The Parent Project

Wednesday

"You're just jealous that we weren't paired up," Lauren narrowed her eyes at the boy in front of her at his declaration, "Jaime, I'm sorry that you're struggling with this but it's really not that difficult," He added.

"Then see how you like being a single parent," Jaime retorted. She smiled kindly at Lauren and Joey who had stepped forward at some point in their argument and was now stood directly behind Lauren, a comforting hand on her back. "Thanks for the back up guys, I'm going to see Mr Hastings, see if he has any other way I can make up my grade." Lauren waited until Jaime was out of sight and then she turned back to Darren.

"Jesus Darren, I hope you fail," Lauren paused, "hard," she added before spinning on her heel and storming into the day-care several of her classmates right behind her.

She stomped straight over to Samson who was crying alongside many of the other babies, scooped him up and started bouncing aggressively on the spot. Moments later she felt Joey place a hand on the small of her back and she felt her aggression melt a little at his touch. She spun around to face him, frustration and anger written all over her face but it disappeared the second she saw his concerned expression. His hand on her back kept her within his personal space.

"Are you okay?" He asked softly. Lauren sighed, slowing her bounces as Samson stopped crying.

"Yeah, just," She exhaled angrily, "can you believe I dated that guy once?" She growled ignoring the people milling around behind her. They were slowly filtering out leaving just Lauren and Joey in the day-care.

"No," Joey laughed humourlessly, "Sam okay?"

"Are you okay?" Lauren retorted, raising an eyebrow at his short answer. She'd only known him a few days and she was already so in sync with his expressions she knew he was hiding something. Joey looked like he was debating something internally before eventually he opened his mouth.

"Do you really regret not being paired up with Darren?" He asked, the hand that was still at the base of her spine falling away. Lauren laughed loudly until she realised he was serious.

"You want the honest answer?" She asked. Joey looked like he was going to say no but he nodded instead and Lauren smiled softly at him. "I thought he'd potentially be a good candidate as a fake baby dad, but then I was paired with you and I truly couldn't be happier. You are a great dad to Samson and I have loved every second of getting to spend this time with you,"

"Even though I could've killed him last night?" Joey affirmed, the side of his mouth curving up in a smile.

"But you didn't," she laughed. She stepped back from him to slide Samson in his carrier and then passed the handle to the boy in front of her. "You've taught me so much and I never feel stupid for not knowing something in front of you like Jaime does with Darren. You're my safe place and I'm really happy I get to call you a friend," Lauren grinned up at him as his grip on the carrier tightened. Her breath caught in her throat at the look he was giving her. His brown eyes were soft and caring and as he leaned down into her space she thought she might actually pass out from the intensity of his body language. Joey pressed a kiss to her cheek, lingering for just a moment before pulling away, a light blush halfway up his neck.

"Thanks Lo, I've really loved having you as my fake child's Mom too," he shifted Sam awkwardly and Lauren, trying not to look too embarrassed, turned her back to tighten the straps on Sam's backpack unnecessarily. She slid it over her shoulders, composed herself and then turned back to face him again. He was still wearing that same look and Lauren realised it was going to take a lot longer than five seconds to compose herself in his presence. He held out his spare hand and she took it without hesitation grinning up at him.