Pandoras Box Ch 03A

This story is part of my Pandora's Box series. Although I believe each story can be read as a standalone, a full list of the entries and the chronological order to read them in can be found in my bio.

Comments and feedback are very welcome, as always!

The Joys Of Single Motherhood

The baby cooed softly in Dani's arms, and she glanced down nervously at it. It was so small, so innocent, so delicate. And it was her responsibility to look after it. A tiny little human with so much potential and such a big future ahead of it.

Dani tightened her grip, terrified of dropping the small bundle, her belly tensing a little. How on earth was she supposed to do this on her own? What was she even supposed to do? Dani felt a shadow pass over her and she looked back up to see an older woman -- perhaps in her late 50s -- smiling kindly at her.

"Aww, she is adorable!" the woman exclaimed, gesturing at the baby and leaning in closer.

"Heh, yeah, she is," Dani replied, holding the bundle up slightly, unsure how else to respond. She wasn't used to this at all.

"How old is she?"

"About 25 weeks."

"And what's her name?"

"Uh, Ruby," Dani replied, a little perturbed by the woman's interrogation.

"Well, Ruby's so beautiful. Just like her mommy."

"Oh, uh, thank you," Dani stammered, feeling a little flushed at this statement.

"You look quite young. How old are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm 20."

"So young to have a little one! You're barely out of your teens!"

"Uh, I guess. But, um, I think you have the wrong-"

"Oh my, look at the time!" the kindly woman suddenly exclaimed, glancing at her phone. "I need to get going. But you hang in there, sweetie. You seem like a very caring mother."

Dani chuckled nervously. "Actually, I'm not-"

But the woman had already briskly walked off, the door ringing as she exited the café. Dani breathed lightly as the baby wriggled in her arms, and she glanced around anxiously. As if on cue, another figure emerged from the women's lavatory and walked over, stopping next to Dani.

"Thanks for that Dani. How was she?"

"Yeah, she was fine," Dani replied with a relieved smile, handing the small bundle over to a girl with a pretty oval-shaped face, tired-looking green eyes, and straight brown hair. She was plump but not quite overweight, wearing loose-fitting jeans and a sleeveless, crew neck blouse.

The girl was Sofia Baker, one of Dani's closest friends and the young single mother of Ruby.

"Say thank you to Auntie Dani," Sofia purred, gently rocking Ruby in her arms. Ruby, somewhat predictably, said nothing in response.

"I think she likes you," Sofia continued, seating herself on the other side of their table, cradling Ruby closely.

"Huh. You think so?" Dani legitimately couldn't tell the difference -- as far as she was concerned, Ruby's disposition hadn't changed even slightly over the last hour.

"Absolutely! She's so calm with you."

Dani couldn't help but feel a little pleased with herself, a grin slipping onto her face in response. Although she had 'met' Ruby numerous times before, including straight after Sofia had given birth, it was the first time she had actually held her.

"I guess you're not really used to babies, right?" Sofia said, as Ruby started to nod off in her arms.

"Nope. Just over-excited five-year-olds," Dani laughed.

"So you get on well with Jake's kid? Lucas, is that his name?"

"Uh-huh." Dani nodded. "He's super sweet. The three of us went to the zoo a couple of weeks ago, and he was totally adorable. He knew so much about the animals and he was telling me all these facts about them."

"That's so cute! A little family outing."

"Heh, kinda, yeah."

"Sounds like you and Jake are getting pretty serious, if you're meeting his kid and stuff."

Dani smirked coyly, blushing a little as she glanced away. "I suppose so. We have a lot of fun together. It's going pretty well. I... I like him a lot."

"Oh? Do I hear wedding bells?" Sofia grinned.

"Shut up!" Dani yelped, laughing and blushing harder. "We've only been dating for six months!"

"Hey, some people get married after six days."

"Yeah, well, we have a little more time on our hands I think," Dani smiled. "Anyway, we've only talked about me since I arrived. What about you, girl? How's your dating life?"

Sofia paused for a brief second before chuckling awkwardly. "Yeah, it's... it's all good."

"Oh yeah?" Dani leaned forward with interest. "Any hotties I should know about?"

"Yeah, a... a few." Sofia cleared her throat. "So, uh, Jake's just started a new job, hasn't he?"

"Hold on," Dani said, raising an eyebrow at her friend. "We're not just skipping over the juicy titbits like that! Tell me more."

Sofia glanced meekly down at the table. "Dani, there really isn't that much to say. I've been on a couple of dates, but they don't go anywhere. I'm busy with Ruby and work pretty much all of the time. I don't even have time to go to the gym, let alone see other people."

"Fifi, I keep telling you, I could easily set you up with one of Jake's pals."

Sofia grimaced as she stood up to place a now-sleeping Ruby in her buggy. "I'm not sure that's a good idea." As she lowered her daughter, Dani noticed the hem of Sofia's blouse ride up, revealing a pooch tummy with several deep stretch marks surrounding a popped-out belly button. It was a far cry from the smooth, toned abs Sofia had possessed prior to her pregnancy. As soon as Ruby was comfortably in the buggy, Sofia stood up and hurriedly re-covered her belly, glancing around self-consciously.

"What are you talking about? You're hot as hell, babe. Any guy would be lucky to be with you," Dani insisted, a little disconcerted by what she had seen. Sofia had been so confident and proud of her previously tight and fit body, which had rivalled Dani's own athletic, curvaceous frame. It bothered her to see her friend now so uncomfortable in her own skin.

"I'm not sure about that," Sofia said, forcing a smile. "Pregnancy really did a number on me."

"Who cares? Any guy who gives a shit about a few stretch marks isn't worth your time."

"It's not just that Dani, it's the whole damn single mom thing," Sofia replied, a hint of frustration slipping through into her voice for the first time. "I've been on a few dating apps, but the guys always ghosted me when I told them I had a kid. So I just put it in my bio instead to weed them out. But now, nobody speaks to me at all."

"Fuck them!" Dani exclaimed, her temper sparking. "Bunch of assholes if you ask me. Sofia, you deserve a guy who'll treat you right."

"Dani, it's fine, really," Sofia sighed. "I just need time to adjust, I think. Lose some of the baby weight and stuff. Then I can think about dating again."

Dani nodded, quashing her irritation but still feeling bad for her friend. Although she thought Sofia was still very attractive, anyone could see that single motherhood had definitely taken a toll on her. She was at least 20 pounds heavier than she had been prior to pregnancy, and Dani had noticed that she constantly looked exhausted.

Dani, in contrast, remained the epitome of a sexy, fun-loving college girl. With her large, optimistic eyes, cute heart-shaped face, hourglass figure, and long, thick chestnut hair, she was everything Sofia used to be. Her flat abs, athletic legs, and toned bubble butt were all points of pride that she had worked hard on, and she gladly showed them off today, along with her large breasts, slender waist, and wide hips, in a white, plunge neck crop top and butt-hugging, frayed denim booty shorts.

"I keep telling you, I can look after Ruby any time. If you wanna go to the gym or on a date, just let me know."

Sofia sighed, touched by her friend's sincerity. "I appreciate it, Dani, I really do. But you're busy as well. You've got your own stuff going on: college, your social life, Jake. The last thing I want to do is get in the way of all that."

"I don't care," Dani replied firmly, locking eyes with Sofia. "You're my friend, and I want you to be happy." She meant it, and her earnestness slipped through into her tone -- Sofia couldn't help but smile in response.

"You're so sweet to me Dani. Look, I'm fine, I promise you. I'm not gonna pretend it's easy, but it's all worth it for Ruby. As long as I can take care of her, that's all I need." Sofia gestured at the buggy, her eyes ablaze with genuine love, and Dani felt a sense of gladness ripple through her.

Ruby, however, didn't seem to share the same good feelings that Sofia and Dani were experiencing. There was a soft spluttering from her buggy, followed by a long, drawn-out wail.

"Oh dear," Sofia murmured fondly, reaching over and lifting her baby into her arms, "did someone have a nightmare?" She bobbed Ruby up and down and cradled her, but the crying only got louder and louder.

"Oh dear," Sofia repeated, starting to look a little exasperated. Ruby's cries echoed around the small coffee shop, making the majority of the occupants look around to find the source of the disruption, their expressions ranging from curiosity to clear annoyance.

Dani sunk into her chair awkwardly, disconcerted by the angry glares of customers upon them. There wasn't a lot she could do to help Sofia, and she hated how impotent it made her feel.

"It's crazy that you're able to stay so calm," Dani remarked over Ruby's bawling, attempting to lighten the mood. "I'd be freaking out if I were in your position."

"I think you're gonna have to be for a bit," Sofia replied grimly, standing up. "She needs her formula. I think I left it in the car." Sofia started to hand the squealing baby over to Dani, who visibly balked at this prospect.

"Wait, wait, let me grab the formula. Surely that makes more sense?"

"You don't know where I've parked."

"It's not a large car park, just tell me!"

"Dani, please just take her," Sofia gasped, her nostrils flaring as the stress of the situation started to get to her. Reluctantly, Dani allowed her friend to slide her daughter into her arms. As Sofia hurried out to the car, Dani re-seated herself and attempted to sooth Ruby.

"Shhh, Ruby, it's okay. It's okay. Mommy will be back soon. Shhh. Everything is ok." But Ruby only seemed to cry harder and louder, and Dani went red in the face as she made eye contact with a middle-aged man whose gaze seared into hers.

"Can you quieten it down, please?" he shouted over the din, his teeth bared.

"I'm trying!" Dani responded meekly, bobbing Ruby gently in her arms and getting increasingly distressed. "Shhh. It's okay... Ruby, everything's okay... Oh God, please stop crying!"

There was a ringing as the café door opened again. Dani looked up, hoping to see Sofia. But instead, to her considerable surprise, she was met with the broad frame and handsome, cocky face of her boyfriend, Jake Coleman.

"Well, this isn't what I expected to find."

"Jake? You're early!"

"You said you'd be an hour."

"I said a couple of hours!"

"Well, you really seem to be enjoying yourself regardless," Jake smirked, nodding at the wailing baby in Dani's arms.

"She won't stop!" Dani cried, tightly gripping Ruby.

"Give her here." Jake stepped forwards and held out his hands.

Dani nodded and passed Ruby into Jake's muscular arms, all too happy to be rid of her. He delicately tightened his hold on her tiny form and began to slowly rock her back and forth, singing a lullaby under his breath. To Dani's astonishment, Ruby began to quieten down her weeping and, over the course of the next ten seconds, stopped entirely.

"There," Jake said gently, a small smile creeping onto his face. "Isn't that better?"

Dani was stunned. She stared at her boyfriend, tall and broad, cradling the tiny baby in his thick arms. And she gulped as she felt a pang of arousal within her. He looked so at ease holding Ruby, and she blushed as she felt a familiar heat rise within her loins, captivated as she was by Jake's paternal, protective attitude.

"How... how did you do that?" she stuttered, standing up and moving closer. She leaned into Jake, placing her hands on his shoulder as she peered over at Ruby, who now cooed softly in her blanket.

"I've done it all before, remember?" Jake replied simply, flashing her a warm smile. "Lucas was a pain in the ass when he was little. This is nothing. Here." Jake held the now-pacified Ruby back out to Dani, who shrunk back.

"Uh... maybe it's better if you hold on to her."

"C'mon Dani. She won't bite. Just hold her."

"I've already held her."

Jake shook his head, a look of slight mirth lighting up his features. "You're seriously scared of a little baby?"

"I'm not scared!"

"Then here." He held Ruby out again and Dani, rolling her eyes, reluctantly took the baby back in her arms. As she stepped back, Jake suppressed a laugh.

"What is it now?" Dani asked, a small burst of irritation firing through her.

"You're holding her like she's a bomb. Relax. Here." Jake stepped back towards Dani and carefully adjusted her arms, ensuring that Ruby was held safely as he did so. "There. How's that?"

"Better, I guess." But Dani did feel a little better as she looked down at the calm form now held protectively in her arms. She didn't feel at all like she might drop her, and Ruby herself was now content as anything, staring up at Dani with inquisitive blue eyes. Dani looked back down, meeting her gaze, and she felt an odd rush. Something she had never really felt before.

Was it affection? Or longing? Or tranquillity? Or a combination of all three? She had no idea.

Then Ruby's mouth curled into a tiny little smile; her eyes lit up with innocent glee, and she loosed the gentlest, purest little laugh Dani had ever heard. An innate joy soared through Dani at the sound, and she literally couldn't help but giggle back, cuddling the little girl closer.

Suddenly, Dani felt nothing but fondness for little Ruby. How could she possibly be afraid of something so angelic? She was so sweet, so soft, and just too damn cute. Dani breathed lightly, staring at the baby's tiny form, and her heart rate sped up a little as she found herself wondering whether all babies were such a delight to hold. She was, in fact, so engrossed that she didn't notice the café door open yet again.

"Wow. What did you do?" Sofia approached, Ruby's formula clutched in her hand. "Hi, by the way," she smiled at Jake, who returned the greeting.

"It was Jake. He just... made her stop," Dani said, cuddling Ruby closely. "I have no idea how."

"Very impressive," Sofia replied with a soft smile at Jake. "That's one hell of a man you have there."

Dani just grinned in response and looked back down at Ruby, caressing her tenderly. A short silence passed by until she looked up again and saw both Sofia and Jake watching her with barely-concealed amusement.

"You planning to give her back, or what?" Jake smirked.

"Oh, right. Of course. Sorry," Dani replied, grudgingly but carefully transferring Ruby back into Sofia's motherly arms.

"Anything on your mind, Dani?" Sofia laughed, sitting back down and starting to feed Ruby.

"N-no. Of course not," Dani said, slightly flustered at how quickly she had become attached to the baby. Jake came up alongside her, sliding an arm around her tight waist as he drew her in for an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

"So are we just gonna skip over what Sofia said? I'm one hell of a guy."

"I guess you can be," Dani giggled, placing a hand on his firm chest. "Even if you can't tell the time."

"Hey, I saved your ass by not being able to tell the time. Anyway-" Jake glanced at his phone, "-I know when I'm not wanted. Message me when you're finishing up and I'll come grab you."

"Oh, you're going? You're welcome to stay," Sofia offered.

Jake shook his head. "Thanks Sofia, but I'll leave you girls to it. I've got some errands to run."

"It's alright Fifi, you don't have to be nice to him," Dani deadpanned, before shooting Jake a cheeky smirk.

"Bitch," Jake laughed, giving Dani a soft spank on the ass and a quick kiss on the lips before departing with a wave. Dani smiled to herself as she watched him go, seating herself back at the table.

"Look at you!" Sofia exclaimed, a wide grin on her face. "You're positively glowing, Dani. I've never seen you so taken with a guy before."

"It's nothing," Dani said, dismissively yet unconvincingly waving a hand across her face, a small smile still etched across her countenance. But she wondered if there were two parts to her glow -- the other being related to Ruby. Dani couldn't help but feel a pang of envy shoot through her as she watched Sofia tend to her daughter.

She was brought out of her stupor, however, by yet another figure entering the café.

"Afternoon girlies!" Martine Ruiz sang brightly, skipping over with several bags of shopping. She shoved them under the table and pulled over a spare chair, flipping her long blonde tresses behind her shoulders as she seated herself alongside her two closest friends.

"You've been busy," Sofia noted wryly, eyeing the bags.

"Autumn sales are underway. Got to get 'em while they're hot," Martine grinned, flashing a suggestive look at Dani. "Even if it still feels like summer- oh my God!"

Martine sprang up, her eyes glimmering, as she saw Ruby nestled in Sofia's arms. "Fifi! Babe, she's so big!"

"Isn't she just," Sofia agreed, leaning back slightly to allow Martine a better look.

"And so damn adorable!" Martine whined, delicately running her hand across Ruby's blanket. "Ohhh man. It really makes you want one." She turned to Dani, her eyes alight. "Doesn't it? Doesn't it make you just want one?"

Dani gulped and shrugged, a curious warmth rolling in her belly in response to Martine's enthusiasm. "Uh. A little, I guess."

"Ugh. You have no soul," Martine said, turning back to little Ruby and fussing heavily over her, to Sofia's delight.

However, as Dani watched her friends lavish attention upon the baby, she could definitely feel something deep inside her kick into overdrive. It was an urge, an instinct. To nurture and care and grow. The jealousy inside Dani was only growing stronger as she watched Ruby giggle and grin on Sofia's lap. The warmth in her belly was heating rapidly, and Dani turned away flustered.

She wasn't ready to admit it. But Dani knew exactly what Martine was talking about.

Gym Bunny

Dani inhaled heavily as she squatted down on her final rep. She had 200lbs balanced on her upper back, and she was feeling the intense strain in every fibre of her athletic frame. Her muscles were screaming at her to give in, to drop the weight, and her whole body gleamed with a sheen of sweat.

But she could do it this time. She knew it. This was her moment.

Grunting with the effort, Dani began to rise back up. Her legs were shaking a little, and she gritted her teeth and screwed up her face, her thighs burning like the fires of hell. Halfway up she stalled, the weight seemingly too much.

Then a second wind coursed through her and, with another grunt, Dani pushed herself back into a standing position. She slammed the barbell back into the rack with a satisfying crash and staggered back, panting frantically, but feeling like she was on top of the world as adrenaline and dopamine fired through her in great waves, bathing her in glory. Her muscles pulsed, still aflame but in a good way -- she had pushed her body to the limit and come out on top.

"Very nice!" Jake grinned, enthusiastically high-fiving his girlfriend as she stepped out of the rack, delight lighting up every inch of her pretty face.

"Did you see?" she panted breathlessly, picking up her water bottle and taking a swig from it. The water had never tasted so good -- it was like drinking from the Holy Grail itself.

"I did," Jake nodded, giving Dani an affectionate, if sweaty, cuddle. "I was ready to step in at that middle bit, but you bossed it."