New Light || Chris Taylor

Twenty Two

As Theo made his way out, I couldn't help but notice the glare Ella directed at Cody who scampered out.

"What was that?" I questioned.

She smiled.

"Nothing, so can I put a camera in every room?"

"Which rooms do you have in mind?" I wondered.

She scrunched up her nose.

"Since you two can't keep your hands off each other, I figured just the kitchen, living room and backyard"

I nodded.

"Okay" I agreed.

As she went to set up the cameras, Theo made his way inside with two grocery bags.

"You okay?"

"Just a bit nervous" I admitted.

He set the bags down on the kitchen counter.

"Well then, let's keep you busy so you can stop thinking nonsense"

And that's exactly what happened. I was so busy finishing up dinner that I did not notice when Nora got home until she was in the kitchen. Her hair was up in a ponytail, and the minimal makeup she had applied still looked flawless. She was not showing yet, but her skin was glowing. 

"What's all this?"

I turned around to see Nora looking at the kitchen in slight awe.

"I wanted to show how much I appreciate you" I stated.

She smiled and made her way over.

"What are you making? It smells delicious"

"Well you mentioned to me that you were craving spaghetti and meatballs so I made it from scratched," I said.

"You're the best"

I shrugged.

"Seriously, thank you"

"Have a seat" I told her.

Once she was seated, I grabbed two plates.

"How was work?" I wondered.

"Slow"

She let out a tired sigh before looking at me.

"I'm going to have to extend that restraining order, just at least until my fellowship is over"

Wait, what?

"What happened?" I asked as I shut off the stove burners.

"Dean found out I'm pregnant"

"How?" I questioned.

"He followed you when Noel dropped you off"

Ugh.

"Are you okay?" I wondered.

"Yeah, he just got really angry and yelled"

She let out a shaky deep breath.

"But I thought he was going to hit me.

He never once laid a hand on her while they were dating, but when she caught him in bed with one of his interns he nearly hit her when she broke up with him. The reason she got a restraining order was that he got aggressive every time she refused to take him back. At one point he got into the gated community she lived in and just sat outside her place demanding she take him back.

"Were you alone?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"No, Eric was with me"