To Be Young And In Love In New York City

Chapter 24: "Don't Say I Didn't Warn Ya"

Two things could happen that day.

Either Ernesto would take him, Jesse, in as his son and they could lead their lives as a family from there on, or Ernesto would get mad at Jesse for giving up a life he had sacrificed his son for and his world would come tumbling down again.

How many people could say that they got a second chance at parents? Very, very few and Jesse was one of them. What if he screw it up?

"Hey man," River said from next to him, buckling his seatbelt, "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You can take a minute before we start. Whenever you're ready."

Could anyone ever be ready for something like that?

"You can talk to me, Jesse. Talking helps."

"What if dad doesn't accept me as his son?" Jesse asked, his throat tightening at the word "dad". That was the first time he had said it.

"Jesse, you know Uncle Ernesto. He's literally the kindest man I've ever met. If anything, he'd be happy to see you, and for the first time, as his son."

He didn't seem convinced but River hadn't expected anything different. Words weren't of much help during times like these but that was the least he could do. "If.....if anything happens, promise you'll be there for me?"

River could see pain brimming in his ocean blue eyes. For a moment, he was reminded of his mom. Jesse, though not Jessica's son, had her eyes. The same intricate blue irises with tiny black flecks floating.

River gave Jesse a warm smile, his crooked lower teeth showing. "Always." He extended his body sideways, giving him a hug. Jesse hugged him back, basking in River's body warmth.

It's okay. You're gonna be okay.

He let go of him, giving him a brave nod. "Okay. I'm ready. Let's do this."

River grinned proudly and started the engine, driving away from the park lot and onto the road.

Colette saw his convertible clash into the cold evening wind from River's little window, a hand over her heart as she prayed for the evening to go well.

Exhaling, she shut the blinds and walked into the living room. Jaden was slouched on the couch watching television while Nari was fast asleep next to him. River had chased her to the point of exhaustion earlier that evening and since things like assignments and stress were non-existent in her dictionary, she decided to take a relaxing nap.

Colette settled herself next to Jaden and stretched her legs out on the coffee table. River would probably kill her for doing that, but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. "What're you watching, buddy?"

"Good Luck Charlie, Colette," He said in a softer tone than hers, pointing with his eyes to Nari.

Colette looked over at Nari. "We should probably put her in bed, don't you think?"

He nodded. Slipping her hands under Nari's little body, Colette lifted her up with ease, carrying her towards River's room. Carefully and without much movement, she placed her in the middle of the bed, and Jaden covered her with a blanket.

"Alright, let's get out of here."

They settled back in their original positions on the couch. Colette threw the pillows on the ground, making more space for herself.

River would also kill her for that.

Meh.

"Colette?"