hey people. Alright bye enjoy.

*Thomas*

After our visit to Herc and Laf, Alex seemed to be doing better. He stood in Pips room without sobbing. Progress.

"Hey, Thomas?"
"Yes, Love?"
"How are you?"
"I've been better. But I'll be okay eventually. And so will you."
"I know."

"Why don't we go out to eat tonight?"
He nods.

After a while of getting ready we went out to our favorite restaurant.

"Thomas... have you thought about ever. Adopting again? Not to replace him and I'm not moved on yet. It's just..." he looked down at the table.

"I know Lex. I know. I have. But, maybe we should take a second to breathe. We lost our son. I need a while... it's no small thing."

" I know love. Maybe in a year or two. When the hurt isn't as searing as it is now."

"Of course, Love."

....
After dinner, we went on to the park just walk and get some fresh air.

I had my arms around Lex as we walked. It was a nice sunset.

"I miss him, Tom." He mumbles through his jacket.

"I know. Me too."
"Do you know how his friends are doing?"
"No. But I'm sure they are still grieving like us."
"Mh.."

"How about we go home and make some hot chocolate then we can cuddle?"
"Okay. But can we maybe invite the other over for hot chocolate too?"
"Sure."

I didn't mind. Having the group around Alex made him feel better. He even smiled when they were around and is so anything to keep him smiling.

Once we got home I started on the hot chocolate while Lex invited everyone over.

*Alex*

Me- Hey. Y'all wanna come over for some hot chocolate and chill?

Herc- Ooooooo sounds kinky. I'm in.

Lafayette- Love. You're taken.

Me- ooo. Tea.

Lafayette-Alex stop instigating:(

I chuckle.

Me- aw. Okay. Fine. -.-

Lafayette- Thank you. And I apologize. Herc is always flirting.

Herc- Stop talking about me as if I wasn't here!

Me- it's okay. I understand. Herc isn't used to being in loveeeee

Herc- guys! Come onnn.

I laugh at our antics.

Me- See y'all in a bit?

Lafayette- yes.

Me- cool.

I leave it at that and relax on the couch.

*Thomas*

I hear Alex laugh throughout his texting.

I smile. Knowing for a few minutes he forgot about the pain he was feeling.

I walk over with his hot chocolate and smile even wider when I see him relaxed on the couch and smiling himself.

"I'm assuming that went well then?"
"Yes. It did. They'll be here in a bit."
"Who is coming?"
"Laf and Herc."
"And John isn't?"
"I don't know. He didn't respond."
"Oh."

We sit in a comfortable silence sipping on our drink.
After a good 10 minutes Herc busts through the door.

"Hey People."
Alex waves as he drinks his hot cocoa.
"Hey Herc, Laf. Hot chocolate mix and cups are in the kitchen and the Keurig is ready."

Thy nod and go to make their hot chocolate.

"So! What's the plan for tomorrow?" Laf asks.
"I don't know. Were we supposed to have plans?" Alex asked nervously.

"Nope. Just wondering. We wanted to go mini golfing. So y'all wanna come?" Herc responds.

"Uh sounds good to me. We need to be out of the house. How about you Lex? You up to it?"
He looks at me and shrugs.

I smile knowingly.

"Come here." I bring him closer to me and hug him tightly.

" We need to be out of the house."- I place my hand on his cheek- "You don't need to feel guilty about having fun, Love. Or feeling happy."

I whisper the last part so only he can hear it.

His eyes glisten with unshed tears and smiles gently.

"Okay. Sounds fun."
"Cool. Now. Let's put on SNL." Herc says as he flops onto the Love Seat, and Laf sits himself in his lap cuddling closer to him.

.....

"Bye Guys. See y'all tomorrow for mini golf."
"Yup!"
I close the door and look back at Alex. He was trying to stay awake but he was obviously drowsy.

I pick him up and take him to our room.

"Mmm... Tom?"
"Mhm, Lex?"
"Love you."

I chuckle. He is so sleepy.

"Love you too."

I set him down on the bed and tuck him in.

I walk out of the room, gently closing the door behind me. I started to clean up the cups and food from the living room.

I start to quietly sing to myself. Just whatever song pops into my head.

"Give me one reason why I should never make a change." I sing.

(if you can guess the song without looking up the lyrics I'll give you a shoutout. 😂)

I start sweeping and continue to sing to myself.

I don't know why I was singing this song. I never listen to it. Pip did though. He always sang along. I smile at the memories. he always loved older songs. He was never into the new upcoming music.

Man, I miss my little man so much. He was always so kind and caring. Pip was always there for anyone whenever they needed him. Or just a shoulder to cry on.

I start singing another song that Pip listened to.

"I was left to my own devices." I skip around to my favorite parts. Well, Pip's favorite parts.

"And the walls kept tumbling down."

I move on to doing the dishes, and with this, I go to another song.
I chuckle at the memories of Philip singing along to it.

"I never see a diamond in the flesh."

I laugh some more. Images of Philip a 15-year-old dancing around his room in the morning, singing along to this song and the other songs I sang.

I finish up dishes and start the shower. I was tired.

But, I felt relieved in a way. I didnt dare listen to any songs Philip listened to. But I just sang three of his favorites. I smiled to myself. I missed Pip. I will forever love him and keep him in my heart. The hurt that came with Pips name, wasn't as strong now. It was more of love and memory.

.....

I walked into my bedroom to see my amazing Husband asleep. I grin fondly.

As carefully as I can, I cuddle in the bed next to him.

He turns over, asleep, and wraps his arms around my chest. Like we would nay night.
I love him so much. I don't know where I'd be without him.

A/N HEY! I'm so sorry its been so long. This book has just been more of a side project but I'm going to try and finish it before school starts again so you all can have quality chapters. But i hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thank you all for your patience and sticking with me. Thanks for reading, commenting and voting and
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