THE AWKWARD CLEAN UP
490 Words
Eva's heart was racing as she huddled with Jamie in the bedroom. She could hear Alex's muffled shouts through the door, demanding to be let in. The sound sent a shiver down her spine, bringing back memories she'd rather forget.
She tried to distract Jamie with a game, but the kid was perceptive, sensing Eva's tension. "Daddy's coming," Eva whispered, trying to reassure both of them.
Just as Alex started pounding on the door, Eva's phone buzzed. Max.
"Eva, I'm here. What's going on?" Max's voice was calm, but with an undercurrent of concern.
Eva took a deep breath. "He's still at the door. I don't know what he wants."
"Stay put. I'm coming in," Max said, his tone firm.
Eva heard the sound of footsteps outside, and then the door creaked open. Alex's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "You think you can hide behind some guy, Eva?"
Max's voice was like a cold breeze. "You need to leave. Now."
There was a scuffle, and then the sound of the door sl closing. Eva let out a breath, and Jamie looked up at her with big, worried eyes.
"It's okay, kiddo. Daddy's here," Eva said, trying to smile.
Max walked into the bedroom, his eyes scanning the room before landing on Eva and Jamie. "You okay?"
Eva nodded, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Yeah. Thanks for... everything."
Max smiled, ruffling Jamie's hair. "No problem. That's what emergency numbers are for."
Eva watched as Max expertly buckled Jamie into his car seat, the tension from the earlier confrontation slowly dissipating. As they straightened up, Max turned to her with an apologetic smile.
"Sorry about that. Guess he wasn't taking no for an answer," Max said, shaking his head.
Eva raised an eyebrow, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. "Thanks for... handling him."
Max's expression turned curious, but he didn't press the issue. "No problem. That's what emergency numbers are for."
Eva smiled wily, leading him back inside. "Yeah, well, I'm supposed to be the one babysitting, not the other way around."
Max chuckled, following her in. "I think we're even on the babysitting front. Besides, I owe you an explanation."
As they settled in the living room, Eva gestured to the couch – the one with the now-famous juice stain. "Make yourself at home. Sorry about the... uh..."
Max laughed, sitting down. "The art project on the couch? I've got a few of those at home, too."
Eva smiled wryly. "I'm just used to babysitting you, but I'm the one calling you to protect me from my ex. So, I'm sorry, I guess?"
Max's expression softened. "Hey, no need to apologize. You're doing great. And I'm happy to help."
Eva sighed, feeling a bit more at ease. "I guess I'm just a little rusty at this whole... adulting thing."
Max smiled, leaning back into the couch. "Trust me, nobody's got it all figured out. We're all just winging it."
- Writer
