Infinity Chapter 21 - Pictures

[itztigress3]

Chapter 21 – Pictures
POV:   Emily
Word count: 4610


July 21, 2013

  I woke up first and found Zac to be curled up next to me sound asleep. We hadn’t done anything for my birthday this year; I didn’t find turning 30 appealing and requested no parties. But, the new toys were my gift to myself, because it’s was something I wanted to do. I wasn’t quite sure but I noticed over the years that while he did enjoy being with Casey, I couldn’t deny that. He seemed to enjoy when I did things to him a lot more.

I just didn’t understand why he was acting so weirdly, it felt like he was hiding things from me and I had asked and he’d been adamant he wasn’t. It was still early in the morning so while I had the perfect chance I just watched him sleep. I knew he was tired when we laid down, he hadn’t been sleeping well added all the fun stuff we’d done. About 9 he moved some but he seemed to cuddle up closer to me, yet he didn’t feel cold.

I leaned forward and kissed him and the second time I did, he kissed me back and then pulled me even closer.

“Good morning.”

“Its morning?” he asked.

“Yes. Did you sleep well?”

“Oddly, yes.”

“See, I know how to get you sleep well, just completely wear your ass out.”

He buried his head in my chest and I giggled, Alexander did the same thing sometimes when he was still sleepy.

“You were talking figuratively right? Not literally…”

I ran my hand down his side, felt the chills and stopped on his butt cheek after a quick squeeze I kissed his forehead.

“Both, actually.”

“Keep talking and we’ll be late…”

“Can I ask you something, serious moment?”

“Anything.”

“I’ve seen you with Casey, Max, and myself and while you enjoy it with them you seem much more into it with me, I get way better sounds, way better whimpers and moans, screams. Something you’ve never done with Casey, no matter how hard he tries. Is there a reason why? Am I doing something there not?”

He laid there quietly, I could feel the warm breath moving over my breast and neck, his hand was on the small of my back just laying there, he then moved and looked at me.

“I don’t honestly know really. I’ve noticed as well, everything is different when it’s you. Like the whole plug thing, when it was Casey mostly it was pleasurable, sure but just seemed different when it was just you. Likewise, the physical sex is always different; it’s good with Casey I can’t say it’s not. But I think with you it’s because of who you are to me. You are different too, you can’t deny that.”

“I’m not but I feel like it’s more because it’s you, everything up until that first time with Casey was all you. You know spots that he doesn’t.”

He kissed me. “Be fair Emily, Casey is more into men.”

“I know. But, he does try very hard when he’s with me in any capacity.”

He smiled and kissed me again, his hand sliding down to my butt. “I think we enjoy it with each other more because we love each other. Casey loves us, but it’s not on the same depth as we love each other.”

“I should make you beg me to stop more often you get all deep the next morning.”

He kissed me again and then laid back down.

“We do have to get up, get dressed, and get to the park…”

“Make it ten; it won’t take long to do any of that.”

I rolled my eyes and laid my head back down, not bothering to get up until ten. I got up pretty easily, but he was moving kind of slow.

“Babe are you ok?”

“I will be eventually, least I don’t feel like jello but definitely sore.”

I walked to him and put my arms around him. “When Alexander goes to bed I can give you one of the massages you love so much.”

He smiled and kissed me. “Don’t think you massaging the sore spot would help, it might just lead to more.”

“Either way would be fine.”

“Do we need to take anything with us?”

“Nope.”

We finished getting ready and then drove to the park, finding Taylor was already there. He had Alexander in the middle of a grassy patch and was down in front of him. I noticed first the suit Alexander had on wasn’t something we sent. It was blue jean overalls with a train on the front and a blue onesie or shirt, I couldn’t tell. He had on white tennis shoes and blue socks.

“I don’t remember that outfit.”

Taylor turned briefly and then focused back on Alexander. “Well, Natalie and I picked it out a few weeks ago. I was actually hoping you’d be late and not see the suit.”

“See, I could have easily slept longer.” Zac said.

I rolled my eyes and watched as Taylor took several pictures, just letting him play. Eventually, Zac and I sat down too. It was weird that Zac had chosen shorts today, black with a simple teal shirt, matched me in my blue jean shorts and a pastel blue shirt.  Taylor got several family shots as well but refused to show us anything he had taken. The last few he took were me and Alexander and then him with Zac. He finished up a little after noon and then left us there to enjoy the afternoon. We had eaten late so it was just feeding Alexander, which I did in the truck because my shirt wouldn’t allow him access he liked.

He was overly happy and we decided to stay a little longer. Zac brought the blanket back so we had a place to sit down with him. It was pleasant that the park was pretty empty for a Sunday. Although a few younger adults came over and asked for Zac’s signature, which he did but it was clear he wasn’t thrilled. Alexander was babbling and kept saying Dada so Zac picked him up. When he tossed him up the first time I about had a heart attack but Alexander laughed and good lord that was one of the biggest smiles I’d seen from him. What did I do? I grabbed my phone and got pictures of course!

One of the pictures I took instantly became my favorite of the moment. I’d captured the picture so perfectly. Zac had just tossed him up and the sun was shining perfectly between them, highlighting the pure joy on their faces. They were both smiling so big it was hard for it not to be a favorite. I was sure Zac got a new one because of the way he smiled after taking it, Alexander was crawling all over me on the blanket and at some point he just laid down for a moment, I guess that was perfect for Zac. We were debating about lunch when my phone rang and it was Taylor.

“Hey Tay, what’s up?”

“Are you guy’s home yet?”

“Um, no. We’re still at the park.”

“Perfect. I have prints of the pictures and there is one that you just have to see…”

“Dude, just bring them tomorrow.”

“No, you have to see it now. It’s perfect and I think it might be the best picture of the day.”

I laughed. “No, I took that one an hour ago you missed it. Really Tay, it’s not a big deal we need to pick some anyway so just bring it tomorrow.”

The line was quiet a moment. “You are ruining all my happy moments here Ems. I’m all thrilled beyond the maximum line and you shut down my happiness. So mean.”

Fucking hell, Zac was great with the puppy eyes and those looks and sure Taylor had them too but his famous method was guilt trips. He was laying this one on hard too.

“You seriously cannot wait until tomorrow to show us this photo? You can’t e-mail it, text it, nothing?”

“Nope. I want to see your face when you see it.”

I looked at Zac. “He wants us to come see a photo, adamant, even guilt tripped me.”

“I did not!” Taylor chirped.

“Yes you did.”

“We don’t have any plans Ems; I don’t see why we can’t just swing by. He has his diaper bag anyway.”

“Which he can bring to us tomorrow…”

“Emily Isabella don’t make me beg you.” Taylor said.

“Wow, Taylor Hanson would beg me to come to his house? Does that include getting on your knees and all?”

“If that’s what it takes.”

Taylor had only ever begged me once, on his knees, and that was 2007 when we were on tour, when Zac got so sick after we split, before the divorce and all of that. He’d begged me to come onto the bus and sit with Zac because he was sick, if he was willing to beg me to come see a picture, then it must be worth it.

“Fine! Give us like fifteen to get things back to the truck and we’ll be over.”

“Ok. See you then.”

I hung-up the phone and then looked at Zac, but he looked confused as well. We went ahead and gathered things up, and he took Alexander with him to change the diaper first and then put him in the car seat. I got the blanket and was about to head back when he approached.

“Mrs. Hanson?”

“Yes?” I asked.

“I thought I recognized you, I interviewed a few weeks back.”

I looked at him but didn’t recognize him at all, not as someone we liked or didn’t.

“I’m sorry; your face doesn’t look too familiar. But, I interviewed a lot of people.”

“Yes, I understand. Just hadn’t heard and wondered.”

“We’ll be doing final calls at the end of the month.”

“Perfect! Thank you.”

He then just walked off, never told me who he was or what he’d interviewed for but I was pretty sure that I had not seen him before. I went to the truck and tossed the blanket in the back seat and got in. Zac was driving this morning even if he was a little uncomfortable.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah, mild discomfort expected and welcomed.”

He drive to Taylor’s and by the time we arrived Alexander was asleep, so Zac carefully got him out and went ahead of me, I had gotten a text from Velma asking me about the schedule for the week and was replying to her yet, I felt like someone was watching me and I hated that feeling. I closed the truck door and went to the house. I pushed the door opened and suddenly there were people shouting surprise and happy birthday at me and I just stood there stunned and confused.

Familiar faces popped out at me everywhere, friends and family were crammed into Taylor’s living room and Taylor, stood front and center smiling from ear to ear. I really considered punching him, but it was clear he’d gone to great lengths to plan this around me.

“Where is my husband?”

“Pleading the 5^th! I didn’t know anything and I swear!”

“He’s right Emily, we knew if we told him all you’d have to do is ask once and he’d blab. So, we didn’t tell him either.” Taylor said.

I blinked. Taylor really had gone to great lengths to plan this and how could I be mad, he did fake protection when I walked to him and hugged him.

“I know you said no parties but really? Added, we also combined yours with Craig over there, we just couldn’t figure out a way
to get the two of you together and then here.”

“I could have.” Zac said.

“Where is Alexander?”

“I laid him down in River’s crib, when I saw everyone and was told the plan I didn’t want him to wake up or be scared awake. Riley’s lying down with him to.”

“Good plan, so is there some picture or did you just use that to get me here? Because really Taylor I was counting on being begged.”

Everyone laughed and he smiled and Maddi came from somewhere, almost like she just magically appeared.

“Oh, there are pictures but you don’t get to see them until it’s time to open presents.” She smiled.

He ushered people outside where he’d gone all out but it wasn’t just for me, as this was also for Craig. Glad we both liked blue, as most of his balloons and decorations were blue. Oddly, all of my brothers and their families were here, I nudged Taylor about 2:20.

“Exactly how did you plan this without me knowing?”

He smiled. “I’m not telling you my secrets. But, let’s just say a lot was done while you were in Georgia, because while you were very adamant that you weren’t celebrating this we were already planning.”

“We?” I asked.

“Casey and I planned it together.”

I nodded and let him get back to the grill, he was going all out because he’d put jumbo shrimp on the grill and he knew that was my absolute favorite. I mingled with everyone, made sure I spoke to everyone there at least once. We ate about 3, Taylor sent Craig and I to the table and between Zac, Christopher and Taylor our plates were fixed for us.

“I could get use to this.” Craig said.

“Connections my friend, connections, or in my case just get pregnant and be sick for months.”

“Hey, you’re being sick improved my cooking!” Zac chipped in as he sat a plate down with sides and Christopher sat the other one down. They sat down with their own plates and for a moment I was confused, Zac knew damn well I loved his shrimp but then Taylor sat two plates down a huge T-bone for Craig and the plate he gave me was all shrimp.

“He requested the steak but I knew you’d want shrimp if I asked.”

“You know me so well.”

He smiled, Zac had Alexander sitting on his knee and he was feeding him from one of his containers and it looked liked
peaches. In between his bites Zac ate as well.

“You’re becoming a natural at that.” Christopher said.

He smiled. “It’s not easy, but he helps.”

We finished eating and Zac took him inside for a clean diaper, neither Craig nor I ever saw it coming. We were talking to Isaac and I saw Maddi with her camera and just assumed she was getting pictures, she’d been taking them all afternoon. Christopher and Zac called our names and when we turned around there was suddenly a cake shoved into our faces and smeared down clothes. I stood there a moment wondering what happened and slowly wiping icing out of my eyes.

“God Taylor now I know why you guys do this to me.” Zac said.

He wasn’t watching me and just tensed up when I wrapped my arms around him and let the cake squish all over him as well, Craig followed my lead.

I felt him lick icing off my face.

“Least it’s the super sweet kind.”

“Perfect. Now…how am I supposed to get this off?”

I heard Craig giggle nearby and I slipped out of Zac’s arms before he could get a good grip, I could out run Craig easily and it was him who was chasing me around Taylor’s back yard. The last time he’d chased me was when I was 15, it was my birthday party his mom threw. Sadly, at that time I could outrun him, but 15 years later meant he was much faster and I still ended up lifted off the ground. I heard laughing, playing, and kids screaming, moments before he jumped into the pool with me securely being held. He did let go once we were under water.

“How come I never got that? You guys throw cake in my face and then leave me to figure out how to get it off.”

Craig pulled me back against the other side because what Zac didn’t see was Taylor and Isaac behind him, moments before he was shoved in as well, Christopher jumped in.

“You know Craig; you could have let me take my shoes off at least.”

“Nope, not fun if you did.”

Maddi and the other guest laughed and some joined, it was Aaron that handed Alexander to me in the pool, after he was changed of course. He splashed and played a bit but when he got fussy I got out for his feeding. Riley had been in the pool as well, Cody had gotten in with her. I took Alexander to the far side of the deck, because my clothes were dripping water. From that position I could see everyone here and it really was a good family gathering. It was very nice to know that Alexander would be raised in an environment where family meant something, where his father wouldn’t beat him for nothing, where his uncles and aunts would care about him. He would never experience anything I did as a child; I would make sure of that. No beatings, no belts and whips, no hidden cameras. He would be happy. Maddi joined me about ten minutes later; she had her shawl with her.

“He doesn’t seem to mind the wet clothes.”

“Oh no, he’s being fed. I could be covered in molasses and he wouldn’t mind as long as he can eat.”

“I know that feeling.”

We sat their quietly as they ate, which wasn’t that long. Riley had gotten so big and good lord the child had some bright red hair, looked just like Maddi’s.

“I seen Alexander was eating solids too, when did that happen?”

“Beginning of the month actually, we’d tried everything but he wouldn’t have it so we got the baby bullet, I tried bananas at first, loved them. We’re trying fruits right now; I went back and got more containers. Bananas and peaches is all we’ve given him right now, I think next week we’re adding plums or something different. It’s Zac turn to choose.”

“It’s about time, I was getting worried myself.”

“He started crawling right before Fourth of July and he’s gotten around a lot better now. The pack n play comes in handy!”

“I’ve had to use hers a lot too at the studio; she’s been crawling good and pulling up some too. She tries anyway.”

I smiled; it won’t be long for Alexander either.

“Is Zac ok really? He’s kind of sat gently since we got here.”

I glanced at him; he had Ezra and Penny in the pool with him playing with them. Ezra loved to be tossed out.

“Oh he’s fine.”

“Did he piss you off?”

“Nope, just let me do whatever I wanted, Wednesday was a little hard for me but nothing major.”

“I’m not even asking.”

“Are you guys staying or heading back?”

“We planned to head back, I guess at this moment we’re getting a hotel. We brought extra clothes in case.”

“No hotels come home with us. We have the extra rooms and there always ready.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“Emily!” Taylor yelled.

I looked up and he waved for us to come over, they were out of the pool now and he had something wrapped.

“I guess we’re being summoned.”

Thankfully both Alexander and Riley were done, so we both fixed clothes and returned to them. It was close to 5:30 and he declared it was time to open things, most of what Craig got were gifts cards to his favorite locations, I had already given him my present so I just watched him. Maddi was grinning when she brought over this brown paper wrapped thin package. It was huge!

“So, I apologize to Emily for hiding this one but I will e-mail you the original.”

He tore open the package, which was obviously a picture of something. Just by his reaction I was sure it was something really personal and when he hugged her I knew it was something. Christopher turned the frame around and I smiled.

Craig was sitting on the bench in the park; how she got the picture I didn’t know. Woman was sneaky when she needed to be! He was holding Alexander and just the way it was taken made it so pretty to me. He was smiling and Alexander was too, it was obviously taken after he calmed down.

“I saw it and couldn’t resist, Christopher had mentioned his birthday was soon, so I blew it up and made sure it was perfect.”

“It is.” He said.

Then they turned to me, which again most were gift cards to places I liked in town but I noted that the gift card from Natalie didn’t include Taylor’s name and the one from Nikki didn’t include Isaac’s, generally they did. It was Isaac who brought out the three thin, brown wrapped packages. Clearly pictures as Maddi had said earlier.

He sat them down on a dry area and he picked up one and handed it to Maddi, another one he handed to Taylor.

“So, technically these are for you and Zac, it just happens your birthday is first. So, Zac pick one.”

He paused a moment, clearly caught off guard. “Taylor.”

Taylor walked forward and kneeled in front of me, holding the package up off the ground. I peeled the paperback carefully and saw Zac’s face first and the more I peeled away the better it was.  It had to be the one Taylor took, it was inside the studio. Zac had Alexander on his lap and they were both holding drumsticks, Alexander looked so happy. Smiling up at Zac as he apparently played.

“It was taken in May, one of the times that Zac thought he had snuck away with Alexander and you were in the store. I happen to be there and heard the drums, got all confused and found this. Zac you didn’t even see me.”

“I didn’t, but I had kind of wished you were there, I guess you read my mind Taylor.”

“It’s the perfect picture of them.”

Taylor, being the tall one held it up so everyone could see it and assured his parents he had smaller copies as well.

“Maddi you go next.” Ike said.

She let Taylor hold it again. “This is from me and please don’t be mad that I never showed it to you.”

“I could never be mad over a picture.”

She smiled and I began to peel the paper away, this one was Zac and I back in April. We had tried to get away from the crowd but she evidently saw us. It was taken from the side and Zac was kissing my forehead. Our arms were around each other and the sun was filtering through the trees behind us, dead center of where he was kissing me.

“I know you guys snuck off for a moment; I followed quietly and got some. There usually the best ones. I had to edit it a bit because the sun was bright behind you.”

“You got a great photo Maddi; we’ll even forgive you for the total disregard for privacy.” Zac chimed, clearly joking.

She laughed. “It’s what I do.”

Again, Taylor held it up and Zac groaned, I’d heard Casey whoop from somewhere and everyone laughed. Taylor stepped aside and let Isaac come forward.

“So you made yours go last, nothing left, am I going to cry?”

He laid the handful of tissue on my leg. “Probably, I’m not a great photographer that’s Maddi and Tay’s territory, but sometimes I get very lucky. This is one of those times. I am sure you’ll love it.”

I carefully pulled the paper off; it was shocking that Isaac had taken something. Yet when I got the paper off I really couldn’t stop the gathering tears and he was right I needed the tissue. I remembered the day, it was several weeks back and Zac and Taylor had gone to get strings for the piano. I had sat down at the bench and at the time Isaac had Alexander but he gave him to me to go to the restroom. He’d gotten the picture from the side, Alexander and I both had our hands on the keys, I remembered Alexander had been so careful. We were both looking forward, heads down and the light behind us was absolutely perfect. I heard Zac sniff some too!

“I was tuning the guitar and heard the sounds, when I saw the two of you I couldn’t resist. Just so happens I got a great one. I showed it to Taylor when he got back and was about to send it to you and Zac when he stopped me, we contacted Maddi and ended up sending it to her instead. There all 16x30’s and we have smaller copies as well.”

“There all perfect.”

“I agree, I think I even have the perfect place for them.” Zac said.

They set the items to the side and Tay and Ike brought out the musical themes birthday cake, huge ass cake with musical notes and I recognized some of them as Save Me and Never Let Go’s sheet music and the others I didn’t know but based on the notes it was a rock song. We blew out the candles and cut the cake. Zac tried giving icing to Alexander and he wanted nothing to do with it. He kept squirming in Zac’s arms and trying to go somewhere. Christopher was telling me something about the store he’d gotten the custom made journal for me and Zac nudged my leg with his foot and I turned.

“He’s calling for you.” He then smiled and I was confused until I heard him and it wasn’t dada he was babbling, it was mama.

Nothing seemed to really matter at that moment, I took him from Zac and he clung tightly but he was shivering some.
Christopher tried to tickle him and he curled tighter.

“So, Tay in all your planning and stuff did you recall to get us dry clothes?”

“I did, they are on our bed and I got have pants for Alexander there, I figured he’d be cold.”

Zac and I went inside to change right quick; most everyone had already came in and changed. I changed Alexander right quick as I was drier than Zac was, he quickly changed clothes and when I was done he entertained Alexander for a few minutes for me to change. Once Alexander was in warmer clothes he still wanted me so I wrapped him up, but it was getting late. We stayed until 9 and then Cody followed us to the house with the others. Maddi and Cody took the up-stairs guest room and Max and Ryan went downstairs. Everyone was tired so I sat down and nursed Alexander and then put him in bed. I left the same pajamas he had on because he often wore pants to bed. I said goodnight to everyone and by 10:30, the house was quite. I went to bed but about 3 am I opened my eyes, Zac was asleep in front of me and I turned over some but someone was standing at Alexander’s crib. I smiled to myself because Cody was a police officer and my bet was he’d gotten up and checked on us as well. I liked him; he was really good for Maddi.