Chapter Forty-Seven

The unusual amount of cars parked out front is a quick giveaway that Blake is hosting company. I assume he couldn't force Jude out the door or something like that. There goes our family dinner, however. I was looking forwards to that. When this bub comes, it's going to be awhile until we can do anything by ourselves. A new baby on top of a growing toddler is a lot of work!

I walk down the familiar stone path on the way to our house. The moment I walk through the front door, I hear their voices before I see them. Jude and Ben are carrying London's cot from upstairs, Blake's yelling at a piece of paper, and Kyle is sitting on the couch holding London as she drinks from her water bottle.

"Well, this is one trick poney short of a circus." I laugh.

"I'm going to burn this fu-" Blake screws the paper up and throws it over his shoulder.

"Hi Ava," says Kyle.

"Hi guys." I grin.

"Ava, you're home," Blake says.

"Yes, it appears so." I dump my bag on the dining table and walk over to him. Blake wraps his arm around my waist and goes to kiss my lips. I look to the side so that his lips catch my cheek instead. I made a promise to Charlotte and so far, it's going to be hard to keep. I can't stop Blake from being overly affectionate, that's just the way he is.

I wouldn't have to stop anything if I just sorted it out. I'll patch things with Kyle and then somehow break the news to Blake. If I have things sorted with Kyle, it won't be so hard explaining things to Blake. If he knows we plan on putting space . . . maybe he'll be less angry with me?

"What is this? I thought I told you to tell -"

"Shh, it's okay." Blake smiles. "Mum bought this for London before Tori's father gave us her cot."

"And why is that walking down the hallway?" I ask.

If Blake thinks I'm rushing down the stairs in the middle of the night to collect London, he's dead wrong. It's already hard enough getting up the damn things let alone walking down them.

"We're just setting the house up," explains Blake. "I thought you'd be happy about it."

"I do, really." I frown. "But the stairs are going to be an obstacle to get to London."

"It's fine." He shrugs. "She can sleep in this cot until the baby comes."

"This feels like so much work," I comment.

"You'll love it." He grins. "Besides, we can't fit two cots and the baby will interrupt London when she's sleeping." Blake does have a good point. She's got a better chance at sleeping through the night if there's some distance between them. I can't deal with two grumpy babies.

"At least the cot is getting some use." I smile.

"There we go, Ava." He grins.

"You just need to finish assembling it first." Blake pouts. He grabs one of the wooden panels from the ground and continues to assemble it. Once he's finished, Blake stretches out and grins madly.

"I'm going to take this upstairs and put the sheets on," explains Blake.

"Let me guess, blue sheets?" I chuckle.

"How'd you know?" teases Blake.

"Everyone thinks it's going to be a girl. So you better source out London's clothing, we might just need it!" Blake pouts but nods his head. I agree with Angela, Blake's going to be in some serious trouble if we have a girl. He's going to have two cheeky girls to keep him on his toes.

I watch Blake grab the assembled cot and walk upstairs. Now that the room is cleared, I turn to Kyle and smile. It feels awkward because I've been ignoring his requests to talk. Despite knowing I have to talk and clear the air, it makes me want to run and hide in bed.

"How's she doing?" I ask.

"Great, I think?" Kyle takes the bottle away from her mouth and shows me her progress. London's hands reach out for the bottle as she whimpers. "Ops."

"She's a guzzler, that's for sure." Kyle gives London the bottle back and she quickly demolishes the remainder of the water.

"What do we do with her now?" he asks.

"Ahh." I look around to find Jude and Ben still moving things around. "Just hold onto her."

Jude chucks the box on the ground and walks over to us. He takes London out of Kyle's hand and snuggles her to his chest.

"I'll look after her." He kisses her cheek.

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"Yeah, she can come check out her new room. Uncle Jude's made it look great. Mummy is going to be so proud! Maybe she'll let me redecorate your room at home." Jude talks to London as he wanders off with her.

When Jude's gone from the room, Kyle pokes my leg. My hands begin to shake with fear. It's weird that I'm afraid to talk with Kyle. In fact, I miss talking with him. I'm still not ready.

"I'm going to check on Blake," I say.

Kyle's mouth opens but he doesn't say anything. He just nods his head and follows me up the stairs.

We find Blake wrestling the small mattress with a white sheet in hand. Without hesitation, Kyle steps in to help Blake straighten it out. Once the sheet is on, they both place it in the cot and Blake begins to put the blanket and stuffed toys inside.

"It looks great guys." I smile.

"Glad you think so. Frog or bear, though?" Blake holds up the stuff toys and Kyle choses the frog for a splash of colour. I didn't realise how into decorating Kyle and Blake are. I'm not sure if I would have thought about putting stuff toys inside.

As I turn to take a seat on the bed, I hear the steps creak which gives away Jude's position by the bedroom door. He's holding a giggling child at arm's length.

"She's over filled her nappy," explains Jude.

"Oh great." I frown. "I'll give her a bath. It's getting close to bedtime anyways."

"Are you sure," questions Jude. His eyes fall to my stomach.

"I'm fine, okay?" I snap.

I'm so sick of people thinking I can't do something because I'm pregnant. I'll be fine, I can bathe a baby. Jude looks at a distracted Blake who seems to pipes in without interest.

"Ava, I don't think it's a wise idea. I'll bath her in a tick," explains Blake.

"Don't worry about it," says Kyle. "I'll help Ava."

"Cheers, man." Without much of a glance, Blake returns to organising the bedroom. Kyle takes London from Jude's hands and walks into the bathroom without waiting for me. I frown at Blake which catches the attention of Jude.

"Is there something wrong, Ava?" asks Jude.

"No, it's just perfect." I shake my head.

"Ava, have you packed the bag for the hospital?" asks Blake.

"No," I reply.

"You should probably do it."

"Okay, I'll do it later." I cross my arms over chest.

"Hey Blake, we could use a hand downstairs," explains Jude.

"Yeah, sure." Blake immediately drops what he's doing to follow Jude downstairs. I glare at their backs before walking into the bathroom.

I can't believe Blake would ditch me to clean London's nappy like that! I know the only reason I'm annoyed is because Kyle's helping. I wouldn't be annoyed if I just put on my big girl pants and dealt with the situation. These pants have gotten so much bigger thanks to the baby. Shame I haven't been able to use them.

Kyle already has London stripped out of her clothes and tossed on the ground. She's lying on the change table fidgeting her legs. The smile on her face almost looks sadistic. I bet she enjoys watching people squirm as they change her smelly over filled nappy.

"Are you okay with that?" I ask Kyle.

"No way in hell." He shakes his head. "All you."

"Okay." I laugh. "Give her to me."

Kyle steps back and I stand in his spot. I take off her nappy and clean off as much of the poo before handing her to Kyle. He stands her in the bath and awkwardly washes her body. Once she's clean, London grabs the rubber ducky from the toy basket and sits down.

"What does that mean?" asks Kyle.

"She wants a bath." I laugh.

"Okay." Kyle shifts London to the side and turns the water on. He keeps his hand under the stream until he's worked out the perfect temperature. London puts the duck in the water and moves it around to make it swim. As the water level rises, the duck manages to float by itself. The look of pure excitement makes me grin. Damn, she's so cute!

Kyle takes a seat on the ground and keeps his hand in the bath tub. London ends up passing him a doll that's dressed as a mermaid to play with. I on the other hand, take a seat on the toilet and watch them play.

"So, we should probably talk," I say. "About the kiss -"

Kyle looks at me with a grim, heartbroken face. "Please don't say anything," he begs.

"But-"

"I know we can't be together considering the circumstances. You love Blake and you're having a child together. I just . . ." He takes his hand out of the water and shakes it off. "I needed to tell you how I felt. After tonight, I'll put some space between us."

"Please Kyle, just-"

"Please Ava," he continues to beg. "Loving you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I don't want it to be the worst for you." He stands up and so do I.

He takes a step closer to me and cups my cheek in his hand. I bite my lip and wait. I want him to kiss me again just as I want to scream and cry. I don't know what I want, but I know I couldn't have Kyle, not anymore. Our chance had already passed a long time ago.

"I love you, but who couldn't? You're simply amazing, Ava. Don't forget that."

"I love you, Kyle."

"Thanks." He smiles. "You've always been a really good friend to me."

"You too."

"Can I do one more thing before I leave?" he asks.

"What?"

"Can I kiss you once more?"

I know it's wrong, but I nod my head.

Ever so slowly, Kyle leans in and presses his lips against mine. My heart flutters with excitement from the touch of his soft lips on mine. Kyle deepens the kiss and I let him do it. It's only when I hear a splash that we separate. London giggles and holds up her rubber duck.

"We should probably get her out of the bath," I say.

"Sounds like a good idea," he agrees.

Kyle pulls the plug and grabs London out of the bath. I wrap the towel around her body and place her on the change mat. There's a slight grizzle until Kyle passes her the rubber duck. She grins madly and cooperates with changing time.

I dress London in her big girl pyjamas and the pass her back to Kyle. At least with London's stuff being downstairs, she can be a little more independent. I won't have to carry her up and down the stairs all the time.

Kyle walks out of the bathroom and I follow. Once we get downstairs, I see Blake and Jude inside the kitchen cooking. Jude rushes around the kitchen bench and scoops up London. He walks back to the kitchen and the boys begin giving London a crash course in the art of cooking.

We walk over and stand by the bench. Kyle wraps his arm around my neck and smiles at me. I can see the pain nestling behind his brown eyes. However, Kyle could do this. He could keep our ship floating, he'd always been strong enough to get through anything, this wasn't an exception.

We'd be friends forever, even if that involved having time apart. 

Kylie boo just friend zoned Ava, happy?


Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top