Captive

chapter 67

I'm always win

Jeff sat in the car, the weight of his decision pressing on him. He was six months pregnant, his hand gently resting on his growing belly. He wanted them to know, to see the life he was carrying—the life he was bringing into this world. Despite everything, despite the pain they had caused, Jeff needed answers. He needed to know how they were and, most importantly, how his child would fit into the tangled mess of his past.

Bible glanced at Jeff from the driver's seat, his eyes dark with concern. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, his voice gentle yet tense.

Jeff nodded, though uncertainty flickered in his gaze. "I just... I need to know if there's anything left. I want them to know that I’m expecting. Maybe... maybe it'll change something."

Bible reached over, his hand resting on Jeff’s knee, offering silent comfort. "If this is what you need, I’m here. But don’t forget—they didn’t deserve you then, and they certainly don’t deserve you now."

"I know," Jeff whispered, feeling a twinge of pain at the truth of Bible's words. But he couldn’t help the lingering hope that perhaps, somehow, things could be different.

As they approached the prison, Jeff's nerves tightened. The cold, gray building loomed ahead, a stark reminder of the past he could never entirely escape. Bible parked the car and helped Jeff out, his arm protectively around Jeff’s waist as they walked toward the visitor's entrance.

Inside, the sterile scent of the prison hit them immediately. Jeff held his belly instinctively, feeling the faint fluttering of life within him. He wasn't alone—not anymore. No matter what happened here, he had Bible and their child.

The guard led them through the long, narrow hallway until they reached a small visitor’s room. The air felt heavy as they waited. Moments later, the door opened, and Jeff’s parents were brought in, their hands shackled. His mother’s eyes widened as she saw Jeff, lingering on his belly with shock and something Jeff couldn't quite read.

"You’re... you’re pregnant," his mother whispered, her voice trembling.

Jeff nodded, his expression guarded. "I wanted you to know. I wanted you to see... and maybe understand."

Bible stood silently behind Jeff, his presence steady and protective, his eyes never leaving Jeff’s parents. The tension was palpable, but Jeff pressed on.

"I’m not here for forgiveness," Jeff continued, his voice firm despite the knot in his throat. "I’m here because my child deserves to know where they come from. Even if it’s through bars, I want them to know."

His mother’s gaze softened, guilt flickering in her eyes. "Jeff... I’m sorry for everything."

Jeff looked away, unable to fully absorb the apology. It felt too little, too late. Bible’s hand tightened on his shoulder, grounding him as he fought back the flood of emotions.

-

His heart pounded in his chest, not from fear, but from the uncertainty of how this visit would go. He hadn't seen his father in a year and now, with six months of pregnancy visible beneath his loose sweater, he felt the weight of everything he hadn’t said building up inside him.

The guards led him through the usual procedures before escorting him to the visitor's area. He waited, his fingers trembling slightly as he folded and unfolded them in his lap.

Moments later, his father walked in. His presence filled the room, though his face seemed older, wearier. They locked eyes, and for a moment, time felt suspended.