The next morning, Jennifer wakes by herself, the absence of Colin besides her causing her heart to lodge in her chest as she remembers the events of last night. Colin is downstairs with Evan. He has to work today, and Jen has to try her first shot at babysitting all by herself. This wasn't going to be easy for her at all, and they both knew it.
Colin didn't really want to leave Evan with Jen. It wasn't because he didn't trust her or anything, he just felt bad. He didn't want her to feel obligated to watch him or to feel even worse about them not being able to have a child. He could not bear to see her in such pain. He did not want to be the cause of it. Indirectly or at all.
Jen heads downstairs, Colin's holding Evan while pouring some cereal for him. Her instincts tell to help. So she grabs Evan, places a kiss on Colin's cheek and whispers good morning, then goes to place Evan on his highchair.
"Thanks,” Colin smiles slightly and gives the food to Evan. He kisses Jen’s cheek. "Are you sure you’re okay to watch him? I don't want you to feel--”
"I'll be fine," she interrupts and gives him a slight smile before reaching to kiss his cheek. "Is Helen okay? And the baby..."
He nods. "Yes, they’re good,” he keeps his answers short and vague. He does not want to hurt her even more.
"Do I get to meet her?" she knew Helen wasn't a threat to them. But, she really shouldn't be doing this-- torturing herself with wanting to meet Colin's child.
"You can... I don't know if that's the best thing emotionally, but you can."
"Oh..." she looks down, "maybe later. I'll just... I’ll stay with Evan." She turns and sits on the chair closest to Evan.
"I just don't want to see you in that much pain again,” he looks down and says softly.
She nods from her chair and distracts herself with the two year old. "Are you working late today?"
"I'm not sure. My schedule said that my work hours were to be determined, so I'll make sure to tell you."
"Okay, don't worry. We'll be fine anyway," she smiles slightly.
He kisses her cheek and smiles slightly but it fades. "I'll see you later?"
"Yeah I'll be waiting," she whispers against his lips. He kisses Evan's forehead goodbye and shortly after, leaves the house.
-----
After Evan finishes eating, Jennifer takes him from his chair and sits with him on the couch while she looks for something for him to watch on TV.
Evan looks up at her with wide curious eyes. “Pretty," he smiles, giggling innocently.
She figures out what he's trying to say as he touches her face with his little hand.
He furrows his eyebrows a little and then pokes her cheek.
Jennifer laughs slightly. Then she turns him so he's facing her, "Pretty, huh?"
He nods. "Pretty!" he points to her eyes.
She smiles widely and actually finds herself hugging him. This only hurts though, holding him like that she can imagine...
Evan hugs her back and smiles. He spent enough time with her to really like her. He giggles again and kisses her nose.
"Aww aren't you sweet?" she kisses his forehead. "Just like your daddy, huh?"
He raises his eyebrows, "Dada?"
She nods, "Mhm, but he's not here,” she shrugs.
"You?" he points at her, wanting to know her name.
