~ℑ𝔫𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔲𝔰𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔗𝔥𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔰~

𝓼𝓲𝔁 : 𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝙳𝚘 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝙻𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝙾𝚏 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜?

𝕄𝕚𝕜𝕖

As I walked away from Billie's room, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, I was grateful that I could help her in some way, even if it was just by being there to listen. On the other hand, there was this odd sense of longing, of wanting to be more than just her friend. I knew it was probably inappropriate, considering her situation and the fact that she's in relationship with some bloody bastard who can't even take care of her and her child. Besides, she needs more care now. She's fucking pregnant.

But then again, there was something about her... something that drew me in. It was her strength, her resilience. The way she handled everything with grace and dignity, despite all that she'd been through. I couldn't help but admire her from afar.

As I continued with my work, my mind kept wandering back to our conversation. I found myself replaying her words, her voice, her laughter in my head. It was as if she'd left an imprint on my heart, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something deeper was brewing between us.

I glanced at my phone and sighed. It was a call from my dad, and I knew I should probably take it. He'd been worried about me lately, ever since I'd started spending so much time with Billie. He'd never been one to pry into my personal life, but he could tell that something was off.

I stood up from my chair and finally spoke. "Dad. . . I don't know how long I can do this anymore. How the hell do I not spill the fact that I am indeed Jesse? And she's pregnant with my baby. It's been one year. One year, since I've seen my baby girl.

"I know I'm not the best father, but I want to be there for her. I want to be there for my own child. I just don't know how to tell her the truth without hurting her or making things worse." I paused, feeling the weight of my words. "I'm so fucking screwed, Dad. I don't know what to do."

"Jesse, tell me. Was it your fault that you got kidnapped during the vacation you both had? You think I'd be able to let you go back with her, after what her father has done? He fucking tried to murder you, and who knows? He wouldn't even hesitate to kill his own daughter. The way I see it, you were taken from us because he's a fucking coward who couldn't face his own demons. But that's not the only reason you were taken. It's because you have an amazing family who loves you, who would do anything for you."

"I'm telling her. I can't do this no more. I'll just tell her the truth. I'll tell her about you, Dad. I'll tell her everything. I just don't know how she'll take it. She's in love with this other guy and I don't want to ruin her life. But I can't keep living this lie."

"Son, I'm proud of you for coming to that decision. But you have to understand that this is not just about you and her. This is about Patrick and his actions. He's a hell of a monster, Jesse. And as much as I hate to say it, you're the only one who can bring him down. You're the only one who can put an end to all this. You're the only one who can protect your family now. You're a grown man, and you have responsibilities. You owe it to yourself, to your children, and to your family to do the right thing."

My dad's words echoed in my head as I hung up the phone. He was right, of course. I had been avoiding my responsibilities for far too long. It's not that I wanted to avoid them, it's just that I was held back from fulfilling them. It was time to face the music, no matter how painful it might be. I took a deep breath and walked back over to Billie's room, my heart pounding in my chest.

I knocked on the door, and she called for me to come in. I opened the door and walked in, feeling an overwhelming mixture of emotions. I wanted to hold her, to comfort her, to tell her the truth. But at the same time, I was terrified of how she would react.

"Oh hey, you're here earlier than I expected," Billie said with a smile as she glanced up from her work. "So what's up?"

"Billie I love you." " Ah shit." I cursed under my breath.

"But I need to tell you something. Something important." I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "The truth is, I'm not who you think I am-"

"You're him, aren't you?" She got up, walking towards me with tears in her eyes. "You're really Jesse." Her hand reached out, touching my face. "Oh my God, this is all so much. I don't even know what to think."

I cupped her face and pulled her into a hug, my heart aching for her. "I know, it's a lot to take in. I'm so sorry for lying to you, for keeping this from you. I just didn't know what else to do. But I want you to know that I love you, and I want to be with you. And I want to be there for our baby and Maddy."

She giggled through her tears and stood on her tippy toes, wrapping her arms around my neck, kissing my forehead. "I knew it was you. You fucking liar!" She said playfully while she clutched my shirt and hit my shoulder. "I can't believe you did this to me, Jesse. You had me so convinced that you were this other guy. But who the fuck cares? I love you, and you love me." 

"Of course I do."

"By the way, how's Maddy?" I asked.

"She's good. She's been asking about you. She misses you." Billie smiled softly. "But you know, I think she's going to be okay now. She's got her daddy back."

We stood there, holding each other, for what felt like hours. I couldn't believe how much I had missed her. How much I had missed being this close to her. I had never been so happy in my life.

"So, what about Patrick?" she asked finally, disgusted to even address him as her father after what I told her. "What are you going to do about him?"

"I'm going to take care of it," I assured her, gently cupping her face in my hands. "I promise you, I'm going to make sure he can't hurt anyone ever again. Especially you and our beautiful little family."

She kissed my lips, her eyes shining with hope and relief. "Thank you, Jesse. I love you so much. I always have." softly and smiled, tears still in her eyes. I kissed her back, savoring the feel of her lips against mine. "I love you too, Billie. You and our baby and Maddy. You're my world now. And I'm going to do everything in my power to protect you and make sure you're happy."

"Mhm, so who the fuck is this guy, treating you like shit? He better back off now."

"How do I tell him though?"

"Just tell him that you're seeing someone else. Someone who actually cares about you. And someone who's not afraid to be honest with you. I'll be here for you no matter what, you know that."

She smiled up at me, her eyes filled with love and trust. "I know, Jesse. I love you. I never stopped. And never would I stop."

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