The Love You Give

You Do Crazy Things When You're in Love

Ezra was beyond uncomfortable. They had just taken the tube out from when she was intubated. Her lungs felt like they were weighted. It hurt to breathe, so she was stuck with the oxygen nasal mask to assist her. Celeste held her hand the entire time the doctors poked and prodded her. "Thank you," Ezra said once the staff had left and it was silent for a bit. "For what, sweetie?" Celeste said squeezing her hand. "For caring about me even after finding out about the guys and me. For not throwing me out." Celeste let out a small chuckle. "Ezra, you are as much a part of this family as my boys are. It hasn't been long, but the impact you've had on all our lives make you a Scott." Celeste smiled down at her. "Now, whether you get that last name officially by marriage is yet to be seen." Ezra let out a laugh that quickly turned into a cough.

Celeste rubbed her back as she leaned forward. "I feel like crap, Mama." Celeste nodded. "I know honey. The doctor said this will pass in a day or so. You just need to rest." Ezra shook her head. "I mean, physically I feel like crap, but also mentally and emotionally. Papa hates me. I could tell when he was yelling. I never meant to hurt either of you. I just...I fell in love." Celeste smiled at her. "I know, honey. I know. When you're in love you do any and every thing for your partner, but honey we're going to have to tell Hannah about this. The accident and your relationship. I don't know what the rules are here, but there might be some consequences that I think we're all afraid to acknowledge." Ezra looked down at her fingers and nodded. "Your Papa doesn't hate you. I think he's just afraid of losing you. He doesn't do well when someone he loves is threatened."

"Rest up, sweetie. I'm going to call the guys and give them an update and then I'm going to call Hannah and schedule a meeting for when you're discharged." Ezra nodded her head and laid back down. She looked out at the window and sighed. The night could have ended so differently. She thought what could have been if Jace reacted differently and had listened to her. She thought what could have happened if she would have just gone to get help. The fact remained that their secret was out and she would know by tomorrow whether or not she'd be moved to a new placement or not. She would be forced to leave the school she loved and friends she'd cherished. Ezra didn't want to worry Celeste so she cried silent tears filled with anxiety, fear and hopelessness. She knew she could lose it all, but she wouldn't change a thing. She loved her men and they loved her. No matter what happened she knew that would never change.

Jansen pulled into the Five Guys parking lot in Wethersfield and smiled sadly. This was a spot that was a favorite for him and his boys until he became too busy for them. He could bring them here and listen to each one of them go on and on about their day or dreams until Celeste was blowing up his phone to bring her children home. When Jansen turned off the car, he heard them shuffling in the back. Jacob couldn't help but chuckle at their location. "Seriously, Dad." Jace asked irritated, but Jackson elbowed him. "Indulge him." Jackson whispered before getting out. They made their way in and Jace and Jacob went to a booth in the back. Jackson waited in line with his father. "You think you guys still eat the same order?" Jansen asked while they waited. Jackson looked at his father and nodded. Jansen placed their orders once it was their turn. Jackson helped him with the drinks before heading to the booth in the back.

Silence. Jansen had time to think on the drive and he still felt like a nervous idiot sitting across his three grown sons. "I got lost." Jansen began. "When I kept climbing the political ladder I got lost. MaryAnne was the biggest mistake of my life, but at the time it made sense. I was unhappy, but didn't know why. Your mom and I were moving further and further apart and I felt like I didn't even know my own kids. It was the stereotypical thing to do. Fall into the arms of another woman, but it wasn't what I wanted in the long room. The affair lasted only a month. The night you saw us, Jace, was the last time." Jace eyed his father looking for a hint of deception. The waitress brought over their food at that moment and noticed the awkward silence.