Zephaniah // z.m

Thirty three

Zayn

When Hannah called in sick this morning, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Scolding myself all night long for being so emotional and vulnerable in front of her, I realised it only gained me comfort.

She had listened to me, talked to me and even embraced me into her arms. And even though I would've never wanted and imagined myself to do that.. I didn't regret it. I had missed the comfort from someone else other than my mum or son. Their comfort was enough- but this was different, and it felt good to talk about it to someone that hadn't been in the situation.

I hadn't slept a lot last nights, as my feelings and emotions were all over the place, thoughts clouding my mind and keeping me awake.

Maybe it was better that she wasn't here today. I could think clearly, try to make up my mind and understanding what I was feeling like right now. Last night confused me.

Sighing, I placed Zephaniah's stuffed dog against his headboard and smiled when I stared at it. I couldn't wait to hold my son again, so when I glanced at the clock and found out it was almost three pm. I raised my fist in the ear, letting out a quiet "Yes!"

I had moved everything in his room already and it was pretty much done, the faint aroma of paint the only thing still needing to fade away.

As I stepped into my car not much later, I put on some soft music and drove off to the store to buy my mum some chocolate and her favourite perfume, ignoring the price tag for once. The car drive was quick, and before I knew it, I was unlocking the door and stepping inside. "Zeph!" I yelled.

Not much later, I heard small bare feet padding on the floor as he ran over to me, a wide smile on his face, "Baba!" He exclaimed happily, wrapping his arms around my waist immediately.

My mum walked over to me too, a smile on her face as she kissed my cheek after placing Zephaniah's packed stuff on the floor, "Hi, love."

"Hey," I kissed her cheek back and frowned when I noticed Zephaniah's hair looked different, only then realising my mum must've taken him to the barbershop as it was much shorter at the sides. The hair on top was still slightly longer, his fringe an inch or so shorter. "Who are you? Where's Zephaniah?" I teased.

Zephaniah looked at me uncertainly, his big eyes full of confusion, his arms stil wrapped around my waist, "Baba?"

"Hello? Has anyone seen Zeph?" I teased again, referring to his change of hair, but as Zephaniah didn't really understand jokes, his eyes started to water and tears slipped out of them not much later, making me feel guilty.

"B-Baba, I'm here!" He cried silently as he reached for my hand, pointing at himself with the other hand.

"Zayn," My mum shook her head in disapproval, a small smile on her face and I chuckled sheepishly. "I couldn't help it," I mumbled.

"I was just teasing you, Zeph!" I crouched down in front of him and wrapped my arms around him, quickly drying his face. "I missed you buddy."

Zephaniah relaxed into my embrace and dried his teary face, "M-missed too, baba. I had a sei-seizure, right nana?" He looked up at her and she nodded in response.

"That's right, sweetheart." She said softly.

I gave him a sympathetic look, softly stroking his cheek. "I heard, Zeph. How'd you feel now?" Rubbing his back, I couldn't help but smile just because I was reunited with my own beautiful child.

Zephaniah cupped my cheeks and brought his face closer to mine, "Fine, daddy. Tired t-though. Auntie W-wwaliyha showered me in the morning!" He blushed.