Bedtime Stories

[Thomas Smith]

“The End!” Thomas read right through the very end of Spenser’s favourite book, even though he was out for the count not even 3 pages in. He was starting to learn now that if he just left it half way through Spenser would wake up crabbier than when he got into bed and would need a few books to get him back off to sleep. Pulling up the blankets up around the sleeping boy, Thomas made sure to leave his room and close the door over as quiet as possible and make his way back downstairs. This routine might seem strange to someone who wasn’t a parent or relative of the child he just tucked in but Thomas had grown to love the little boy as if he were his own and lived for the time where the two of them sat and read. Thomas grew up with a love for books so it brought him so much joy being able to bring that joy into the lives of the younger generation.

“He’s out for the count!” Thomas announced with a sigh as he entered Arisa’s living room, plopping himself down on the sofa beside her. He admired Arisa so much for raising Spenser as well as she did, he was wrecked spending the day just playing with Spenser but Arisa did so much more and that seemed unfathomable to him. Even though he was tired Thomas was so happy with his life right now; particularly in this very moment. For years he had been working and not had much of a social life, outside of his brother and his mates. Since he had reconnected with Arisa he just had a lot more joy in his life. He lost pretty much all connection with his school friends, well whatever friends he had when he left, and he figured that was pretty much going to be his life but Arisa changed all that. “So, what do you want to do?!” he asked. It was still a relatively early night and he didn’t fancy going to his own house just yet.

 

[Arisa Havishmen]

Arisa was actually quiet nervous about tonight. It was silly because for the last year or so now she had spent more time with Thomas than she ever had at school. They had been friends, but it was more of an in passing thing. Now here he was in her house, and reading her son to sleep. Thomas had grown to be one of her closest friends, but the closer they got the more Arisa found herself not wanting to be just friends. Merlin it was like she was a teenager again. The other day she had actually caught herself signing a prescription with Arisa Smith. The thought of having to explain that one to the apothecary still made her blush. The last thing she wanted to do was make things awkward between them if Thomas didn't feel the same way. Spencer would be inconsolable if Thomas never came back. Her son loved Thomas, and spending time with him. The two had so much in common, and it was adorable to see them interact. Spencer wasn't much for words, but they always knew how to communicate. You have to do this. For you. Arisa told herself as she took a deep breath.

The witch finished brushing her hair, and changed into some comfortable clothes. She had taken the chance to get a shower, and change out of her work clothes while Thomas was putting Spencer to bed. Having him around helping out was so amazing. Freddie still did his share of work, but having someone with you when you had your kid was a huge help too. After Spencer was born Arisa didn't think she would have another child, but seeing what it could be like when you had help had her questioning her decision. Once Arisa heard the telltale The End she double checked how she looked in the mirror before leaving her room, and going to join Thomas on the couch. She flopped down beside him, and smiled brightly. "Thank-you. He likes you so much. You know it takes me at least two stories to get him to sleep." she said with a laugh. He always managed to guess the end of the first one before she was done reading, and would need a second to settle down.

"I was thinking we could just hang out for a while. I don't work tomorrow so no bed time for me!" Arisa told him as she scooted closer on the couch. They were sitting side by side now, and she placed a hand on his leg. The move made her a little nervous. It had been a long time since she had flirted with anyone. Her heart was racing, and it felt like her stomach was doing back flips. ​