I sat at one of the tables outside of The Orchid and took in steady breaths. He should be here any minute and I wasn't prepared. I don't think I would ever be prepared, but still. There was a few times I just almost up and left. But that's not going to help me with anything.

            I started chewing on my nails out of habit; something my grandma would smack my hand for. She has done that a few times, so I wouldn't put her past it to do it now. I tucked my hands under my legs and let out another shaky breath. It's going to be fine. I won't throw myself over the table and hurt him if I have to. I'd probably run off crying before I did anything stupid like that.

            I stood up, almost ready to leave again when his voice stops me. I quickly sit back down and he appeared in front of me, "I'm glad you came." He smiled, pulled out the chair across from me, and sat down.

            This was a bad idea. A horrible, dreadful idea.

            My stomach twisted into several knots and my breathing exercise went out the window. "Hi." I nearly squeaked.

            It was different seeing him in the daylight. He looked much older, more his age. His short dark hair had strands of gray scattered throughout. His eyes sparkled in the sunlight, similar to my own. His jaw was strong and he had a sharp nose. I don't see myself in my dad at all. The eye color, yes, but nothing else.

            But I remember him. I remember a brief moment when he took me to the park with a smile on his face. And it's sad because that's the only time I remember him smiling around me.

            "How are you?" He asked and brought me out of my thoughts.

            "I'm okay." I couldn't raise my voice over my soft tone, "How are you doing?"

            "Better now." He smiled, "I have a lot to show you and talk about." The bag he had slung over his shoulder was beside him now. He pulled out a thick photo album and scooted his chair next to mine.

            My breath hitched in my throat.    

            "I have a lot of pictures of your mom in high school." He opened up the album to the first set of pictures, "You look just like her, Juliet."

            I brushed my fingers over the vintage polaroid's of my mom. I did look just like her. The resemblance was almost scary. But she's prettier than I could ever be. She had long hair, just like me. Maybe a few shades lighter, but she had unruly waves just like I do.

            I looked at her eyes and see that sparkle my grandma was talking about.

            She had smooth, porcelain skin I would die for. Everything about her screamed mom to me. I would do anything to have one day with her. To get to know her like a friend would. I want to know everything about her, and now I don't get that chance and it sucks.

            "You would have loved her." He said, "She loved to read and write, just like you do. You have her personality, too. It's amazing, I think."

            I looked at him, curiosity pinching my eyebrows, "How do you know all that about me? You don't even know me."

            He looked away and flipped to the next page.

            "Have you been stalking me? Spying on me—"

            "No!" He said quickly, snapping his head in my direction, "I would never do that."    

            "Then how do you know those things? I didn't talk to you long enough to tell you any of that."

            He looked back down at the pictures, "Your grandma...She told me. She's been sending me pictures over the past...year, I believe. She's told me a lot about you, Juliet. And I know it was stupid of me for how I approached you. I should've wrote you the letter before I trapped you like that. I'm so sorry."

            All I could grasp was the fact that my grandma has been lying to my face for a year. She never once told me that. She never told me he reached out to her a year ago. I just couldn't believe that she would hide something like this from me. I don't know if I'm mad, or sad.

            "Why did it take you so long?" I asked instead.

            "I told you. I needed to make sure I was ready. I needed to be one hundred percent when I came to you. It's been so hard for me." He looked up from the pictures, "I reached out to your grandma a year ago because I needed to know how you were and what you looked like now. I wasn't ready to see you in person a year ago. I wasn't who I wanted to be yet."

            I felt tears burn my eyes but I didn't let them fall, "All I wanted was a father and you couldn't be that for me. I needed you."  

            "That's why I did what I did, Juliet. I'm ready for you to come back with me."

            My eyes widened, "What? What are you talking about go back with you?"

            "I want you to come live with me in California."

            I nearly exploded, "Did you really think I would just leave everything and go with you to California? You're a stranger to me, Will. I have no idea who you are right now. And you clearly don't know me either or else you would've known that was the last question you should ask me."

            A flash of hurt crossed his aging features only for a moment before it completely disappeared, "I know you wouldn't agree right away—"

            "I would never agree to that."

            "I thought eventually you would. You could get to know me and see me for the person I've changed into. We could start over and I can be the father you want me to be."

            I swiped away a stray tear, wielding the other ones from spilling out, "You would expect me to leave everything behind? My grandparents, my friends, my boyfriend—" And I snapped my mouth shut. I didn't mean for the word boyfriend to come out because I didn't even know if that was what Jack is to me, "I'm not going with you and I don't plan on changing my mind."

            The hurt was more evident on his face now, "Your grandma never mentioned a boyfriend."          

            And I could burry myself in a hole right now, "She doesn't know about him yet. But that's not the point. I'm not moving to California with you."

            "What about a week? Come stay with me for a week and I can show you my life now. I can change your mind."

            I actually hesitated, scanning my eyes over his face, "No. I have my senior year to prepare for and I just can't go with you."

            "You can bring your boyfriend. There's plenty of room for anyone you would want to bring." His eyes turned to pleading, "Please, just give me a chance, Juliet. I want to show you I've changed and that I'm ready for you to come live with me so we can be a family again. It what your mom would've wanted—"

            "Don't say that to me. Do not guilt trip me because it only makes me want to stay here more."

            "I'm sorry." He said, "But please. One week, that's all I'm asking."

            I studied him again, thinking over everything he's said to me. "I'll give you an answer by Monday."

            A smile slowly tugged at his lips, "I can take that."

            And I'm dumb for actually thinking about going.

            After a few moments, we ordered lunch and ate. I asked him a few questions about my mom, and of course, asked them how they met and all the juicy stuff. It seemed to go smoother than I expected. I didn't cry or throw anything at him, so that's got to be a plus for me.

            He walked me to my car, but before I got in, he handed me the photo album. "I've been wanting to give this to you for awhile."

            I couldn't help but smile, "Uh, thank you. It means a lot to have something of my moms."    

            "I have a few other things of hers I could give you if you come visit me in California."

            "Are you trying to bribe me?"

            "No. If you choose to not visit me, I'll have them mailed to you."

            That made me feel a bit better, "I'll let you know soon."

            He gave me a cut off nod and opened my car door for me. I got inside and he shut the door. I waved to him and he walked away with a smile of his face. I put the photo album on the passenger seat and slumped a little. I was relieved that it was over and nothing too bad happened.

            Except the fact that he actually thought I would leave everything to go back to California with him.

            Two words.

            Not. Happening.        

            I started the car and started my journey home. I stopped at a drug store to get some chocolate because I deserved it after that. I turned up the radio, blasting whatever song happened to be on the popular station. Style by Taylor Swift played loudly as I attempted, and failed to sing along. I should probably leave the singing to her so I don't hurt myself.         

            I pulled into the driveway as the song ended and turned off the car. I tucked my left over chocolate in the bag, grabbed the photo album, and got out of the car. Instead of going straight inside, I walked over to Jack's house. I rang the doorbell and rocked back and forth on my heels.

            The door opened and Jack's smiling, yet surprised face was on the other end, "It went well?" He asked.   

            I stepped inside and Jack closed the door behind me, "Uh, yeah. Better than I expected it to go." I held up the photo album, "He gave me this. I didn't look at all of it, but he did mention some baby pictures."

            "Good. Because you owe me."

            I walked into the living room, setting the photo album on the coffee table along with my bag of chocolate. I sat down on the floor in front of it and Jack soon joined me. He sat next to me, leaning his elbow on the table and looking at me, "You better hope they're embarrassing."

            "Aren't all your pictures?"

            I turned my head to look at him, "Rude!" I playfully smacked his arm, "I will go where you can't follow." I looked back at the photo album and opened it up.

            He leaned towards me, pressing his lips against my temple, "Don't even joke like that." I felt his smile and it made my lips tip up at the ends. He kissed the spot and moved back a bit.   

            He maneuvered himself a little until he was slightly behind me. He rested his chin on my shoulder and looked over at the pictures. "That's your mom?" He asked.

            "Yeah, when she was my age."

            "It's amazing how much you look like her. She's really beautiful."

            It reminded me of what he said when he asked me if I missed my parents. "She really is." I sighed, "I wish I could've known her."

            "I wish you could've known her. I feel like she would be just like you. Attitude and all."

            I let out a small laugh, "That's what my grandma says."

            I flipped through the pages. There were many pictures of my mom throughout the years and I stopped at one.

            It was a picture of her holding me in the hospital.

            The date scribbled on the picture was my birthday.

            Her cheeks were flushed as she had the biggest smile on her face while she held me up to her face. This must have been moments before she passed away. I couldn't stand that thought. That she's actually gone. She looked happy and healthy. Happy to have her baby in her arms that was me.

            Now I was crying, of course. Exactly what I didn't want to do.

            "She would've loved you." Jack said, tilting his head on my shoulder to look at me, "Every little piece of you."

            "I didn't think it would be possible to miss someone I've never met." I barely chocked out the sentence.

            "Of course it's possible. It's your mom, Juliet."

            "I know." I whispered, "I just hate that she's not here." Now I sound selfish. But I would do anything to see her.

            I took a well-needed breath and exhaled slowly before I turned the page. There were baby pictures of me, and of course, almost every single one was embarrassing. It had Jack and me both laughing. Jack pointed to one from my first birthday. My grandma was standing next to me while it looked like I was flinging cake everywhere. She had a giant glob on the side of her face. "You were a pain in the ass even then."

            I turned my head a little to look at him, "Are you saying I'm a pain in the ass?"

            He kept his focus on the album, "Only on days that end in Y."

            "Quick with the jokes, aren't you?"

            He laughed and tilted his head to look at me, "I got you to smile."

            "I'll give you that one." I looked back at the album and turned the page to the next set of pictures. Jack kissed my jaw, which made me smile even more. It made me feel much better as well. Just having Jack close makes me feel better.

            When we finished looking at the rest of the pictures, Jack leaned back against the couch. He pulled me against his chest, wrapping me up tight in his arms. I rested my head back against his shoulder and closed my eyes. "He wants me to go to California." I whispered.

            Jack's body went stiff, "What do you mean?"

            "He wants me to move in with him."

            "What did you say?"

            "I told him he's stupid for even considering it. He can't expect me to just leave. I couldn't." I lifted my head up and swiveled a bit to level my face with his, "He wants me to come visit him for a week, hoping to change my mind."

            "Are you going to?"

            "I don't know." I answered honestly, "I think it'll just be a waste of time because I already know nothing will change my mind."

            Jack's expression still hasn't changed, "I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to go and at least see where he lives. And hello, California. It's beautiful there."       

            I let out a light laugh, "I have everything I need here." I lifted a hand and poked his nose. He scrunched it up in response. "He did say you could go though."

            His eyebrow perked up, "You told him about us?"

            "Kind of. I didn't say who you were, I just said...I was seeing someone." I wasn't about to say boyfriend.

            "I'd go with you in a heartbeat if I could."

            I smiled sadly, "I know you would. But you don't have to worry, because I'm not going." I wasn't really sure if I would go or not. Because like I said, it is a waste of time because there's no way in hell I'm moving to California. My dad can just put that idea out of his head. 

            I pressed my lips to Jack's for just a moment, "I guess I should go. But I'll come over when I get home."

            "Promise?"

            "Promise." I gave him one more kiss and stood up.

            I gathered my things and headed for the front door with Jack following close behind. I gave him one last kiss on the cheek before leaving his house and walking over to my own. I'm sure it looked weird with the car sitting in the driveway and I wasn't inside, but hopefully they didn't notice.

            The house was rather quiet...until I got upstairs. James and Meredith were almost to the point of yelling. I walked down the hall until I stopped in front of Meredith's temporary room. They stood in the middle of the room, bickering about something, "Can you just shut up?" Meredith exploded. 

            I covered my mouth to keep from laughing.

            But James noticed me before she did.

            "What are you fighting about?" I asked.

            "Sibling stuff." Meredith said while glaring at James.

            "Well keep it down before my grandparents hear you."

            James waved Meredith off, walked past me to get out of the room. I looked at Meredith and asked her if she needed anything before taking off after James. His long legs carried him quicker than mine, so I got to his room just before he was able to slam the door in my face, "Hello, Grumpy."

            "Why are sisters so frustrating?" He asked. I almost thought he was ready to pull out his hair.

            "I wouldn't know."

            He looked at me, his hardened expression softening, "How'd it go with your dad?"

            I went into the full story. Starting from the second he sat down until we parted ways. I mentioned the part about California and how he would like for me to come stay with him for a week to change my mind about moving in with him.

            "You should go."

            I looked at him, my eyes widening in surprise, "Are you serious?"

            James shrugged a shoulder, "I don't see the harm in going, Juliet. A free trip to California sounds amazing. You should totally go. You said you won't move there anyway, so I don't see the harm in going."

            He had a point, but still. I know I'm not moving there so it's a waste of time and I don't want to get Will's hopes up, "I'm still considering it."

            "What did Jack say?"

            That's the last person I thought he would ask about, "Um...basically what you just said. He just didn't tell me to go."     

            A smile raised on his lips, "See, you should go. Have you even been out of Georgia?"

            When he puts it that way... "I mean I've been to Florida before. It wasn't that long, but still out of Georgia."

            James barked out a loud laugh, "This is why you should go. When will you get another chance? Especially before the monster that is your senior year." 

            "I have until Monday to decide."

            "Choose wisely."

            I'll make sure of that.

After I spoke to James, I talked to my grandparents about how it went with my dad. Of course I brought up California and they didn't look surprised. I didn't bring up the fact that my grandma had been talking to my dad for over a year and she didn't tell me. I didn't want to cause any more trouble. She had a good reason not to tell me because I probably would've been too dramatic about it.

            Lindy was currently singing loudly to the song playing from my speakers. It was something she put on, not sure exactly what song it is. She was getting ready in my bathroom while I changed in my room. I put on my new black jeans that hugged my legs, a black crop top that barely showed my midriff, and the leather jacket to top it all off. I stuck with my black vans, because I lack what I like to call balance.

            I walked into my bathroom to get ready next to a singing Lindy. I straightened my dark waves and put on a little bit of make up. When we were done getting ready, James was already waiting downstairs. I guess Meredith is taking longer than we expected.

            James sent a smile in my direction as I walked past him to get to the front door. We walked outside into the cool night and Meredith finally came downstairs and tried to run in her heels. I got into the passenger seat of James's car and Lindy and Meredith got in behind us. I was feeling a little nervous about this. I don't know what tonight has in store for us.

            The club Meredith was talking about wasn't too far into the city. It was one I've always seen, never paid much attention to it. It lit up in a bright red, it was hard to miss. It was also hard to find decent parking. I was really happy I decided to wear flat shoes than heels. I wouldn't have survived this night. I've never heard Lindy complain though.

            We walked for a bit until we reached the end of the line. It was moving quickly until we were up next. They didn't ask for ID. Meredith simply gave her name and they let us in. They stopped us to give us bright green wristbands and then we went inside.

            It was loud.   

            Maybe that's an understatement.

            The club was two levels as far as I could tell. I turned around in a circle, trying to get a good visual of it. There were flashing lights, loud music, and hundreds of people dancing in front of me.

            "There he is!" Meredith pointed and waved.

            I look to her line of sight and I shouldn't be surprised.

            Paxton of course.

            Yep, not surprised.

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Eh, guess not that emotionally heavy, haha. And of course, it's Paxton, who else would it be? hahahaha.

It would be awesome if you guys could tell me how the story's going? Like too slow, or fast, want more chapters in Jack's point of view, etc. Nothing harsh please, lol.

Also, yay me for updating three days in a row! :)