* Five year timelapse *

Rutgers morphed me into a whole other person. I felt so accomplished once I graduated. I got a degree in writing, and I couldn't have been prouder of myself. Mama and Papa were at my graduation along with their new partners, who would soon be my set of step-parents, and they were cheering me on like nobody's business. I got to play lacrosse all the time I attended, and I was top player, just like in high school. It was weird not having the usual teammates with me, but I got through it without a scratch -- maybe a broken wrist of two.

I had moved back home to Baltimore to live with mama and Valentino, her boyfriend. He was a sweet guy, and he loved music as much as I did. He had long black hair and was Hispanic. He made the best food at meals; like, he would out beat Gordon Ramsay if they had a cook off, and that's saying something.

It was my first night back in Baltimore, and I wanted to see Jack and Miracle again. It was my birthday that night, so it would be a gift in its self to see them again. I had hoped they were alright because I didn't want anything bad to happen to them. I drove the way to Jack's home, and when I arrived, I knocked on the door. I heard someone in the house scream, "Daddy! I'll get da door!" Oh my God, that voice belonged to a small girl. It was.. Oh my fuck. The door opened to reveal a small girl, skinny as could be, with long brown hair that was put in braided pig tails. She looked up at me with the brownest eyes, I knelt down to her with a smile. She backed up a little; I could tell she got my shyness.

"Miracle, sweetie, hey. It's dada. I know I haven't visited in a few months, but I am finally done school, so I get to see you every week!" Miracle blushed and smiled.

"I love you. I missed you, dada. Why were ya busy?" she asked gently.

"Because, dada had to finish school and graduate." I opened my arms out to her. "Does dada get a hug from his favorite girl?" Miracle nodded happily and ran into my arms. I squeezed her in my arms tightly. I kissed her head before whispering, "Dada will always be here, Miri. I know I was far away, but I'm going to be home now."

"In here?" She looked at me with pathetic eyes. That broke my heart.

"Miracle, I... no. Not here. But, at grandma and grandpa's house. I'll visit whenever I can, or when daddy says it's okay." Speaking of daddy, Jack walked in with his arms crossed. I looked up, still kneeling down with Miracle. He leaned up against the door frame, just staring at me.

"So," he mumbled, "finally came back to visit your daughter?" I stood up, Miracle clad in my arms, and looked at him with squinted, glaring eyes.

"Jack, you knew I had to graduate." He just gave me a nod -- prick. I walked into the house and sat down. I held Miracle in my arms tightly, and I watched as Jack walked to sit beside me. He huffed as his bum hit the couch. "How have you and Vic been?" I asked.

I remember when I first saw they were dating; I was devastated. Yeah, we were broken up, but it hurt seeing how he got over me so quickly. I let them be happy, though. I wasn't going to be a bitch and say, 'No, you can't move on from me'. He deserved to be happy because I knew damn well I wasn't. Jack didn't look at me when I asked him. He just replied with a short, "Good." I knew he was lying; I dated him long enough to know.

"Jack, you can tell me. What is it?"

"Alex, don't get into it."

"Let me help, Jack. It's not a big --"

"He fucking cheated, alright?"

Notes

cliff hanger blah

xoxo krys