I shouldn't be trusted to live and let go. [Jack Barakat] Sequel.

I think I'm caught inbetween.

Guuuuyyysss. Haaaiiiii. n.n Happy reading. 

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There was a knock on the door and I went to answer it as Lace and Al played on the floor. I opened the door and motioned for the two boys to come in and we sat at the kitchen table. It was awkward.

I crossed my legs and cleared my throat. "So..."

Zack sighed. "Addy, I'm sorry, honestly. I shouldn't have tried to get you to talk to Jack. What he did was really stupid. We all just missed having you around."

I stood up and walked over to him before opening my arms. He stood as well then smiled and hugged me. Zack was the one I was the least upset with, so it wouldn't take much for me to forgive him. Rian smiled, and his gaze drifted into the living room. Shit, I knew this was coming. He looked at the little girl on the floor and then at me. Lacey wasn't facing us, so he couldn't see her face. I knew what would happen when he did though.

"You have a kid with Adam?" He asked.

Nope.

"She's my kid." Was all I said, though.

He nodded. "What's her name?"

"Lacey."

Just then, she turned, obviously curious as to why her name was being said. Rian tensed up in his chair, and his whole demeanor changed.

"Addy, you didn't..." He groaned.

"Didn't what?"

"There's no way that isnt-"

I cut him off by putting my hand up. "Don't go there. We were just all happy and shit, don't ruin it."

"You're keeping her from him, though? Why?"

"So what if I am, Rian? Why the fuck does it matter to you? I have my reasons."

Allister sighed and took Lacey to her room. I shouldn't curse in front of my child, but I wasn't the bad guy in this situation. It was Jack's fault. Everything had fallen apart because he made one stupid decision.

"Maybe because my best friend has a child he doesn't, but should, know about? Or maybe I'm just mad you kept her from all of us too? You wanted us to be there for her."

I turned my attention to the floor. I did want them to be there for her, I just didn't want Jack in the picture. And with ATL, you want one, you get them all. Sort of like a package deal. That's definitely not a package I want though. Quite frankly the only problem I had with ATL, band or crew, that wouldn't be solved simply with an apology or two was my issue with Jack. There was no forgiving in that situation.

"If you guys knew, so would he, and he can't know. I can't allow that." I mumbled.

"Why not, Addeline?"

"Because I don't want him in my life, Rian. I don't need him."

"Maybe not, but did you ever think that Lacey might?"

"Jack's not father material. She needs some stable and consistant. Someone like-"

"Like Adam." Rian finished.

"Exactly."

He sighed. "Addy, he's gone nearly the same amount as Jack. How is that consistant or stable?"

"Jack isn't father material." I repeated.

"You need to tell him." He stated, before simply walking out the door.

Zack frowned. "Addy, he does deserve to know."

He gave me one last hug before walking out as well.