Just Hold My Hand and Jump (sequel to Have You Ever Really Danced On The Edge?)

Chapter 4

*Vic's POV*

Dear Victor,
I never thought a day would come that I couldn't forgive you. I always thought that no matter what we did, we would be okay. But we aren't okay, and we haven't been for years. That being said, I want us to be okay. I miss you every single day. I miss your touch, and your laugh, and your smell. I miss every part of you. I miss my husband, my best friend, and my bandmate.

I know it's going to take a lot of work - from the both of us - but I know that if you're willing to put in the work, I am, too. I know you'll need time to think on this. If you decide to give us another try, I'll be waiting for you at the studio. If you choose to stay where you are, just know that I will not try anymore. This is our last shot, Vic. I'm tired of playing this game. We've been doing this for too long.

I love you, now and always,
Jaime.

I lay the note on the kitchen counter, and just as I looked up, I saw Rachel's car pull into the driveway. I sighed, folded the letter, and put it in my pocket.

Rachel came in the front door, and Ainsley's and my heads both turned to look at her. I walked toward the front door and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Rachel, this is my daughter Ainsley. Ainsley, this is my friend Rachel." Rachel smiled and gestured for a hug. Ainsley rolled her eyes and stayed seated on the couch. I awkwardly laughed it off as Rachel made her way to the bedroom. I followed her after giving Ainsley an angry look.

"She doesn't like me," Rachel groaned as she plopped on the bed. I shut the bedroom door and smiled.

"She's nine, she doesn't like anyone, Rach," I explained. I sat beside her on the bed, and she wiggled out of her pants and got under the blankets. I moved, to be out of her way, but she grabbed my hand.

"Take a nap with me?" she asked in her quiet, baby voice. I smiled and went around to my side of the bed. I changed into a pair of shorts and climbed under the covers with her. We fell asleep with her head rested on my chest.

~

When I woke up from my nap, the clock read 8:54. I gasped and jumped out of bed. I bolted out of bedroom and down the hall to the living room. "Ains, Rach!" When I turned the corner, I could see Ainsley through the window, sitting on the front porch. Rachel was sitting on the couch, in an oversized tee shirt, holding a folded piece of paper.

"Did you guys eat already?" I asked, slowly walking towards Rachel.

"No," she responded sternly. She turned the paper towards me, and I realized it was the letter from Jaime. "What is this?"

"Did you go through my pockets while I was asleep?" I yelled. She stood from the couch, and she stood tall so that we were eye to eye.

"Don't you try to turn this on me, Vic! Were you even going to tell me about it?" She was taking steps towards me now, angrier than I'd ever seen her get.

"When I decided what I was going to do, I would've told you! But you don't trust me, so you just go through my shit? Rachel, what the hell?"

"That's it, Vic," she yelled. "Get out. I don't care what you do anymore. It's over; we're over!" I shook my head, and reached for her hand.

"Baby, stop," I pleaded. "I just need time."

She laughed and shook her head at me. "You've had years to figure this out, Vic, but you just stall and stall, and I'm tired of it! You're just stringing us both along now, and I deserve so much better than you. Now get out."

I took a deep breath and sighed. "Fine. I'll just pack up-"

"Don't," she interrupted. "I want you gone now. I'll drop your shit off later. Go."

I sighed again and nodded. "Yes ma'am." I turned on my heels and left the house. "Ainsley, get in the car," I told her. "We're going to meet Daddy. I think it's time I come home." She smiled and got in the passenger seat, and we raced to the studio.