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BITTERSWEET
::  xlviii. | i ain't worried

It had only been two weeks since jj left and after only a couple of days, a little bit has changed. Jennifer's mom left two days after jj, then about a week later, will temporarily moved in to help out more. With Henry's countless cries at night, Vanessa hated that she sometimes had to wake Cole up to help out because Cole had to get up early for school. So it was her idea that will move in temporarily, so there would be a balance a little bit.

Except this day was a Saturday and Will was off on duty, leaving cole and Vanessa with Henry. It was no hassle though, because Cole grew quite fond of the little boy and not too long ago after jj left, she began calling him her little brother.

Cole walked into the kitchen where her mom was washing the dishes. She had things on her mind and she felt the need to finally talk them out.

Vanessa suddenly turned around. She just felt like someone was behind her, "Where's your brother?"

"Watching looney tunes. He's quite fond of Lola Bunny and so am I, but that's besides the point."

Vanessa dried her hands, then made her way to the table, "What's on your mind, kiddo?"

"Is it weird I see will as a father figure?" She sat across from her mom, "I know I haven't given much thought about him, but will being here for the past couple of days made me realize I miss him." Cole continued, "I know there was a lot of pain, but there was also good times and it's not fair. He wasn't the best dad, but he was around and regardless of everything he did, he loved us. At least that's what he would say."

Tears were slowly trickling down Cole's cheeks as every word left her lips. Since finding out about Miguel, this was the first time she finally showed some emotion about it that wasn't anger. She finally admitted she missed him after all even though she didn't want too.

Little did she know, Vanessa missed him deep down. But it was hard to because learning everything he did, he targeted her at the end of the day. But also, at the end of the day, he was Cole's dad and they created a bond that Vanessa will never understand.

"He did love us. He tried his best. It's ok if you see will as that because you miss him." Vanessa deeply sighed, "It finally hit you that you no longer have a dad in your life. Like you said, Miguel wasn't always there but he was. And honey, I hate to say it —— I miss him too sometimes."

"I want to have a funeral for him. If that's ok? But I want it to just be us. I don't need grandma and you getting into it and I don't want to meet my siblings." She concluded, "If they want to have a funeral, then they can do it on their own time after ours. But he stays in Virginia."

Vanessa spoke softly, "Ok."

That was all she could get out. She passed her daughter a smile which Cole happily returned as she got up from the table. Just as she was about to head back to Henry, one more question came to mind.

"Oh —— and mom? Could Mia come over?"

Vanessa just nodded and the young teen continued on her way back to the living room.

• • •

After a couple of hours, Mia came over. She was in Cole's room, laying on top of the covers with her. Side by side, their shoulders touching. It was quiet amongst the two. Cole glanced her way a brief smile. Mia looked back at her way and smiled too.

Mia's eyes soon diverted back to the ceiling, "Remember that night we had last summer?"

"The one where I cheated on my then boyfriend?"

"That's not how I remember it." She looked to Cole, "It was a magical night. At least for me." She briefly paused, "That was the first time . . . "

Cole abruptly sat up, "You ever had sex? Or sex with a girl?"

Mia sat up as well, "You were my first in general."

A smirk came across Cole's lips, "Really?"

"Don't get all cocky now." Mia chuckled as she laid back down.

Coke laid next to her, "I like kissing you."

"Me too, shorty."

Cole halfway sat up, hovering over Mia. Thinking she was going to say something, instead Mia's face scrunched up when close began to bombard her with kisses all over her face.

As the kisses continued, there was a knock on the door and the opening of it made Cole and Mia quickly sit up.

"Dinner's ready." Vanessa spoke, "Mia would you like to stay?"

"I'll have to call my dads, but sure." She kindly replied.

Just like that, the door was once again closed and Mia pulled out her phone.

• • •

As everyone began sitting at the table, the front door opened and closed. Will was back from work. He walked to the kitchen and dinner was already spread out across the table.

"I'm going to get washed up real quick." He smiled to the girls before heading to the bathroom.

By the time Will came back, the others were already eating. He didn't mind though, being hungry waits for no one. He then sat by Henry who was in his high chair being fed by Vanessa.

It was a big ole family dinner and of course it didn't feel the same since jj wasn't there, but like Will says, take it day to day.

After a good hour and a half, the dinner wrapped. Mia went back home, Vanessa went to put Henry to bed and Cole began to help Will clean the table up.

"You know, you're like a dad figure to me." The teen began as she put more dishes in the sink, "I really appreciate that."

"Glad I'm able to help while jj's gone." He passed her the rest of the dishes from the table.

The two were now in the kitchen, Cole was going to wash while Will dried them with a cloth.

"What if it was a permanent thing?"

He glanced her way, "I'm not following."

She turned the water down a bit, "What if you stayed? You could live with us. You're Henry's dad, I like having you around. We'll need a bigger place, but I think it just makes sense. Don't you?"

He took a moment, "It's a cool idea, but just because I come around and whatnot, doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt still. Besides, eventually I'll start dating again and it'll all be too much."

"Right."

Will let out a sharp sigh, "Let's hurry this up, yeah?"

Cole and him finished cleaning the dishes in silence. She was a bit annoyed and he could sense it, but didn't want to say anything. Generally, it's a clever idea. But everyone living together?

That's chaos in itself.

a/n:
one chapter left till the
second to last act. I plan
on wrapping Vanessa &&
Jj's story this week. so expect
tons of updates lol