The day I had been dreading since Drake was born snuck up on me so quickly, and I found myself so afraid to leave him home with a strange old woman. Granted, I knew she was said to do her job very well, but in the back of my mind I feared she'd be too busy with cleaning up and something would happen to him. Ben spent much of his time trying to assure me everything would be fine, and maybe it would, but I couldn't help but be worried. I had a differenct connection with Drake than he did, he just didn't get it! However, defeated, I arose in the morning to go to work.


"He'll be fine," Ben assured me, hugging me before I stepped out the door. "Karen is fully qualified, and anyway I'll be home at four and he'll be with me." I nodded, but had every intention of calling every other hour to check up on them.

And talk about long day! Oh my god, it was the longest day of my life! I sat there bored out of my mind with little work to do, so I called home a few times only to be yelled at by the nanny. She insisted I was interfering with her work, and that Drake was just fine. Oh how I wished he could talk so I could ask if she was being good to him!


After work I flew through the door to find Ben feeding Drake in the kitchen (in his pajamas?), so I went and changed my clothes. I had forgotten how stiff the uniforms were, and slipping into my old jeans was like heaven.

"Ohh, give me my boy," I whined, taking Drake from Ben's arms and cuddling him. "Mommy missed you so much darling!" Drake replied with the passing of gas, so I quickly went to check his diaper, just incase. Thankfully, there was nothing.


"You're alright sweetie," I cooed, rubbing his back. Turning, I crossed the room and lowered him into the crib. I kissed his forhead and remained to watch for a few minutes. He sleepily closed his eyes, and relaxed his arms.


I found Ben on the phone when I returned to the living room, and I seated myself on the couch to watch tv. He was talking softly, as though he didn't want me to hear. Unsettled, I strained to listen.

"Yes, thank you sir," he said, a gentle laugh following. "I'm so glad you understand my reasoning. I just want to spend as much time with my son as possible while he's still this young."

What is he talking about? Is he taking his vacation time?

"Probably when he's around two or so, yes," he continued. I had to wonder if he knew I was sitting behind him. "I don't want to miss any big moments, you know? So I was thinking at least by then things will be great, and I can just come back. If you'll still have me, that is."

My lip curled into a sneer as I realized what he was really calling for. How could he be this stupid?! I waited for him to hang up, then I pounced on him.


"You're qutting!?" I demanded, half growling. "Now?! Are you crazy!" Ben crossed his arms and scowled.

"You said you didn't feel right about another woman looking after your child."

"No, but we also need the money!" I cried. "What kind of person, especially the ones that make more money, just quits their job after they have a baby! It's bloody expensive!"

"Lots of parents stay home to take care of their kids, Aimee."


"The ones that are well enough off!" I retorted, putting my hands on my hips. "And guess what, we're not! You didn't even discuss it with me first!"


"Oh, I see," he smirked, crossing his arms once more. "I have to ask for permission, do I?" I just wanted to slap the look right off of his face, no joke.

"Not permission, Ben!" I barked. "But you're not the only one in this family, dammit! We should have come to a decision about this together, not you completely calling the shots yourself."


"I am the man in this family, so I will make decisions without you," he sneered, pointing a finger in my face. "I will do what I want, and what I think is best for my son."

"Get that finger out of my face before I f*cking snap it," I warned. "And he's not just your son, Ben. I want what's best for him too. And you being lazy laying around the house in your pajamas, isn't it." Ben laughed.


"Say what you want, Aimee," he started. "I'm staying home, and if you're that worried about money you can get a second job. While you're out being greedy, I'm the one home with the baby. You think about that."

With that, he turned and went to bed as I stood there staring at the closed door.

"What are you up to?" I asked soflty, narrowing my eyes.

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