Chapter 13

N O E L L E

“Mommy! Can we eat dinner outside? I want to go to the mall.” It’s the weekend, and Noah is still with us. He can’t go home to his grandma yet since mom has to take care of their business longer than she expected.

I look at Maxwell to ask for permission, and he nods as he smiles. “Let’s watch a movie too.” Maxwell declared, and Noah shouted in happiness.

In 30 minutes, we are all set to go. Maxwell is carrying Noah’s bag. I always bring extra clothes for Noah, water, a first aid kit just in case of emergency, a towel, baby wipes, and milk. Yep, he sometimes still asks for milk.

“What are we going to watch, daddy?” Noah asked while his dad was helping him to get off the car.

“Let’s check, but whatever you would like to watch, son.” He answered, and Noah chirped in glee.

We went straight to a restaurant and ate our lunch. I was feeding Noah when Maxwell took over and let me eat my food while he’s feeding Noah. I smiled as I appreciated his role as dad to Noah. He is such a responsible father.

“I heard Dr. Roberts would return on Monday,” Maxwell said while carrying Noah on his arm. Our baby suddenly feels sleepy after eating.

I caress my arm as I feel a sudden chill. I nod. “Yeah, and I could not help but feel worried again. I hope Dr. Roberts extends his vacation.” Dr. Will Roberts is our department head. He took a vacation for two months, and now he’s coming back.

“Will you be alright? Would you like to request to change your shift?” He asked as we rode the escalator going to the cinema.

I shake my head. “I can’t. We need someone to take care of Noah day and night.” I said.

“How about I work at day and you at night? We need to do something about Dr. Roberts, or else I don’t know what I can do to him.” Maxwell said in greeted teeth. I sighed as I caressed his arm.

“Let’s do it then. I need to avoid Dr. Roberts.” I said, and Maxwell smiled at me. “Thank you, Max.”

“I won’t let my son’s mother get hurt.” He said, and I smiled at him.

Noah woke up while we were choosing the movie. He chose Space Jam: A New Legacy. Maxwell bought snacks for Noah, so Noah could stop talking while watching. He talks a lot while watching TV, and for sure, watching a movie is no exemption.

The movie lasted for one and a half hours. We went straight to the supermarket to buy groceries. “Stop grabbing chocolates, Noah,” I warned him, and he chuckled. He is riding the cart, and he grabs all the chocolates he sees. “Too much sweet is bad for your teeth.” I reminded him.

“But it’s delicious, mom.” He complained.

“Yes, but it doesn’t mean it’s healthy,” I answered, and he pouted. His cuteness affects me, and I can’t resist it. “Alright, you may take one chocolate.”

“Yey!” He cheered.

“Just one, Noah.” I reminded him. He nodded and grabbed a large pack of M&M. “What the.” I was shocked.

“It’s just one, mom.” He said while smiling, and I heard Maxwell chuckle.

“Noah!”

“You did not tell me what size, right, dad?” He even asked for Maxwell’s help. “Your condition was to take one chocolate, but you did not mention what size, so I grabbed the largest.” He said, and I slapped my forehead in annoyance and amusement.

“Did you forget that our son has a 130 IQ score?” Maxwell asked as he chuckled.

“I suddenly felt stupid,” I said, and Maxwell laughed.

It was already dark when we got home. I quickly cooked our dinner while the two guys were reading books. Noah prefers reading books instead of browsing the internet. Maxwell is still studying different cases of children’s illnesses.

“Alyssa wants to meet Noah while he’s here,” I said while we were eating dinner.

“Sounds good. When?” He asked.

“Tomorrow. Do you have plans tomorrow?” I asked.

“I will go to the hospital to check my patients, but I will go after that. Let me know where I will find you.” He said, and I nodded. “Are you still worried about taking Noah out by yourself?”

I smile awkwardly and nod. “I feel more secure if you are around,” I admitted.

“I never thought you would be this clingy, my dear Noelle.” He said while smirking.

“What? You wish.” I said, and he laughed.

Noah giggled when he heard that his Aunt Alyssa would take him out tomorrow. He fell asleep after telling me how excited he was to meet Alyssa again.

M A X W E L L

“What are you doing here, Hughes?” Levi asked in annoyance.

“I dropped by to say thank you for saving Noelle the other day,” I said, and he smirked while shaking his head.

I went to his office after checking my patients in the ward. I have scheduled surgery tomorrow, so I just made sure that everything is okay.

“You sound like you own her, Hughes.” He looks at me like I am the most pathetic guy in the world.

I chuckle. “It is beyond what you can imagine, Levi,” I said, and his eyes darkened as his hands formed into a fist. He is undeniably furious. I never thought he was still in love with Noelle after all the things that happened.

Now that Noelle is mine, I won’t let you take her away from me again.

“I appreciate your help, but please stop bothering her, especially if she is in the middle of her duty,” I said.

“Are you instructing me, Hughes? May I remind you that I am the owner of this hospital?” He said as he loosened up his necktie.

“I’m aware, but since you are the owner, you should’ve known the proper and improper things to do in the hospital, was I wrong?” I looked at him, full of confidence.

“Stop lecturing me, Hughes!” He shouted. He is still the short-tempered Levi I know. What a pity.

“By the way, I would like to request a change of shift.” His facial expression suddenly changes. “I’ll take the day shift, and Noelle will be at night shift,” I announced.

His one brow arches. “Why the fuck am I going to accept your request? I’m sure you are aware that I put Noelle on day shift, so I could see her, right?”

“I’m well aware of your dirty moves, Levi. But this one is kind of serious, and it’s not about you. I hope you consider.”

“What’s the reason then?” He asked.

“It’s about Noelle’s security. I know we both want her to be safe, so I hope you approve our request.” I said before turning my back on him. “Just to inform you, Noelle is mine. Stop pursuing her, Levi.” I said before closing the door of his office.

I heard him shout in anger, and I laughed in amusement. Torturing you is fun, Levi.

I followed Noelle and Noah to the restaurant she texted me. I found Noah sitting comfortably on Alyssa’s lap while they were happily chatting.

“What did I miss?” I asked as I drank Noelle’s drinks.

“Daddy!” Noah called me, and I planted a kiss on his forehead.

“Are you alright?” Worry skates all over Noelle’s face.

I nod. “Yes. I had fun at the hospital.” I said as I called the waiter to order. “What else do you want?”

She shakes her head. “I’m already full.” She said, so I just ordered a light meal.

“I asked Noah what he wants for his birthday, and he told me he wants a…” Alyssa cuts his statement as she looks at Noah.

“I want a baby sister!” Oh. I look at Noelle, and her face is red while looking in the opposite direction. She’s embarrassed and awkward.

I pinch her cheek while chuckling, and she punches me lightly. “It hurts.” She said while caressing her cheek. She is so cute.

“I would love to, baby. Mommy and I will talk about it, okay?” I said while looking at Noelle. Her facial expression is hilarious.

“Yehey!” Noah said as I chuckled.

“You are so flirt, Maxwell,” Alyssa said with a poker face.

“Stop bashing me and find a man already. Are you planning to live alone forever?” I said, and she punched me in annoyance.

“I can’t go on a date in my busy schedule. You two are both lucky to work in the same place. I envy you two.” She said as she sighed. “By the way, what’s our plan for Noah’s 7th birthday next month?” She said while looking at us excitedly.

“We are planning to celebrate it at our house. I’ll invite his friends, classmates, and teachers. It will be a simple celebration.” Noelle said.

“What? You are so boring, Elle.” I shake my head at Alyssa’s remarks. “Why don’t we rent a kid pool and have a pool party!” She yelled.

“What?” Noelle exclaimed.

“I’ll pay for the kid pool. You prepare the food and the other games that they will enjoy.” Alyssa added. Her eyes were twinkling in excitement.

“Are we still talking about Noah’s birthday party or yours?” I asked, and she threw me a death glare. “Shut up, Maxwell Hughes.” She’s scary.

“Well…” Noelle looks at me to ask for permission. I always find him adorable every time she looks at me this way. I like it every time she depends on me. I love it more every time she asks for my thoughts or permission first.

I nod at her while smiling. “We think it is fine since it’s already summer. Let’s discuss the full details in two weeks.” She said. Alyssa and Noah both yelled in celebration.

Alyssa has an attitude of 6 years old.