Sitting, I try to think of a way to show her I can be a good dad. Finally giving up, I walk upstairs, a sheet and pillow on the floor at the door. I guess that means I'm sleeping on the sofa. I didn’t even do anything wrong, grabbing them as I walk back downstairs.If I'm in the dog house and kicked out of my own bed for nothing, I may as well go to Jackson's or the hospital to people who actually want me there and care.Grabbing my jacket, I walk out, locking the door behind me. I get in the car and drive. I will go see Jackson, no doubt he needs support more than Troy. Getting to the hospital, I walk into Alena's room. Jackson looks up at me, confused. “What have you done wrong now?” See, even he assumes I did something wrong. “I told her I want a baby, that I want it to be only us in our relationship. She told me I would be a bad role model and kept talking about how me going on missions wouldn't work. So, I sent in my resignation, and she flipped, making me sleep on the sofa.” I

Waking up, Maria is no longer in bed, walking downstairs, she is nowhere to be seen, and no note is left so I can only assume she has gone to work, getting ready I leave and go to the Jacksons. I have basically moved in now, I live between both houses and I feel like Maria is grateful for space away from me.The day passes quickly, and Alena and Jackson are busy with the girls. I sit outside watching and making sure Max isn’t around. The night is quickly falling, sitting inside with a coffee. I hear the door handle move. Looking at Jackson, I get up, pointing for him to stay sitting.Walking to the door, I unlock it, opening it. I see a figure running off, chasing after him. As I do, I realise he is too far ahead for me to catch him, his figure disappearing into the trees. Reaching the edge, I see the car driving off.Walking back, Jackson is standing at the door, looking at me, waiting.“He ran too far before I could reach him. No doubt he heard us moving and ran before I even got to

Walking down, their bags are at the door, Troy is back sitting at the table. Sitting down with my coffee, I stay quiet. I like Troy. He doesn’t ask questions like Jackson. He doesn’t push for information or answers. Jackson and Alena say goodbye, cuddling the girls and leave.Walking out, I get in my car. Troy gets in the opposite side. Driving behind Jackson to the airport, we don’t speak. When we get there, Troy will get Jacksons' keys and drive the car back. We want to make sure they get on the plane, but from the moment they left the house, it is their honeymoon, so we are staying away from them.Getting to the airport, I sit and watch the car, Troy walking inside, following them to get the keys and ensure they get on the plane. Twenty minutes later, he walks back out. Getting in Jackson's car, he pulls out, me following behind.A week at Jacksons without Jackson will indeed feel weird, especially with Alena not there. Getting in, I sit down, me and Troy working out exactly how th

Leaving, we go in two cars. Getting there, we surround the house, Jackson not listening to the order to stay back, insisting he is the one to kick the door down. He always has to feel like he is in control in some way or another.“Fine.” I signal forward, Jackson moving in front of the door. I move, standing behind Jackson, the door flying open. As it does, Jackson jumps sideways, my eyes, seeing the barrel of the gun as Max shoots. I prepare myself for the pain of it hitting my vest, only the pain is unreal as I scream and fall to the floor.I forgot my vest. I was that busy checking everyone else. I forgot my own fucking vest. I can see Jackson staring at me, turning lunging into the house, his fists hitting Max. I try to get up to stop him, unable to. He needs to stop.“Stop, Jackson.” My words are quiet as they pull him away. I can’t see Max any more, just a heap on the floor, I may have taken a bullet for him, but if he has killed Max, I can’t take the fall. They wouldn’t believe

I walk to Jackson and stop behind him.“So, I think you’re wrong.”He turns and looks at me, his head shaking. “I’m not. This morning confirmed I wasn’t.” He answers.I look at him, confused. What happened this morning?“I left her all night, while all I wanted was to fuck her. Then this morning, I am pretty sure she thought I was you.”I laugh. Is he fucking crazy?“You’re delusional, Jacko.”He nods. “Just listen. I kissed her like I always do. Her hands grasped my hair, and she kissed me back. Then she pushed me away and slapped me and said, get off.”My eyes widen. She was dreaming of me? I got into her head that much she was dreaming of me. I laugh. “Oh, so your wife was dreaming about me? Damn, that’s hot.” I don’t even think Maria dreams of me. Still, it fails to prove his point. “Wait, so she technically kissed me back, then slapped me? That really isn’t enough, sure it’s hot that she was dreaming about me, but I don’t think she will agree to Jackson.”He looks at me like he i