benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben knew that Ryder and his friends will not hold it against him at all that he had not reach out all that much especially since he just became a dad. Many of them understood how hard it was having a new born child. The Chef still felt bad but happy and felt lucky to have loving and understanding friends and family. He enjoyed and used every moment when they came over and they were spending time with them. "You can thank my mom and brother for that. They make sure I eat and the house to filled with food," he laughed shaking his head.

"Do I miss those puppy dog faces of yours that you use to get your way and free meal out of me?" he teased laughing softly. @ryderthornton

Ryder didn’t and would not hold this over Ben’s head. He had a son. He was a daddy. Being a daddy to baby Erik was his main and first priority. Ryder could wait patiently for him to call or text. He was never going to ask Benny to over look the needs and wants of his son. Even getting back into the routine of things, he knew it would take a while but he could do it. He had his support and wasn’t going anywhere. “Sounds delicious. I’m glad to hear my best friend is eating healthy and making time to eat too.”he said with a smile as he took the bottle of water from Ben. “My not so innocent face has missed you too. I know you especially missed my puppy dog faces.” “You’re busy. I get it. Also it goes both ways too: I should have reached out. But, we’re making time.”he smiled with a laugh. Liking a lot the wink.

[benjaminxjackson]

"My phone is running out of memory already due to all the pictures of this cute little guy I have taken. Seriously now I understand when parents take tons of pictures of their kid," Ben smiled softly. Ben was becoming that dad that took pictures, he wanted to capture every moment and not miss a thing. He was glad that he was in a position in his career that allowed him to be very present. He smiled and watched as Laila carried Erik.

Ben smiled brightly, "Really?" he spoke with a laughter in his voice. "I guess I am. Being a dad and having this little prince has been the best thing that happened to me," the chef added. Ben never thought a day like this will come and he was so very glad it did even if it happened in a way he did not expect it. "Simple, just text me and stop by. I am basically always home with this bean." @lailaxmir

Laila let out a delighted little laugh at his comment about the Jackson genes. “Oh, it’s definitely in the DNA. I mean, I’ve seen the photos—you all really don’t have a bad angle in the bunch.” She gave Ben a teasing look before gently scooping Erik up into her arms with the kind of practiced ease that made it clear she’d done this before.

“Well, hello there, Mr. Cutest Bean in the World,” she cooed, holding Erik close as she swayed a little on instinct. “You’re even more charming in person. This is completely unfair to the rest of us.”

She glanced up at Ben, a soft, genuine smile touching her lips. “You seem really happy, you know. Tired maybe, but happy. It suits you.” Then, tilting her head with a spark of amusement, she added, “so do tell--how do I get myself on the rotation for constant baby-cuddling breaks because I don't think I'm going to be able to give him back that easily." | @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Life was really an interesting thing. In the last few years the doctor had faced his past finally, met and reconnected with his niece and nephew, gotten into a relationship, engaged and have that called off and now having a kid. Ben would have never believed all this if you told him this would be his life. Honestly, the chef will not change any of it for the world. Ben smiled as he carried Erik from his crib and carefully placed him in Rory's hands. "Here, he loves being carried and loves all the attention he gets".

Within a year and a half, Rory had found her brother and learned of her uncles. Now she was closer than ever to them all, finally having a family she cherished. And now add in a baby cousin, whom she was excited to finally meet though she had nearly zero experience with babies. She smiled as she followed Ben, and gave him a nod, "of course," she was excited to hold him, hoping she wouldn't mess it up. @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben chuckled and smiled, "I might look comfortable but am always ready to maintain my spot on the top. Good to know that I have a challenge very soon," he teased back with a grin on his face. Ben understood stress cooking, making enough food to feed the whole town due to that. "I know how it is. Things indeed have been so very stressful but hopefully things are calming down," he added voice warm.

"I am, thanks to everyone's help. Never knew how hard it was, not having a sleep schedule might have actually helped. How have you been and how is Nel?." @wyattxwheeler

"Yeah, don't get too comfortable at the top, Chef Ben," he teased as he walked into his best friend's place. "Turns out I've had a lot of time to stress cook," and he saw no reason to continuously leave the house to eat when he knew that he could provide for him and Nel at home. He set the dish down on the counter, eyes scanning over the baby gear. A soft chuckle passed over his lips, "You doing okay?" He questioned, looking over at Ben this time as he spoke. "Having a newborn can be a lot of work." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

It had been hard to get back into cooking or creative mode since Erik was born, Ben was still learning and trying to balance everything. He normally cooked just about every day but he had little energy to do so, he was surprise of how he manage to find some time to clean between Erik's naps. Ben had made a simple meal, just some lemon baked chicken over some white rice and tomato sauce. "I have some left over baked chicken and rice with tomato sauce I made yester," he respond back as he grabbed a cool bottle of water before walking toward Ryder. "I know, I have missed you and that totally not innocent cute face of yours too. Seriously, I should call and text more but am glad that you are good" he winked before laughing. @ryderthornton

Ryder couldn’t believe that baby Erik was here. He was getting to hold him for the first time. He heard so much about him and knew that Ben was going to be a great daddy. But, now that he was getting to hold the little one in his arms, it made him smile and even get baby fever. Even though it was a ways off, still made him think about being a dad himself in the future. Ryder gently rocked Erik. “Just some water and if you’re making food you better be making some for yourself as well.”he said softly. “I’ve been good. Working, missing my best friend but you have a handsome reason here to be absent so I don’t blame you, and just enjoying life.”

[benjaminxjackson]

The Jackson's were blessed with amazing talents and good lucks. They had good genes, sometimes it seems that some of them might have inherited the gene of having sad moments in their lives but they were also survivors and strong. Erik was an example of that, the kid was healthy and made it through. "I know how it is, I seriously do not miss school at all and cooking school," he replied chuckling, watching River sit on the couch. The Chef carried baby Erik and placed him in River's hands. "Here, I was surprised how good he is with people carrying him." @riverxjackson

River chuckled lightly, "For sure we are," he smiled, glad that Ben was able to have Erik, he knew it was going to be good for Ben and the family to have a baby in the family now. He was excited to have Erik around and was excited to see more of Erik for sure. "Good busy with work and school, but doing well," he smiled at Ben. He grinned as he moved to go sit down on the couch so he could hold Ben easily. @benjaminxjackson.

[benjaminxjackson]

"Yup," he smiled unable to help himself. "Right, he really inherited the Jackson's looks. You know we were all cute as babies and even we are still are now," he chuckled softly. He watched as Erik smiled and cooed as Laila interacted with him. Erik seemed to be enjoying the weather and the new sight too. "Awww, I understand the whole busy but good. It's insane, how my schedule has changed the last few months and actually do not mind it at all," he added nodding his head.

"That's what everyone says too. He is the cutest bean in the world," he replied still smiling softly. "Ya, permission granted," he answered with a smile. @lailaxmir

Laila’s face lit up the moment she spotted them—Ben and the stroller rolling toward her under the perfect spring sky. She practically beamed, already crouching down a little before he even finished his sentence.

“Oh my God, is this him?” she said, voice full of delight as she peeked into the stroller. “Hi, Erik! Look at you, you handsome little heartbreaker.” Her tone dropped into that universal cooing cadence reserved exclusively for adorable babies, her hands hovering as if itching to scoop him up—but politely waiting for the green light.

She looked up at Ben, grinning wide. “I’ve been good! Busy, but good. This though? This just made my entire week.” She glanced back down at the baby. “He’s even cuter than the photos. I didn’t think that was possible.” Then, with a playful glance back at Ben: “Permission to hold the little prince?” | @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

starter for @ryderthornton Location: Ben's residence

Ben smiled softly as he watched Ryder hold Erik. Erik was a great kid and he was not too fussy with people. He was glad for the company, Ben had been going out more with Erik stopping by the restaurant just to get updates. He was thankful for his employees because they were great at their jobs and he did not have to worry. The chef still not could leave his kid alone with anyone. It was hard for him. "Would you like to drink Ryder or eat?" he asked softly. "Also, how have you been?"

[benjaminxjackson]

starter for @auroraxjackson Location: Ben's Place

Ben was thankful for his family and friends, he did not know how he would be able to do and handle any of these. It was hard at first but he finally had a schedule down which had been a great help. He was excited when Rory came to visit to meet her baby cousin. Baby Erik had been great with people. He slowly walked toward her and him as Erik was in his crib. "Do you want to hold him? his bottle is almost ready," he spoke with a smile on his face.

[benjaminxjackson]

starter for @mitchelljackson Location: Ben's residence

Ben smiled as he watched his older and baby Erik, who was cooing and smiling. Mitchell was amazing with Erik and he was thankful for his brother who had been there for him since day one. The older male had helped him hold it together, Mitchell had always been able to help Ben from falling apart for as long as he could remember. He sighed as he walked toward him. "You are on hundred percent his favorite uncle," Ben teased with a grin on his face. Becoming a dad was rewarding and there was a time that Ben never thought that this was going to happen.

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben was happy that Nel was home and safe. He could not imagine how hard things were for Nel and Wyatt but he was glad that they could finally get some rest. Ben had been so busy with baby Erik that he had not had much time or the energy to really cook all that much. He was thankful for his mom who dropped off meals and made things easy. He had saw his best friend text. He opened the door after Wyatt knocked and smiled as they walked in. He chuckled softly. "You have come a long way Wyatt, seriously you might soon give me a run for my money," he spoke with a grin on his face. @wyattxwheeler

starter for @benjaminxjackson

location: benjamin's place

Wyatt had entrusted Nel's safety with her sister, Dana. He wasn't fond of her being alone, even in the confines of their shared home. Yet, he knew that he had promised Benjamin he would come over and help out. His knuckles rapped against the door, gently, before opening it up. He had texted that he was on his way, preparing Benjamin for his arrival. Wyatt carried the bags of food, repaying the favor to Benjamin as he stepped into the man's home. "My cooking isn't as good as yours but I did learn from the best so hopefully you can appreciate it." Wyatt had always enjoyed cooking, his skill increasing over the years.

[benjaminxjackson]

"You are totally correct," he replied with a smile on his face. Ben knew Ryder was right about that for sure. He knew his mom would not let him near the kitchen at all and will arrive with tons of meal so that he would not have to think about cooking at all. Ben got that for his mom. "Yup, that's moms for you," he sighed softly. He was a bit sad for a moment that Erik's mom will not be a part of his life and he hated that but there was nothing he could do at all. "I might already plan on getting him a kids cooking playset when he is older."

"Really? Here I thought my cute amazing face will do the trick this time and I did not have to do the cute puppy dog face," he spoke as he poked his friend's sides. @ryderthornton

“No she won’t. She’s going to want you to spend as much time as you can with Erik. Focus all your attention on him, while she does the cooking and cleaning and anything else that she can think of while she’s here. That’s the way that moms are. They are going to take care of us no matter how old we get.”Ryder smiled. Ryder had met Bennys mom a few times and she took care of everyone. Even made sure Benny and his siblings had everything that they needed. “When he gets older, you can teach him everything that you learned in the kitchen. He can be your mini sou chef. Get him a little apron and chef hat too.”

Ryder smirked and arched an eyebrow at Benjamin. “Who said that you were getting off that easy? You might still have to do the puppy dog eyes and innocent look. Even though I know I’m welcomed I still want to see you do it.”he chuckled.

[benjaminxjackson]

starter for @lailaxmir Location: Kismet Park

"Hey Laila," the chef spoke with a smile on his face as he walked toward her with baby Erik who was in a stroller. It was a beautiful day and the weather was just perfect. Ben knew that the two of them needed some fresh air. It had been awhile since he had spoken to Laila in person as well. "How have you been?"

[benjaminxjackson]

"Doctors are worried that his lungs might be affected. It did not sound good when they listened to it. They are also worried about Pleural effusion and Sepsis," his voice breaking as he spoke. "They are waiting on some test results and will not know how bad it is until the test gets back," he added letting out a sigh. Ben was trying to be hopeful for sure. Ben was tried, he had not stepped away, he could not imagine stepping away all he cared about his son and hearing that they were going to be okay. He was glad that his brother was a doctor and his brother was here for because there was no way he could do this alone at all. "I could use some coffee and I am not hungry at all," he answered looking at his brother.

"Thanks Mitch.....really," he spoke tears running from his eyes. @mitchelljackson

END

Mitchell listened, eyes scanning monitors and listening to anything he thought he'd need to be paying attention to so his younger brother could focus. He didn't wish this on anyone, but especially someone that was family. This was partially why Mitchell didn't have kids; he wasn't sure he could handle it. Ben was already doing so much more than any parent should have to. And that was enough for him to know this would break his heart. "What are the doctors saying?" he questioned. "How do his lungs sound?" Being born with pneumonia sounded terrifying; Mitchell couldn't imagine the life his nephew was fighting. "But you're where you need to be." he stated, eyes focused on Ben. "Do you need anything? Food, water?" he questioned. "I know you're not going to leave him until you have to, but, I want to be here for you too." @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben had been worried and scared at first but since baby Erik had gotten home, he had been doing well especially after his last check up the doctor had given him the all clear. Baby Erik was amazing kid and Ben knew he was the luckiest person in the world. "He is the cutest kid and most amazing kid in the world. After all we Jackson are awesome," he chuckled softly as he looked at his nephew. "How have you been Riv?" he asked with a smile on his face. "Also do you want to hold him?" @riverxjackson

River was excited that Ben had a child of his own. He knew it wasn't really planned for Ben, but it was a good thing he knew it was something that Ben wanted. It took a little while, but River was able to make plans to go to Ben's place to meet his cousin. He had gotten off work, gone home to shower and change, and then headed over to Ben's place. Once he arrived, he smiled, "Hey Ben," he smiled softly, speaking low, not knowing if Erik was asleep or not. "Oh, that's great," he smiled as he followed Ben into the living room. It was pretty wild that he had just met Haven's twin boys, and now he was meeting Ben's son Erik. "Aw," he said, walking over towards the crib with a smile. "He's so cute," he smiled. @benjaminxjackson

[benjaminxjackson]

Benny smiled at Ryder's words. That's the thing about good friends and best friends, they understood each other and don't have to say it out loud to know what they mean. Benny knew Ryder so very well and Ryder knew him well too. "That's for sure, I know she would not want me to go near the kitchen at all. One thing thought am excited is for when Baby Erik is older, I can't wait to teach him some of the family recipes." Ben's heart was really in the kitchen for as long as he could remember, he had a talent for cooking and he was glad that he was able to use this talent.

One of the reasons Benny made sure that there was plenty of room was because he wanted to be able to house and support his friends when they needed it. He wanted his home to be a place that his friends can come to. "Good to know that I don't have to use the whole innocent and puppy dog look when I ask you," he teased with a wink. "It's insane. I so can't believe it".

"You would know it's not me. I would do things totally different and I would be acting not myself. I wouldn't be this quirky, adorable man that you see here today. My cute adorable face too. I think you explained it beautifully. Much better than I did." Ryder chuckled. He felt like he was just piecing together words and wasn't making any sense but Ben on the other hand. He made complete sense. He knew Ryder inside and out, so if anything was off with him, he would be able to tell. He nudged Ben back with a smile and chuckle. "Your mom is going to be the first one to kick you out of the kitchen to use to first. I'm just saying." he smiled. "When baby Erik arrives, shes probably not going to want to leave. Shes going to want to stay to help you with everything."

"Awww Benny! Maybe someday soon or if you ask really really nicely. I will." Ryder teased him with a smile and that smirk and wink. It made him smile each and every time and feel giddy too. "So soon. He will be here before you know it."

[benjaminxjackson]

Ben sighed as he looked at his brother, looking away from Erik. He had never been this scared before, Ben trusted the doctor and everything but he was still worried. Past issue of thinking of the worst was slowly starting to show it's ugly head and he knew he should be hopeful. He nodded his head at his brother's words. Mitchell was right, Erik is a Jackson and he had to believe that Erik will get better. "His mom had chorioamnionitis which lead to Pneumonia..." he answered. @mitchelljackson

Nodding slowly Mitchell let his hand remain on his brother's back as he tried to comfort his younger brother. "I know." he nodded. He'd been on the opposite side of this, watching people grieve their babies that he'd delivered. But it was different when it was family. "I know you're scared, but he's a Jackson." he stated, eyes landing on his nephew. "He's going to be fine." he added. "What have they told you?" Maybe getting a little more information would give him more of an insight on how things were looking. @benjaminxjackson