Always There || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 107: Fall Apart

There was no denying that I was in no way ready to have a baby, especially over something that we could completely control, but.. the idea of one day having his baby was more than enough to make me smile. I would have never thought of the "old Jake" as the baby type, but after these few nights with him, I couldn't imagine him not being the best dad in the world.

Even still.. it was way too soon to even think about that, no matter how much fun the thought could be. But I loved how with anyone else, the thought of that happening right now would be terrifying, but with him, it was just.. one more thing we could handle together. It was.. exciting.

I could already see it, the three of us together in our kitchen making breakfast just like my parents did with me when I was younger, as I'm sure his did with him. Just the idea of our own family, after practically growing up together.. it was perfect, and how many other people had a love story like ours?

I couldn't wait to give that same fairytale to our children.
They would be so loved.

But there was still so much more I wanted to do before that day came, as I'm sure did he. His life was just getting started, and I couldn't wait to see what he was going to do. There was still so much time, and.. I had so much I wanted to accomplish myself.

I'm sure that he was just.. caught up in the moment, just thinking out loud, like he said. There was no way he'd actually want to risk that, and for what? I quickly shook the thought, hastily making my way back next door, and up the stairs.

Gently knocking on her door, I peeked inside Mom's bedroom to see her sitting up, watching TV. Her eyes instantly shot over to me as she heard the door open, flashing me a wide grin.

"Oh! What are you doing home?" She asked, turning down the volume. I made my way in, sitting down on the edge of her bed.
"I just wanted to check on you and make sure you're doing okay." I said, looking around for any signs of her having a hard time that she would no doubt try to hide from me.
"You're so good to me." She sighed. "But I'm fine, Jaime. I promise. Go enjoy your time with him." My cheeks burned as I looked away, trying my best to contain my smile.

"So.. you wouldn't mind me staying over one more night?" I asked. She shook her head, her smile growing.
"Jaime, of course not. I.. I know it hasn't been easy for you but.. this isn't your job. And.. don't think I don't appreciate everything you do for me, because I do. You are.. the best daughter in the world, and I couldn't be luckier to have you, but.. it wouldn't be fair for me to rob you of your time."

I was the one who was lucky.

I leaned in, hugging her tightly, feeling her hug me back, gently caressing the back of my head.
"He leaves tomorrow, right?" She asked. I nodded.
"Then.. please, go enjoy your time with him." I nodded again, feeling tears come to my eyes. Her hand moved to my back, gently rubbing it as she held me tighter.

"Are you going to be okay tomorrow?" She whispered. I bit down on my lip, more tears coming to my eyes, finally shaking my head.
"No." I sighed.
"Then we can spend tomorrow together. But tonight, go be with him. I promise, I'll be okay."
"But what if something does-"
"Then I'll call Dianne." She said.

I hadn't seen my Aunt Dianne in years, but I knew they still talked here and there. I was never really sure what happened between them, considering she used to come over all the time, but.. she never brought it up, so I never pried.

"Thank you." I managed, hiding my face in her shirt. She rubbed my back, holding me for as long as I needed before I eventually backed away, giving her a gentle smile. She reached up, gently touching my cheek.
"You deserve so much happiness, Jaime, and if he gives that to you, I want you to have as much time as you can, because sometimes, even a lifetime doesn't feel long enough." I nodded, knowing she would understand that more than anyone.

"But.." She said. "Despite the fact that I am such a cool mom.." She laughed. I couldn't help but smile, wiping my eyes. "I wouldn't forgive myself if I still wasn't your mom." I felt my face get hot, knowing where this was going.
"I know that I joke about wanting grandkids, but.. I just need to make sure.. whatever you choose to do, because you're an adult, and you can make these decisions however you see fit, but.. I just hope you're being smart, no matter what you decide to do, and that.. he is always respectful and he doesn't-"
"He is, and.. he would never." She nodded.
"Okay, you know.. I just.. I always have to make sure you're okay."
"I am."

As embarrassing as it was, the more we talked about it, the easier it became, and I was thankful to have someone to talk to about it. I know most people wouldn't want to talk to their mom about this kind of thing but.. honestly, who better?

"W-we.. we did." I muttered. She nodded, holding her stare on me, careful to keep a neutral expression. I appreciated it.
"And.. how do you feel about it?" She asked. I shrugged, unable to hide my grin.
"Good." I giggled to myself. Her smile grew as she reached out, gently touching my cheek.
"Good." She sighed. "Because.. it should be just as enjoyable for you too. I know they don't really teach you about that in school, but.. it's just as important, and I hope that he understands that-"
"He does." I insisted, now feeling like my face was on fire.
"Okay. And you know.. if you ever want to talk to me about anything.."
"I know. Thank you." She pulled me into another hug, squeezing me tight.
"Of course, honey. Now.. go ahead."

A Few Hours Later

Jaime: hey, are you home yet?
Jake: I've been home, please come back, I'm lonely lol
Jaime: have you finished packing?
Jake: ... maybe lol
Jaime: I'll be right over lol
Jaime: what would you do without me?
Jake: fall apart :(
Jaime: <3
Jake: <3333333333333333333

I playfully rolled my eyes, tossing my phone back onto my bed, thankful that no one was around to see how badly I was blushing. He was so cute. I grabbed my bag, tossing it over my shoulder as I quickly made my way back down the hallway, peeking my head into Mom's room again.

"Hey, I'm.. I'm gonna head out, do you need anything before I go?" I asked. She shook her head, smiling back at me.
"I'm okay, honey, thank you."
"You sure? Because I could make you something or-"
"Jaime, go." She laughed, waving me off. I nodded, giving her one last look before backing away, closing the door behind me.

Despite what she said, I would always worry, and I would always kept the ringer on my phone on when I left.. just in case.

Jaime: on my way over
Jake: I'll meet you outside <3

And in a matter of seconds, I heard his back door open as he quickly hopped out, looking over and flashing me a wide grin. I couldn't help but smile as he made his way over to me, lifting me up and spinning me around. I held on tight, wrapping my arms around his neck, unable to contain my laughter.

He was pure happiness; making me feel lighter than air, like I was a kid again, and isn't that what everyone wanted? Someone who could effortlessly bring out their inner child, making you feel like anything was possible as long as you had them?

And when I had him, I truly believed that anything was.

"I have something for you." I sighed as he carefully placed me back down. He stared back at me, his eyes getting wide.
"For me?" He asked, flashing me a toothy grin. "What is it?" I bit down on my lip, hesitating before reaching into my bag, feeling my heart beat faster. I pulled out a notebook, placing it in his hands.
"What is this?" He asked, his face dropping as he flipped through.
"I wrote you letters.." I said, closing it. He smirked back up at me, his cheeks burning red.
"Letters?"

"You gave me your journal, so.. I wrote these for you. And.. whenever you miss me.. I want you to read them too. Jake, you deserve the world, and.. well, this.. this is me trying to give you that.. as much as I can right now. And.. hopefully one day I can give you more, but-" He cut me off, pulling me into a passionate kiss. I reached up, wrapping my arms around his neck, kissing him back harder.

"You are my world, Jaime." He sighed, leaning his forehead against mine. I reached up, grabbing onto his shirt, pulling him in closer.
"Can we.." I started, motioning back up towards his room. He nodded, giggling to himself, as he pulled me into another kiss.
"Yes.." He sighed. "We definitely can." He grabbed my hand, leading me back to their house when my heart sunk at the sound of their back door opening again.