Page 53 of All of Me

Her words hit the air like a slap, the tension between us is palpable. She realizes it too, her expression faltering, and she sighs heavily. She lifts a hand to brush a strand of hair from her face, the movement slow and tired.

“Sorry,” she mutters, her voice softer now. “I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just been… a lot lately.”

Her hazel eyes flick up to meet mine and I catch a glimpse of something raw. It’s not just exhaustion; it’s something deeper that she’s trying desperately to mask.

I nod slowly, leaning back against the doorframe. “You don’t have to apologize. I just… I’m here if you need anything.”

Her lips curve into a faint smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thanks,” she says quietly, her gaze slipping away again.

The sound of Barrett’s laughter drifts from the living room, breaking the stillness. I glance toward the hallway and I consider letting the conversation drop. She’s always been fiercely independent, sometimes to a fault. It’s one of the things I respected most about her when we were together, but right now it feels like that independence is preventing her from asking for the help she might actually need.

“Has Alex been around much?” I ask, keeping my tone light but intentional.

She flinches slightly, barely noticeable, but enough for me to catch it. Her hand moves to her wrist, where she absently rubs at her skin. “He’s been busy with work,” she says, the words quick and practiced. “It’s just been me and Barrett most of the week.”

Her voice sounds detached when she says this, like she’s trying to convince herself more than me. I realize then I’ve never asked her what Alex does for a living. Considering it seems like a sore subject, maybe now isn’t the time to inquire.

Before I can say anything else, Barrett’s voice rings out from the living room. “Dad! I’m done!”

I turn toward the sound, grateful for the distraction. “I’ll grab his bag,” I say, nodding toward the couch.

Sabrina waves me off, her faint smile returning. “It’s by the door. I packed it this morning.”

I gather Barrett’s things and try to ignore the feeling that something is wrong. Sabrina’s always been private but whatever’s going on, she doesn’t want me to see it, and that’s what worries me the most.

We arrive home in the late afternoon as the sky fades into an early winter dusk. The soft glow of the porch light spills over the front steps, and our Christmas lights shine brightly overhead. Barrett is still a bouncing ball of energy, with Mr. Chompers clutched tightly in one hand, as he bursts through the front door ahead of me.

“Callie!” he shouts, kicking off his snow boots in the middle of the entryway.

“In the kitchen!” her voice calls back, light and warm. I know how excited she is to see him. It’s always better when we are all together, feels more like home this way.

I shake my head as I pick up his boots, placing them on the mat near the front door before taking off my own. “Barrett, would it kill you to put your stuff where it belongs?” I call to him.

“I don’t know, but I don’t want to find out!” he hollers back over his shoulder, making a bee-line for the woman we have both grown to love so much.

I grin despite myself and follow him. The smell of fresh potato soup fills the air, rich and comforting. When we step into the kitchen, I see my girl at the stove. Her ponytail sways as she stirs a pot, her face lit by the warm glow of the overhead light.How does she always look so damn beautiful?

“Hi, baby,” she says, glancing over her shoulder with a big smile. Normally, I would hate being called that, but I love it when she does.

“Hey, dollface,” I reply, stepping up behind her and pressing a kiss to her cheek as I wrap my arms around her middle. “It smells amazing in here.”

“Callie!” Barrett yells excitedly, tugging at the hem of her skirt. “Guess what! Dad and I are going to build LEGOs later!”

She sets the spoon down, turning to crouch in front of him. “That’s great news, buddy! What are you going to build?”

“I’m going to build a castle for my dragon. He’s a nice dragon like I was for Halloween, and he’s going to be there to protect the princess from bad guys!” he says, animatedly.

As Barrett launches into more detail about the castle he’s planning to build, a soft cry comes from the portable crib Callie has set up near the dining table.

“Ruby’s awake!” Barrett announces, spinning around dramatically. “Is she hungry? She’s hungry right?”

“I’ll get her,” I say, stepping over to the bassinet.

Callie nods, standing to check the soup. I lift Ruby into my arms, her tiny face scrunched up as she lets out another soft cry. She snuggles against my chest, her little fists coming up to her mouth, her lips puckering as if searching for something.

“Hey, sweet girl,” I murmur, cradling her in my arms. “What’s all this fussing about? Are you hungry? Do you need your Mama?”

Callie glances over, wiping her hands on a towel. “I can take her,” she says. “Go ahead and get Barrett and Sara settled at the table. Sara’s in her room, probably making her stuffed animals have tea again.”

---