Five
Men, A Kid, And A Baby
Story by Daisy
~~*Chapter Six*~~
“That was a close call today,” Hope said, sipping from her Sprite. AJ
nodded and leaned against the wall. They were on the tour bus driving to the
airport and they were in the bunk area. Ally was curled up between his legs,
using his calf muscle as a pillow. Lexy lay sleeping next to him on the bed, her
head resting lightly on his thigh. He stared at them, realizing that he had
never seen two more beautiful kids.
“They’re such good kids, Hope. I don’t know what I’m going to do
with them.” AJ massaged his neck. “My neck hurts so bad.”
“Here,” Hope slid behind him, straddling his back. She gently pushed
his head forward and began to massage his neck.
“Yeah, that’s it. Right there where your thumb is.” AJ let out an
occasional “oh” while she massaged his sore neck.
“AJ?” Hope asked, moving down to his back. “What did you mean when
you said you don’t know what you’re going to do with them?”
“Hope, I never wanted kids. Especially now.” AJ closed his eyes as
Hope’s hands massaged his lower back. “I don’t have time for them. You
know how hectic our schedule is. I’ve already lost them twice. I just can’t
have kids.”
Hope stopped massaging him. “AJ, they’re yours. They have no other
place to go. And they are such great girls. They practically take care of
themselves.” She stroked Lexy’s cheek tenderly, reaching around AJ.
“Hope, I don’t think I can handle kids. I’ve never wanted kids. I
was one of those guys that grew up saying that. I still don’t even want them
now.” It was hard to say the words as he stared down at Ally. Her mouth moved
silently as it sucked the air.
“AJ, you can’t mean that.” Hope had detected the hint of love in
his voice. She knew that, although they had only met days before, these kids
were beginning to grow on him. And they were growing fast.
“Hope,” He shifted his torso a little to see her better, careful not
to move his legs. “I just don’t have the time or the patience.”
AJ stared at her, wondering why he hadn’t ever noticed her before. Her
bright blue eyes matched those of Lexy and her blond hair fell softly around her
face, framing her perfect cheeks. He looked deep in her eyes and saw her
studying him, too. Her mouth was inches from his and AJ had a sudden longing to
close his mouth around hers. He leaned forward instinctively, moving towards her
slowly. He could feel her breathing lightly on his lips.
“Hey guys!” They jumped apart quickly. The sudden movement woke up
both girls. Hope slid out from behind AJ and brushed herself off.
“What do you want Nick?” AJ asked, peeved that he had picked such a
bad time to interrupt.
“We’ve got to move quick to the plane or else it’s gonna leave
without us!” He flew out of the room as quickly as he had entered. AJ grabbed
the little backpack and picked Lexy up, placing her on the floor.
“Put this on, Lexy.” As she did that, AJ grabbed Ally in his arms,
placing her head on his shoulder so that she could go back to sleep. He slid out
of the bunk at the same time that Hope was moving through the aisle. They stood
still for a moment. AJ sucked in so that she could move past. He grabbed
Lexy’s hand and led her off the bus.
“Lexy, come on, we have to hurry.” He half dragged the little girl
through the airport.
“AJ, you’re dragging her!” Hope said. She reached for Ally and he
handed her over, swooping up Lexy as soon as she was out of his arms. They both
began running toward the gates and just barely made it onto the plane.
“Ah!” AJ sighed as he sank into the seat with Lexy on his lap.
“That was my exercise for the day!” Hope sat beside him, cradling
Ally in her arms. Within minutes, all of them were asleep and both AJ and Hope
were dreaming about the kiss that they had almost shared.