Running From Hell

Chapter 5 Birthday Nightmare

"So what are the plans for the little man's birthday this weekend?" my coworker Delilah asks. I stop typing on my computer to look up at her and say, "Hmm, probably just the same. Pick a cake together, order some food and watch his favorite movie." She looks down at me, rolling her eyes. "Oh come on, you did that last year. Why don't you throw him an actual birthday even if it's small. Invite some kids from his classroom and to it at the park. I'm sure he'd have way more fun than just watching a movie," she says. I stare at my screen for a while contemplating what she's saying. Staying low-key keeps us hidden from Nathan, but on the other hand, Jax doesn't get to experience things his other peers get to. Just this once, it should be fine, right? I asked myself just one day where he could be like any other kid. I looked back at her and smiled before saying, "Yeah, you're right a park birthday does sound great. I'll tell him tonight," "Told you! Make sure to invite me. I wouldn't want to miss his first real birthday," she says over her shoulder while walking away. I got back to my work while starting to think about the list of things to buy for the party, but mostly just picturing how happy Jax would be when I told him. It's 6:30 P.M. when I walk into my front and hear those tiny feet come running to the door." Mom, your home.. Look at my new drawing I did at school for Mother's Day!" he said, jumping up and down with his drawing. I laughed and took the drawing before saying, "Wow, I can't believe I have a little artist. Definitely deserves to be sold in stores." He chuckles and clings to my legs. "No mom, it's just for you," he says while making a little pout. I bend down and lightly pinch his nose: "Alright, the fridge it is then. So I can see it every day." The babysitter, Ann, comes out of the kitchen laughing. "He's been excited since he got home to show you." she says, walking towards us. She ruffles his hair and asks, "So what are the plans for the big 5?" Before I can say anything, Jax jumps up and down, shouting "A BIG CHOCOLATE CAKE!! With lots and lots of frosting," I laughed and said, "Actually, I was thinking you could invite your friends, and we could all go to the park?" Jax turned around with those big blue eyes. "Wait, really? Can I share cake with my friends?" he says questionably. I smiled and got down to his eye level and said,"Yes, you can share cake and play with your friends. Would you like that?" He nodded. "Yes, yes, I want to share cake with my friends!! I get to be just like Chris. Remember mom he got to share a cake with his friends at the pizza place, but I couldn't go..." he says that last part slowly. I can hear the sadness in his voice and my heart tensed up. I can't believe I didn't even notice that he wanted to go. He's always smiling and happy in front of me. I can't believe that thought never crossed my mind. I got down and brought him into a hug while saying, "You don't have to hold back Jax. If you want to go, just tell me and we will." I look down at him and his eyes are teary looking up at me while he just nods. Ann comes and pats his shoulder while saying, "Don't forget to tell your friends tomorrow, kiddo, they'll be happy. Also, make sure to save my piece of cake." Jax looks up at her wiping his tears. "Wait, you're coming too?" he asks, looking at us. I smiled, nodding while saying, "Of course she is and so is Delilah. They're both your friends and I want to share a cake with you." He shoots us a bright smile as he says, "We need a huge chocolate cake, mom cause Ann, it's a lot." Ann laughs and says she is willing to help with whatever planning I need since the birthday is in 3 days. Jax had run back to the kitchen to continue his drawing on the table as I walked Ann out. "He's so cute. Also, don't be too hard on yourself. Being a parent is hard, especially when you're a single parent. You can't catch everything," she says as she turns to look at me. I smile sadly before saying, "I know I ...just don't want him to hold back because of me." She smiles and pats my arm. "Don't worry, we got this together. Now let's give him the best birthday. He'll never even think about the Chris' party he missed," she says. I let out a little chuckle and said, "Yeah, let's do it." She smiled back at me and told me to text her the plans so she could help me get the supplies. Jax and I had dinner with him talking all about what he wanted to do at the park with his friends. I couldn't help but just start at his little excited face the entire time. Looking at his bright eyes, I can't help but think it's one day what is the worst that could happen.

NATHAN POV

It was 9:30 at night when my phone buzzed on the table in front of me. I looked down at the caller ID and scooped the phone up quickly. I answered it impatiently, saying, "It's better be good, or you're dead this time." The voice on the other line said, "She's going to be in a park this Saturday...with your son," I smiled, already imagining her face when she sees me at the park waiting for her. "Are you seriously on the phone right now while being inside me" a nagging voice under me said. I looked down at the woman before speaking into the phone. "Send me the details by tomorrow." I ran my fingers down the woman's face, slowly seeing her blush. Then I gripped her through and began slamming my hips into her roughly. I brought my mouth near her ear and said, "Who said you could talk while I'm on the phone? If it was my wife, you'd be dead." She began to sob, but I kept moving my hips, finding my release. Finally, My Lila, I'm coming for you.