Time After Time

3. It Begins

If I thought my life was spiraling out of control before this deal, I'm not even prepared for what is to come. I am determined to change Sienna's destiny. She is meant to live. To thrive and have many years ahead of her. I just hope I don't screw this up.

A familiar touch caresses my cheek, and I smile. It worked! I had my doubts that this was all some crazy hallucination from being blacked out drunk. But she is here. Opening my eyes I pull her to me. Her smile has always warmed my heart. I am a better person when she is around.

"Good morning, handsome."

"I could get used to waking up like this."  The look of confusion on her face, I have to remind myself to not screw this up. No one knows, only me. Smiling I caress her cheek. I never want to forget this feeling when I am with her. "Morning, love."

"You know I wake you up like this every day." If she only knew. "But we have all the time in the world for this." The smile leaves my face. If I don't change what happened, it will not be like this again. "Jace, what's wrong?" 

I really need to get my emotions in check. "We never know what tomorrow may hold Sie." 

"That's why we live life to its fullest." Her eyes show sadness and pain. What the hell is going on? "Come on babe, we can't be late." That smile I love is back, but it's not the same. I lay back in bed. I know she will tell me when she is ready. I should persist on finding out, but for some reason I am afraid to find out. "Mr. Quarterback you have a game to prepare for."

"It's not like I am going to make a career out of this." I know what my future was like. I barely was able to keep my place on the team. If it wasn't for Jess, I probably would have been kicked off the team.

Her delicate hands cup my face, and I savor this feeling. This right here is why I would sell my soul to the devil himself if I had to. "Jace Matthew Andrews, you will do great things in life." If she only knew, she would be so disappointed in the man I became. "Okay, enough of this mushy crap." Laughter echoes the room from the both of us. This right here is one of the reasons I love her so much. "Now move that ass. We cannot be late again."

Sienna just radiates life as she walks to my door, she doesn't even realize it. Turning her head looking at me with that smile. The sun has nothing on her, she can and will shine brighter than anything out there. 

"What would I do without you?" I don't want to live that life anymore.

"Live your life to its fullest. I'll see you downstairs."

I can do this. I'll do whatever I have to do to make sure nothing happens to Sienna today. Walking down the stairs laughter fills the air which makes me smile. Mom and Sienna have such a special bond. She is the daughter mom never got but hopefully if I succeed will have one day.

"Morning sweetie."

Rushing over to her and pulling her into a tight hug. "Morning ma." Her laughter, her smile I have missed so much. "I'm sorry I haven't not said it enough. I love you so much." I have not been the greatest son the past five years. Well in my real life not this do over one.

"I love you too honey. Are you okay?" Feeling my forehead with the back of her hand. "Are you nervous about the game?" 

Stepping back rubbing the back of my neck. I need to be careful; I might just get tossed in the looney bin for sure. "Yeah, that must be it." I can see in her eyes she doesn't believe me but does not say anything further. I'm pretty sure she will ask me about it later. I just hope that she doesn't. For all of our sakes. I could never lie to her. "I'm fine I promise."

"Alright, off to school the both of you. I'll see you at the game tonight."

The one thing I could do without is going back to high school, but I know it has to be done to save her. Stepping out of my car and grabbing onto Sienna's hand as we walk towards the school.