Part II of The Paid Mother series.
It seems everyone in Max's family has moved on and forgotten about Jackie, but not Max. He will do anything to get his family back together. Max still believes that Jackie is out there waiting for him and he will d...
Today is our last day in Lebanon. And today is the wedding. We spent all morning looking for her and we still couldn't find her. I told everyone to give up and to enjoy their last few hours in Lebanon before we leave. I laid in bed thinking about how everything is going to change once I get back. My dad would be getting married to a she-devil and there is nothing I could do about it. I was dreamed about what it would be like if I were able to see Jackie one last time. I never imagined that it would backfire like this. Turning to lay on my side on the bed I let out a sigh.
"Dad was right." Flashbacks of last night played in my mind.
There was a knock at my door.
"What" I answered. Micky opened the door.
"Hey" He said closing the door behind him. He walked over to me and stood beside my bed.
"They guys and I are going to the Souk Zalka Market. Carlos wants to see what kind of things they produce. And James just wants some free samples" He says with a laugh.
"Have fun" I say pulling the covers over my head.
"Max"
"It's fine Micky. Just go I'll be here waiting for the plane to arrive" Just then I left the covers ripped off me.
"What the hell Micky" I yelled.
"You are coming whether you like it or not. What happened to our graduation trip? didn't you say that's what this was? Like you said this is our last year together." Taking in everything he said I knew he was right and it wasn't fair.
"Fine" I say slowly getting up.
"Great, I'll let the guys know your coming." He said smiling and walking out of my room.
I made sure I packed my things early because after the market we will be going back to New York. I shower and got dressed.
The guys and I were walking around in the market. The market is huge with so much fresh food and cheap goods. Because we are foreigners James used that to his advantage to get free samples of everything.
It was nice walking the guys and just hanging out. I tried my best to not looks sad or mad in front of them because I wanted to show how thankful I am. I am so blessed to have friends who will travel the world for me. As we were walking and looking around I saw two kids laughing and playing with a woman. I smiled. She is wearing a blue scarf around her head with a white shirt and light blue jeans and brown boots. As I was watching them the scene reminded me of when Jackie and I used to play together.
A strong wind blew causing the woman scarf to slide off from her head. My eyes went wide.
"Jackie"
"What?" Said Micky who was beside me. He turns to see what I was looking at. "Oh My--"
"Jackie" I say again loud enough for her to hear me. She looks up at the sound of my voice and stares at me in shock. As am about to take a step towards her she makes a run for it.
"Not this time." I say running after her. I hear foots steps behind me and know the guys are also following after me.
"Let's split up block all exits" I say.
"Got it!" They answer. Jackie jumps over tables and passes by people with ease. But little does she knows thanks to baseball I am well fit to keep up with her. I try my best not to bump into anyone.
Jackie bumps into someone causing them to drop all their fruit they had in a basket. I try my best not to step on any. I keep a steady past as I run after her.
"Jackie stop!" I yell. As I get close to her. She looks back in shock to find how close I have gotten to her.
"I just want to talk is that so much to ask" I say.
"You shouldn't be here Max" She yells back.
"Nither should you." I say back. I see James up ahead, Jose on the left, and Micky and Carlos on the right. They all block her path. She stops running when she realized she has no route to escape. I slow down to catch my breath.
"Dory" I whisper. Jackie slowly turns around with tears in her eyes.
"I am so--" I walk towards her and give her a hug.
"I missed you so much" I say laying my head on her chest.
"Why did you leave me Dory. I was so lonely" I say with tears in my eyes.
I finally have her.
I let it all out the hurt and the pain. I tell her everything. How I felt when she left. How much pain I have gone through.
"Do you know how long I have been searching for you" I say. I pull away to look down at her. That's when I realized just how much I have grown how short Jackie really is.
"Max" She wipes away my tears. "Believe when I say I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I thought by me leaving it was for the best. I was trying to protect you."
"Protect me from what?" I asked confused. She doesn't answer and looks away.
"That doesn't matter" I say holding her tight "I'm just glad your back." We don't move and stay in each other's arms. After a few more minutes I let go.
"Come back with me" I say.
"Max--"
"I am graduating this year. Could you as least stay for that considering how you already missed more than half of my childhood" Yes I was guilt tripping her and I don't care. I told myself I'll do whatever it takes to bring her back.
"You don't have to see anyone. Just come back with me to enjoy my last year of high school. All I ever have wished for since I started looking for you is that you see me walk across that stage" As Jackie is looking up at me her eyes started to water.
"Dam it" She says looking away.
"Please, Dory" I plea. After a few mintues, she finally answers.
"Alright fine. I'll stay with you for your last year--"
"Yes--"
"But I don't want Kevin to know about this." She says.
I smile "No problem," I say.
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