The Dark Influence

Chapter 7
7: This is Parenting, You Guys

The tears just wouldn’t stop. Sitting in his carseat, John sobbed in turmoil. Not only was his life gone, his wife was his new mommy, and his office crush had helped her plan the whole thing. Chloe kept filming.

“Alright Bakerfamfans, we’re taking little John home because he wouldn’t behave at the park, so we’re taking him home for an early nap.”

“It’s-not-uh-be-cause-I-wouldn’t-be-have,” he choked out between sobs, “You-wuined-my-life!” before returning to crying a river.

“I’ll just cut that out in post, John, you sound like a teenager.” Chloe pointed out as they returned home. For once she put the phone down and concentrated on driving, understanding the pain she was causing her baby. John was glad for that, at least, but he was still livid.

When they got home, Chloe walked around the car to unbuckle John from his carseat, but as soon as the straps retreated the punches started flying, “No! You wuined ouw welationship, you wuined ouw life togethew! I don’t wanna go with you!” Chloe held his arms down while she carried him inside, John struggling the whole way in, before depositing him in his crib.

“John Baker, that is unacceptable behavior. You are going to sit in your crib and think about what you’ve done while you nap.” She turned off the lights and closed the curtains, but didn’t leave the room, waiting for John’s moment of fury to pass. He shouted more obscenities at her, but eventually it did; his breathing slowed and he calmed down as the tears subsided.

“John sweetie, there’s no cure. You are my baby. Like it or not, we’re in this together. I am your mommy, you are my baby. I’m here for you no matter what.” She said tenderly, kissing him on the forehead before exiting the room as quietly as she could.