Pretty Baby

Chapter 3

It's well past 3 am, a few weeks later, but my eyes refuse to stay closed for more than a few minutes at a time. Across the room, the newest, tiny, love of my life is fussing restlessly in her bassinet, seemingly determined to match my bout of insomnia.

"Shh… I've got you, baby girl," I murmur, scooping her up and settling back onto the couch. I cradle her against my bare chest, her softness seeping into my skin as I gently sway from side to side.

For a few blessed moments, she quiets, her fluttering eyelids growing heavier as she syncs with the rhythmic motion. Then a loud rumble from the TV shatters the fragile peace, her eyes flying open in alarm.

"Dammit…," I hiss under my breath, fumbling for the remote with one hand. I really need to remember to keep the volume down at all times it seems.

The canned laughter of a sitcom laugh track fills the room as I finally find the remote, quickly mashing the mute button. But the damage is done. My daughter is now fully awake and agitated, her cries rising in volume and intensity.

"Okay, okay… new plan," I sigh, giving up any hope of getting her settled down for sleep anytime soon. If we're both doomed to be up all night, might as well try to make it a little more entertaining.

Unmuting the TV, I'm greeted by the vaguely familiar strains of The Big Bang Theory theme song and a shot of the core four lounging around their apartment living room. A rerun marathon, by the looks of it, not the most intellectually stimulating television ever, but it'll have to do.

"You're gonna love this one, kiddo," I tell my daughter, shifting her higher onto my shoulder as the cold open plays out. "Your old man may be more of a womanizing, dramatic songwriter type, but even I can appreciate the simple pleasures of simple comedy every now and then."

She seems to settle a bit at the sound of my voice, her cries downgrading to mere fussing as the laugh track pipes up again. I find myself laughing under my breath at the episode where all the main male characters dress up as superheroes, the mindless humor a welcome respite from the weight of new fatherhood bearing down on me.

"Laugh it up, you little squirt," I murmur, brushing my lips against her downy hair. "One day you'll understand that life is just a series of jokes, some you're in on, and some you're the punchline of."

As the first episode bleeds into the next, and the next, I can feel myself growing heavier, the exhaustion of the last few weeks finally catching up to me. My daughter is now fast asleep against my chest, her lips parted in that perfect angelic repose that babies seem to master.

The gang onscreen, meanwhile, is debating if Sheldon is in fact completely crazy or kind of a genius in typical long-winded fashion.

“You know, he does make some decent points," I muse aloud, my voice thick and raspy with fatigue. "I feel like I could live as a Sheldon and be perfectly fine sometimes."

My gaze drifts to the sleeping bundle in my arms, her chest rising and falling in perfect, peaceful rhythm. So small, so fragile and new… yet, already the most important part of my world.

"Penny…," I murmur, testing the name on my tongue. It just feels… right, somehow. Solid and unpretentious, with a subtle hint of whimsy.

"What do you think, huh?" I brush my thumb over her plump cheek, half-expecting her to somehow respond. "Penny Fulton… has a nice ring to it, don't you agree?"

Of course she doesn't reply, already lost in the deep, blissful slumber of the very young. But I know in that moment that the name has stuck. My daughter finally has an identity to call her own.

"Penny it is, then," I declare, letting my own eyes drift shut at last. The TV drones on in the background, a meaningless murmur as I finally surrender to the heavy weight of sleep enveloping me.

I don't know how long I'm out before a sharp tapping at the door jolts me awake. Penny lets out a cry of protest, her face scrunching up in displeasure.

"Yeah, yeah… I hear you," I grumble, carefully disengaging myself from the couch and padding over to the door. A glance at the clock reads just after 8 am. No wonder she's so cranky after being up most of the night.

With leaden steps, I trudge over and pull open the door, blinking against the harsh sunlight streaming in from the outside world. A young woman stands on the other side, all bright smiles and effortless beauty despite the early hour.

"You must be Zac," she chirps, extending a slender hand. "I'm Jade, Xaviers's sister. He mentioned you might need some help for a little while?"

I can’t speak, temporarily struck dumb just by her presence. Jade is beautiful and has curves that go for miles in all the right places, her warm umber skin glowing in front of me. Thick waves of dark hair tumble past her shoulders, framing delicate features that could easily grace a magazine cover.

"Uh… yeah. Yeah, hi," I finally stammer out, hoping my rumpled t-shirt and boxer shorts aren't too off putting. "Sorry, I wasn't expecting anyone. Come on in."

I step aside, allowing her to sweep into the living room with a bright smile. Immediately, she zones in on Penny, dropping into a crouch beside her blanket.

"Well, aren't you just the most precious little thing?" she coos, gently stroking Penny's chubby cheek. "It's nice to finally meet you, sweet pea."

To my amazement, Penny doesn't immediately dissolve into hysterics at the new presence like she usually does. Instead, she blinks placidly up at Jade, mesmerized by her melodic voice and warm energy.

"She's… she's usually not this calm around… well, just me," I admit, taken aback by the instantaneous connection between them.

Jade flashes me a grin over her shoulder. "What can I say? I've just got a way with kids. Babies can smell fear and stress. You gotta stay cool as a cucumber around them."

As if to prove her point, she scoops Penny up with practiced ease, cradling her in a way that looks second nature. Penny immediately nuzzles into the crook of Jade's neck, her tiny fists relaxing as she lets out the most contented sigh I've heard from her in weeks.

"See? We're gonna be two peas in a pod, aren't we, sweet girl?" Jade murmurs, swaying gently from side to side.

I can only watch in stunned silence, a strange fluttering taking root in my chest. In the span of mere minutes, this virtual stranger has achieved a level of tranquility with my daughter that I've been desperately chasing for over a month.

"You, uh… you've got quite the magic touch there," I finally manage, unable to tear my eyes away from the serene picture they make together.

Jade chuckles lightly, the sound as effervescent as tiny bells. "Like I said, it's a gift. Babies just vibe with my energy, I guess." Jade settles onto the couch, Penny nestled comfortably in her arms, and pins me with those warm, whiskey-colored eyes. "So… why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself, Zac? I want to get to know the guy I'll be helping out for the next little while."

"Not much to tell, really," I hedge, sinking into the armchair across from them. "I'm a musician… recently turned accidental father, as you can see."

"Mmhmm..." She nods, gently bouncing Penny in a slow, rocking motion. "And where does Penny's mom fit into the picture?"

I tense at the question, my gut reaction being to deflect or make a joke to avoid the painful truth. But something about Jade's open, earnest gaze renders me unable to hide behind my typical sarcastic front.

"She… took off," I admit, the words feeling like shards of glass in my throat. "Just left Penny on my doorstep with a letter saying she couldn't be the mother our daughter needed."

Jade's full lips turn down in a sympathetic frown. "Oh, Zac… I'm so sorry. That's an awful situation, for both you and Penny."

I shrug, trying to play it off as less of a gut-punch than it felt. "Yeah, well… single fatherhood wasn't exactly the path I saw for myself. I need to start writing a new album and start to plan out my next tour."

"And that's exactly why Xav called me," Jade says firmly. "Because he knows how easily guys can get in over their heads, especially when it comes to taking care of a baby."

She leans forward, holding my gaze intently. "But I'm here to help lighten the load, however I can. You don't have to white-knuckle it alone anymore, Zac."

Relief washes over me at her words, a weight lifting that I didn't even realize I'd been carrying. For weeks, I've been stumbling through this strange new world of parenthood, constantly bracing for the next crisis to hit. But having an ally, a partner to share the burden with… it's like I can finally release the breath I've been holding and actually live a little.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate the assist, Jade," I say sincerely. "Honestly, I was starting to feel like I was losing my grip on reality there for a bit."

She waves a hand dismissively. "Please, it's the least I can do. I've been changing diapers and babysitting since I was old enough to hold a bottle. This is gonna be a cakewalk for me. And since I just transferred to Vanderbilt, this is a great place to stay."

A peaceful lull falls over the room as Jade tends to Penny, her touch so innately gentle and sure. I drink in the sight, committing every detail to memory the dappled sunlight filtering through the curtains, the rhythmic sway of Jade's body, the soft murmurings she whispers to my daughter.

In that moment, it feels almost… familial. Like the three of us are an actual cohesive unit, rather than two near strangers circling each other warily. An unexpected pang echoes through my chest at the thought.

“So what brings you to my neck of the woods?” I ask.

“I’m majoring in communications studies. I want to be an investigative reporter or an on air anchor.” She smiles.

A girl with goals is always a turn on. But even as I mentally chastise myself, I can't tear my eyes away from the effortless grace and warmth she exudes. There's just something so innately captivating about her. She’s gorgeous, all these years I’ve known Xavier, I’ve never met Jade before. I’m completely in awe of her flawless, melanin skin.

The front door opens, shattering the tranquil bubble. "Honey, I'm home!" Xavier's voice rings out as he shoulders his way inside, arms laden with grocery bags.

Jade's head whips around at the sound, her eyes widening almost comically. "Oh geez, Xav, scare the poor girl,” Jade hugs Penny a little tighter.

"Sorry sis," Xavier grunts, depositing the bags on the kitchen counter with a thud before turning to face us fully. "When did you get in...?"

"Just a little bit ago," she says with a bright smile, rising fluidly to her feet with Penny cradled against her chest. "And where were you, big bro?”

"Oh, I went to mom’s, I couldn’t take the crying anymore," he says, not skipping a beat. "Thanks for helping out. Zac's been running himself ragged trying to keep this little rugrat alive."

"Hey, I'm doing my best here," I protest, though without any real heat. Xavier's gruff manner has become an almost comforting background noise at this point.

Jade just laughs, completely unbothered by his brusque demeanor. "Well, you can both take it easy now. Auntie Jade is on the scene to handle anything this munchkin can dish out."

She sways over to me, deftly depositing Penny into my arms with a wink. "Why don't you go grab a shower, daddy-o? You're looking a little rough around the edges."

I open my mouth to object, but she's already whisking back towards the kitchen, hips swaying hypnotically. "I'll whip us up something to eat while Xavier fills me in on the current game plan."

I can only watch her go, cradling Penny close as that same strange fluttering takes up residence in my chest once more. In the span of mere minutes, Jade has effortlessly insinuated herself into the heart of the household, as if she was always meant to be here.

As I make my way towards the bathroom, her lilting laughter and Xavier's gruff tones mingling in the air, I can't quite shake the sense that nothing will ever be the same again. Whether that's a good or bad thing remains to be seen.

But one thing's for certain, having Jade around is bound to make life infinitely more interesting from here on out.

~ ~ ~

Before I know it, it’s late afternoon, and I’m waking up from sleeping the day away. I walk into the living room and find jade drinking a Frappuccino from Starbucks while bouncing Penny on her knee.

"How do you do it?" I ask in wonder. "Seriously, I need to learn your secrets."

Jade just smiles that radiant smile, bouncing Penny gently. "Honestly? I think babies can just sense good energy and vibes. Stay calm and present with them, and they'll pick up on that peaceful flow."

She winks at me over Penny's head. "You could definitely stand to work on your zen, daddy-o. You're still vibrating at a stressed out frequency most of the time."

I huff out a surprised laugh at her candor. "Hey, cut me some slack here! I'm still getting the hang of this whole dad thing."

"Which is exactly why you've got me around," she counters easily, rising fluidly to her feet and crossing over to where I'm seated on the couch. "To teach you all the tricks and tips for channeling your inner papa bear."

Before I can react, she's putting Penny into my arms and moving my hands into the proper cradling position. "Like this. You've gotta support her head and neck. Let her whole body just melt into your embrace."

I follow her lead, my arms automatically molding to fit Penny's tiny form. And sure enough, she lets out the most contented little sigh, blinking up at me drowsily.

"There you go," Jade murmurs, her hand lingering on my bicep just a beat longer than necessary. "You've got this, Zac. I can already see you getting more comfortable and confident with her by the day."

I tear my eyes away from Penny's angelic face to meet Jade's warm gaze, my throat feeling strangely constricted. "I don't know what I'd do without you here," I admit roughly. "You've been a total game changer for us."

“It’s only been a few hours. You must be delirious,” she laughs. Something sparks in her expression, a fleeting vulnerability amidst the perpetual self-assurance. "I'm just glad I can be there for you both, however you need me."

We hold each other's stare for a moment, the air seeming to thicken and crackle around us. Then, Penny lets out a gurgling coo, effectively shattering the tension.

Jade laughs lightly, pulling back and running a hand over Penny's short hair. "Listen to her, stealing the spotlight as always. Such a little diva already."

I chuckle along, but it feels somewhat forced, my pulse still thrumming erratically in my ears. What the hell was that just now? I can't help but wonder as Jade sweeps away to tidy up the kitchen.

It's nothing , I try to tell myself sternly. She's just being friendly, that's all. You're a dude who's been out of the game for a while, so you're reading into a simple platonic interaction .

But even as the rational part of my brain talks me down, I can't quite shake the feeling that the dynamic between Jade and I has… shifted… somehow. Like a door has been nudged open a crack, revealing an intriguing new path to potentially explore.

I chance a glance over at her, all wild curls and soft curves, humming to herself as she wipes down the counter with a damp cloth. In that moment, it hits me with startling clarity. I'm in serious danger of catching feelings here.

The realization should worry me more than it does. This is the exact sort of complication I can't afford to indulge, not with so much already on the line. Jade is just here temporarily to help me get my feet under me as a dad. Anything more would be… wildly irresponsible.

And yet, as she turns and catches my eye with a sly wink, I can feel that door creaking open wider in my chest. For the first time in forever, the future feels brimming with unexpected possibilities again, and she's standing smack dab in the center of every one of them.

I'm in uncharted territory here, with no guidebook to light the way. But maybe that's not such a bad thing after all…