Nick had been gone for almost a year on tour. His hands shook as he reached for the doorbell. He rang the little white button and waited, taking in a few deep breaths before returning his eyes to the door. He looked up as the door opened. "I'm back..." he whispered.
Zoe smiled weakly. "Nick, I can't believe you're home,". She had so much to tell him. She wanted to forgive him. She hoped that she could. "Come in,". Nick hadn't seen her new apartment. Gently she took his hand and guided him into the room. "Have a seat right there on the couch, I'll bring you something to drink,". She knew his favorite drink off by heart. She reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a can of Pepsi. (*AN* I have no clue what his favorite drink is)
She peeked into the living room before entering. Good he hadn't seen the toys or anything. He just sat with his eyes closed , breathing in great deep breaths. She smiled. "Okay here ya go,". Suddenly , she heard a baby start crying. She closed her eyes and swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Are you baby sitting Zoe?" he asked innocently.
She shook her head. "No,". Quickly, so as not to see his gaze , she pushed herself from the couch. Nick followed her.
"Zoe what is going... Talk to me!". He ran in front of her.
Tears were leaving streaks on her tired face. "What do you want to know Nick?" she asked meekly, pushing him aside she walked towards the baby's room.
"How did this happen? Whose baby is it?". He stretched his long legs to keep up with her.
"Honestly Nick? I don't know. It could be yours, or Colts, or maybe even the guy who rapped me,". She opened the door, cooing. "Shh its okay Nicky," she whispered, picking up the little bundle.
"You were raped! When?" he screamed.
"The night you threw me out. That was why I was in the hospital,".
"What did you call the baby?" he whispered.
Zoe smiled, and handed the baby over to Nick. "Nickolas Gene Mox,".
She watched as Nick lovingly eyed this little boy. "Well, he has most of my name, why don't you finish it," he asked.
She looked into his eyes, so caring and innocent. She knew he hoped that this little boy was his. "How could I Nick? I'm not even your girlfriend,".
She felt his hand lift up her chin. "Only you can change that Zoe,". He kissed her nose. Something he use to do. It was so sweet, and it always made her smile.
She opened her eyes. He could tell that she wanted to drop the subject, at least for now. "Kevin is now talking to me, so is Howie, AJ will only talk to me if he has to, and Brian avoids me. So, everything is in all peachy ness here," he chuckled.
"Colt and I broke up after I had Nicky...".
He stopped her. "Trust me, don't call him Nicky, he will hate it forever,".
She smiled. "Okay Colt and I broke up after Nick was born. He said that he wasn't ready for fatherhood. My father made me sign papers that said I was no longer his daughter on any terms, and everything he has given me, goes back to him except the things he wants me to have,". She sighed.
Nick felt horrible for the pain he had put Zoe through. The little boys blue eyes, started to close. Nick kissed him lightly on his little blonde forehead. Nick laid the baby in his crib and covered him with the little green quilt that laid at the bottom of the crib. He smiled and touched the baby with the tips of his fingers, then pulled away.
"Zoe I am so sorry. I wish I never thought those things about you. I wish , I mean I knew you would never cheat on me. But I was... I was so, scared, I was so very scared,". Nick couldn't control the sobs that racked through him.
Zoe ran over to him and wrapped her arms around him. He lifted her up and took her to her room. He laid her on the bed , then laid next to her. She was surprised to see that all he did, was lay his head on her stomach and cry. She patted his hair, and stroked his neck. She knew that always calmed him down. Soon they were both sleeping peacefully.