Second Chance

Chapter 11

Elijah's Point of View

I keep on nervously checking my watch, waiting for 8 O'clock.

"Elijah stop fidgeting and drink your coffee."

My mother scolds from the kitchen counter where she's seated.

"Sorry, I can't help it. I'm nervous." I say picking up my cup and taking a sip. "I mean this would be the first time we interact with each other. What if he doesn't like me? What if he keeps on crying and she doesn't let me see him again?"

My mother sighs and shake her head.

"It's going to be fine Elijah. Colton is a very happy, social little boy. You'll see it's going to be great. And everyday will just get easier."

Before I can reply there's a knock on the door and I jump up, aiming for the door when my mother stops me.

"What? They're here?" I say, frowning at her.

She gives me a small smile and pushes me back to the kitchen.

"Yes, I know. I'll go get the door. You just wait here."

"But."

"No buts," she interrupts me. "You said you'd give her time. Facing her the very first day after you promised to wait until she reaches out to you is not giving her space."

I frown and sigh but sit down on my chair.

"Fine. I'll just wait here then." I huff and my mother laughs as she heads to the door.

I hear the door opening and their voices. I'm itching to sneak a peak of her but I stay seated. Just listening to her voice.

-----------------------

Kathryn's Point of View

I smile at Heather as soon as she opens the door.

"Good morning, sorry were a little late. He was a little fussy getting dressed." I say as I hand Colton over to her.

She smiles at me and hug him. "Good morning. No don't worry about it. And hallo to you my little munchkin. Are you giving mommy a hard time?"

I smile as I watch her tickle and kiss Colton while he laughs and wriggles. I try to sneak a peak past her to see if I can spot Elijah but I don't see him. He must be in the kitchen.

I give sigh of relief before I turn back to Heather and smile.

"Okay, so he's teething and might get a little fussy again later. But there is some Calpol in his bag you can just give it to him a little later if he's a little difficult. I've also put in extra clothes and diapers. And I've put together some snacks they're in the cooler bag with his milk. I know you have toys and such but I put in a few things for him and his blanket. I think that's everything."

Heather smiles at me as she takes the bags.

"Thank you dear. Don't worry. He'll be fine."

"I know. I just don't like not having him near me."

"I get it. I will let you know if there is anything. But I'm sure we'll be fine."

I smile at her. "Thank you."

Then I look at my son and kiss his head. "Okay bub, momma's going to go to work now. You be good for nanna and daddy yeah?"

He smiles at me and I ruffle his hair.

"Call me if there's anything. Bye Heather enjoy your day."

She smiles.

"Oh we'll definitely enjoy our day won't we? I'll call you if there's anything. Bye Kat we'll see you later."

I smile at her and nod before heading to my car.

Once in my car I take a deep breath before turning on the engine.

Just breath Kat. Everything will be just fine.

I sigh and run my hand through my hair before I head off to work.

-------------------------------

Elijah's Point of View

I pace anxiously around the kitchen when I hear their goodbyes. Suddenly very nervous to meet our son.

I hear my mother closing the door and heading for the kitchen. She's talking to Colton, who occasionally answers in his own way. And then they appear in the kitchen.

My heart thud in my chest as I look at the little boy in my mother arms.

I nervously step closer but then stop juat starring at them. My mother sees my hesitation and smiles.

"Hey Colton. Nanna wants you to meet someone. This is Elijah. Your daddy."

The little boy seemingly unaware of my existence until right then suddenly turns to stare at me with a frown.

Staring at him, it's like looking at a picture of me when I was a boy. My heart suddenly feels as if it's going to rip right out of my chest.

I can't believe I actually thought about walking away from him. I feel sadness pass through me thinking about how much time I've missed with him.

"Daddy?"

A little voice brings me out of my trance like state and I see Colton looking questioningly at my mother. She nods at him and smiles.

"Yes, baby. He's your daddy. Do you want to say hi to him for nanna?"

He looks at me and then hides his face in his grandmother's neck before he looks at me again and gives me shy smile before waving.

"Hi daddy."

Suddenly there's a lump in my throat and ny eyes are misty.

I give him a small smile.

"Hi buddy. Can I hug you?"

I step closer and he looks at his grandmother again, as if asking for permission. She smiles encouragingly at him.

"Go ahead. You can hug him."

Suddenly he holds his arms out to me and I take him from my mother quickly. Hugging him close to me I try to keep my tears at bay. Suddenly my heart feels full.

He pulls away and frowns before touching my face.

"Why daddy crying? Daddy sad?"

He asks and I smile at him.

"No daddy is just really happy."

He touches my hair and then his with wide eyes.

"Daddy has Colton hair."

I laugh at him and nod.

"Yes, daddy and Colton's hair is the same color."

He nods and smiles.

"Yes but not mommy's." He turns to look as his grandmother. "Colton go play now?"

She smiles and nod.

"Of course Nanna will get us some tea and cookies while you go show daddy your toys?"

He nods vigorously and squirms to be put down. As soon as I do he runs to the living room.

"Daddy come play!" He yells over his shoulder.

I smile and look at my mother who has tears in her eyes. She motions for me to go after Colton and I nod.

"Daddy is coming."

A feeling I've never known settles inside me and I know I would move heaven and earth for this little boy. I swallow the lump in my throat before I follow him into the living room.

As I sit and play with my son for the very first time I make a vow to him in my head. I won't ever leave him again. And I'll fix things with his mother. We will be a family. I'll make sure of it.

I kiss him on his hair. Promising that I will keep my vow.