His Runaway Queen

Chapter 7

Effie

When we got to the Zoo, we got Veer out and put him into his stroller. Once I had all of our stuff stored underneath it, we headed to the entrance. Since I was the one to invite everyone, I paid for all of our tickets. Once we had them, we headed in and started to make our way around the Zoo.

Veer was loving it and would squeal with every new animal that he saw. We got a couple of bags of food so that we could feed the animals and he loved it when the giraffes were taking carrots out of his hands. I held him up and helped him give the giraffe the carrot and Dove snapped a picture of it.

Next, we saw rhinos, hippos, elephants, apes, pandas, koalas, baboons, red pandas, lions, tigers, cheetahs, penguins, polar bears, platypus, turtles, and so much more. We went through it all.

My little man loved every bit of it. The zoo that we went to even had an aquarium, and we went through it as well. He loved all the brightly colored fishes. I think that I'm going to have to get a fish tank for him so that he has fish he can watch.

We spent the whole day at the zoo, walking around and having fun. We had lunch in one of the little food trucks and found somewhere to sit and eat.

When we were done, we had gone to the gift shop. My little man ended up with so many cool new toys from there. I even got him a couple of new onesies, t-shirts, and a hoodie. I also got me a couple of new shirts and a hoodie as well.

When the day was over, we left and headed for home. Veer was so tired that he was out like a light as soon as we got into the car.

I still had that feeling of being watched, but I never did see anyone looking at me. Every time that I would feel eyes on me, I'd look around discreetly, but I'd never see anyone who was paying attention to us.

When we got back to my apartment, we all went upstairs, and I ordered pizza and the works from our favorite pizza place. They were used to me ordering for delivery and usually texted me when they were on their way. That way, I could wait downstairs for them. I made sure that I ordered mac n cheese bits and chicken nuggets because my little nugget loved them.

The couple that owned the pizza place at one time didn't sell nuggets. But when we started going there once Veer was big enough for regular foods, they added it to their menu just for him.

Mrs. Maggie and Mr. Elroy were a lovely older couple. They didn't have any family down here, so we became like family to them. We stopped in to see them every chance that we got. They always made sure that I left there with chicken nuggets, mac n cheese bits for Veer, and my favorite pizza with cheese sticks, broccoli cheese bits, fries, and onion rings. They tried to give us food for free, but I always made sure to pay for it.

When we got home, I got Veer settled in his pack n play with his toys and put cartoons on for him. I found a Paw Patrol movie and put it on for him. Usually, I would let him crawl around on the floor and play, but with so many people here, it wasn't safe. He was content to sit and watch his movie, though.

When the pizza got there, I made Veer his plate and put him in his high chair so that he could eat. After I had him settled, I made myself a plate and sat down.

"I had so much fun today, and Veer did as well. Thank you guys so much for going with us today. We appreciate it and love you all so much." I said as we ate.

"You know that we love you and that little boy so much. I had a blast today, I honestly don't remember the last time that I went to the zoo. And I needed this today to keep my mind off of s**t. This stuff with the editor has really been pissing me off and stressing me out. So I was more than happy to turn my off of and go out for the day." Dove told us.

Momma Mia said, "I've had fun as well. I don't get out very much anymore. I'm either at home or working at the shop. So today was fun, and I got to spend it with all of my favorite kids and my grandson, so that made it even more special."

Tatum and Colton were both nodding as well. Tatum said, "I loved it, and we all know that my man loved it as well." He looked at Colton and gave him a cheeky wink.

Colton just shook his head at him. He had a mouth full of food and when he swallowed it he said, "Of course I had fun, there were animals involved. I loved the giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and elephants. When I finish school, I'd love to get a job at the zoo. Don't get me wrong, I love working at the vet's office. But I want to work at the zoo with the more exotic animals. Hopefully, after I graduate, I can get a job there."

"I bet that you will. You've always been good with animals. And they love you. In fact, I'm thinking about getting Veer some fish. I was thinking of going tomorrow to look at tanks and fish and decide what kind to get for him. Would you like to go with us?" I asked him.

"Hell yeah! What kind of question is that? Of course, I want to go with you. I'd love to help pick out fish for our little man. He will love it, I saw how he was watching them in the tank today." Colton said.

We continued to talk while we ate dinner. When we were done, we put the leftovers away and cleaned up.

I took Veer out of his high chair and took him to the bathroom to clean him up. Once he was bathed, I whipped him down with lotion and got him dressed. He looked so cute in his little animal jammies.

When I was done, I took him back into the living room and put him in his pack-n-play. When I went into the kitchen to clean his high chair, it was already clean.

The guys and Momma stayed for a little longer before they headed out for the night. Colton said that he'd be here around eleven the next day. Dove, Veer, and I gave them all hugs and then I walked them down to see them out. Dove was going to sit with Veer so that I could let them out and then check on the bakery.

At the back door, I let them out and then watched to make sure that they made it to the vehicle and then left. I had outside lights that were solar-powered, so they came on when the sun went down. They also had a backup on them so that they would always work.

After they pulled out, I shut and locked the door and then went into the bakery to make sure that everything was running well. The girls had everything under control, so I told them good night and to make sure that everything was locked up tight and they set the alarm when they left. Then I headed back upstairs. I had a little man to put to bed.

When I got back upstairs, I picked Veer up and curled up on the couch with him. We finished watching his movie. When it was done, I turned the TV on to Hulu and put High Potential on. The newest episodes were on and I hadn't had a chance to sit and watch them yet.

It was bedtime for Veer, it was eight o'clock and he was getting sleepy. Which meant that he was making grabby hands at my boobs. So I had him latch on and drink his milk. I had him down to where nighttime was the only time that he breastfed. I was trying to get him off it, but he wasn't having it. His pediatrician said that it may take some extra time to get him off the boob at bedtime. And to just let him go about it on his terms. So that's what I am doing.

During that day, I make time to pump my milk and then I've been freezing most of it. What I don't freeze, I put it in the fridge for him to drink during the day. The doctor told me to keep pumping so that my milk didn't dry up with him, only nursing once a day.

When he was done, I paused my show, took him into his crib, and put him to bed. I grabbed the baby monitor and went to take a shower.

After a quick shower, I put on a pair of pajama shorts and a tank top. I grabbed a pair of fuzzy socks and headed to the kitchen. I got a glass of sweet tea and went to finish watching my TV show. Dove went to soak in her tub when I came back upstairs so it was just me and the tv.

While I was watching my show, I thought about Leo and how much I missed him. Ever since I saw the woman who looked like Alena and then that girl said her last name (which is the same as Leo's) he's been on my mind.

I ran my hand over the locket that I always wear. It has one of the last pictures of us together in it. I also put a picture of Veer on the other side.

As much as I miss him, I know that I'd never get back with him. He hurt me way too badly when he was talking to that girl. I may miss him and love him, but I wasn't stupid enough to ever take him back. I wouldn't ever let a man abuse me or cheat on me. My daddy taught me better than that.

For now, I have the only man that I'll ever need in my life. My little nugget, my love, my life.