Mikey looked around the church idly. Everyone in their row seemed to have young children, as being in the back was the easiest way for parents to get up and take care of needs without disturbing others. While most of the children were even younger than Mikey, his eyes landed on the only other toddler: a girl with golden hair sitting in her mother's lap. Mikey was entranced. She was so pretty!
Church ended. Mikey immediately tugged on Stacey's shirt and pointed at the girl.
"Oh, you want to make a friend?" Stacey asked. Jim looked over. He chuckled.
"I think he likes her more than just as a friend," he teased. Mikey didn't deny it. He merely continued to point.
"Okay, okay!" Stacey got up, still holding Mikey. The three of them walked up to the girl and her parents. "Hi, sorry to bother you. Our son Mikey wanted to meet your daughter, since she's the only one here his age."
"Oh!" The girl's mother seemed surprised and delighted. "Yes, that would be nice. She doesn't have many friends. This is Penelope, Penny for short."
"Hi, Penny," Mikey said around his pacifier. Penny looked him up and down, then hid behind her father's leg. As her parents and Mikey's parents talked, Mikey tried to get Penny to interact with him. But she seemed reluctant. And...a bit odd. There was something different about her, for sure. Mikey just couldn't figure it out.
Eventually, Penny's parents, golden haired like her, had to say their goodbyes. But not before exchanging numbers, so they could have a playdate later.
"That was fruitful," Jim remarked. He picked Mikey up. "Already, we've made friends with other parents and have a playdate scheduled for Mikey. We are crushing this whole parenting thing." Stacey laughed.
"I agree."
"Now, it's been a bit of a long day already for a little guy like you," Jim said to Mikey. "We have to get you a crib. And a baby monitor. And a stroller. And some other things. Do you want to come with? Or do you want to stay home? If you stay home, do you want me to stay with you or Stacey?"
Mikey sucked on his paci. On the one hand, he wanted to have a say on his new items. On the other hand, he really was tired. But if he stayed home, he'd have to choose between Stacey and Jim. And that was really difficult. Jim was fun and reassuring. Stacey was sweet and maternal. And she made the tasty milk that he loved. Jim couldn't.
After a few moments, Mikey made his decision.