Page 37 of Baby for the Professor
After a brief examination, Dr. Wilson, a woman in her forties, decided Aiden was having gastritis caused by a bacterial infection. He could've gotten it either from the water or the food he consumed at dinner.
"I'll prescribe some antibiotics and an oral rehydration solution. He'll be fine within two days."
I let out a breath of relief as the doctor went on to write the prescription.
We gave Aiden some medicine before leaving the hospital's pharmacy.
"Are we going home now?" Aiden asked when I carried him to my car, Sabrina walking on my side.
"Yes, baby. We are," Sabrina said.
“Is Daddy going with us?”
“Yes, I am,” I said, kissing his pale cheek.
When we arrived at Sabrina's house, she and Aiden had both fallen asleep in the backseat. I woke them and carried Aiden into the house.
I placed the child in his bed, and he stirred and held my hand. "Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Don't go, please."
I glanced at Sabrina, and her eyes widened for a moment, but she didn't say anything.
I took it as consent and said to Aiden. "Daddy isn't going anywhere. Go to sleep."
The child fell back to sleep at once, with a smile on his face.
"Are you sure?" Sabrina asked a moment later. "You don't have to stay if you..."
"Yes. I will stay here," I said. "I'm his dad, Sabrina. It's the least I can do. I don't have plans for tomorrow, so I can stay here as long as you don't kick me out."
The corners of her lips twitched. "I won't. You've been a great help. I owe you one."
"Okay. How are you going to thank me?" I went to her.
She leaned in and kissed me. "I'm sorry about what I said to you last time..."
"It's okay. I understand how you feel. Just please don’t push me away again."
“I won’t,” she said, her voice trembling.
"And now, you need to get some sleep, too," I said.
"What about you?" she asked.
"I could use the couch in the living room."
"What if Aiden woke up asking for Daddy?"
"Then you'll come to get me."
She paused. "You know what? You should sleep with him tonight. I'll sleep in my parents’ room."
"Are you sure?" I liked the idea and wouldn't refuse it.
"Yes," she smiled. "He usually sleeps deep in the first half of the night, and then he wakes easily until morning. Just so you know what to expect."
