single dad: the sequel (v.h)

chapter sixteen

Somehow Vinnie had managed to get up a few days after the "argument" with his mom. He spent that whole day with his children, even though he wanted to be curled up in bed and waiting for his daughter to come back.

It had been months now since he had last seen her and it was killing him. His mother was no longer staying with him but she was over at his house almost everyday.

That night, around 8 PM, a knock was heard on the door. He answered it, confused as to who would be here this late. In the doorway stood a police officer and Vinnie's heart sunk to his chest.

"Is my baby okay?" Vinnie asked.

"I can answer any questions you may have at the station. You're not in trouble, we just need to talk." The officer spoke.

"Can you please tell me if my baby is alive? Please sir." Vinnie begged.

"Yes son, she's alive." The officer confirmed.

Vinnie glanced back at his mother and she only nodded. He put his shoes on and grabbed the diaper bag for Nelly, then followed the officer out. He got in his car and drove to the police station. Once he was inside he was met with the sight of Aaliyah, sitting in a chair in handcuffs but he didn't give a shit about her. He only wanted to know where his baby was.

He walked past her with the officer and was led into a room. There he found a much older looking version of his baby. She was 3 months old now and was in a new carrier completely.

"My baby." Vinnie whispered to himself, taking her out of the carrier and holding her tightly.

A tear fell from his eye and landed on her cheek. The feeling made the baby giggle and Vinnie finally felt like himself again. His kids made him who he was and without all three of them, he felt like he was a shell of a person.

"Can I change her outfit and diaper?" Vinnie asked, noticing the food stains covering her clothes and the dirty diaper she was wearing.

The officer nodded in approval.

"Was this the condition she came in?" Vinnie asked.

"Yes sir, we were not permitted to do anything with her until you arrived. Once your finished I need you to sign some papers." The officer said and Vinnie nodded.

He got her all cleaned up the best he could, changed her diaper, and put her in a new outfit. He smiled down at her and by the way she smiled back, he knew that she hadn't forgotten who he was.

"Did you miss me? Daddy missed you!" Vinnie said as he waited for the officer to return with the papers.

She made small noises back as a response.

"I'm gonna take that as a yes." Vinnie chuckled, kissing her head.

Once the officer came back Vinnie signed the papers stating that he had been granted emergency custody of Nelly once again. He also signed a paper stating Nelly had been found, and lastly he pressed charges against Aaliyah.