His Construction Princess

Like daddy can't hurt us anymore

Aria's POV

"It's okay. It's your first time here", Colin said. "Colin, it's not that big of a deal. He could've sat here, he's our guest", I scorned, as I sat down. I sat the tea in front of Alex. "It's okay, really" Alex said, resting his hand on my arm. An action that didn't go unnoticed by my seven-year-old.

I cleared my throat and reached for the pizza box. "So, Colin, how old are you?", Alex asked. I've already told him, but I assume he is just making conversation. "Seven", Colin answered, with a mouthful of food. "Chew your food first, Col. You can choke", I corrected him.

"Wow, you are tall to only be seven", Alex noted. "Yeah, a lot of kids at school pick on me. They try to say that I actually failed and lie about my age", Colin frowned. As did I, because it's the first time I've heard about it. "Colin, how long has this been happening?", I questioned him.

"All year", he whispered. "You do realize that you are bigger than them, right?", I asked, confused. "Yes, mama. That's why they are making fun of me", he stated, with an obvious attitude. "Punch them in the mouth, son. Words don't stop bullies, actions do. Don't let people walk all over you", I instructed him.

"You should listen to your mother, you know. She's a smart woman", Alex chimed in. "I don't want to get in trouble", Colin uttered. "With who?", I asked, throwing my hands up. "You or daddy", he cried. I froze dead in my tracks. He hasn't mentioned his father in months. "Baby, look at me", I whispered, coming down to his level. Colin looked at me with tears in his eyes.

"You will NEVER get in trouble with me for standing up for yourself or others. I'll be right by your side, advocating for you. Do you understand me?", my voice was gentle and sincere. "What about daddy?", he sniffled, wiping his eyes.

"What about him, sweetheart?", I asked. "If I get in trouble, you get in trouble. And and that's always bad", he stuttered. I inhaled sharply. I know what he's talking about. And I hate myself for not shielding him from it. "You don't have to worry about that, baby", I reassured him.

"How would mommy get in trouble?", Alexander asked, a darkness to his tone. "Daddy would hit mommy, and not spank either, like he did me", Colin said, shaking his head. "Okay, thank you, Colin for sharing that with us. Finishing eating so that you can go get your shower", I scurried him along to end the conversation. He ate his last few bites on the way to the shower.

When I turned back to face Alex, it was with fierce. His face was hard, I assume from the news he heard. "Alexander, look", I stated. "Now I know I pissed you off. I do apologize for overstepping", Alex said, putting his hands up in surrender.

"If you want to know about my ex-husband fine. Ask me, not my son. He has seen enough. I really don't want him to have to relive it", I was flustered, pacing my kitchen flooring and trying to hold myself together. I can't lose it on him.

"He seemed to be reliving it on his own, princess", Alex mentioned calmly. "He hasn't mentioned his father in months", my voice was getting an octave higher. My anxiety crashing down on me. "You think it is my presense?", he questioned. "I know it is. I do not allow men at my house. The only men who come here are my brothers and William, that's it", I leaned against my counter and ran my fingers through my hair.

I saw Alex stand up and walk towards me in my periphial vision. "Then why did you let me in?", his voice was soothing as it washed over me. He came to a stop in front of me. He placed his hands on the counter on either side of my hips, caging me in place, as he waited for an answer.

"I don't know", I whispered, peering up at him. "Something just told me to", I admitted. A smiled ghosted Alex's lips before he spoke again. "Colin needs to heal, princess. Two things need to happen in order for him to heal", his voice was low and tender. "And, what is that?", I uttered, curiously.

Alexander's hand came up to caress my elbow. "He has to be able to talk about it, relive it. And he has to see how a man is really supposed to treat a woman. Otherwise, he will think it's normal to treat women the way you were", he whispered, his breath fanning my cheek. My heart ached, as the harsh reality set in.

He was right. 100% right. I know that. "f**k", was all I could manage before my dam broke and I was fully sobbing. Alexander's arms instantly came up to wrap around me, bracing me against his chest. I felt safe for the first time in my life. I felt safe. Which, only made me cry harder. "I've got you, princess", Alex whispered, holding me closer.

What is wrong with me? I just met this man. And, now, I'm crying in his arms. "You're safe, little one", he muttered. Four words, that's it. But, it's all I craved. My sobs slowly turned into hiccups. Alex pulled back to wipe my tears. "You are stunning, Aria, even when you cry", he uttered.

"What are we doing, Alex? I can't get involved with you. And you don't want to get involved with me", I voiced. "Said who?", he countered. "Trust me. I'm too damaged", I admitted, looking down. Alex cupped my cheeks and lifted my head to look at him.

"That's funny, because all I see is a rose waiting to bloom. Thorns to protect the beauty", he uttered, softly, looking down at my lips. "Did you make my mommy cry?", Colin's voice separated us from our entanglement. "No, baby. He didn't", I defended him. "Then, why have you been crying?", he questioned, nothing getting past him.

I chuckled softly, as I crouched down some to be on his level. "I made myself cry, sweetheart", I explained. "Oh, you are good at that", he waved it off. I hugged him while I laughed. "I am, I am", I agreed. "Mommy, can I watch tv before bed?" Colin asked. I checked my watch and saw it was only 7:30pm. "For a little bit", I answered.

Colin squeeled with excitement and ran to his room. "You are a great mother, Aria", Alexander praised. "Thank you", I sniffled, with a tender smile. "Aria, I apologize for barging into your life the way that I did. However, I feel something when I look at you. A feeling I have never experiened before. And, I have every intention of discovering what it is", Alex's voice was deep, stiring something profound in the pit of my stomach. His hands finding their way to my hips.

"I'll see you in the morning, princess", he whispered, kissing my forehead, before turning to leave. "I'll see you later, little man. Be good for your mama for me, will ya?", Alex called down the hall towards Colin's room, as he got to the door. "I will!", Colin shouted back, to lazy to leave his spot in front of the tv.

Alex looked back at me with a gentle smirk. "Later, princess", he winked, before leaving. I sighed, and ran my hand through my hair. I'm sure it's a puffy mess right now. Ugh, what am I thinking? To distract myself, I cleaned up the kitchen from dinner and made sure the bathroom was tidied up after Colin's shower.

"Mommy, is Mr. Alex going to be coming over more often?", Colin asked, as I tucked him into bed. "I don't know, baby", I answered. "I hope so. He makes me feel safe. Like daddy can't hurt us anymore", he whispered. I smiled softly. "Me too, baby. Go to sleep. I love you", I said, kissing him on the cheek. "I love you, too, mama. Good night", he yawned.