Now and Forever novel Chapter 52

"Knock knock," just before I could say 'come in' the door already opened and in came a pajama clad Alexis, "you're still up?" my eyes slightly widened in surprise when I saw what time it was, "yep, couldn't sleep," she whispered and warily eyed Lucas' sleeping body on the bed beside me.

I really need to set up his own room..

"Why is that?" I set the book I was reading down on the bedside table and gently moved Lucas a little closer to me to make enough space for Alexis since he was laying splat in the middle of the bed- didn't want to take any chances with him falling off the bed now would we?

"I'm not tired I guess.. you?" she fell onto the bed and rolled onto her stomach- oh how I wish I could still do that.. "I was waiting for him to fall asleep," I gestured to the little human being, " since someone thought it was a good idea to give him candy at his bedtime-"

"It was the only way to get him to stop crying!" Alexis exclaimed, "you could've brought him to me.."

"You were still talking to Sophie and I -being the good person that I am- didn't want to interrupt you guys so I decided to exterminate the problem the only way I know how: candy," this brought a smile to my face before it quickly disappeared when the little human stirred in his sleep but Alexis didn't seem to notice this, "speaking of Sophie, what did she say about Lucas?"

"She didn't say anything about Lucas apart from the fact that he's a 'cute little munchkin'," what is it with people and cringey pet names for children? I mean- 'munchkin'?? "but she did have some colorful words for his mother.." at the mention of Jessica, Alexis' face hardened- did she do something to her to?

"Sophie and I plan on going shopping tomorrow for Lucas, do you wanna come?" Her face softened at the change of topic and she sat up, crossing her legs in the process, "are you shopping for Cletus the Fetus-"

"I'm sorry- what?"

"Cletus-"

"I suggest you don't complete that sentence if you still have use for your throat- I mean, Cletus the Fetus?" I cringed as I tested the vile words, "what's wrong with-"

"Everything." It was creative I must say but that's a big no, thank you very much, "well I'm going to keep calling her Cletus the Fetus when you're not around," she huffed and crossed her arms, "and what makes you think I'm having a girl?" I copied her gesture and crossed my arms as well, "I- well.. I.." I stared at her in amusement as she tried to come up with an answer, "you..?"

"I can feel it."

"You can feel it?"

"Yep!" she looked so proud of herself I couldn't contain the fit of laughter that escaped my mouth, "shhh! You're going to wake Lucas!" Alexis reached over and lightly slapped my arm, annoyance clearly drawn across her face, "do you want me to come with you tomorrow or not?"

"Alright, alright I'm sorry," I'm not. What? I couldn't help myself.. "I know you're not but I'll let it slide. So, shopping for the baby as well or not?"

"Nope," I took off my robe and climbed under the covers, my silk pajamas keeping me cool under the warm sheets, "what? why not?" her eyebrows drew together as she climbed in as well, reason? I don't know but I definitely didn't mind, it was a change from sleeping alone every night- excluding Lucas of course.

"I don't want to rush into buying everything all at once, I want to take my time. I want everything to be perfect- close to perfect at least," I rolled over and switched the lamp off, "so.. can I still buy things for Starburst?"

"Okay- where in the world are you coming up with these names?"

"Just answer the question, Amelia- and Starburst is my favorite candy so why not name the baby after it?" She rolled over on her side and switched off the lamp, darkness taking over everything in a matter of seconds, "I mean- sure if you want to.." I trailed off, my eyelids getting heavier by the second.. until they were not.

"What're you doing?" I opened my eyes fully and drew my eyebrows together, "I just wanted to know if it felt squishy," Alexis retracted her hand from my stomach and laid back down, "you wanted to know if my stomach was squishy?" she nodded, "and you thought now was the right time to test out your theory?"

"I'm bored-"

"Then sleep-"

"I can't," she groaned and stuffed a pillow over her face, "try," I huffed and closed my eyes.

The last thing I remember before drifting off to sleep was the feeling in my tummy I got when Alexander walked in on me. How embarrassing.

***

"Grey!"

"Blue!"