All because I liked a BOY?

Moving On

The courtroom battle had taken its toll, but now, everything was changing. It had been months of uncertainty, emotional turmoil, and late-night conversations about what would happen to Izzy. But now, the decision had been made: Izzy was going to move abroad to live with Megan and Miles, the family she had always known.

It was a decision that felt like both a loss and a new beginning.

Jeff stood by the window, his eyes gazing out over the city, but his thoughts were far away. Bible sat behind him, his presence steady and calm, but even he could feel the weight of Jeff’s silence.

“I never thought this day would come,” Jeff said quietly, his voice breaking the stillness. “I thought I could be her dad. I thought I could change things. But now she’s leaving, and I—” He swallowed hard, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to fall.

Bible stood and walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You fought for her. You gave her your heart. That’s what matters. You did everything you could.”

“I know. I know,” Jeff whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “But it doesn’t feel like enough. I should have been there more. I should have... been better.”

“You were the best father you could be to her,” Bible said softly, meeting his gaze. “And sometimes, even our best isn’t enough to change the course of things. But you gave her love, Jeff. And that’s something she will carry with her forever.”

Jeff nodded, the pain still fresh in his heart. It hurt to let go, to watch her leave. But deep down, he knew this was the right decision for Izzy, even if it meant the distance between them would grow.

The next day, Bible drove Jeff to the airport. The car was filled with an uneasy silence, neither of them knowing quite what to say. Jeff kept his eyes on the road, trying to steady his breathing as they neared the airport terminal.

“I’ll be okay,” Jeff muttered, though he didn’t believe it. “I just need to see her one last time. To tell her goodbye.”

Bible glanced at him, his expression unreadable.

They parked, and together, they walked toward the gates. As they entered the terminal, Bible held Jeff’s hand tightly, offering whatever comfort he could.

Izzy was standing near the gate, her small suitcase beside her, looking out the window. Megan and Miles stood nearby, talking quietly among themselves.

Izzy turned when she saw them, her eyes bright with a mixture of excitement and sadness. “Daddy!” she called, running toward Jeff.

Jeff crouched down, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you so much, Izzy. You know that, right?”

“I’ll miss you too,” Izzy said, her voice small but sincere. “But I’ll be okay.

Jeff felt a lump form in his throat, unable to say anything more. He just held her, not wanting to let go, knowing this was the hardest thing he’d ever have to do.

Bible stepped forward, his presence gentle but firm. “You’ve got to let her go, Jeff,” he said softly. “She’s going to be alright.”

Jeff nodded, blinking back tears. “I know. I just... I don’t know how to say goodbye.”

Izzy pulled back from Jeff, her small hands gripping his tightly. “Daddy, I’ll still love you, okay? Even if I’m far away.”

Jeff smiled through his tears, stroking her hair. “I love you too, Izzy. More than anything.”

Izzy looked at Bible, who gave her a warm smile. “You take care of my daddy, okay?” she said, her words sweet and innocent.

Bible chuckled softly. “I’ll take care of him. You take care of yourself, Izzy.”