I'll Be There (Josh Hutcherson)

Chapter Four

When I arrive in Savannah, I'm reminded why I've never come back. Fear. Lana's dad lives here, I haven't been here since Dad died, and Mom is losing her sanity without him. I knock on my old front door and am met by a short woman with unbrushed, long, black hair and a dazed look on her face. Everything comes back to me as I hug her.

"Anna, baby, where is my grand daughter?"

I pull Lana out from behind me and my mom picks her up.

"I'm your grandma! You're so big!"

I laugh as I get the bags out of the car. Until I see two hands helping me with my bags. He's here.

"Travis, wow, it's funny seeing you here! Why are you here?"

"I help take care of your mom. Kind of paying off a debt after everything I've done."

"If you wanted to pay off a debt you could have helped raise our daughter."

"That's what I want to talk to you about, actually. Let's go down to the dock."

I follow him down to our old fishing spot. My hands are shaking.

He speaks up, "I first of all want to apologize for everything. Second, I want to help raise her."

"No."

"She's my kid, too!"

"You left her! You left us! I was kicked out of my own house and had to raise a kid on my own! You made your decision three years ago."

"Please, I feel bad everyday for what I did to you."

"Just let me sleep on it. Go home for now, we can talk tomorrow."

I walk back to the house and slam the front door shut. Somehow, I fall asleep on the couch.

***

"Wake up, Anna."

I open my eyes and see Josh. Josh?

"How are you here?"

"I stopped by your house because I was worried and I saw valtures for things in Georgia and directions to this address."

He hesitates and gently touches my cheek, "Why did you run?"

"I needed comfort."

I get off the couch and walk into the kitchen.

"Good morning, sunshine," Travis says.

"Don't call me that! Why are you here?"

"I'm taking care of your mom!"

I huff as I walk into the living room and hug Josh. He notices that I'm crying and rubs my back.

"He wants to get into my life again, I can't do it."

"Who?"

"Lana's father, Travis. He's in the kitchen."

Josh's eyes grow hard and he grabs my hand.

He walks into the kitchen and says,

"Travis, if you want to talk about the kid come sit down."

We all sit at the table, Travis faces me,

"You know, I thought that maybe you would appreciate the offer for help. You losing your job is all over the news."

"How would I appreciate it if you left me as an 18 year old pregnant girl? Do you even realize what you put me through?"

"I'm sorry about what I did. But I've gone to rehab now and I believe I have changed."

"Why did it take me losing my job for you to want my daughter?"