"Ugh, it's your turn to check on Lily," Ava said, stretching out on the couch. She held up her hands in mock surrender as Bella opened her mouth to protest. "I know, I know, I checked on her last time. But you're the one who's been obsessively reading those parenting books. You should be the expert by now."
Bella rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Fine, I'll go. But only because I don't want to listen to you call me 'helpless' and 'clueless' for the rest of the night."
Ava grinned unrepentantly. "I didn't realize you were so sensitive."
Bella stuck her tongue out at Ava before making her way to the nursery. Ava followed a few moments later, softly humming a lullaby as she entered the room. Her eyes went immediately to the crib, where the toddler lay sleeping, small and naked and perfect.
But something was off. Ava couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something was definitely not right.
She took a step closer to the crib, her heart starting to pound. And then, from under the crib, a python slithered out.
Ava jumped back with a startled cry, her hand flying to her chest. "What the-"
Bella came rushing into the room, her eyes wide with alarm. "Ava, what's wrong?"
Ava pointed a trembling finger at the snake. "That. That's what's wrong."
Bella froze, her eyes locked on the snake. "Oh my god," she breathed.
Ava couldn't help but laugh, the tension breaking as she watched Bella's fear play out on her face. "You're such a scaredy-cat," she teased.
Bella glared at her. "I am not. I'm just...surprised."
Ava shook her head, still smiling. "You're a drama queen, that's what you are."
Despite her fear, Bella couldn't help but laugh. Ava had a way of making even the most terrifying situations seem less daunting.
Ava turned her attention back to the snake, her motherly instincts taking over. "You slimy intruder," she muttered, glaring at the snake. "You cold-blooded creep."
Bella watched in amazement as Ava quickly and efficiently distracted the snake, luring it away from the crib. Bella was still frozen in fear, but she was slowly coming out of her shock.
Ava, with the snake now cornered, turned back to Bella with a playful grin. "You know what they say about snakes," she said, her voice low and teasing.
Bella raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's that?"
Ava shrugged. "They're stupid and slow."
Bella couldn't help but laugh. "I think you're the one who's stupid and slow. That snake is sly and sneaky."
Ava grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe. But I'm the one who just captured a snake with my bare hands."
With one swift move, Ava captured the snake and tossed it out of the window. She turned back to Bella, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You, on the other hand, are brave and clever for overcoming your fear."
Bella smiled, touched by Ava's words. "Thanks. I couldn't have done it without you."
Ava shrugged, a soft smile on her lips. "That's what friends are for."
The two women shared a moment of relief and laughter, their bond strengthening. They both leaned on the crib, looking down at the still sleeping Lily.
Ava, in a softer tone, admitted to Bella that she had been scared too, but didn't want to show it. Bella, touched by Ava's honesty, thanked her for her bravery and quick thinking.
As they left the nursery, Ava and Bella shared a playful kiss, their laughter and playful insults still lingering in the air.
The chapter ended with the two women, stronger and closer than before, walking down the hallway, ready to face any other challenges that may come their way.
Want to know how it ends?
This is just the opening chapter. Continue the saga — or write a steamy tale starring you.