~Autumn~

I decided to go sleeveless today, but I brought a brown jacket just in case. When I arrived at school that day, I noticed that Jacob wasn't there. That's weird. But oh well. My day few by like a breeze until a tray slammed down in front of me at lunch.

Helen: I hope you're happy, you little bitch!

Autumn: What are you talking about?

Helen: Don't play dumb. I know why Jacob did what he did to me.

Autumn: What'd he do?

Helen: He completely broke things off! That's what!

Autumn: So you're saying that you two no longer..?

Helen: No! And it's all your fault!

Autumn: No its not. I didn't force him to do that. I just said that if he was serious about me, he'd stop his childish ways and man up. Like sleeping around and drinking while trying to go after another girl. That's not cool in my book.

She slapped my fork out my hand and my eyes became embedded with hell.

Helen: Fuck your book! Bitch, I want my man back!

I slowly stood up and glared at her.

Autumn: Listen here, Helen. I've already explained to you how everything was going to play out if you complied with my rules. Now, I don't give a fuck about you, Jacob or the fact that I got hit by a car. If you ever touch me again or my food, I'll kill you too. Got it?

I said through gritted teeth.

Autumn: If you want Jacob, you can have him. I can't help it if he wants me and not you.

She slapped me in the face and I tackled her while screaming the word, bitch. And with every pound from my fist to her face, I screamed for her nor to touch my food and what would happen if she ever hit me again. I was sent home and pretty soon, my dad called and had a talk with me and I explained everything to him. He wasn't happy. Then my door was knocked upon.

Autumn: Fuck off!

~Jacob~

When I got up this morning, I was startled to see my mom's face staring back at me.

Jacob: Oh God, Ma. Please don't do that.

Mom: I'm sorry baby.. I just.. I couldn't wait for you to wake up so that I could tell you something..

Jacob: What is it Ma?

Mom: I need you to stay home today..

Jacob: Why?

Mom: You have company coming today and it's been a while since you've last seen him.

Jacob: Him? Ma, whoever this is can wait because I have something important to do today.

Mom: Like what? Chase girls?

Jacob: Not girls, Ma.. It's just this one.. I Love her Ma.

Mom: You finally found the one who will slow you down.

She smiled.

Mom: You be good to her, you hear me?

Jacob: I promise.

Mom: Alright boy. Now get dressed, you have a long day ahead of you.

She said as she got up from my bed.

Jacob: Hey Ma?

Mom: Yes baby?

Jacob: Who is this mystery man that's coming to see me today?

She hesitated and then smiled.

Mom: Come downstairs and find out.

I sighed.

Jacob: Ma....

I whined.

Mom: Quit your whining and come on.

Jacob: Alright, alright. I'm up.

Mom: Good boy.

She winked and disappeared. I slipped on my black pants that had a chain on the side, my black shoes, black shirt and jacket with my shades. If anything, I know Autumn is wearing black today. Even if I'm not there, I want to match her.. I slid down the ramp of our stairs and wiped myself off for a fun effect. Then I walked into the kitchen and kissed my mother good morning. Pause.

Jacob: Morning Ma.. Who's this?

He looked so familiar.

Mom: Jacob.. This is your father.

My eyes were filled with so much hate at that moment. My father?

Jacob: Why is he here?

I said, glaring at him.

Mom: Watch your tongue.

Jacob: No Ma. For once in my life, I was haply without him and apparently he felt the same all these years. So why is he here now? Tell me that?

Mom: Jacob, give him a chance. He's your father.

Jacob: No he's not. You know what that is? That right there is not my father. That is my sperm donor.

I pointed. I felt a sting across my face.

Mom: Jacob O'Neal Latimore! How dare you disrespect him? Better yet, me? Yes, he may not have been in your life, but that doesn't mean that he hasn't changed! Give him a chance and see. Do it for me.

Jacob: I'm sorry.

Mom: Don't apologize to me..

I slowly looked over at my father and spoke lowly.

Jacob: Sorry, sir.

Julius: It's alright.

Mom: What I want you both to do is go out and spend the day together..

Jacob: What?

Mom: Yes, Jacob! The day! Now, go and have fun.

I watched him leave the kitchen and I felt my mom looking at me.

Mom: Jacob.. Just try. Okay?

Jacob: Alright..

Mom: Now, go. It'll be better than you think if you cooperate.

I kissed her cheek and left. When I got into the car, the man tried to start up a conversation.

Julius: So, how's school going for you?

Jacob: Fine.

Julius: That's good..

Jacob: Listen man. Why are you here anyway?

Julius: To spend time with my son.

Jacob: You're not my father. I only have one and he's up there.

I pointed in reference to God.

Julius: Listen son, I understand how you feel-.

Jacob: Like hell, you do. Last time you were in my presence, I was.. what? Three? Or five?

Julius: You were very little. But I'm here now. I'm sorry for leaving you and your mother..

Jacob: I wish you would've left it that way. We were doing just fine without you.

Julius: Jacob, please. Just give me a chance.

Jacob: I did, you didn't take it.

Julius: When was this?

Jacob: When you supposed to be raising me but instead you were out there doing whatever you do best. When you left, I waited. I waited for two years and then I realized that you were gone for good.. You don't love me, nor have you ever. But I'm gonna show you that I don't need you. I'll show you.

Julius: I just want to take this time out to get to know you. To bond..

Jacob: FOR WHAT? JUST SO YOU CAN LEAVE? Fuck outta here..

He took a deep breath.

Julius: I'm not leaving unless you and your mother say so.

Jacob: Oh sure. I bet you tell all your kids that.. And that's if you know they exist.

Julius: You're my only child, Jacob.

Jacob: Sure I am.. How long you plan on staying here?

Julius: Until I die and you go off to start your own family.

Jacob: If anything, I don't want my kids to be anywhere near you. I don't want they to end up like you. Running away from their responsibilities and end up being hated and in regret. Just like you.

Julius: This is gonna take a lot of work..

Jacob: What did you expect? Oh, so I guess you thought that you could just show up and have me welcome you with open arms? Nice try but that's not how it works.

Julius: Jacob, please. If you give me this month to prove to you that I've changed and you're not convinced, then I'll leave.

I stared at him and nodded.

Jacob: Does mom know?

Julius: No. This is just our thing. Okay?

Jacob: You're gonna have to tell her when you fail, but fine.

Julius: So, this week, I plan on taking you wherever you want to go. Pick a place and we'll go.

I thought about it. Is he serious?

Jacob: HotDog Shoppe.

Julius: Alright.

He started the car and pretty soon, we were at the HotDog Shoppe. Seated and eating our hotdogs with fries and a drink.

Julius: Where do you wanna go next?

Jacob: I need to go to school to pick up my work.

Julius: Alright.

Jacob: Then from there, I'm going over my girl's house.

Julius: What's her name?

Jacob: Why? So you can kidnap her or something?

Julius: Jacob, I'm not gonna hurt her. I just want to know what's going on in my son's life.

Jacob: Well, if you really wanted to know, you would've stayed. But you didn't. Did you?

He sighed.

Julius: No..

Jacob: Now we're on the same page. Let's go.