Chapter 19: A New/Old Love

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August knocks gently on the door of her parents' home. No one answers so she gently turns the knob and the door opens. As she enters, Tammy appears and holds her pointer finger over her mouth. "Shh. They are sleeping."

August looks over into the living room and sees little Carter fast asleep on Jackson's chest. Jackson is fast asleep as well and she begins to feel overwhelmed with attraction to how sweet he looks being a dad again. She looks over to her mom who is smiling. "They just looked so cute I couldn't disturb them."

August moves over to gather Carters things and as the floor creeks Jackson begins to stir. His eyes open and August smiles at him as she whispers. "Hi."

"Hey." Jackson's whispering tone is uncaring as he looks away from her down to Carter. "Where should I put him?"

"I can take him. He needs put in his bed in my house."

"I got him." Jackson quietly says as he gently stands trying not to wake Carter.

August begins to lead the way through the house to the outside and down the short path to her small residence. Jackson moves past her after she opens the door into the darkened room and disappears into her bedroom as she puts all Carter's things down. She removes her coat revealing her black and white polka dot dress before she removes her heels. Hearing Jackson's steps, she turns to meet his eyes as he walks through the living room towards her. "Thank you." August says as she feels in pain from Jackson's careless eyes on her.

"Night." Jackson coldly says as he moves past her and exits leaving her to feel so alone.

She texts Sydney as she sits down on her couch.

He hates me.

10:06 pm

No. He will come around. I had fun tonight! Thanks for going to dinner with me.

Jackson comes over to August's house every night for the remainder of the week to see Carter but barely speaks to or looks at August unless it is cold and careless. The hatefulness she feels vibrating from him every time she sees him is beginning to take a toll on her. She already hates herself for the mistakes she made and knowing that Jackson hates her too is unbearable. Friday night as Jackson is sliding into his coat about to leave, she decides to try and extend a bigger gesture of friendliness toward him in hopes he will open up some to her. "Would you like to take Carter for the day tomorrow?"

"Why you got another date or just going to party it up with Syd again?" Jackson's hateful tone stabs at her heart.

"I just thought you would want to spend some time with Carter alone." August slowly speaks as she tries to not cry.

"When should I pick him up?" Jackson looks blankly at her awaiting her response.

"Anytime you want." August turns trying to not show him how much his tone is hurting her as she cleans up toys.

"I have a date tomorrow night with Isabelle so I can get him in the morning. Would ten be fine?"

August tries to not dwell on the fact that he is still dating Isabelle as she quickly answers. "That is perfect."

"I will drop him back off by two."

August nods her head. "Okay."

She exhales deeply as Jackson closes the door behind him and feels the tears she had been holding back break free from her eyes. She remembers back to a time a few years ago when She had made Jackson mad.

"I'm sorry Jax. I didn't think it was that big of a deal." August tries to move closer to Jackson but he moves away from her.

"You should have asked me." Jackson scolds her angrily. "We are married. You can't hide stuff like that from me."

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