Housemates (COMPLETE)

Is That...?

1 month Later

Chance

It's been a month now and Ruth definitely seems more laid back.

I have a feeling that she's settled and I could... y'know, make a move. 

Like, ask her out?

I went to the local library to catch up on some schoolwork and to think things through.

When, I saw a woman a small child walking into the kids' section.

"Jasper! Stop it, behave!"

You may think that this sight is normal, just some mom with an annoying kid. But, it's the way she says his name.

The name Jasper: normally pronounced as it's spelled.

The name Jasper how she said it: pronounced Jar-sper

Notice the R?

The only time I've ever heard anyone say that was Junior Year of High School, with Brianna.

"Chance, I can't BELIEVE you!" Brianna punches my arm in a playful manner

"What? What's wrong with that?" I grin at her

"That's a horrible name for a kid, Elizabreth? Sounds like lizard breath..." She grins back at me, pearly white teeth shining in my face, framed by the lips I loved to kiss

I think for a little bit

"Well, it didn't until you said it. What would you name your first born then? Any better ideas?"

She looks at me until getting an idea

"Jar-sper."

"Jasper?"

"No, Jar-sper. Like, with a british accent."

"That's so weird... you're so weird." I slither my arm over her shoulder

"Then, why are you my boyfriend?" She giggles

"I don't know." I plant a soft kiss on her lips then get in the car

That 100% couldn't have been Brianna. 

She moved to Europe I'm sure... right?

I turn away from the adult section and walk towards 'Maybe-Brianna'.

She doesn't notice me as she's fixated on the kid.

The kid...?

I stop in my tracks as I turn my gaze onto the kid.

He looks around two or three years old.

It's been about two years since the... incident.

It takes me a while to get my breath back when I realize... this could be my son.

This boy could be half of me.

I could be his father. His... distant father.

I remember how it felt not knowing who your parents were... I didn't want to be the cause of that pain.

"Chance?" 

Brianna's familiar voice sweeps past my ear

Salt drops fall from my chin.

I don't even look up as I'm still staring at the boy who's only just noticed me. 

"Is that my son?" I ask, tasting the beads of water coming from my eyes