Chapter 18

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   I knelled on the ground, in front of the aged headstone, brushing my hand along the lettering. I had worked for months saving enough money to buy him this. Tears began to form in my eyes, threatening to fall down my cheeks. I sat in silence for a while, lighting another cigarette as I sat there, staring at his headstone.

   "Ethan, god it's been years since I've been here. It looks like it's been years since anyone's been here." I said to myself, pulling a few weeds away from his headstone

   "So much has happened. I-I have a son now." I cried "So much has changed."

   I stared at the headstone. When we were kids he would always hug me when I cried, he'd do something, anything, just to see smile. He hated seeing me upset. I'm sure he'd hate seeing me here, at his grave, crying, with a cigarette hanging from my lips. He was always so happy, despite what he went through at home. Jace reminds me a offal lot of him. That boy has been through hell, but he still greats each day with a smile, even if it's forced.

   "Sean. There you are." Mark sighed

   "Sorry, I needed a break." I apologized

   "I'm just happy you actually walked." Mark said as he noticed the name on the headstone. "Ethan."

   "I figured he needed a visitor." I said wiping a tear

   "It's been so long since we've been here." Mark said softly as he kissed my cheek 

   "Yeah." I sighed "How is the packing going anyway?" 

   "Packing?" Mark asked

   "Malcolm is supposed to go stay with Ma for a little. Or she was staying with him. I wasn't really paying attention." I explained

   "I'm not sure. But I'm sure Malcolm will be okay. Are you ready to head back? We have to catch our flight soon." Mark sighed

   "Yeah. I just had to say goodbye before we left." I smiled

   Mark and I walked back to Malcolm's house and gathered our things. Malcolm drove us to the air port.

   "Are you sure you'll be alright?" I asked as I got out of the car

   "I'll be okay Sean. Besides, the school year starts soon. Gotta be there for those trouble makers." Malcolm laughed

   "Sure do. You're always welcome to call me Malcolm. Stay safe." I told him 

   "You too Sean." He smiled as he pulled away

   Soon our flight landed back in LA and I drove us home. When we pulled into the driveway Sam was waiting on our front porch.

   "Hi babe!" Sam yelled as Jace got out of the car

   "Hi Sam. God I missed you so much." Jace smiled kissing Sam

   The two boys went inside to talk as Mark and I unpacked the car.

   "It's nice to see him off all those machines. Breathing on his own." Mark smiled

   "Yeah. I'm just glad he's better." I smiled

   We went into the house and set the bags down. I walked into Marks recording room and stared at his lamp.

   "What?" He asked

   "Are you ever going to fix that?" I asked

   "You're funny." He laughed kissing me

   "Sure." I giggled

   "Ew! No sex in the recording room. Dad might have to use a black like in a video!" Jace yelled

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