Meeting Mark

Y/N's POV
I had woken up rather early, to my baby boy crying. I let out a soft groan, shakily standing and rushing as quickly as I could to him. I picked him up, rocking him gently... he eventually stopped crying.

I let out a soft sigh, finally enjoying the silence... before hearing a faint knock on my apartment door. I held Collin to my hip, not bothering that I looked like absolute shit. I hesitantly walked to the door, slowly opening it.
"Hello?" I spoke gently, clearing my throat.

There was a man at my door, holding a small wicker basket with small things such as toiletries and baked goods.

"Hello there, neighbour. My name is Mark, I'm your neighbour- just down the hall. I've seen you around the building- sorry sorry that sounds creepy I know but-"

"No it's okay..."

"Sorry..."

I could see his eyes darting around my empty apartment, then back at my disheveled figure.

"I couldn't help but notice you, ma'am, have the cutest baby I have ever seen. I just thought, as I am your neighbour I should bring you a welcoming gift!... sorry it's late, but I hope you enjoy it!" He grinned wide, holding out the wicker basket.

I couldn't help but begin to tear up... this man was so nice.
I know I was probably freaking him out... but I had nothing. I just wanted to take care of my child... and being an unemployed single mother with trust issues made that hard.

I couldn't even reach out for the basket- too busy wiping my eyes.
"Thank you thank you thank you so much-"

"It's okay, it's okay shhhh.... please sit down it's okay you don't have to cry- don't take this in a weird way, trying to help-"
He wrapped his arms around me- I clutched my son close. He held me close, rubbing my back gently. Soon enough the tear flow had stopped. He had placed the basket of goods on the kitchen bench, and turned to walk out-

"Wait!.... sorry I just.... here's my number. Please, I owe you. As soon as I get a job and find a nanny-"

"It's okay, really... sorry if this is too personal, you don't have to answer... but why did you move into these apartments? And where did you come from?"

I took a deep breath, and told him to sit down..

It was time I got the story out.

I started all the way from the beginning.
"I fell in love with him at 16. He was everything I wanted and more. We were perfect together. We spent every day together.... he wouldn't let me see my friends... I couldn't go to school anymore.... and he would get really angry if I tried to leave."
I felt tears brim my eyes.

"I turned 21 when he first hit me. I was trying to sneak out to see a movie with my best friend and he caught me and slapped me then drove off to get drunk. I should have ran away then... because it only got worse. By the time I realised I needed to get out of there- it was too late." I wiped my eyes, taking a breather

"I was 24 when I found out I was pregnant, with this little bugger. I told him, and he instantly hit me and told me it couldn't be his. He didn't trust me and he beat me..then he left. I thought I would lose my baby boy. I didn't, thank god.  About 3 months after I had him, I decided it was time to get out of there. That's why I'm here... I just need to get a job and find a nanny..."

I stopped crying, surprisingly.

It felt good to finally get it out to someone.

Mark did nothing but sit and listen. When I finished he gave me a hug, his number and his apartment number.
"I'm always here if you need anything. It can get a bit pricey, but I always have things to spare."

"Thank you Mark. I really do appreciate it"

Mark and I finally said our goodbyes as he headed back to his apartment.

I decided to see what was in the basket... food, toiletries.... and a small teddy bear. I instantly put Collin in his crib with the stuffed animal, a small smile on my face.

Maybe things could get better.