Jack was flying at Axel before anyone else could even speak. Axel jumped up and started walking backwards. For a minute I thought he was going to trip over Reeses' feet.
"What the heck were you thinking? Taking MY fifteen year old daughter out and doing that with her?! How old are you? Do you have any idea what I can do to a little punk like you?!" Axel winced and Jeff intervened. "Jack, why don't all of us adults talk over here?" Jack stood very still and for a minute I was afraid he would go to jail for assault and battery. "Fine." Jack said through gritted teeth.
Jeff spoke calmly and rationally. "Their both kids. Kids that won't listen to us no matter what we do. Let them try to be better parents than us." He winked and Jack let out a small chuckle. Jeff had diffused the situation for the moment. "Well, what now?" Jack spoke, suddenly serious again. Jeff rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, I guess we wait and see what happens. Young, foolish love never lasts." Jeff leaned it. "Although if they do break up I guarantee Axel will pay child support." He nodded more determined. "My stupid son needs a lesson in responsibility and I believe this is it." Jeff turned to Axel. "We're leaving. Now." Axel sulkily followed his father out.
Reese started puking a few days after their announcement. Jack and I both were in shock. How could this happen? My trip with the kids to China had only been two weeks and it seemed like a lifetime had passed since then.
Jack threw himself into work now more than ever. He didn't want to be at home, or anywhere near Reese. He avoided us all for a solid week and hid out at the fire station. During that week, the mayor presented Jack the Key to the City, for being such a good firechief. Even this didn't shake Jack's depression. I knew he needed to reconcile with Reese and accept the situation. I just didn't know how to go about it. Luckily, the opportunity arose sooner than I thought. One night we had Zane and his family over and Reese invited Axel.
Axel spoke to and flirted with Andrea most of the night. Andrea, flirted right back despite the fact that she knew it was bothering Reese. To be fair, Andrea had no idea Reese was pregnant with Axel's baby.
Towards the end of the night, Axel pulled Andrea close and kissed her square on the lips. Reese stood there, about as dumbfounded as the rest of us.
Not Jack. This action seemed to help Jack realize that he needed to be there for Reese. Even if Reese didn't want him there, even if she didn't realize she needed him Jack was her father, and he was going to protect her.
Jack stomped over to where Axel stood. "This ends NOW! You little punk you think because you got my daughter pregnant you have a right to my niece to? I am giving you ten seconds to get your rebellious, stupid self out of my house before I beat you to a pulp! Minor or not, NO ONE treats my daughter like that!" He paused, "You have five seconds left." Axel, seemed deflated and exited quietly.
Zane gathered his girls and left too. I'm pretty sure he went into shock after hearing Jack announce Reeses' pregnancy like that. Reese hugged Jack and began sobbing. "I'm....so...sorry....daddy!" She cried out between sobs. Jack patted her back. "Its okay, honey. Your mom and I are here for you...its going to be okay." Jack was present again and would be their for us and for Reese through this time.
The next few years flew by. Han grew into a teenager. He loved art and chess more than ever. Unfortunately, he really really hated riding and after being thrown off Rebel decided to sell him. I didn't mind. With a granddaughter and so many kids my days were filled enough and I was sick of cleaning out the horse stall!
Selah grew up into a beautiful child. She was also very shy and timid like Li Li. They drew closer than ever, and spent much time writing stories and playing chess. They never acted like half sisters. They were blood and nothing would bring them apart.
Axel paid child support faithfully and his dad dropped off the check every month. When Cassidy (Reese's daughter)was about two, Axel showed up with the check. He stood before Jack embarrassed and apologized for all that he had done. He was very ashamed and wanted an opportunity to be apart of Cassidy's life.
Jack listened and asked Axel. "Are you prepared to really be there? To be that father figure?" Axel thought a moment. "More than I was two years ago." He looked Jack right in the eye. "I promise if you give the opportunity to be around Cassidy, I will do everything I can to respect and honor your family. However you see fit." Jack nodded soberly. "You have my permission, but you have to talk to Reese first, she's upstairs."
Reese was sitting on the floor teaching Cassidy to talk when Axel entered. She stood quickly. "What are you doing here?" Axel stopped near the desk, seeing how defensive Reese was. "I've come to apologize and ask for the opportunity to be in Cassidy's life. I know I hurt you, I betrayed your trust and I know that I'm the last person you want to see right now. " Reese spoke in a heated whisper, "It wasn't just what happened with Andrea and you know it."
Axel nodded. "I was an angry person back then. I drank nectar all the time and was addicted to alot." Axel's eyes filled with tears. "The worst thing I ever did was hit you." He forced himself t continue. "I will never forgive myself for that. I didn't know how to deal with my anger and I took it out on you. Please forgive me."
Reese put Cassidy on the ground and hugged Axel. "I forgive you, I just need you to prove you've changed. I can't have that kind of stuff in my life again, I've turned things around." Axel nodded. "I will, if it takes a lifetime to prove it I will."
Reese aged into a young adult! We are still discussing what college she will go to, if she gets to attend. She and Axel are starting to date again, although slowly, their not rushing into anything. I can't believe how big my family is getting and how old Han is! Before too long he will be writing his own legacy!
Author's note: In case you are wondering about some of Sydnee's other relatives...Grayson aged into a teen and Anne aged into a child.
And Zane's daughters Alyssa and Andrea aged into adults.
End of Part 11
Thanks for Reading!
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