Max

Blonde hair fell into her view as blue eyes bore into her. It wasn't the right color, blonde, not the right shade of blue. It was never right anymore. She ignored the frown that formed on the woman’s face as she turned her head, avoiding the kiss aimed towards her lips. She never kissed these women; she didn't kiss anyone anymore. She left the bed in search of her clothes. "Stay," a voice cooed to her. She wouldn't because she never did. All her life consisted of these days were bars and random women to fill the void that seemed to grow more profound by the day. With a shake of her head, she left the apartment to head towards her own home. These nights were no longer as fulfilling as they once were. They only added to the hatred she felt for herself.

Walking back to her apartment, her thoughts were filled with memories of the only girl that mattered to her. She ruined it. She ran scared before she realized how in love with the girl she was. It had been three years since she last saw her, and the pain was just as deep if not worse than the day she walked away, breaking their hearts without a goodbye. Maybe it was time to stop running. Time to return. Time to see if she was too late to get the woman who invaded her soul back. Maybe it was time to explain just why she left the way she did.

She knew it would never work. Her friends had probably forgotten her by now. The day she broke contact with everyone, including the love of her life and her family, was the day she lost her shot at being happy. What was the reason? There was no excuse that she could produce that would be acceptable in the eyes of those she cared about. No excuse acceptable to herself.

"Max!" Stopping at her door, her head whipped around in search of that voice. She would recognize it anywhere, but it couldn't be; that was impossible. The voice of the woman she spent her days and nights thinking of. Wishing that it all had been different, that nothing ever changed, that she had never left. She couldn't be found 3000 miles away. Her family hadn’t found her, and if they did, they never contacted her.

Stepping out from under the tree was the very woman she never thought she'd see again. Sure she had been contemplating returning recently, but to be honest, she doubted she had the courage. Walking up to her was the girl with the right color blonde, the right shade of blue. Standing mere inches from her was the perfection that meaningless flings could never compete with.

"Drew, I.." she what? What could she say? I'm sorry it was far too superficial and meaningless. It wouldn't be enough.

"How, did you find me?" Excellent opening Max, try again. "I mean, it's..."

"We need to talk. May I come in?" The words were shaky and slightly cold. Knowing she had no right to be hurt by the other girl’s tone, Max turned and opened the door, letting her in. Her home was tidy but bare. It was lifeless for a lack of a better word. No pictures, basic furniture, and it looked as if nobody lived there.

Grabbing two beers from the fridge, Max calmed her breathing and readied herself for the conversation she knew she was about to have. As she walked into the room, she saw Drew sitting on the couch with her cellphone out. Jealousy surged through her as she thought about who the other girl could be texting. She had no right to be angry. She lost that right when she left. Taking a deep breath, she sat down.

"I have been trying to find you for three years." There was a hint of anger laced with sorrow in the other girl’s tone that made Max's heart heavy. "You left without reason or explanation, and I need..." she could see the storm brewing in soulful eyes. She wanted to speak and explain why she left, but fear stuck her tongue to the roof of her mouth.

She watched in silence as she was handed Drew's cellphone. She didn't bother to look down as she watched tears start to fall down beautiful cheeks. "I hoped that maybe you had a reason for leaving. That maybe you would realize your mistake, but after three months, you still hadn't come back for me. But you know what else hadn't come?" She laughed softly, and Max was entranced by the sound. Still not comprehending what was happening. "His name is Maxwell, and he's two and a half."

Looking down, Max finally saw what was on Drew's phone. A little boy with her green eyes and Drew's blonde hair smiled into the camera. Suddenly, all the air in her lungs left, and she couldn't suck air in fast enough to replace what was gone. Her heart began to race, and she choked out words she couldn't quite comprehend. "I have a son?"

"We have a son, and he has waited two years and six months to meet you."

"You named him after me." Words failed her as she began to realize all that she left behind. She didn't just leave behind the love of her life or her family. She left behind her child.

"I did. Stop thinking so hard. You didn't know about him." She knew. She always knew exactly what Max thought before she realized it herself.

"Why?" Another chuckle slipped from gorgeous lips. She looked up to see deep blue eyes staring back at her.

"You may have walked out on me, but you never abandoned him. The moment I looked into his eyes, I saw you, and I knew he deserved to have a part of you even if it was only in name."

This was the girl she fell in love with. Loving, kind, and sweet. Drew. The girl who was always selfless and thought of others before even herself. The girl who thought enough of her to name their son after his mother who he may never know. Suddenly, Max became overwhelmed, and with tears running down her face, she wrapped her arms around Drew.

It's time to return home.

Drew

Anger coursed through her veins as Drew starred at the papers in her hand. She hadn't expected to feel like this when she got the call she had waited so long for. Sure, she knew she would be upset but not this angry. It had been three years of searching. At first, for the woman, she loved to find out what happened. Then for her best friend, the woman who she needed because she was terrified. Finally, for the mother of her child because he deserved to know her. Admittedly she tried hardest in the first year, but not knowing where to start made things a bit tricky. Then life got in the way, but she never gave up. She couldn't give up, not on Max. The girl was before anything else, her best friend, and she knew there had to be more to it than the assumptions made by their friends and family.

Standing from her chair to walk out the door, she thought over the last three years. All her old emotions came crashing down on her, and she allowed herself to cry over what she lost for the first time since the day Junior was born. Junior was her constant reminder at the beginning of what she lost. But he was very much his own person and gave her joy beyond anything she ever imagined. He deserved more; he deserved to know them both. He was why she was doing this.

As she stepped into the busy city streets, she walked towards the address in her hand. Thoughts raced through her head as she thought about the last day they spent together. It had been perfect. Shaking her head, she cleared her mind. She wouldn't think back to that. This wasn't about her or what she felt. Her anger was not important right now; she was on a clear cut mission. A few of her friends and family told her not to bother, but she was determined. She was determined to tell Max about their son, and then she would leave. What Max did with that information was up to her.

Turning down an empty street, her stomach churned. She wasn't the same girl who was left broken-hearted. She was stronger now, but her nerves didn't get the message. Looking down at the address and back up at the house in front of her, she knew it was time. Steeling herself, she knocked on the door and waited. After three tries, she realized the attempt was futile. It wasn't late, but it wasn't early either. Assuming Max would be home soon, she found a nice spot under a nearby tree to sit. Leaning back and closing her eyes with a heavy sigh, she finally allowed her thoughts to drift.

*Flashback*

"I love you, Happy Anniversary."

It wasn’t the first time she had said those words out loud. Two months after graduation and four years of being together and she was still madly in love with the girl beneath her. She watched as Max's eyes widened. She leaned forward to capture her lips. She knew Max might not return the sentiment, but the knowledge didn't ease the pain she felt when her feelings weren't reciprocated. Rolling off the bed, she began to collect her clothes as she felt herself become overwhelmed. Strong hands gripped her hips and pulled her back. Max's lips dragged along the base of her neck and searched out that sensitive spot in the crook of her neck that always made her weak at the knees.

“Happy Anniversary,” Max murmured into her. “I’m sorry the test was negative.”

“I don’t know why I’m so upset,” Drew buried her face into Max’s chest. “We tried now knowing it would probably not take until after we were married.”

“Still, it hurts.”

“It does,” Drew acknowledged.

The night had been too fantastic to dwell on the four words the statement was missing or the baby she wasn’t carrying. Falling back into Max's arms, Drew's lips opened as soft lips pressed against hers, and a tongue begged for entry. Turning her body to face Max fully, Drew deepened the kiss. Hips rotated as she sunk further into the other girl. A shocked gasp fell from her lips as her back hit the bed. Feeling Max on top of her was always a favorite of hers. She always felt safe wrapped in strong arms with the other girl’s body weight pressing down on her.

What happened next, Drew never forgot, no matter how hard she tried. It felt like the perfect beginning at the time. But the next morning, she learned, it was a brutal end.

*End Flashback*

Footsteps brought her out of her thoughts as she sat up from the tree. Looking down at her watch, she noticed she had been sitting there for two hours. She stood abruptly as she saw the girl her mind never forgot. Max stood at her door, searching for her keys. Suddenly words escaped her, and her body betrayed her as she let out a strangled, “Max!”

The other figure turned abruptly, searching for her. Wild eyes looked around but never landed on her. She stepped out of the shadow of the trees and watched as Max's mouth opened. The words didn't register, but before she could grasp the situation, she found words escaping her lips.

"We need to talk. May I come in?" She winced inwardly at her own tone. Gone was her confidence, and she stood shaking slightly at the thought of being denied. Without words between them, Max let them into the house. She glanced around and saw no traces of the girl she once knew. Had she just moved here? Why was the place so bare.

She sat on the couch as Max walked away. Realizing how late it was, she retrieved her phone and sent a text to her mom, letting her know that she had found Max. After a few messages were exchanged and she was assured Maxwell was doing fine and asleep for the night, she heard footsteps behind her.

She quietly watched the way Max sat beside her as she took deep breaths with a fearful look. Her eyes roamed the familiar softness with hardened edges and a wild gaze. This was the same girl she knew before, yet she was completely different at the same time. The confidence she once oozed seemed to be hidden deep inside, replaced by restlessness. Stiff and uneasy, Max’s head raised slowly. Again, Drew's words tumbled from her before she could stop herself.

"I have been trying to find you for three years." The anger in her voice shocked her. She never imagined she could be so harsh with Max. She always held herself together and prided herself on giving the other girl infinite kindness. She thought back to all that had happened and realized with a jolt that she was allowed the anger she felt. But there was more to it than she cared to evaluate at the moment. There were more emotions buried at the surface.

"You left without reason or explanation, and I need..." a brief choking sound escaped her throat. She took a moment and held back emotions as she changed tactics. It was time to be straight forward and get it out there. Pulling up her son’s gorgeous face, she handed Max her phone. She noticed green eyes trained on her face. Not once did she look down to see what she was handed. She shifted as she grew nervous under the intense gaze that was searching her eyes.

She felt tears beginning to roll down her cheeks. This was not how she meant to handle this situation. She wasn't supposed to cry. "I hoped that maybe you had a reason for leaving. That maybe you would realize your mistake, but after three months, you still hadn't come back for me. But you know what else hadn't come?" A chuckle slipped out as she thought of the situation she was in. This wasn't about her anymore. This wasn't about Max. The only person who mattered was the baby she discovered months after a devastating heartbreak. He was the reason she was here. Any other feelings were unnecessary at the moment.

Max's gaze shifted in confusion as the words she had been rehearsing for the last week fell into the heavy atmosphere. "His name is Maxwell, and he's two and a half." She had finally said it. There was no going back now. Not that she wouldn't have told her. It was, after all, why she had flown to New York. Broken from her own thoughts by the sound of Max’s voice, she noticed eyes fixed on the image of their precious baby boy.

"I have a son?" A jolt of irritation shot through her like lightning. She had to let that go for now. This wasn't about either of them.

"We have a son, and he has waited two years and six months to meet you." I have waited two years and six months to introduce you to him. The thought drove a chill down her spine. The idea she tried not to put into the universe out of fear that it wouldn't happen. In her mind, she imagines the two playing together, laughter throughout their home, lazy nights, and so much more. No. This wasn't about her. Max lost her the moment she walked away. Junior deserved his mother and her full attention.

"You named him after me." She stopped herself from rolling her eyes at the statement. There was never a question of who her son would be named after. Maxwell Watson would always be the son of Maxine Watson. Granted, it did take some time for her to decide on Watson instead of Jackson. Everyone, including Max's family, scoffed at the thought of him being granted her last name. It wasn't that they didn't want him to share their family name. They were just angry and thinking irrationally. Max didn't know she had a son. She didn't walk out on him, she walked out on everyone else, but never on him.

She watched the emotions cross over Max's face. She knew the look she saw to be similar thoughts crossing Max's mind. She knew exactly what Max was thinking. "I did. Stop thinking so hard. You didn't know about him." She couldn't help the briefest of smiles that crossed her face. It didn't matter how upset she was with Max for leaving. She still loved the woman who was once her entire universe.

"Why?" Drew chuckled as she looked at Max. Max may not deserve kindness in regards to her decisions with Drew, their friends, or their families. Max may not deserve the empathy that filled Drew at that moment for her finding out this kind of information. But Max also didn't deserve to entirely blame herself and feel as if she abandoned her child. It was never intentional. She didn't leave his life willingly. If she had, this conversation would be far different, and there would be no need to be pleasant.

"You may have walked out on me, but you never abandoned him. The moment I looked into his eyes, I saw you, and I knew he deserved to have a part of you even if it was only in name."

Pleasant and cordial is what they needed to be right now, what they would always need to be when it came to little Junior. That was why she was here to tell Max about him and give her a choice to be part of his life. So that when he grew older, he wouldn't remember a time without both of his mothers. She preferred that they would have some sort of friendship one day, but for now, they only needed to be cordial with each other.

Suddenly she was wrapped into strong arms. For a moment, she felt her body tense. She didn't consider this action when preparing for their conversation. She hadn't touched the other girl in three years, and suddenly there she was wrapped into her arms. She felt discomfort course it's way through her veins.

“It's time to return home,” Max mumbled in her ear. Feeling the other girl’s breath on her caused a new foreign reaction. Her body betrayed her conflicting emotions and relaxed into the embrace as she allowed herself a moment to feel her building emotions.

Drew

There were so many emotions that she couldn't keep up with everything around her. There was one thing niggling at the back of her mind. One question. It wasn't the right time. She came for one purpose, and that was reason enough to shove the question back down. She fulfilled her purpose for coming, and now it was time to leave before she allowed herself to fall further into Max.

She gave herself another moment to feel the old familiar safety. She allowed herself to take in the still familiar scent. She took note of the subtle changes in the other girl’s smell and realized the smell of alcohol was present and a mix of something else. A moment of jealousy occurred when she noticed the different scent and shoved it down as quickly as it came. There was no place to be jealous that Max had been with another woman. She couldn't expect that the other girl would remain celibate in their time apart.

Drew pulled away swiftly at the uncomfortable feeling that coursed through her body. The feelings she knew she never rid herself of. Max would have to do a lot more to earn her trust and adoration back. The thought threw her. That was not what this was about. If Max had wanted to be with her, she would have never left.

No, she would not go there. She deserved more than falling into the arms of a girl who could never say, “I love you.” She earned more than to be left with nothing more than a note with the words, Goodbye, I will return for you. She would never forget the words and the loss they brought into her life. She felt the anger return to her body as she stood.

Pulling out a notebook, she handed it to Max. She looked deep into cloudy eyes, “my address, number, work information, and some pictures I've saved over the years.” The finality of it all did not go unnoticed by either girl. “I leave tomorrow.” She looked down at her watch. “I leave in 5 hours, so I should go pack.”

As she turned towards the door, she felt a warm hand grasp her waist. She felt the woman's figure form to hers as she hugged her again. “Thank you, Drew.” Unspoken words hung thickly in the air. She waited for a moment until she couldn't handle it anymore. She needed to go before she did anything she would regret.

“I will fly out within the week to visit. May I meet him? I would prefer the others not to know I'm home until after I see him, but if you want things to go differently, that's fine by me. Whatever you want, Drew, whatever you need.” The weight of the words bared down on her as she mulled them over. If what Max had said was true, this would all be happening much faster than she originally anticipated.

“Call or text me first. Don't just stop by. I'll let you know what I decide.” She wasn't ready to make a full commitment. She knew Max and Junior would meet that was guaranteed. It was the when, where, and how that she was unsure of. “I won't keep him from you.” It was decided they would meet when Max returned home. “But don't come unless you intend to be a regular part of his life. I'm not saying you need to move back immediately or ever. I'm asking you not to come into his life only to walk away from him.”

It was unfair to say the last part. She knew Max's past and how her words would make her feel. The anger was overpowering her, and she couldn't find it in her to be cautious and thoughtful before she spoke. Whether she knew it for sure or not, she wouldn't risk her little boy’s heart. She wouldn't allow the heartbreak of someone coming and leaving. She would always protect him before anyone else.

“I would never..” she knew what the girl wanted to say. She knew deep down inside that she wouldn't leave him. “I know what it's like to be left.” Drew's body went rigid at Max's words.

“So do I!” Her voice raised harshly as venom spewed through her lips without a second thought. She couldn't reign it in, and if she were honest, she didn't want to. She had already accomplished what she came for. She left her son at home, and although it was only for a night, it was the furthest she had ever been from him. She missed him deeply. She never wanted him to feel this kind of pain. Nobody deserved the pain of losing a piece of their soul.

“I didn't mean…” the hand on her loosened as Max let out a deep breath. “I only meant that I know what it's like for your parents to leave you behind.” As quickly as the anger came, it disappeared. Drew was getting sick of this emotional rollercoaster that only Max could put her on. Her heart sunk for the other girl but not enough to make her take back her words.

Suddenly she felt the last string snap. Before she knew it, she was turned toward Max, angry blue boring into emerald green. “You have no idea what I have been through. I'm a 25-year-old single mom that went through this all alone while heartbroken. I told you I loved you, we made love, and you left me. I gave you everything, and not once did you think about me. I know about your biological parents, and I understand how that made you feel, but I didn't deserve your selfishness. I never deserved to be left with nothing more than a sentence scribbled on a sticky note. I gave you everything, and I have always bent over backward for you. But that will NOT happen this time. You will NOT be selfish this time. It's not about you and how you feel anymore. Junior is the only person who matters. I will protect him at all costs even if you get hurt in the process.”

She wasn't sure when it happened or how they ended up back at the couch. Max pressed hard against the cushions and Drew towering over her. Drew couldn't be bothered to care when she saw the flicker of hurt pass through Max's eyes. She was done holding back and keeping it all in to protect everyone else. She wouldn't stand down this time and let green puppy dog eyes break her resolve. Max needed to hear this and know how serious Drew was.

Straightening herself out, Drew took a step back. She felt her breathing quicken as she gathered her thoughts. If Max thought she was being harsh, that wasn't her problem. She deserved so much more than the small burst of anger the blonde had just released. Even though it was the angriest the blonde had ever been around her, there was still more bubbling in her stomach. With one last look, she turned around.

As she walked to the door, she could hear the choked cry from behind her. “I left because I was scared of how much I loved you.” It wasn't enough to make her turn around. It was more than she expected but not enough to go back to the girl behind her.

“Then you should have said it back. I deserved..” she couldn't finish her sentence as she opened the door. Walking into the cold air, she heard Max’s quick footsteps. She wouldn't turn around; she didn't want to do this right now. She felt fingertips grasping at her wrist, but she wouldn't stop. She needed to leave; this could be dealt with another day. She owed nothing to Max anymore.

“You deserved so much more, and I always knew that.” Max's words were lost in the wind as she felt fingers release her.

Quickening her pace, Drew walked away. It took twenty minutes, but she finally made it back to her hotel room. Falling into bed, she felt her resolve break as the tears flooded her pillow. Her body shook as her emotions overwhelmed her senses. She knew this would happen, but she wasn't prepared for it to be so soon.

Arms wrapped around her, and she was pulled against a warm body.

“It's okay, let it all out.”

For the first time, she finally let go of everything she felt. She knew she had to be up soon, but right now, she just needed to be held and cry over her own broken heart.

Max

She didn't sleep much; she couldn't get Drew out of her head. Her scent still invaded her senses, and her voice had reinvigorated her soul. She had expected to come home to an empty bed and fall asleep to the music she kept on to drown her thoughts. Drew threw a wrench into those plans with her unexpected visit.

She knew the conversation was overdue, but she struggled to keep up. Things started well, but then she was thrown a curveball she hadn't seen coming. A son. How had that happened? Obviously, she knew how he came to be, but she thought the pregnancy hadn’t taken. She found herself wishing she was there for the beginning milestones that she’d missed. Finding out, ultrasounds, birthing plans, baby showers, painting the nursery, the chaos of getting to the hospital, the birth, cutting his chord, naming him, the list could go on forever.

Maxwell Watson. He was a beautiful boy. She wanted a picture saved on her phone. Knowing Drew was probably already on the plane, she sent a text with a simple request. Will you please send me a picture or two of Junior? She sighed at the nickname Drew gave him. She hoped it was okay that she used it as well.

She was shocked at how quickly Drew responded. She looked at the pictures she received. One of Junior on his first birthday, one on his second, and a third of him snuggled into Drew both with beaming smiles and eyes staring directly into her own. A choked sob fell from her lips as she looked closely at the two. She searched the young boy’s face who wore her smile, her eyes, and her jawline. He was her little clone but somehow with Drew’s beautiful hair.

A knock brought her out of her thoughts as she set her phone down. Shuffling down the hall towards her door, she wasn't sure she could handle another unexpected guest. She didn't have friends here and wasn't expecting a delivery. She readied herself, knowing that Drew was not the only one who knew where she was now.

Opening the door, her heart soared at the visitor. She wasn't sure how this meeting would go, but if anyone other than Drew were to show up unannounced, she was glad this was who it was. Moving to the side, she allowed her visitor to step inside.

“You left Los Angeles for a dump.”

She suppressed the shocked smile that threatened to take over her face. Now was not the time to be excited. This conversation was bound to go south fast.

“I did.”

“When will you be returning home?”

Max shook her head, unsure of how to respond. “I would leave now if I could, but first, I need to square things away at work.”

She removed herself from the strained silence and grabbed two bottles of water.

When she walked into the room, the other figure was hovering by the door. “Get dressed. We’re going to breakfast.” She knew better than to disagree, so she dressed at record speed, joining her companion before they had time to realize she was gone.

The walk was tense as she thought of what to say. How could she explain herself to the only person who held more faith in her than Drew? The disgust with herself was back, and she groaned at the thought of the conversation that was going to come soon.

“I saw Drew after she left you. Care to tell me what happened?” Her head shot up at the words. Had they been with Drew? Drew didn't mention … shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she reached back into last night’s events.

She dove into the story of their conversation, as truthfully as she could. She knew this was her only shot to keep her companion from lashing out on her. Only stopping to order, she finished with how things were left. As the words tumbled from her lips, she felt as unsure as the moment Drew left her.

“You're working for an agricultural company now?” It was a rhetorical question; she knew they already knew the answer. Nodding her head, she waited patiently as the other person studied her face. “Do you want to move closer to Junior or only come for visits?”

Her heart sunk at the thought of Drew’s final words. She knew they were tame in comparison to what she deserved. “I would love to move closer, but that's entirely dependent upon Drew.” The truth slipped by without her giving it a second thought. She wouldn't miss any more time with her son as long as she was allowed to be in his life.

“Great. You start in two weeks.” Her forehead scrunched in confusion as she stared at her breakfast mate. “What about Drew and everyone else? I'm not so sure that anyone wants me back. Although, I only really care if Drew wants me around or not.” Max's nerves began to show as she spoke.

A laugh rang from across the table, and she felt her body loosen in relief. “Drew would not have come here if she had a problem with you possibly moving back.” The smile given to her gave her nerves a reprieve, and the coil in her stomach finally released. “It's time to come home, Max. Even if we didn't want you there, didn't want you around Junior, didn't want you around Drew..” the pause made her snap her head up “she would never allow any of herself or us to keep you away.”

For the first time in a long time, she felt relief as the food was placed in front of her. No words were needed as the two ate in silence. “Where would I live if I took you up on your offer?” The offer was generous, and she couldn't deny she wanted to take it.

“Temporarily, with Ruby.” Shock coursed through her veins. How would she face her sister? Her sister would surely murder her the moment she saw her. Did Ruby know about this plan? What would she say? How would she reconnect with the older girl who always protected her? The person she abandoned, just as their parents had left them.

“It was her idea when everyone discussed possibilities.” Family gatherings. She missed that most. When everyone would get together to discuss anything, everything, and nothing at the same time, despite her wanting to visit Drew secretly, it seemed that everybody else had other ideas. “She wants you to come home, too.”

“Mr. Jackson..” her words were cut off by a loud laugh.

“When have you ever called me Mr. Jackson?” He was right. Not even when they first met had she called him anything other than Jason. She allowed herself a small smile at the thought. “It’s a good opportunity, Max. It would be a move up instead of down or lateral.” As he went over the details of the job, she listened intently.

She didn't need to be convinced, but it was nice to focus on something else at the moment. Something other than the way her life had been turned upside down. Jason always knew when she needed a shift in focus, so he continued to talk until he sensed she was ready. He looked at her with a smile across his face.

“I don't deserve it do I?” The fear slipped into her voice before she could pull it back.

He mulled her question over for a minute before he responded. “As the father of the girl who's the heart you shattered, no.” Her heart dropped at his words. “As an employer, I've seen your record and your performance. Your awards are how we finally found a place to keep searching for you.” It finally came together, how they had found her. She didn't think that her recent awards were national, but she was wrong. “As the man who has watched you grow up and thinks of you as a second daughter, you deserve nothing less. It's time to come home.”

He was right. Jason was always right. In his smile, she saw so much of Drew. In the tenderness he possessed and the way he talked about her and talked to her after everything, she knew where Drew’s innate goodness came from. She silently hoped that Junior would learn that same trait through Drew’s nurturing. She could see the love beaming through his eyes. It wasn't until she thought over his last words that her heart leaped. Jason loved her regardless of her wrongs, and at that moment, she knew that even if she had no one else by her side, she had Jason. How had she been so blind to the love surrounding her?

“You got through the easiest barrier. The rest may eat you alive.” Jason’s joke made her happiness wash away. Upon returning home, she would face plenty of angry individuals that would make Drew’s anger seem like child's play. “You may want to make sure Junior is around when you first see Annie." Max paled as Jason laughed. She was beyond grateful that it was Jason that came with Drew.

Max

A low growl spilled from her chest as her alarm broke through her dreams. Slamming her fingers on the screen of the phone, she groaned, knowing she would have to open her eyes to stop the sound. The latest iOS update made it impossible to shut off an alarm unless she was at least half-awake. Succumbing to her fate, she opened her eyes, finally finding the button to shut the sound off. With a dramatic yawn, Max rolled out of bed to start her morning routine.

Every morning was the same. Pee, shower, teeth, get dressed, eat, leave, and finally stop for tea. She was so used to it she could do it with her eyes closed, and most mornings, she did as she tried to wake up from another alcohol-fueled night. It was only when she was showered that she realized what today was. She was leaving for California and would hopefully soon meet her son.

Her son. A smile crept on her face as she thought about the day ahead of her. It had been a week since Jason left, four days since she gathered the courage to call Ruby, who responded in an oddly calm manner, two days since she finished her last day at her job, and one day since her parents demanded she shows up to a planned family dinner Saturday.

She wasn't thrilled about the mandatory appearance knowing that everyone would be there. She thought back to Jason’s warning and decided it may not be a bad idea to keep Junior close if Drew allowed it. Drew was always on her mind despite their minimal communication. She was receptive to Max's move and would send occasional videos of Junior, but that was all.

Time flew by as Max finished her morning routine, returned the keys to her landlord, and packed the last of her stuff. Most of her things had been sent ahead, and her house was bare. She thought back to when she first arrived and how lucky she was to get this place, but it never truly felt like home. With one last glance over her shoulder, Max left for the airport.

She barely paid attention to the taxi ride as anxiety coursed through her. Pulling out enough money to pay the driver, tip included, Max thanked the man for the ride. She grabbed her things and headed into the airport. There was no running away this time. She needed to face reality head-on even if it hurt.

Drew

“This is a terrible idea,” Lupe’s voice rang through the shop as Drew finished sketching a client’s latest tattoo. If she had been working on someone, she would have been angry at the interruption, but she wasn't doing much of anything.

With a heavy sigh, she turned towards her best friend. She was tired of this conversation that had been nonstop between just about everyone and herself. She could understand their concern, but this wasn't about her or them. This was about Junior. The mantra that played in her head continuously was starting to grind on her nerves just as much as the repetitive topic.

“I'm not having this conversation anymore, Lupe. I have a client coming in 30 minutes.” She hoped the brunette would finally ease off and leave. The day was stressful enough as it was knowing that an hour after her shift was over, Max would be home.If she gets on the plane. The annoying thought pressed down on her as she tried to shake it off.

“Drew, you can't think this is a good idea.” She wasn’t clear enough that she wanted to be left alone. “Why on earth would you allow this to happen? She walked away, leaving you pregnant and alone.”

“She didn't know I was pregnant!” Her voice was angry. She wanted everybody to stay out of this. She knew the argument was useless; nobody seemed to care that Max didn't know. At the end of the day, she still left. This was why only her father knew when she continued looking for Max. Her friends and family were overbearing, overprotective, and generally excessively annoying.

She quieted her irritation as she looked Lupe in the eyes. The angry girl stared back stubbornly without moving an inch. “Technically, you and Shayna are at fault for this happening.”

“She could stay at a hotel!” Lupe shouted with anger. As real as it was, it wasn't right, and Drew knew that.

“For a few days, as she had originally planned when she was coming for a visit. This isn't just a visit, though; she’s moving here. She starts work Monday and will be able to look for a place in her spare time. It's not fair to promise her a place to stay, which is what prompted her to move, and then leave her out to dry. You threw the tantrum that leads to Ruby asking me to begin with.” Drew was tired of her friends and their attitudes. “Unless Junior is around, I doubt we will be near each other much anyway.”

Drew moved to finish the drawing and prepare for the man who would be there in 15 minutes. She didn't have time to deal with everybody and their opinions when she was on the fence about it all herself. This could go well or bad. She wasn't sure what the outcome would be when Max found out that plans had changed last minute.

“Ruby never even asked permission..”

“Why should she ask if her sister could stay with her?”

“Her sister, who I hate.”

“That's unfortunate considering that technically, Max did nothing to you, or S for that matter.” She felt like she was back in high school, listening to her friends dictate who she could talk to and who could sit where. She hated it then and hated it more now.

“She broke our best friend’s heart; of course, she did something to us.” It was true, in a messed up way. It was time to grow up and try to work things out, though, and she couldn't help but wish they would realize it happened to her, not them. They helped her through it and saw her devastation, but they didn't feel the gut-wrenching pain. “She has a week and then she's out. I'm not letting her anywhere near you alone.”

A relieved sigh was released from her throat. She had hoped one of her friends would give up on the Max ban. A week wasn't exactly much time, but it was a start. She wasn't truly prepared for Max to be living with her even temporarily, but she was willing if it came to that. Of course, Max could stay with her parents. Her dad had offered the idea initially, but Annie alone with Max right now might send the other girl back to New York.

“Thank you,” she murmured as she looked back at Lupe.

“When is Ruby picking her up?” She was not prepared to answer this question. She thought about the best way to answer as the bell rang above the door. She never thought she'd be so happy to hear the sound as her customer came in grinning, and Lupe took it as her cue to leave. She was grateful this piece would take her a few hours as she walked up to show her work that she would soon be adding to the young man’s arm.

Max

Max stretched as she stood outside LAX, and waited for her sister. The flight had been long and exhausting. She stared out the window for five hours, unable to close her eyes. She never really liked flying, and the claustrophobic environment heightened the tension in her body from what lay ahead as she flew above the clouds.

Occasionally, she would pull out her phone and watch the videos Drew had sent her over the week. It served as a reminder for why she was doing this, and her heart soared when the lady sitting beside her asked if the boy was her son. Nodding enthusiastically, she couldn't help the smile that spread as she answered the affirmative. She hadn't told anyone in New York; this was the first time she told another individual that she had a child.

The woman told her about her grandchildren as she pulled her phone out, showing pictures. Before the conversation could switch back to her situation, the plane was landing. She made it safely and would soon be meeting him for the very first time if it all worked out.

She pulled herself from her thoughts when she heard her name being called. Soft eyes stared at her as she swallowed her shock of seeing Drew standing nearby, opening her trunk. As she placed her suitcases inside the compartment, she tried to figure out why Drew was here.

“Ruby is fine, and I just thought we should talk before you go to her house.” Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Max smiled as the blonde drove towards the freeway. “I hate this airport,” Max laughed, knowing that everyone hated the airport. She knew the next words before they slipped from Drew’s lips. “I hate rush hour traffic even more.”

Drew was patient about many things. Driving was not one of them. Suppressing her giggles, Max glanced out the window. The feelings of nostalgia flowed through her as she watched familiar sights go by.

“Thank you for picking me up.” She hadn't meant to be so quiet. It was hard not to be when there were so many memories going through her mind. “Where's Junior?” She couldn't help the tinge of sadness that escaped her when she realized he wasn't with Drew.

Drew shot her a knowing sideways glance. “At the apartment with Ruby. He was fussy, so I let him take a nap with his aunt.” Max never thought about Ruby being an aunt. She had no doubt Ruby was terrific with him. She had always been great with kids. “He always goes down easily for her. I don't know how she does it.”

The drive was silent as Max's eyes raked over Drew. She was dressed down compared to the girl she once knew—T-Shirt and jeans with minimal make-up. Max couldn't help but notice how beautiful the girl still was. Her favorite Drew make-up free, wearing her gym shorts and a wife-beater. Her choice, Drew, relaxed and straightforward with untamed hair, lounging around the house. Exhaustion began to take over Max’s body as she fell asleep, thinking of the girl to her left. Too soon, she was being pulled from her sleep and looking into beautiful eyes. Her favorite shade danced before her as she stretched herself out as much as she could in the confined space. “I guess it's time to go inside.”

Retrieving her bags, she felt Drew’s hand on her back. Taking a deep breath, she continued forward as Drew opened the door. Everything around her went silent as she looked in front of her to see Ruby's brown eyes staring at her. As Ruby walked towards her, she realized Drew’s hand was still on her rubbing small soothing circles.

A punch landed into her gut, and air rushed out of her. She stifled her groan, not wanting to be loud as she was pulled into her sister’s strong embrace. She didn't realize how much she missed the taller girl’s presence. She never knew how much she needed her sister’s touch until now. “I will kill you later, but for now, it's good to see you.” The contradicting words raced through her mind, and she knew that the conversation ahead would not be easy. She fully expected more punches to be thrown at some point.

She heard a deep voice call out from beside her, “I won't kill you if you give me a hug too.” She turned to see Dwayne smiling at her. Falling into her brother's arms, she let out a choked sob. She knew it wasn't going to be comfortable coming home, but she wasn't prepared for how emotional it would be. She wasn't ready to see Dwayne today, but her heart soared knowing he was here.

“We have to go, and we have dinner plans with Shayna and Lupe.” Ruby’s tone was even, but she looked scared to leave. As if Max wouldn't be there when she returned. “I'll pick you up in a few hours.” Max nodded as Ruby walked out of the front door.

“We have plans tomorrow, just the two of us,” Dwayne stated as he gave her one last hug.

“I'm going to start dinner, make yourself comfortable.” Drew disappeared before she could respond. She took a look around and marveled at how open the floor plan was. In the middle of the room was an enormous couch with two love seats on each side, creating a semi-circle in front of a white wall. Searching the room further, she found colorful paintings hanging on the walls. Some were professional; some Drew had done herself. Pictures were placed all over the house. Most had Junior in them, and a few had both of their families, friends, or the whole group.

Looking on the last shelf, she saw a picture of herself with her arms wrapped around Drew. They were laughing together and staring into the camera. She didn't remember taking the picture, but it felt so familiar. Pulling out her phone, she looked at her background photo and noticed the similarities. It was almost the same pose except Drew had her arms around Junior.

Filing the information away to ask about later, she found the projector and turned on the screen. Settling on the couch, she flipped through the channels. Realizing it was Thursday night, she turned on the football game before quickly throwing on her jersey and beanie and jumping back on the couch. She was surprised that she almost forgot about the game.

Max wasn't a loud person unless sports were on. Knowing Junior was sleeping in the house, she barely kept her cool when the Seahawks scored the first touch down. Jumping up, she danced around. Hearing a sound, she turned to see ahead of blonde hair hiding between the couches. Not wanting to startle Junior, she turned around and sat back down. She barely stifled the urge to jump up again as the extra point field goal attempt was made.

Suddenly ahead of blonde jumped and clapped. She wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to talk to him, but it was too soon. Drew hadn't introduced them yet. She didn't want to overstep any boundaries.

She watched from the corner of her eye as the little boy climbed onto the couch. He was no longer paying her much attention and was focused on the game. She wasn't sure that he had any idea of what was going on, but she loved watching his facial expressions. The quarterback was sacked, and she clapped her hands and yelled out, “yes!” She didn't mean to yell, but they were playing a rival team, and it was hard to control her emotions. She felt a little hand slapping her shoulder repeatedly as the little voice, closer to her ear than she was prepared for, exclaimed, “YES!”

She smiled excitedly. He was the cutest 12th man she had ever seen. She thought back to the purchase she made when she found out about him. She knew he would only get to wear it if she were the one who dressed him. Everyone except Dwayne and herself were 49er or Rams fans. Drew never cared for sports, but she still curled her lips in disgust at the thought of her son wearing anything else.

Slowly standing up, she walked over to her bags. Pulling out a mini football, 12th man jersey, and Seahawks beanie, she walked back to the couch. She always wore the same outfit on game day for luck. They only lost when she forgot a piece of the outfit. It was science. It had been proven over and over again. It wasn't just any jersey that would work. It had to be this specific one that she could only wash at the end of the season. The last time she washed it during the season was right before the Super Bowl. She had spilled on it, so she washed it. Her heart still wept for how terrible the loss had been as a result.

This was science, and her son would need to learn the science behind it. For a win, you had to have a 12th man navy blue jersey with your last name on the back and a lime green beanie. She frowned as the 49ers kicked a field goal. They weren't tied, but she was still annoyed that they scored. Junior looked at her with confused eyes. She assumed he was wondering why she didn't cheer.

“The wrong team scored, baby boy.” His eyes lit up at the sound of her voice. “Will you let me change your shirt?” She slowly went to remove the shirt he was wearing, making a note of the soccer balls on it. She was pleased with his obvious preferred sports if the soccer ball in the corner of the room and the way he reached for the football were any indications of what he liked. He allowed her to change his shirt and place the beanie on his head.

With his blonde hair covered, he indeed was her clone. Smiling, she placed a kiss on his head and turned back to the game. As the game continued, he began to take cues from her cheering at the appropriate times and mimicking her groan when things didn't go their way. By halftime, he had spread himself across her lap as she played with him.

She didn't want to throw the ball in the house, but she wanted to play catch for a little bit. “You two can take that in the backyard during halftime if you'd like.” The soft voice startled her, and she almost missed when Junior's hands flew up, almost hitting her in the eye. “Slow down, buddy; you want to go play?”

“Yes, mommy!” He responded, charging to the back. Max chuckled as she got up to follow. Drew was playing with the remote as she glanced back. “Come on!” Junior screeched impatiently.

“You better go, the game's recording now, you can fast forward through halftime when you get back.” Drew smiled as she walked back into the kitchen.

Max blushed as she thought of all the times Drew took care of things before she realized what was happening. “Thank you,” she murmured to herself. She'd have to remember to tell the girl when she was in hearing distance. A ball hit her in the stomach when she walked outside.

“Play!” The demand was filled with excitement, and she was drawn to the little boy again. They ran around the yard, playing and laughing. Momentarily, she realized how disgusting their jerseys would be at the end of the season if this is how they spent every halftime. She lit up at the thought. She didn't care how caked with dirt they got if she was able to spend every game day with her son.