Jennifer Jareau's Daughter

Chapter 7

Max's POV:

As I'm in the car listening to "Reasons to Stay" by Kate Vogel I slowly close my eyes and start to fall asleep. I must of been passed out for a while now cause the next thing I know I feel someone lift me out of the car. I know it must be Jennifer because I recognize the sounds of heels clicking. I hear her keys jingle as she unlocks the door. Once she opens the door I hear her walk into the house straight into the living room. I feel her slowly put me down on the couch and cover me with a blanket. I feel her kiss my forehead as she walks out of the room. I wake up to light chatter in the kitchen and the smell of Chinese food. I get up and enter the kitchen.

"Hey honey how was your nap?" Jennifer asks

"Fine." I say as I sit at the counter

"Where's your husband and kid?" I ask as I notice it's just us two

"There at my mom's for the night. Will thought it should be the two of us tonight so you can get settled before meeting them." Jennifer says

"I heard you talking to him in the car plus you have a ring in your ring finger. I put it together also I woke up and saw pictures of your son all over the living room." I reply

"I was gonna tell you once you got settled." Jennifer explains

"So what are we eating?" I ask changing the subject

"I got chicken fried rice, egg rolls, and teriyaki sticks." Jennifer says as she hands me a plate

"Sounds good." I say grabbing everything but egg rolls

"You're allergic to egg rolls aren't you?" Jennifer asks

"You profiled that?" I ask

"It ain't hard to tell by how you avoided the box." Jennifer says

"To answer your question yes I am. I remember one year I must of been eight Sarah's mom ordered Chinese I never had an egg roll and decided to try it. Next thing I know I wake up in the emergency room. Doctors said to carry an epi pen in case I eat one again. Apparently egg rolls are all I need to eat to die." I say

"Understood. Max I can see by the way you're looking at me you have questions. You can ask I'll try my best to answer." Jennifer says rubbing my back

"I get why you kept Henry it's because you're married and you're older now. I have to ask though did you ever try to look for me?" I ask

"I did. I tried for three years until one day the agency told me they couldn't tell me anything. I remember they told me your records were confidential and there wasn't much they could do. At that point I figured you were adopted." Jennifer responds

"So you did want me?" I ask

"Honey I regretted my decision every day for thirteen years. It felt like a piece of me was missing. You owned a big piece of my heart and now that I have you back I feel like I can breathe." Jennifer says as she hugs me

"I don't know what to call you. I ain't ready for mom yet. I forgive you. I understand now why you did what you did. Jennifer seems wrong and JJ makes it seem like we're just friends." I tell her as she holds my hand nodding understandingly

"How about Madre I know it's Spanish for mother but it'll be the name I use until I'm comfortable enough for mom?" I ask looking down afraid to see her reaction

"I'd love if you did that sweetie." Jennifer responds smiling rubbing my back happily

Once we finish eating we go back to the living room. JJ and I sit on the couch. We're currently watching mean girls. I have never seen it before. Once the movie is halfway done I slowly scoot my way closer to JJ. I lay my head in her lap. I feel her run her hands in my hair making me slowly drift off to sleep. Before I'm fully asleep I feel JJ covers me with her blanket.

"Go to sleep honey I'll be here when you wake up. I love you." JJ says kissing my head

"I love you too madre." I respond

As I'm slowly letting sleep take me over I can't help but smile. For once in ten years I feel loved and wanted. I don't think I ever want this moment to end. I can't help but think maybe this situation isn't as bad as I thought. Maybe for once I can be a kid. I can't help but think I can stop running. I finally feel safe.