sighed and pointed to the coffee table behind him. He smiled at me as he picked them up.

He came over to me and placed his lips on mine then walked out. I wanted to think he'd be proud of me for getting a good job. I was clearly mistaken, of course. He only thinks about himself, I need to remember that. I just wish he could love me the way I love him again. Life would be better.