A Second Chance. Jen and Brad.

Chapter 25, "Fast Times for Jen and Brad".

At the dinner table, a little later :

In the middle of dinner at Brad's house, the kids are taking turns asking questions about everything they could possibly wanna know.

Zahara : How long have you known dad Jen?

Turning to look at Brad, she smiles as she realizes exactly how long it's been since they first met.

Jen : Uhm, 20... 22 years.

Vivienne : Wow, that's a long time.

Brad : It is.

There's a moment of silence while everyone's eating, Jen doesn't know if it's awkward or normal, but she hopes the kids aren't too upset over the situation.

She remembers how after her own mom and dad split up, she found it difficult to adjust to her dad having a new woman in his life.

When her dad introduced her to Sherry, she realized her family was broken up for good and she fears Brad's kids might feel the same way.

Jen : This pasta is really good Brad.

Brad : Yeah? Thank you, I spent...

Vivienne : I think you're really pretty Jennifer.

Jen widens her eyes looking at Vivienne, who's smiling at her.

Jen : I think you're really pretty too honey.

Knox : Are you and dad going to get married?

Jen : Eh... I don't know...

Vivienne : Knox, they've already been married once before.

Knox : Oh.

Brad laughs as he can tell Jen doesn't know what to say.

Jen : Can I ask all of you a question?

The kids nod, curious to hear what she has to say.

Jen : How do you guys feel about your father and I being together?

Knox : I think it's cool. Dad says you're really funny.

Noticing how Zahara's looking down, Jen especially wants to hear how she feels.

The last thing she wants for them, is to get through the same she did.

Jen : Zahara?

Zahara : I don't know... I mean you seem really nice and you obviously make dad really happy, but...

Jen : I will never try to take your mom's place honey.

Brad : Your mother and I will be family no matter what. You guys can look at Jen as an addition to the family... she won't replace anyone.

Leaning closer to Zahara, she wants to tell her something she wishes someone told her when she was going through the same thing.

Jen : If there's anything you're not comfortable with when it comes to your dad and I, I want you to tell us. I know how hard it can be to see your parents divorce, I don't wanna make it even harder.

Nodding, Zahara gives her a half smile before continuing to eat.

Vivienne : Are you good at Math Jen?

Jen : Well... I don't know. Why?

Vivienne : Because dad sucks...

Brad : Hey.

Vivienne : And I really need help with my homework. Could you help me?

Jen : Of course. I can try.