Infinity Chapter 42 - Happy Birthday!

[itztigress3]

Chapter 42 – Happy Birthday!
POV:  Emily / Zac
Word count: 3693


October 22, 2013

  We had come home Friday, having realized we’d lost everything but the band equipment which we brought back with a rental car. Alexander was over joyed to be home and so was I. I was feeling the effects of the wreck with soreness and Zac wasn’t doing much better. I actually woke up way early and decided I was making a cake for Zac. Alexander was having his Saturday but I didn’t want Zac to feel like he was left out just because Alexander turned one!

Holy hell, my baby was 1. I couldn’t believe it had been a year already. I had the cake baked, cooled, and decorated and his favorite breakfast made by the time he came down with Alexander.

“Wow, you got up early didn’t you?”

“Four something, but whose counting. Happy Birthday.”

“Can you say Thank you Mommy?”

I walked over and kissed him. “I was talking to you, but Happy Birthday to little man too.”

“Thank you.”

We had breakfast and he eyed the cake on the counter and I laughed. “If you want cake at 9 am by all means.”

“I wonder if Alexander would like it.”

“Maybe.”

He’d had breakfast too and was done nursing as well, so we tried. He seemed to like the icing.

“Didn’t you plan for pictures today?”

“Yeah, looks like Taylor is taking them.”

“Maddi didn’t want too?”

“I couldn’t ask after everything and really I’m not doing much and she’ll be here Saturday. So, Taylor and I talked and we agreed to do some here at the house. I actually made a smaller cake so he can destroy it.”

He laughed. “He’ll love that.”

“How are you feeling really? Any progress on that drawing?”

He seemed to drift away and then looked at me. “Physically I’m still sore but not too bad, mentally I’m ok. I finished it last night actually I just didn’t want to see it today at all.”

“Understandable. So, nothing since we got new phones again?”

“Nope, but Craig re-added the program and I didn’t add the number into mine and I haven’t set up the e-mail either which I’m thinking of a new account anyway.”

“Personal or business?”

“Both, I’ve had the same ones for years and I need to change and maybe not give them out as freely.”

I got up and kissed him. “So, it’s your birthday and you get to choose the events.”

“I think I’d like to just stay home.”

“You don’t want to do anything else? No dinner, no movies, nothing?”

“He’s only a year old honey; he’s not going to make it through a movie. Dinner we can do if you want. I was just thinking low key and
something that no one can interrupt.”

“Dinner is good then, I’ve already made the reservations.”

He smiled and we all got busy, Alexander ran around and played and had lunch on time, Taylor was coming over after his nap. He actually arrived at 1:30 and spent some time setting up a spot outside. It wasn’t quite cold yet thankfully and once Alexander was up Zac put him in a white onesie with the number 1 on the front and a pair of black pants and Taylor got some family pictures first, and then sat him down with cake. He played and ate some of it, until nothing was left of the cake; it was a good thing we were on the deck because the white sheet Taylor had laid down was smeared with chocolate. But of course being the Daddy’s baby he was, he went right to Zac with dirty fingers and hands and in between laughing Taylor got pictures.

“Well, I guess we’re showering.” Zac said

“Looks like it. Is there anything else you want?”  Tay said

“No. We’ll have plenty more Saturday.”

He smiled and used the computer in the office here to download the pictures for us, Zac took Alexander up for a bath and I stood with Taylor.

“How is he really Emily?”

I pause to think about that. “He’s not different really, maybe a little quieter. I would image he’ll improve over time.”

“I can’t believe that none of us knew or caught the signs.”

“We were busy Tay; honestly I was sleeping beside him and should have known.”

“How are you?”

“I’m a little sore from the wreck, hell everyone is. But, I…”

He turned and looked at me, just waited and his blue eyes held the same loving expression he’d always given me, well at least since he found out I was more to Zac than an employee.

“I keep wondering what would have happened if I had held onto him, he would have been in front of me and I just…”

“But he wasn’t Emily, there both fine and no one was seriously injured.”

“I know. But, I thought getting rid of Adam and David would mean we could be happy and free; now I have to worry about him killing one of us.”

“But you know better Emily, this man isn’t stupid. He knows Zac would shut down if he hurt you or Alexander; he’s not going to risk Zac freaking out. How many times did Adam threaten you?”

“Yeah, but Adam eventually made good on them.”

“It’ll be fine Emily. The FBI is investigating and that’s something.”

“I hope your right.”

He smiled. “You know I am.”

I rolled my eyes and looked at the pictures; he’d gotten several good ones.

“Are your brother’s coming in?”

“Friday, they’ll be here the weekend and until Monday.”

“Alright, I’m good. I’m going to head home, make sure Natalie’s ok.”

“Boy?”

“Yep. We have a name too, Viggo Moriah.”

I raised an eyebrow. “That’s unique.”

He smiled. “What can I say, we’re unique people.”

We walked to the garage and he headed home, I went up-stairs and found Zac in the tub with Alexander.

“Really?” I asked.

“What? I don’t ever get a bathe.”

I sat down on the little step. I didn’t like the bruises that were still visible on his sides, a stark reminder that Ian had shown so much anger, so many hits. I didn’t like the faraway look he now had sometimes either. Alexander was a happy 1 year old, playing in the water and splashing everything.

“Something wrong?” Zac asked.

“No.”

He smiled at me but it wasn’t his big ones, I finally got Alexander out and got him dried and dressed for dinner. He was babbling away as I dried him off and got him ready. I thought I heard a few other small words but it didn’t much make sense. I put his shoes on and closed the door so he could run around while I changed as well, Zac got out as I was getting done.

“You’re not cutting his hair are you?”

“Nope. I rather like the little blonde curls and there getting so much longer.”

“How did I know?”

I smiled. “Hey, long hair on babies is cute.”

He smiled at me and there was this moment where I found myself following the curves of his body, unknowingly running my tongue over my lips, wishing I could drag him away but I knew I couldn’t just yet. He was deciding on clothes, stranding there with nothing but a towel on and I finally had to look away, distract myself.

He found clothes, dark brown jeans and a brown button up, it was different for sure. We left about 5 and I drove to the restaurant, he carried Alexander inside and we were seated immediately. It took me longer to decide what I wanted but it wasn’t for not trying. He ordered for us all and once the waiter was gone he looked at me.

“Are you ok? You seem distant.”

“I’m alright, little paranoid about being in public.”

“Hey, I could have gotten steak from the store.”

I smiled and our conversation stayed away from Ian and everything he did, I would honor his wish to not talk about it today, it was after all his birthday too. We talked about what he wanted to add to the tree house, even though it wasn’t in a tree and Alexander was just now able to kind of play on it. We discussed putting his crib in the other room, but given the circumstances we decided to wait. The food itself was great, as usual and Alexander even ate most of what we had ordered for him. He loved French fries and the shreds of chicken Zac fixed. When we got back home Zac cut a piece of cake and he shared most of it was Alexander. He nursed about 8:30 and by 9:15 he was laying in his crib asleep.

I couldn’t believe he was 1 already, where had the last 12 months gone?! It was almost like our lives had really lacked his presence. I finally went back downstairs where Zac was.

“Alexander asleep?”

“Yep, I like that he takes his sleeping and eating habits after you.”

He smiled. “Among other things I like that also.”

I sat down beside him on the sofa, I was mildly tired myself but nothing major. I was going to ask if there was anything he wanted but he confused me when he lay across my lap.

“Is your back hurting again?”

“No.”

“Then why are you laying this way?”

He looked at me totally confused as if I should know why.

“It’s my birthday Emily, surely you didn’t forget the last six years…”

“I know it’s your birthday and no I haven’t forgotten. But, really do you think that’s wise? It’s not like you have healed completely.”

He still looked confused, seriously was I missing something? Sure, the last several birthdays has always gotten him his spankings, which were more fun than painful. But, he hadn’t been hurt prior to that and yet as if he really was delirious he laid the drumstick on his back.

“Zachary.”

“You asked if I wanted anything, this is what I want.”

“I just…”

Under any other circumstance I would have gladly done what he wanted, but I knew how black and blue he was, how much it still hurt sometimes and really it wasn’t enough time for him to set it aside.

“You know if you won’t, Casey will. One call.”

I shook my head. “He won’t do anything even if you beg, he fears that paddle more than he does you. He asked yesterday.”

He actually wiggled his hips at me. “Come on, you were looking forward to this earlier this year.”

I laid my hand on his back. “That was before some jackass decided he needed to do it for me, that he needed to hurt you. I don’t think it’s a good idea Zac, you’re already bruised. I’d feel bad knowing that each hit is going to hurt way more than it should.”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t want you too.”

To add to his word choice, he threw in the puppy eyes and a bit of a pout. Why was it so tempting? I picked up the drumstick and he smiled until I laid it down beside him, then he frowned.

“I won’t use that until you’re healed completely, I also won’t be moving the pants. I’d rather have something there.”

“I don’t care, as long as you do it.”

I wondered if this was a healing aspect as well, but it had taken me weeks and months to even want to try those things. I watched his reaction to everyone and I kept them all pretty light but the last one, he yelped lightly for that one. It was however clear I could turn him on doing whatever as I could feel him against my leg. I slide my fingers just under the waistband.

“You know if you just wanted to be turned on, I could have done that without the pops.”

“You act like I didn’t know that already.”

I smiled, lightly ran my hand up his back. “So, tell me Zachary...what do you want?”

He looked at me and smiled. “I want you, preferably out of those clothes.”

I smiled and he got up, the living room was suitable even if I did get jabbed in the leg by a stray toy and truthfully I couldn’t quite deny that I wanted him as badly, just seeing him laying there was enough. We did make it to bed at a pretty decent hour.

October 26, 2013 (Zac)

  When she said she had his party planned, it wasn’t quite what I expected. I expected maybe teddy bears or some cartoon theme; instead she had gone with a musical theme. Her decorations were little musical notes everywhere; his birthday cake was the number one, with musical notes all over it. The wrapping paper she’d apparently asked people to find if possible was music related. The girls had worked most of Friday fixing sandwiches, arranging fruit and veggie trays and just prepping. She’d gotten him up and had breakfast done by 9, she then went to dress him. Musical theme jumper suit, I should have expected that.

“Baby, did you want musical diapers too?”

“You found them? I’m kidding; he loves music and sounds, so I went with what he loved. I actually thought about a drum theme, since he loves your drum set.”

I smiled. “I’m sure he’ll enjoy today very much.”

She smiled and kissed me. “I’m sure he will too.”

By noon everyone was present and the party itself was in full swing. The kids were enjoying my little faked tree house and Ezra had Alexander playing on the slide, squeals of laughter and sure enough Maddi and Taylor were both taking photos. Kind of taking turns because Riley was there too. We ate about 1:30 and Alexander got a short nap after that, he didn’t sleep long because so many were here.

“You guys did a wonderful job.” Mom said.

“Don’t look at me; I didn’t know the theme until she started decorating.”

She smiled. “Oh come on Zac, you know what he likes.”

“My drum set. Did you see the video of him walking to the drums?”

“I did. Zoe showed me the video when you sent it to her.”

My parents still didn’t know what happened and I really wasn’t ready for them to know yet, they were however aware of the potential stalker issues. I talked with my mom for a bit and we watched everyone move around. Emily called everyone inside about 3 for presents.

“Presents before cake?” Taylor asked.

She laughed. “Dude, I saw what happen with yours the teetotal mess with icing and cake. I will do presents and then let him destroy the cake.”

Again, Maddi and Taylor took picture duty and I sat beside her on the floor. Most of what her brother’s got were toys, various kinds with that make noise, some bath toys that he needed and just general stuff. Ace and Nathanial gifted him a bigger toy box, which he was also going to need. They had done a musical theme this time with his name across the back. It would replace the one here in the living room, the one presently here would become a keep sake trunk for his bedroom.

My brothers and sisters had gone with clothes mostly, because we asked them too. A lot of his winter stuff was on the bus, so we needed more for him. They had gotten very nice pants, long sleeve shirts, new jackets and even shoes. Although my parents couldn’t resists the little red vehicle, saying it would be perfect for next summer and he could also use it inside.

Max and Ryan sent clothes and toys, both had to work today. Maddi and Cody gifted onesie, in various colors and socks and the big box was a riding toy, looked like a motorcycle. Alexander seemed to like that quite a bit.

Emily and I had gotten clothes, new bedding, new blankets, and assorted toys. Casey and Robert were hoarding a box and it wasn’t until everyone else’s had been opened and cleared that they moved it over carefully.

“This is preassembled; we worked all night doing that. It’s currently surrounded by cardboard and on a wooden platform, but can be moved off.”

Emily and I looked at each other confused and unsure about this gift. Alexander unwrapped it and he didn’t like the cardboard so with Maddi and Taylor in the right position they lifted the cardboard off. Alexander’s squeal of excitement was beyond anything we’d heard. Casey and Robert had bought him a drum set, almost perfect for his size. I was as stunned as Emily.

“Where did you find this?” She asked.

Casey smiled. “I have connections. It took some research to find and order. We figured when he’s older you guys can buy one. It was just painfully obvious he loves drums.”

To emphasize that Alexander was already hitting the drums with his hands. I moved the stool and sat him down, handed him the little plastic drum sticks and he hit the snare, the noise wasn’t that loud but he seemed to love it.

“Way to go Casey, get the one gift he loves.” Velma teased.

“Hey, you got him the portable one so they can take it with them on tour.”

He was happy to play but he was also happy for cake, he had his own little small cake, shaped and decorated like a drum and of course he thought it was one, slapping his hands in the center. He was mildly confused when no sound came but it was perfect for pictures and good laughs. When he realized it wasn’t a drum though he started whining but I stepped up and got him to taste the cake and icing and that was all he needed. I have no idea how much he actually ate versus what he played in but the floor was covered and so was he.

Yet, I didn’t care because it was very evident that he was happy and that was my goal for him to be happy and healthy and he was both. After he was done eating or playing, Emily looked at me and smiled.

“Have fun Zac.”

“Wait, what? Have fun doing what?”

She smiled and looked at Alexander and it was all clear to me then, the cake and icing covered child was mine to clean and change. Of course our resident photographers were ready as the moment I picked him up he had to hug me and get the icing all over me.

Not that I minded, I took him up-stairs and to the bathroom in our room where his stuff was. He did well for the bath and I washed my hair the best I could and changed my shirt. She had a suit on the bed for him another one with music. I loved hearing him babble, which he was doing non-stop now as I redressed him. I couldn’t wait until he was able to say more than mama and dada.

“Uncle Zac, Aunt Emily sent me to get you two.” Ezra said.

“I’m almost done buddy.”

I let Alexander go back down with him while I found a clean shirt and then I headed back down. There was snacking in the afternoon and eventually people began to venture off to their own homes after 5. Taylor was in the office downloading the pictures he’d taken to the desktop.

“Hey Zac, can you come here.”

I got up and went to the office and closed the door, because he’d indicated it.

“What’s up?”

“Your e-mail came up.”

“By itself?” I asked.

“No, it was already up when I moved the mouse.”

“Emily said she checked it the other day, neither of us have been in here the last few days. So, just close it.”

He looked at me. “I think you should have Emily come check it, the subject line is infinity.”

I stood there a moment. “Open it, but I’m going to stay here if you don’t mind.”

“Zac, I already opened it. I think you need to get Emily.”

I called for her and she sat Riley down and came to the office, closing the door as well.

“What’s up?”

He moved and the picture on the screen was of her at the store. She didn’t look afraid or confused; she looked like she expected it actually.

“I was pretty sure he was around, I just never actually saw him. But, considering that Ryan was helping I wouldn’t be shocked if the person who took the photo wasn’t Ian. I’ll call the detective and let him know.”

She did just that while standing here and forwarded the e-mail to him, pictures and all. The e-mail address Ian had used was also different so he knew. We viewed some of the pictures ourselves, Maddi also unloaded her camera while she was here, anyone present could and they were asked to do separate folders so we knew who to thank. Taylor and his family left after that, Isaac wasn’t far behind. My parents and younger siblings left about 7, Maddi, Riley and Cody left with Casey and Robert, and they were going to crash at his house for the night then head home. Her brother’s stayed a bit longer, it wasn’t until she’d already laid Alexander down for the night that Aaron, Zander, Craig, and Christopher left. Sheppard and William were already asleep as well. Christina was very close to delivery now, just a month away. Nadine had a while but she was still bigger than normal because she was having twins.

“You did a great job Emily.” Nadine said.

“Why thank you, I had some days where I was bored. With Velma handling the tour it was so much easier to get other things done.”

“You did well.”

We spent another few hours talking and none of it was about Ian or what was going on. We finally went to bed about 11:30, Alexander was still sound asleep.