Next To You

It was past midnight when my mother and I got back home. I wasn't surprised to see Addie curled up, asleep next to my dad. Taking the free time I had, I walked into the bathroom and changed into the spare clothes I brought over. A pair of sweats and an old T-shirt of The 1975 I usually wear to bed.
When I got out, I walked into the kitchen to see my mom drinking a glass or water. I took a seat on the stool across from where she was standing.
"You should spend the night. It's late and Addie will only get grumpy if you wake her." My mom said as she placed the now empty glass into the sink.
I nodded, "I spoke to him today."
She turned back to face me, and I moved my eyes down to focus on the marble pattern of the island.
"I'm not surprised. You could never stay away from him." She leaned against the sink. "Does he know about.."
I nodded, as she trailed off.
"He wants to be a part of her life. Even though, I know I'm being dumb for so easily letting him walk into my life, again. She's a part of him. She's probably more him than she is me." I drummed my fingers on the counter. "It's just - what do I say to her? How do I calmly bring up the fact that her father's back."
"Addie's a smart girl. She loves her Grammy Anne, and her Auntie Gem, I'm sure she's seen pictures of him at their house. I think you should give her time to get used to him. See if they get along, and then tell her."
I let out a breath, and shake my head trying to calm down my thoughts. Tonight almost seemed surreal. I hated the fact that I let him in so easily. I hated that I didn't yell at him the way I envisioned in my head, countless times. I hate the effect he still has on me.
"He was your first love." My mom snaps me out of my thoughts, and I look up at her. "Hell, he was your first everything. Even as kids, you two couldn't stay away from each other. Plus, I'm not stupid, I know he used to sneak in for slumber parties when you were ten. But, Mel, just because you remember the old him, doesn't mean he's still that scrawny teenager with a head full of good intentions. Anne and I figured you'd end up together, we just didn't think it'd come to this."
I nod, as I stand up from the stool. "Thank you for everything, mom. I'm off to bed. I have a long day tomorrow. He's coming over to my apartment. He wants to explain."
She gives me a tight lipped smile, and nods. "Goodnight, Mel. Let me go wake up your father."
After carrying a still sleeping Addie over to the room we share when we're here, I slip into my childhood bed beside her and drift off to the melody of her breathing.
***
After feeding, bathing and getting Addie ready for a day with my mom. I sit her on the kitchen island, as I struggle to get her to sit still to put her shoes on.
"Mommy," Addie says after I slip one shoe on. "when are you getting married?"
I almost dropped the other shoe that was in my hand. "Addie, what kind of question is that?"
She starts kicking her feet back and forth, "Well, I asked papa what a wedding was and he said two people who love each other promise to stay together forever. Did you know him and nonna are married?"
I smiled, and nodded, "I do know. They've been married for 33 years."
Her mouth dropped open, as I finished putting on her other shoe. "Woah. That's a long time. It's older than me!"
I stood up, and helped her off the counter. "You, young lady, are not getting married until you're 50!" I kissed her cheek, and set her down. "Let's go find nonna. So, you can go shopping for your first day of school outfit."
After they left, I kissed my dad goodbye and drove the short distance to my apartment. It used to be Jenny's and I apartment, but she let me live here rent free a year after I moved in because she moved in with Liam. They moved in together a year before he proposed, and Jenny decided Addie and I should keep it to ourselves. I moved into her old room, and Addie kept mine. She loves having her own space, but that doesn't stop her from crawling in with me every once and awhile.
When I arrived, I went in and picked up the toys that were scattered around the apartment. It's the only thing that'll keep her busy enough to let me get somewhat ready.
At around one, after I showered and changed into jeans and a black shirt, there was a knock on my door. I let out a deep breath, as I got up and walked over to open the door. I knew it's Harry.
When I opened it, I see him leaning against the door frame. He has on a black shirt, and a pair of jeans. I wordlessly, hold the door open to let him in.
Once, he walks in. I turn to find him studying a picture of Addie and his mom and sister.
"You weren't kidding when you said she had my eyes." He never looks away from the photo infront of him. "They hide the pictures of her when I go over, because they know it hurts me. Last time I saw her, she was still a baby." He turns to look at me. "She's beautiful."
I nod, "She equally as beautiful on the inside as well. She's a lot like you. She even has your laugh."
He lets out a deep sigh, "I have a lot to explain. Are you ready for it?"

Notes