JackFor the third time today, I rejected Lauren’s call. Her calls have been getting more frequent; she even stopped Remi and asked her to tell me she needed to talk to me. I’m assuming her talk is about getting back together, but I don’t want to go through that again.I put the phone back in my pocket and continued unloading my car. Fall break was finally here, and we were gathering at the timeshare my parents and Remi’s dad and stepmom bought.Remi and I rode separately, mainly because Alyssa wanted her to ride with her and Jake.“Hey, Jackson.”“Hi, Mrs. Bay.”“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Jane?”“More than once, apparently.”“Everyone else is already here, and unfortunately, you get the room no one wanted.”“I’m sure the room will be fine. Just glad I get my own.”I put my stuff by the door and started looking for Remi. I couldn’t wait to see her. We saw each other last night, but all I want is to kiss her.I found her in the kitchen with my mom. We to
JackI told Tyson something came up, and I had to leave, and I would try to be back tomorrow. I told him to tell Remi that I was sorry and that I would explain everything later.I fucked everything up. There is no way Remi would want to be with me if I was the father of this child, and if I am the father of this child, then I will take responsibility, but I’m not getting back with Lauren. It felt like the drive was taking forever. The longer I drove, the further it felt, but I made it, and I’m standing in front of her apartment door, trying to bring myself to knock, and right before I knocked, the door opened.“You’ve been out here for a bit; come in,” Lauren said as she moved out of the way.“Are you really pregnant?”“Yes, Jackson, I am, and before you ask, it’s yours. I didn’t cheat on you; I’ll even agree to a DNA test if it means you’ll be in the picture.”I sat on her couch and tried to think, but my mind was racing. “I thought you were on birth control.”“I am, but it’s
Emi“Yes, because I love you, Remington.”I couldn’t help but smile at him. I’ve always wanted to hear him that he loved me. “I love you too.”Jack placed his hands on my face and pulled me in for a kiss.“I have loved you since we were six years old, Remi. I never got over my childhood crush on you.”“We can make this work. It wasn’t in the plans, but I’m willing to work on this with you. That child is a part of you, so I’ll accept that child regardless of who the mother is.”Jack smiled at me, causing his eyes to light up. I always thought he looked breathtakingly handsome when his smile lit up his entire face. You could always tell that he was genuinely happy when his smile went from ear to ear. I didn’t see if often growing up, just like I didn’t see his good mood often. “I thought it would be a deal-breaker for you. I was prepared for you to break up with me.”“As long as you are sure this is what you want to do.”“It is. I’ve wanted you for close to twenty years, and
JackJunior Year of High School“I can’t believe we put ourselves in the situation.”I was pacing back and forth waiting for Lauren to come out of the bathroom. She’s been in there for a long time and it’s starting to scare the shit out of me. I should have convinced her to get on the pill. I hear about condoms breaking but I never thought it would happen to us, and since it's been a few weeks I had forgotten all about it until Lauren said her period was late. “It’s negative,” Lauren announced as she came out of the bathroom. “Are you sure?” She handed me the three tests that she took but they didn’t put my mind at ease. “We should do another one in a few days in case it’s too early.” “My parents can’t know, Jack. My father will do everything short of killing you, even if I’m not pregnant.” Lauren’s parents are strict, and they like to keep up their appearances and a pregnancy out of wedlock is a huge mistake in their eyes regardless of their age. So even if weren’t sixte
EmiJack was insatiable today. We are currently lying in bed where we have been for most of the evening.“I hope you're ready for a conversation because I don't think I can go another round with you.”Jack laughed and got out of bed and put his boxers back on and tossed me his shirt.“There, you’ll be less tempting.”“So, tell me about the appointment.”Jack walked over to his pants and took something out of his pocket and handed it to me. It was an ultrasound picture, and I was amazed at how much it already looked like a baby. “The doctor thinks it's a girl. We’ll know for sure in a few weeks.”I stared at the picture trying to feel happy, but I was jealous. It goes back to Lauren always getting to have the first of everything with Jack. First kiss, first time to have sex, and now first child. Is it wrong of me to think like that?“Do you think she’ll take after you?”Jack shrugged. “Who knows, but I think I would want her to be more sociable than me.”“I think your social
EmiI've been staying at Jack’s house more often; I was hoping that if I met him halfway about living together, he would let me in a bit more. He still tries to do everything by himself, and he doesn't include me with things. Technically it's his child, but I'm his partner and I do think we can make this work if he allows me to be a part of his child’s life.Tonight, I just wanted some alone time, a nice bottle of wine and some Netflix. Alyssa was out with Jake, Tyson was out with Grace, who I still haven't met and Jack, well, I'm assuming he's at home. I honestly don't know where he is. He was late again, and I didn't bother telling him I wasn't going to be there when he finally decided to come home.***My night ended up being so peaceful, thanks to the wine, that I fell asleep on the couch.When I looked at my phone, I realized that I didn't have any missed calls or texts from Jack wondering where I was. So,I decided to suck up my hurt feelings and text Jack.Me: I hope you made
JackFive Months LaterAfter Remi left, I took the time to document everything Lauren was doing so I could take her to court. The last few months have been hell. I had to start seeing a therapist because I couldn’t the constant threats and outburst from Lauren, and the hurt that came with losing Remi.I finally submitted an order of protection against Lauren when she trashed my house and threatened to end the pregnancy at eight months. She’s spent that last month in a mental health facility trying to get better and I think she’s making progress, but I’m still going to do what needs to be done to keep my daughter safe. “Mr. Dane?”“Yes.” “The mother and baby are doing fine. Would you like to see your daughter?”I nodded and followed the doctor. He led me to the nursery where they were cleaning her up. “This is Ms. Peyton with social services,” the doctor introduced. “Are you taking her away?”“No, Mr. Dane. I’m here on behalf of Lauren. She agreed to withdraw from the cust
EmiIt's been two years and I haven’t been back home during this time. What turned out to be a temporary getaway ended up being a permanent move. I left teaching altogether and got a good-paying job as a personal assistant to a wonderful boss, a boss who agreed to be my fake date. He knows all about my history with Jack and lucky for me he's into men, so I don't have to worry about our signals getting mixed up. I know I’m going to be running into him and I don’t want to be alone when I see him with Lauren and their child. I traveled in for Tyson’s wedding. Turns out Tyson was right about Grace being the one for him. They have come out to visit me a few times and I admit Grace is perfect for him.I was waiting at the front of the hotel for Andrew to park the car.“I can't believe my eyes, is that Remington Bay, my long-lost best friend?”“You’re always so dramatic, and pregnancy looks good on you.”Alyssa and Jake, while not married, are very much going strong. They're expecting