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𝑬𝑽𝑬𝑹𝒀𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑾𝑨𝑺 fine—mostly. Christiana and Brian still had a strained relationship, but for Jesse's sake, they were willing to try. After hours of tense conversation the night before, they had made some decisions: Brian would meet Jesse, and if everything went smoothly, he would start seeing him more often. The relationship between Christiana and Brian, on the other hand, was still complicated. They agreed it was best to start as friends, with no expectations of anything else—no funny business this time.
The morning after their talk felt calm, almost like a new beginning. Christiana was busy with her usual motherly duties, trying to get Jesse ready for school. It should have been an easy task, but of course, Jesse was proving otherwise.
"JJ, I know I usually let you pick out your clothes, but you can't go to school in house shoes," Christiana sighed, watching Jesse drag his feet across the living room, his brown eyes wide with resistance.
"But mom, I'm tired, and these are tired shoes," Jesse groaned dramatically, nearly collapsing onto the couch.
"I know, honey, but you can't wear these out," Christiana tried again, her patience thinning just slightly. She ran a hand through her hair, already feeling the weight of the day. "Come on, let's get you something else."
"But mom—" Jesse's protest was cut off by a knock at the door.
Christiana froze. She hadn't expected anyone. Not today, not now.
"Someone knocking on the door," Jesse said, clearly delighted by the interruption.
"Thank you, Jesse," Christiana muttered under her breath, grateful for the distraction. She gave him a soft chuckle before standing up, walking toward the door.
"Jesse, find every comfy shoe you have. We need to figure this out," she called over her shoulder, half-expecting him to turn it into a game. As she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect. When she opened it, Brian stood there, looking at her with a guarded expression.
"What are you doing here?" Christiana blurted out before she could stop herself.
Brian's eyebrows furrowed. "I want to meet him," he said simply, his voice low.
