Send Me One Last Kik (Peterick)

The Past Finds The Present

Pete walked quietly beside his friend, holding the hand of her toddler as they left the airport. Suddenly, he felt nervous to be in this situation that he had volunteered to put himself in. He could feel himself begin to sweat despite the cool temperature of the air around them.

"I really appreciate the help, Pete." Meagan shot a smile in his direction, "God, you look so different compared to when I last saw you."

Pete laughed, "My looks changed like the seasons, I guess."

"Does that imply the rest of you stayed the same?" There was a hint of an old spark with her question, but Pete ignored it. He instead looked down at the boy that was tightly gripping his middle finger.

"He's gotten so much bigger than the photos." Pete commented, though the boy didn't take his eyes off of the path ahead.

"That's what happens with kids."

"Yea, guess it does."

The conversation grew quiet. Pete guided them along the street. Eventually, they made it to the hotel that Meagan and her son were staying at.

"Thanks, Pete." She smiled as she pushed open the door to her room. Her son released Pete's hand and hurried inside, leaving Meagan and Pete alone at the doorway.

Pete bit the inside of his lip. "No problem." He smiled.

She took a step closer to him. "Can I give you a quick payback?" She asked, already leaning in and pursing her lips.

Pete jumped back. "I-I can't do that anymore." He shook his head, feeling his face heat up. "I'm married now."

"Oh, you finally found someone to tie the knot with." She frowned, but stepped back. "Do they know that you're with your ex?"

Pete didn't respond.

"Miscommunication is part of the reason we broke it off." Her voice was quiet.

"Yea..." Pete rubbed the back of his neck. That was such a long time ago... "I'll tell him."

"You'd better." Meagan stepped into her room. She now had a hint of worry in her expression. "You didn't even tell me. You're actually married to him."

"I get it!" Pete snapped. He turned away from her. "I get it..."

Silence, once again, except for a TV playing in the background. The toddler had managed to get spongebob turned on.

"I'll see you later." Meagan mumbled.

"Yea." Pete nodded, but refused to look at her.

"If you love him, you would have already told him."

Pete's head snapped up. Meagan didn't let any emotions show on her face. Pete, however, was sure that his own read exactly how he felt.

"It's none of your business." He spoke lowly as a couple emerged from their own hotel room just two doors away, "Like you said, we broke up. We're only together because of the DNA test you wanted to get after how long? I didn't even know I could possibly have a biological kid!" He gestured to the toddler, who was engrossed in the show he was watching. "Don't try to pin all of the miscommunication on me!"

"I tried to reach out to you, but I couldn't find you!" She hissed. She gripped the door, inching it closed. "Our appointment is in a few days. Don't expect to hear from me until then."

With that, the door was slammed in Pete's face.

Pete wanted to continue the argument, but he could feel his heart sinking in his chest. He needed to tell Patrick... But what if he couldn't? The last time he witheld information from Patrick, he almost never saw him again... This wasn't life or death, though! This was just a DNA test... As long as it wasn't really his...

Pete choked on his breath. What would he say to Patrick if it really was his? He had built a family with this man! They had a daughter!

Pete reached up and tugged at his hair. How could he do this? How could he let this happen?..

He needed a drink.