I had a rough night�s sleep, thinking about how fucking screwed I was if Eryn was my kid. I felt like I knew the answer to that though. It still really didn�t faze me that this was happening though. I got up and called Mackenzie.
�Hello?� She asked and a pang of worry and guilt shot through me.
�Mac, what�s wrong baby?� I asked. She sounded kind of upset.
�Nothing.�
�Don�t lie. Is it my Mom?� I wondered.
�I�m not saying anything.�
�Why won�t you tell me?� I asked.
�Then you�ll get mad at your parents and I�ll look like the little bitch who tattled on them.�
�Wait, both my parents?�
Mac sighed, �Don�t worry about it. It�s not a big deal. You know I just get upset over these things.� I felt bad about being here without anyone knowing, while Mackenzie took shit from my parents.

�What happened?�
�Aaron, I said not to--�
�Mackenzie, did you fight with my Mom?�
�Of course.� She said.
�About the wedding?�
�Yes. She won�t come with me to meet with the planner anymore.�
�That�s her loss. Bring Trista or something.�
�She�s mad about it though.�
�Let her be mad.� I sighed.
�Aaron��
�What happened with my Dad? He lectured you about arguing with Mom?� I wondered.
�No. He told me why he doesn�t think getting married is a good idea.�
�What!?� I said infuriated. To think my father had the nerve to say something negative to my pregnant fianc�e really pissed me off.

�Don�t get mad.� Mac said.
�Don�t get mad? Mac, they�re impossible to deal with.�
�He wasn�t rude about it or anything.�
�It doesn�t matter.�
�Aaron, he has a right to his opinion.�
�Mac, you�re upset over it.�
�No, I�m not. I just miss you.� She said and I smiled, but knew it really got to her. She was pretty good at not letting Mom get to her anymore, but occasionally it got to her anyway. Now that my Dad isn�t being the most supportive about this engagement, I know it�s going to bother her even more.
�I miss you too.�

�Aaron, you didn�t feel pressure to propose to me right?� She asked. I narrowed my eyes.
�I wouldn�t have proposed if I didn�t want to Mackenzie.�
�I just want to make sure because if you�re not ready to get married--�
�Mackenzie, don�t start this now.�
�I�m not starting anything. I�m just saying if you don�t want to��
�We�re going to have a baby in less than seven months.� I reminded her.
�That doesn�t mean we have to get married.� She sighed.
�No, but it fits in with our marriage�the marriage we�re both supposed to want. I want it, do you?� I had to ask.
�More than anything.�
�Good, then don�t ever say that to me again.�
�Okay.�
�So is everything okay?�
�Yeah. What about you?� Mac asked.
�Fine. I should be home in two days.�
�Good.�
�Well, I have to get going.� I said noticing the time.
�Okay. I love you.�
�I love you too.� I said before hanging up.

I made my way out the door and over to Erica�s apartment. I knocked on the door and Eryn opened it.
�Hi Aaron.� She grinned, though it sounded more like her name.
�Hi Eryn.�
�Did you bring pizza this time?� She asked and I laughed.
�No, sorry.� I said walking inside. I moved Eryn away from the door and closed it. Erica really shouldn�t let her answer the door anyway.
�How come you have the same name as me?� Eryn asked.
�No, my name is Aaron.� I said emphasizing the A.
�Eryn.� She said.
�Aaron.� I corrected. She just shrugged and hopped up on the couch. Erica came out from the bedroom and smiled at me.
�Are you ready?� I asked.
�Yeah. Eryn, come on get your jacket.�
�Where are we going?� She asked.
�Out.� Erica answered simply.

We got to the medical center and Eryn about flipped out once we got inside.
�I don�t wanna go to the doctor�s!� She cried.
�Eryn, it won�t take that long.� Erica said pulling her arm.
�But I�m not sick!�
�Stop yelling.� Erica sighed aggravated. After Erica went up to the front desk, we all just sat in the waiting room. We waited to be called and Eryn just kept her back toward Erica and me. It was her cold shoulder I guess.
�Eryn and Aaron Collins.� The nurse called. I looked over at Erica.
�I figured you didn�t want them screaming out you were here.� She shrugged. I nodded.
�Are you coming in with her?� I asked, since Erica didn�t budge.
�What do you need me for?� I just groaned. This little girl doesn�t know me and I here I am taking her into a place she doesn�t want to go.

�Come on Eryn.� I said reaching my hand out.
�No.� I sighed and kneeled down in front of her.
�We�ll go for pizza if you come with me.� I promised.
�Okay.� She said before reaching her arms out to me. I wasn�t really sure what to do. I�m not used to this. Sure, I�ve been around tons of kids before, but it was suddenly different now. I picked Eryn up and followed the nurse into a private room.
�Mr. Collins, I�ll need you to fill out some paperwork on yourself. Mrs. Collin�s already completed Eryn�s paperwork.� The nurse said.
�My last name isn�t Collins. It�s Carter.� I sighed.
�Oh. Okay.� The nurse said kind of strangely. She walked out of the room and I placed Eryn on the table. A few minutes after I filled out the paperwork, the doctor came in. Eryn was lying back on the table looking ready to take a nap.
�Hello Mr�?� He asked.
�Carter.� I said shaking his hand.
�Who wants to go first?� He asked. I saw the fear in Eryn�s face.
�I will. Will you hold my hand?� I asked looking at Eryn. She giggled and nodded.

I sat on the table beside her as the doctor asked me to hold my hand out. I held my other hand out to Eryn and she took it. I looked over at her and winced as my finger was jabbed with the needle/pin thing.
�Did it hurt?� Eryn asked.
�A little bit, but I�m a big boy. Are you ready to be a big girl?� I asked. She nodded.
�I get pizza, right?� She asked. I laughed. She was smart.
�Yes.� After the doctor cleaned up my finger, he went over to Eryn. She held my hand as he pricked the other one. Eryn screamed and started crying.
�All done.� The doctor said and Eryn cried still as he put a band-aid on her finger.
�You were very brave.� I said and she stopped crying. �How long will the results take?� I asked hopping off the table and picking Eryn up off of it too.
�About an hour.� I nodded. I walked out of the office with Eryn in my arms still.
�Let�s go get pizza now.� I said once we got near Erica. She smiled.
�When will we know?�
�In about an hour.� I said. Erica nodded and we walked out to the parking lot. We got in my rental car and I strapped Eryn in the back seat before asking Erica where the closest pizza place was.

We pretty much ate in silence except for Eryn�s singing some kids songs. She would only eat the cheese off her pizza and then leave the rest on her plate. I couldn�t stop watching her. There was almost no doubt in my mind what the results of the paternity test will be. This girl was mine.

After work, I decided against eating alone in my apartment. I picked up my cell and dialed Leslie�s number.
�Hello?�
�Hey, it�s Mac.�
�Hey.� She said kind of low-key.
�You know, I realized you and I haven�t hung out in a while.�
�I don�t know Mac. I�m not really in the mood to shop.� Leslie sighed. I was almost offended that she didn�t want to hang out with me, but even shocked that she wasn�t in the mood to shop.
�Leslie, you not wanting to shop? Something�s wrong.�
�You don�t know already?� Leslie asked.
�Know what?� I wondered.
�Aaron usually tells you everything.�
�Well, Aaron�s mind has been wandering lately.� I sighed.
�Lucas and I got into a fight about a week ago. He went back to Naperville and honestly, I have no idea when he�s coming back.�

�Ugh! What did you fight about?� I asked.
�The wedding.�
�Still can�t set a date?�
�I don�t even think he wants to get married.�
�Oh Les. I�m coming over.� I said.
�Mackenzie, I don�t want to talk about it.�
�We don�t have to.�
�Well, I don�t want to stay in the house anymore either.� Leslie said.
�Okay, so let�s go out to eat.� I suggested.
�Okay, I�ll meet you at Chili�s by your place in an hour?�
�Sounds good.� I said.
�Bye Mac.�
�Bye Leslie.� I said hanging up. I pulled into my driveway and made my way inside the house. After feeding the dogs and freshening up a little, I made my way back outside to my car.

I got to Chili�s and looked around for Leslie. She walked in a couple of minutes later and we were seated immediately once they saw I was with Leslie Carter. The perks of dining with someone famous� As soon as we were seated, Leslie was swarmed with a bunch of teenage girls and slightly older guys. Jesus, this kind of thing hasn�t happened this badly since Aaron and I actually went inside McDonald�s a couple of months ago. We tried to stay away from too many public places because you were always interrupted.

Once the line died down, we ordered our food and Leslie and I started making small talk.
�So Aaron�s in New York?�
�Yeah.�
�How�s recording going?�
�I�m not sure. Good I guess. He hasn�t said much.� I shrugged.
�And how�s the wedding planning coming along?� Leslie asked. I could tell she was doing anything to stray the conversation away from her and Lucas.
�Really well. I�ve heard of so many people having so much trouble planning a wedding. Here I�m thinking I only have a few months to do it in, so it�s going to be more trouble, but it�s been going really smoothly so far.� I smiled.
�Mom�s been helpful?� Leslie asked and I kind of laughed.
�I didn�t say anything about your mom running smoothly.�
�Ah-ha�I take it she�s not helping anymore?�
�We had an argument the first day she came with me and now she doesn�t want to help, which is crap. I know she does and I told her she could, but to just ease up.� I sighed.
�Ease up is not in my mother�s vocabulary.� Leslie snickered.
�So I�ve noticed.�

�So I�ve decided to do a summer Spotlight tour.� I smiled.
�Cool. When�s it start?�
�July. We�ve been thinking about headliners and are you available?� I asked and Leslie grinned and practically squealed.
�Yes. I think I can fit that in.�
�Great!�
�Thanks Mac.�
�Anytime.�
�Are you going to be on the tour?� Leslie asked.
�Well, I�m definitely going to be there for the first couple of weeks, but with the wedding and all being right before it�I�m going to want to spend some time with Aaron and there�s a lot I have to do before the baby comes and everything.� Leslie nodded.
�Aaron�s touring in July too.� She reminded me. I nodded.
�Life married to a pop star.� I smirked.
�Life married to a magazine editor.� She pointed out.
�What? I�m not always--�
�Traveling? Busy?� Leslie asked. I laughed.
�I guess I am.�

�Are you scared?� Leslie asked.
�Scared?� I wondered.
�You know, to raise a baby around your lifestyles.� I really haven�t thought about all of that.
�A little I guess, but we�ll make it work somehow.�

�So have you spoken to Lucas since he left?� I asked and Leslie groaned.
�Where�s our food already?� She asked looking toward the kitchen. I laughed.
�Come on, it helps to talk about it sometimes.�
�He called me once he got home. I asked him when and if he was coming back and he said it depends.� She sighed.
�Depends on what?� I asked.
�On me, whether I have faith in our love or not.� Leslie rolled her eyes.
�Why wouldn�t you?�
�Because when we fought I started getting all upset and said he was falling out of love with me.�
�Ugh, instead of showing you how much he does love you, he gets offended and pulls away.� I groaned.
�Exactly.� Leslie sighed.
�What crap.� I said and Leslie laughed.
�Tell me about it. So you know what?�
�What?� I asked.
�I realized that maybe we�re both not ready for marriage right now. Lucas obviously isn�t.�
�Yeah, you�re still young. Lucas is pushing thirty though.� I said.
�Yeah, well he thinks he�s sixteen still.� Leslie joked.

After dinner, we decided to drop by Nick and Trista�s. It had been a couple of days since I�d seen Tyler, I�m sure he�s grown another inch. The kid is like making up for lost weight or something. Trista opened the door surprised to see us.
�What are you guys doing here?� She asked.
�In the neighborhood. Where�s my nephew?� Leslie asked.
�Nick is changing his diaper�alone.� Trista said, kind of worried. Leslie made her way up the stairs.
�He hasn�t done that yet?� I asked with a laugh.
�Not really. I�ve always been in the room, but I came down here to answer the door.� Trista said and I heard Leslie laughing from upstairs.
�Uh-oh�� I said before Trista and I made our way upstairs.

Nick held Tyler in his arms, but the poor kid�s diaper had masking tape wrapped all the way around it. Trista and I shared a look and we started laughing.
�Nick, what happened?� Trista asked.
�I took out the diaper and I tried to pull the tab things off, but I pulled too hard and it tore the diaper�so I just put tape on to hold it in place.� Nick shrugged.
�Why didn�t you just get another diaper?� I asked laughing.
�I didn�t want to waste it.�
�Oh Nickolas.� Leslie said pinching his cheek.
�I�ll take over.� Trista said patting his back.
�No, I want to do it.� Nick pouted.
�Fine, but take off that masking tape gently.� Trista warned.
�I know.� Nick rolled his eyes. We all just watched Nick�s every move, making sure he did everything right. Finally, about fifteen minutes later, Tyler was diapered properly.
�Woo!� We all cheered and congratulated him. Nick laughed.
�Leave me alone.� Nick said embarrassed.
�Let me hold him now.� Leslie said taking Tyler out of his arms. We all went downstairs and sat in the living room talking and fussing over Tyler.

When I got home, there was a message on my machine from Aaron. He sounded really weird and I was starting to worry about him.
�Mac, it�s me. I�m staying here for the weekend. I know I said I�d be back in a couple of days, but something important came up. I�ll talk to you tomorrow. Love you.�

It was like Aaron didn�t really want to talk to me or else he would have called my cell phone. Every time we�ve talked, it�s been the same conversation pretty much except when he worried about his parents arguing with me. Maybe this wedding and baby stuff was too much for him. I have to stop thinking like that or else Aaron really won�t want to talk to me. I guess he�s just stressed out with the album and everything. Usually he talks to me about things like that though. Grr, why can�t guys be like girls and just let all their emotions out and cry on your shoulder like I do?

Chapter 20

After lunch, Erica, Eryn and I were back in the waiting room. Eryn had given into her sleepiness from earlier and fell asleep on my lap.
�Mr. Carter?� The doctor called. Erica picked Eryn up off my lap before I stood up and walked over to him. �The results are in. You are the birth father of Eryn Collins.� The doctor said and I nodded, though my brain wasn�t accepting it that quickly. I�m a father. I�ve been a father for over three fucking years! I have a daughter with the last person on earth I�d want to raise a kid with. The last person on earth I�d ever thought I�d sleep with too. How the fuck did I let this happen?
�Mr. Carter, are you okay?�
�Y-yeah. Can I have a copy of the results?� I asked shakily.
�Of course. I�ll be right back.� The doctor said before walking away. I closed my eyes before turning to see Erica looking up at me.

�What�s wrong?� She asked.
�What�s wrong?� I asked. Was she for fucking real?
�I have a daughter Erica.�
�That�s what I�ve been telling you.� She sighed.
�Why did you wait until now to show up again?� I asked getting more and more annoyed. Luckily, there was hardly anyone in the waiting room except for some old woman who was snoring in the corner.
�What did you expect me to do Aaron?�
�Tell me!� I yelled.
�I couldn�t tell you! Aaron no one knew about us! No one!� Erica yelled back.
�So you think no one�s going to know now?� I asked.
�No one has to know.�
�How do you figure that? What are you the Virgin Mary and I was chosen to be the father?� I was really getting aggravated now.
�Aaron, no one has to know she�s yours. As far as everyone�s concerned, Eryn is Jordan�s daughter.� Erica said and this just made me more infuriated.
�No Erica. What do you take me for? I�m not just pretending I don�t have a kid out there!�
�Aaron, go back to Florida�get married to Mackenzie and have a million other children!� Erica said standing up with Eryn in her arms.

She started for the door and I went to go after her when the doctor called out to me. I took my copy of the paperwork, thanked him and ran out after Erica, who was now walking toward the bus stop.
�Erica!� I said running after her.
�What?� She asked, tears streaming down her face now.
�I am Eryn�s father and I want to do the right thing.� I said gritting my teeth.
�And everyone can just hate me all the more, right?� She asked. I sighed.
�Would you get over yourself for two seconds?� I yelled. Erica just stared back at me and Eryn starting crying.
�This is about her. Do you want to bring her up where you�re living? Do you want her to not have a father?� I asked.
�Of course I want her to have a father, but someone who wants her as a daughter.� Erica said.
�Erica, I�m not going to lie and say this situation doesn�t completely suck ass, but there�s no other way. I want to be there for her.�
�Fine. Take us back home.� Erica said walking toward the car. I sighed and followed her. The entire car ride back to Erica�s apartment, we were both silent. This had to be one of the most uncomfortable, scary situations I�ve ever been in and I�ve been in a lot of uncomfortable scenarios. The beginning stages of my relationship with Mac alone could vouch for that.

Once we got up to Erica�s apartment, she set Eryn down and she ran off to play in the bedroom.
�Don�t make a mess.� Erica warned. We both sat down at the kitchen table and I was first to speak.
�I�m leaving on Monday. I�m going to tell my family and Mac everything.� I sighed.
�I�m sorry Aaron.�
�You should have just told me. I can�t express to you how betrayed and angry I feel right now.�
�I know.� She nodded.
�I want Eryn to come and stay with me next month.�
�Aaron, I�m not just sending my daughter off with a stranger.�
�She knows me Erica.�
�She still thinks you�re the pizza man.� Erica said. I groaned.
�Fine, you come out with her.�
�I can�t.�
�Why not?�
�I have a life here you know?� She asked upset.
�Look, tomorrow I want us to sit Eryn down and tell her who I am.�
�What? Aaron, she�s a little girl. We can�t just tell her all of a sudden she has a daddy.� Erica argued.
�There is no other way to do it. I want to get to know her.�
�And then I send her off to stay with you and Mac�and what she forgets about me?� She asked.
�No, she won�t forget about you. I�ll keep her with me at my parents� house.�
�Okay. How long do you want her for?�
�Two weeks.� I said.
�Two weeks? Aaron, I don�t know if keeping her that long is such a good idea.� Erica sighed.
�Okay, I�ll keep her for a week and we�ll see how�s she dealing with it. If she can handle more, then I�ll keep her the extra week. Deal?� I asked.
�Fine.�

�I�m going to go. My head is spinning right now.� I said standing up.
�Mackenzie�s lucky to have you.� Erica said. Where that came from? No clue.
�I don�t think she�ll feel that way anymore.�
�I wish I could have fell in love with someone like you.� Erica said standing up now too.
�You can fall in love with anyone you want to.� I said and Erica got closer to me. �That doesn�t mean they will love you back.� I said coldly.
�Yeah, you�re right. I just wish someone loved me.�
�Erica, you had chances at love. You were always just chasing something else.� I sighed.
�What chances did I have Aaron?�
�Mike loved you.�
�Mike wanted to get into my pants, which he succeeded.�
�No Erica, Mike cared about you. Even when no one else did and you turned him down for Nick almost every time. Don�t play the poor lonely girl act. You brought it on yourself.�
�Screw you Aaron.�
�That�s never happening again.� I said hatefully before walking out of her apartment.

Once I got back to the hotel, I wanted to break something. I could not believe all this shit. I can�t believe I fucked up so badly and now it comes back to haunt me almost four years later. I can�t even comprehend the fact that a little girl that�s a part of me was learning to crawl and walk and talk without me. �Fuck!� I screamed loudly before punching the wall, which hurt just as much as my head was, if not more. This had to be some bad dream and I�d wake up soon in Mackenzie�s bed, looking down at her growing stomach, knowing I was having my first child and I�d be there every step of the way.

I woke up from the phone ringing on Sunday morning. If a stupid telemarketer is bothering me at ten am on the weekend, I swear I�m going to scream in their ear. I reached over Mocha and picked up the phone.
�Hello?� I asked annoyed.
�Are you coming to dinner today?� Jane asked. I rolled my eyes. Of course it would be Jane to wake me up.
�Do you want me to come to dinner?� I asked.
�Mackenzie, are you or aren�t you?�
�Aaron�s still in New York.� I sighed.
�So you�re going to be family. You can only spend time with us when Aaron�s home?� She asked.
�I didn�t say that.�
�Well, then should I set a place for you or not?�
�If we�re going to argue, then no.�
�I don�t want to argue.� Jane sighed.
�No one wants to argue Jane, but that doesn�t stop you.�
�Mackenzie, you�re going to be my daughter-in-law and though it is customary for us not to get along, I�d still like to be able to tolerate the mother of my grandchildren.�
�Fine, Grandma. I�ll come if you�ll let me go back to sleep now.�
�Good. And don�t ever call me Grandma again.� Jane said and I laughed.
�Good night Jane.�
�Good morning. I�ll see you at five.� She said and I nodded, though I don�t know why since she couldn�t see me through the phone. It�s too early. I hung up the phone and tried my best to drift back to sleep.

Just as I was starting to slip into a deep sleep, I felt the first waves of morning sickness. I groaned the entire way to the bathroom. After I showered, I fed the dogs and let them out and decided to head to the bakery and be a nice dinner guest. I picked up some cookies and made my way over to the Carter house. I was a little early, but we usually got there from an hour to two hours before dinner anyway. Besides, I wanted to be nice today and try to get Jane back into the spirit of having a wedding. Angel answered the door and I hugged her hello. She looked at me strangely before smiling and walking into the kitchen.

�What was that look for?� I asked feeling self-conscious.
�What look?� She asked with a shrug.
�Is Craig coming?� I asked.
�He�ll be here a little later.�
�How are things going with him?� I asked and Angel smiled.
�Very good. I have a lot of fun with him, which surprises me.�
�Why?� I laughed.
�I don�t know. I figured it would be like dating Aaron and that�s just gross.� She said making a disgusted face.
�Aaron and Craig aren�t that similar. They have the same hobbies, but that�s really it.�
�True.� Angel agreed. BJ and Billy walked through the door a few moments later and I hugged them both. BJ smiled.
�You look�nice.� She said strangely before going to hug Angel.
�Okay, why is everyone looking at me weird?� I asked.
�We are not.� BJ said.

Jane came into the room.
�Oh, hi sweetie.� She said kissing BJ and Billy hello. �Hi Mackenzie.� She said coldly, but then stared at me.
�What?� I asked, really feeling uncomfortable now.
�You have a belly.� Jane pointed out.
�What!?� I asked, completely offended. Did Jane just call me fat?
�You�re showing.� Jane said pointing to my stomach.
�Great, so now I look fat.� I sighed. Everyone kind of snickered.
�Mac, you had to know that came with the package.� Angel said.
�I guess, but I didn�t even notice.� I sighed.
�We�ll take you shopping for maternity clothes soon.� BJ offered. I nodded and looked down at my stomach. I guess I was showing.
�Is Leslie coming?� BJ asked.
�No.� Angel and I both responded.
�She said she had some show to do in Orlando.� Jane shrugged. Angel and I shared a look. We both knew Leslie wasn�t coming to avoid Jane�s harassment about her relationship with Lucas.

Bob came into the room and greeted everyone before parking himself in front of the TV. He didn�t do much besides that lately, did he? Aaron had mentioned Bob going through some kind of old age depression. I didn�t really believe it, but maybe it�s true. He was never much of a couch potato Dad until now.

�Jane, can we talk?� I asked. Jane sighed and nodded. We walked into the office and Jane started fidgeting around the desk, straightening things out.
�I want your help.� I said, though I wanted to kick myself for it.
�No, you don�t.�
�Yes, I do. I can�t do this wedding alone.�
�You have Aaron, Trista, your mother��
�Yes, but you know how to get great deals and you know this town better than any of us.� I said, really grasping at something to make her think I needed her. I should be sainted for this.
�Are you sure I won�t just be stepping on your toes?� Jane asked.
�As long as you know, that if I don�t like something, that�s the end of the story.� I said. Jane nodded.
�Fair enough. Just hear me out once in a while though. I�m not trying to make your life harder.� Jane explained and I just raised an eyebrow at her.
�Well, not all the time.� She smiled and I laughed.
�All right, so I�ll see you at the country club tomorrow at two pm?� I asked.
�I�ll be there.�

The rest of the night was pretty peaceful. Nick and Trista brought Tyler over for a little while, but they both looked kind of tired and went home early. I went home around ten and went right to bed since I knew Aaron would be arriving some time in the middle of the night and would sneak into bed with me expecting something. I didn�t mind. I really started to miss him this week. I just hope whatever�s bothering him disappears.

Chapter 21

My alarm went off the next morning and I groaned before popping my head up. Aaron never came over. I guess he decided to go home first. I sat up in bed and picked up the cordless phone. I got the voicemail immediately and left a brief message saying I�d try Aaron�s home phone. I called the Carter house and Bob answered.
�Hello?�
�Hi Bob. It�s Mackenzie.�
�Hi. Are you looking for Aaron?�
�Yeah.�
�He�s asleep.� Bob said.
�Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure he got in okay.�
�I�ll tell him to call you when he gets up.� Bob assured me.
�Thanks. Talk to you later.�
�Have a nice day Mackenzie.� We hung up and I got out of bed reluctantly. I didn�t throw up today, but I felt like I had to and that felt even worse than the actual act of it. I headed off to work and had three meetings in a row before I had lunch with BJ.
�So how did Aaron�s trip to New York go?� BJ asked. I shrugged.
�I haven�t talked to him yet.�
�Oh. He got in late last night huh?� She asked.
�I�m assuming. All he said was he�d be getting in after midnight.� BJ narrowed her eyes a little.�What?� I asked.
�Nothing. Just usually--�
�Usually, Aaron at least tells me what time he�s getting in?� I asked.
�Yeah.�
�I know. He�s been acting a little funny lately.� I sighed.
�You two didn�t have a fight, did you?� BJ asked.
�Us?� I had to laugh. We hardly ever fought. It was kind of sickening.
�Eh, who knows with guys. They could be mad at you for moving the remote too far away from them.� BJ laughed.

After lunch, I went to the country club and Jane wasn�t there yet, which kind of surprised me. I was already running late and usually, she�d be standing there with her arms folded giving me the evil eye. I walked inside and Irene was going over some notes in her book.
�Sorry I�m late.� I said.
�Oh, no problem.� She smiled.
�Jane�s not here yet?� I asked.
�I didn�t know she was coming back.�
�Unfortunately, yes.� I smirked and Irene laughed.
�Do you want to start without her?�
�Umm, well I don�t want to waste anymore of your time, so I guess we should.� I said sitting down next to her. About twenty minutes later, Jane walked in looking kind of weird.
�Sorry.� She said before pulling up a chair next to me.
�Is everything okay?� I asked. Jane just nodded stiffly before looking at the book we were looking through.

I expected Jane to be a little more cooperative this time around, but this was ridiculous. She offered no opinion of anything and when asked, her reply was, �Great.� Something was wrong. I had no idea what it could even be. She was quiet, which never happens and she looked almost horrified�another first. Jane was almost inhuman, like a brick wall. Nothing could keep her from being her true self, but here she was being�agreeable. That was just not like her.

After we were finished, Jane tried to make a quick getaway but I caught up to her.
�Jane, wait up.� I said walking quickly.
�Mackenzie, I don�t have time to talk. I have a meeting.� She said opening her car door.
�Is something wrong?� I asked before she closed the door.
�No, I�m just busy today and I�m afraid I won�t have everything done in time.� Jane said. �I�ll talk to you later.� She said closing the door quickly before I could say anything else. I sighed and got in my car. I went back to the office for a few hours before going back to my apartment.

I walked inside and Aaron was lying across the couch with Mocha on his lap.
�Hey!� I grinned. Aaron sat up and smiled at me. I walked over and kissed him. �So how was New York?�
�Good. I got a lot of work done.� He smiled.
�That�s good.� I said laying back in his arms.
�I missed you though.� He said kissing the back of my head.
�I missed you too.� I said and a comfortable silence surrounded us. My eyes started to close.
�Mackenzie?�
�Yeah?�
�No matter what I will always love you.� Aaron said and I giggled.
�Me too.� I smiled.
�Even if you hate me, I�ll still love you.�
�Why would I hate you?� I asked drowsily.
�Just in case you ever do.�
�Are you okay?� I asked, looking up at him.
�I�m just happy to have you in my arms right now.� Aaron said leaning down and kissing me. I deepened it before standing up and taking his hand. I brought him into the bedroom and I fell asleep right after.

I had gotten to Erica�s apartment with sweaty palms. I couldn�t believe how nervous I was. It was kind of like the first time I was meeting my daughter, even though I had already met her. Erica opened the door and smiled at me.
�Hi.� I said stepping inside.
�She�s in the living room.� Erica said and I nodded. I walked inside and into the living room before sitting down on the couch. Eryn was sitting on the floor coloring. She looked back at me and smiled. I smiled back nervously.
�Aaron, I drew a picture!� She said bringing it over to me.
�Wow�it�s very nice.� I said. �What is it?� I asked, having no clue whatsoever.
�That�s me and the puppy Mommy says I can get if we move out of an apartment.� Eryn said and I smiled.

�Your Mommy and I have something to tell you.� I said as Erica came into the room and sat down next to me.
�Come here.� Erica said picking Eryn up and placing her in her lap.
�Do I get a puppy?� She asked.
�No, but you get a Daddy.� Erica said.
�I don�t want a Daddy.� Eryn said.
�Why not?� Erica asked.
�Because you said I don�t need a Daddy.� I groaned. Erica wasn�t exactly the smartest person now was she?
�Mommy did say that, but that�s not true.�
�You lied to me?� Eryn asked.
�Eryn, you have a Daddy.�
�You said I didn�t.�
�I lied. I�m sorry.�
�You told me lying was bad!� Eryn yelled.
�It is.� Erica sighed.
�Mommy should be punished then.� Eryn folded her arms and pouted.
�Aaron is your Daddy.� Erica said.
�No, he�s not. He�s a stranger.� Eryn said looking back at me.

�Eryn, I�m your Daddy.�
�No.�
�Come here.� I said reaching out to her.
�No!�
�Eryn�� I said, but she ran in the other room. I sighed and looked over at Erica. �What did you make her hate men?� I asked.
�No Aaron.�
�Are you going to talk to her?�
�She needs to cool off.�
�Erica, she�s a three year old. You don�t give them time to cool off.� I sighed standing up and going into the bedroom.
�I don�t like you!� Eryn yelled jumping onto the bed and under the blanket.
�Eryn, I know you�re scared and you don�t know what�s going on�but I am your Daddy and I want to spend time with you.� Eryn didn�t say anything, so I continued. �Little girls need Daddies to love them and protect them and take care of them.� I explained. Eryn stuck her head out of the blanket. �I want to spend time with you and get to know you.�
�But you live in Florida.� Eryn said.
�Did you like Florida?� I asked.
�Yeah, it was hot and I saw doggies at your house.� She said as she wiped some tears off her face.

�Would you want to come to stay with me for a little while?� I asked.
�Mommy too?� She asked. I shook my head.
�No, Mommy has to stay here and work.�
�Won�t she miss me?� She asked.
�Of course, but you can call her everyday if you want.�
�I really have a Daddy?� Eryn asked.
�Yes.� I smiled.
�Will you be my friend too?� She asked. I looked at her strangely and it made me wonder if this kid saw many people throughout the day or even kids her age often.
�Of course.� I said. Eryn smiled.
�I never had a friend.� My heart broke right there and I picked her up in my arms and squeezed her tightly. She wrapped her little arms around my neck. �Can we get pizza again?� She asked and I laughed.
�When you come and see me okay?�
�Okay.� She smiled. This was a nice feeling. Weird, but it made me feel really good to hug my daughter. I said goodbye to Eryn and Erica before promising to call tomorrow to arrange everything. I headed back to Florida and when I landed, I decided against going to Mackenzie�s place and went straight to my house.

When I got in, Mom was sitting in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. I put my bags down and kissed her on the cheek.
�Hey, I wasn�t even sure when you were coming back.�
�I know.� I said sitting down across from her.
�How was it?� She asked.
�Everything went great, but I wasn�t in New York the entire time.� I admitted.
�You weren�t?� I needed to tell someone and I wasn�t ready to tell Mac just yet.
�I went to Boston.�
�I didn�t know you were recording up there too. You really should tell me these things Aaron.� Mom said annoyed.
�I wasn�t recording.� I sighed.

�What were you doing then?� She asked.
�I was visiting Erica and my daughter.� I said and I expected to get slapped after I explained this one.
�What?�
�Eryn�s mine Mom.�
�What?� She asked again.
�Eryn�s my daughter.� I said with tears filling my eyes.
�What do you mean, your daughter?�
�Exactly that. I�m a father.�
�No, Aaron, you�re going to be a father.� Mom said like she was trying to make me believe that.
�No, I�ve been a father since I was eighteen.� Mom jumped up and placed both her hands on her forehead.
�And you kept this from me!?� She screamed.
�No! Mom, Erica kept this from me!� I said as tears still fell. I can�t remember the last time I cried.
�How did this happen?� She asked.
�Well, it was before Mac and I got together. Erica and I--�
�No, I don�t want details Aaron!�
�I wasn�t going to give you any Mom! I couldn�t even if I tried. I hardly remember it. I was upset over Mackenzie and I was drunk and Erica came onto me�and�now I have a three and a half year old daughter that I don�t even know!� I yelled, breaking down now.

Mom pulled me into her arms and just held me. I felt like such a baby, but this was a serious mess.
�It�s okay Aaron. What are you going to do?�
�Be a father. What other choice do I have?�
�Does Mackenzie know?�
�No. I�m so scared to tell her Mom.�
�I can�t believe this. Erica seduced you?�
�Basically. She claimed this baby was Mike�s and then Jordan�s. Then we thought it could be Nick�s�� I rambled.
�What? Is this why everyone had something against Erica?�
�She was messing around with Nick for a while Mom and he almost lost Trista over it. She�s been horrible and I am so mad at myself for being so stupid!�
�Aaron, this is why I was worried about you having sex so young. This is exactly what I didn�t want to happen.�
�Yeah, well it did.� I said covering my eyes with my hand. Mom just hugged me again. I could tell she was still in shock. We talked all night about this situation. I opened up to my mother like never before. I told her a lot of stuff about Erica she never knew and we talked about ways I could tell Mac, but none of them seemed to be a good way.

Chapter 22

I woke up to Mackenzie puking her guts out in the bathroom and I groaned. It wasn�t really a pleasant sound to wake up to. I rubbed my eyes and sighed. I wanted to tell Mackenzie as soon as I saw her about Eryn. Then I thought, I couldn�t do it right when I walk through the door. I agreed with myself to do it this morning. Mackenzie came out of the bathroom, looking pale and sickly. She got back into bed and rested her head on my chest.

�Are you okay?� I asked.
�I feel yucky.� She sighed. Well, now she�s sick and I�m going to tell her I have a long lost kid? I don�t think so.
�You want me to get you anything?� I asked, like the good boyfriend I am�okay, so I have to earn brownie points right now.
�Mmm, ice cream.� Mac said kissing my chest.
�For an upset stomach?� I asked confused. Mackenzie gave me a wide-eyed look.
�Okay, I won�t ask questions anymore.� I laughed getting out of bed.
�Ice cream makes me feel better.� Mac mumbled before burying her head in the pillow. I got dressed quickly and once I was in my car, all my problems rushed back to me. I pulled out of the driveway and picked up my cell phone.
�Hello?� Nick answered.
�Can I come over?�
�Yeah. Is something wrong?�
�I�ll tell you when I get there.� I sighed.

About fifteen minutes later, I pulled into the driveway behind Nick�s new truck. I didn�t know how Nick was going to react, but he�s my brother. We�re boys. He�ll understand. I rang the doorbell and Trista answered it, holding Tyler.
�Hey.� I said kissing her hello and then rubbing Tyler�s large baldhead.
�How�s my nephew?� I asked as he looked up at me. �Wow, he�s really grown.� I said noticing the fullness of his cheeks.
�Yeah, he�s going to be a chubby monster.� Trista said kissing his cheeks.
�Just like Nick.� I snickered.
�Nick is not chubby.� Trista said and I just laughed. I loved bothering Nick about his weight. He was like a girl about it.
�Where is the big baby?� I asked as Trista stepped aside so I could come in.
�In the music room.� I nodded and headed down to the basement level.

I heard Nick fiddling around with one of the guitars as I came down the steps.
�Hey bro.�
�Hey, what are you doing?�
�I was trying to show Tyler how to play guitar.� Nick shrugged. I laughed.
�Dude, he�s not even a month old yet.�
�So? You have to start young.� Nick said and I just shook my head at him before sitting down across from him.
�Now what did you come over here so urgently about?� I let out a deep breath.
�I don�t know what to do Nick. I messed up big time.� I said leaning back on the chair.
�With what?� Nick asked.
�Everything.�
�Mac didn�t dump you, did she?� Nick asked wide-eyed.
�No, but she might after she finds this out.� I sighed.
�You fucking cheated on her!?� Nick yelled.
�Shh! No dude!�

�Well, tell me.� Nick said impatiently.
�I�� I started, but stopped myself before starting again. �I have a daughter.� I said quickly spitting it out.
�What?� Nick laughed. �You know what it is already?� He asked. I shook my head.
�No.�
�So how do you know it�s a girl?�
�Because I met her.� I sighed. Nick narrowed his eyes and laughed again.
�You�re freaking me out. What did she come to you in a dream?� Nick asked before putting his guitar back on its stand.
�No ass. I have a daughter already.� I said getting annoyed. Nick just looked at me.
�Wait, what?� He asked completely clueless and for once, I could understand why he would be.
�I did something really stupid before Mac and I got together. I slept with someone and I didn�t know she got pregnant and now, I have a three year old daughter.� I explained and Nick�s eyes narrowed.
�What?� Nick asked. Was he going to make me say that again? �So before you and Mackenzie got together officially�you slept with someone and she had a kid that�s yours and you never knew about it!?� Nick said kind of shocked as he stood up.
�Yes.�
�That�s fucking insane!� Nick yelled.

�Wait. It gets worse. Sit back down.� I sighed. �The girl I slept with was Erica.� I said gulping. I swear Nick�s eyes fell out of his head.
�WHAT!?�
�I was drunk and I was upset over Mac and�I don�t even know what happened really.� I defended myself, though by the look on his face, I don�t think I had a chance at redeeming myself.
�You fucked Erica!?� Nick yelled.
�Say it a little louder dude!�
�What the fuck is wrong with you? Shit Aaron.� Nick said rubbing his forehead.
�I�m sorry.�
�You�re sorry? Don�t you learn anything from my mistakes?� Nick asked and I sighed.
�Do you think I planned this? Do you think I wanted to fuck her?� I yelled back at him.
�I don�t know! Usually, that�s why people do it!�
�Nick, it just happened. She came onto me.�
�Aaron, you can�t just go around sleeping with people because they come onto you and you shouldn�t be that drunk where you let her!� Nick lectured me.
�Don�t you think I know that now? Fuck Nick, you act like you�ve never made a stupid mistake in your life!� I yelled.
�God, you and Erica! That�s messed up man!� Nick sat back in his chair and rubbed his eyes like the thought sickened him. It sickened me too.

�Nick, that�s not even the problem here anymore.�
�Oh it�s not?�
�No.�
�You think Mackenzie is just going to be like �oh you slept with that whore Erica before we got together and it was cheap and you don�t remember it, so it�s okay and I love you still�?� Nick asked and I groaned.
�I have a kid Nick! That�s the bigger issue here!�
�So Eryn�s yours.� Nick sighed.
�Yeah.�
�And everyone was thinking she was mine and she�s fucking yours!�
�She�s mine. There�s no doubt about it. We had a test and everything.�
�What the hell are you going to do now man?� Nick asked shaking his head at me.
�Raise her.�
�Raise her?� Nick asked.
�Yeah, Nick. She�s my daughter. I�m not going to let Erica bring her up in some shit hole and she turns out like her? No fucking way.�
�So what do you expect Mackenzie to play Mommy and just accept all of this?�
�I don�t know. No. Eryn has a Mom. This happened before we--� I started to say, but Nick cut me off.
�Yeah, it happened before you got together, but does that make it any better?� He asked staring at me.

�You screwed Erica while you knew you were in love with Mac already. You screwed Erica knowing I already did and got shit from it. You screwed Erica after every fucking little bitchy slutty thing she�s brought to all our lives and you did it irresponsibly!� Nick went on and I just sat there and took it. He was right and I couldn't deny it.
�You�re right Nick. I know you�re right. I know I�m an ass, but did I really deserve to find out now that I had a kid?� I asked.
�No, Erica�s a bitch and should have told your ass instead of trying to blame it on everyone else.� Nick said rolling his eyes.
�So now Eryn suffered without a father for almost four years because�because I don�t even know why!�
�Erica didn�t want to ruin her reputation with Mom. She was being selfish as usual.� Nick sighed.
�She made it seem like she was looking out for me because I was only eighteen and it would ruin my career or some shit.�
�Oh what the fuck ever.� Nick said clenching his fist.

�So you hate me now?� I asked.
�Aaron, I don�t hate you. I�m just disappointed.�
�Yeah.� I said folding my arms.
�When are you going to tell Mackenzie?�
�Soon. Eryn�s coming to stay with me soon.�
�In your house? What the hell is Mom going to say?� Nick asked, seeming amused about the thought of Mom dealing with this.
�She knows already.�
�She shit a brick didn�t she?�
�Actually, she was really comforting.� I shrugged.
�Mom? Comforting?� Nick asked and I laughed.
�Yeah, she surprises you sometimes.�
�Well, it�ll be okay Aar. I mean I�m happy you�re doing the right thing about this.�
�Thanks.� I nodded. �I just don�t want to lose Mac.�
�Well, she�s not going to be happy, but she loves you.�
�I hope she loves me enough to stay with me even though I�m an idiot.� I said worriedly.
�Hey, I�ve stayed by you all your life even though you were an idiot.� Nick said patting my back. I pushed him. We both just sat there in silence.

�I can�t believe you fucked Erica.� Nick said and I stood up.
�Okay, I�m leaving before you get mad at me again.� I said and Nick nodded and slapped my hand goodye before I walked upstairs. Trista was sitting on the couch with Tyler in her lap.
�Let me see my nephew.� I said picking him up from her.
�Mackenzie�s pissed about her ice cream.� Trista sighed. Shit.
�Oh man, I forgot.�
�Yeah, well she was worried.�
�Okay. I�ll probably come by later to spend more time with Ty.� I said kissing his forehead and handing him back to Trista. She nodded and she looked kind of upset with me. I shrugged it off before saying goodbye and walking out.

I woke up and called out to Aaron. He had been gone for almost an hour. The store is like ten minutes away. I want my ice cream! I decided to take a shower and after I had gotten dressed, the phone rang.
�Hello?�
�Hey Mac.�
�Trista, hey. What�s up?�
�Nothing. Just listening to Nick and Aaron arguing.�
�What? Aaron�s there?� I asked.
�Yeah.�
�That little brat. He was supposed to get me ice cream.�
�Well, he decided to stop off here.� Trista sighed.

�What are they arguing about?� I asked.
�Um, I only heard parts of it.�
�Okay, are you going to share those parts of it with me?� I laughed.
�You said Aaron�s been acting weird, right?� Trista asked.
�Yeah.�
�I think I know why.�
�Okay.�
�Mac�� Trista started and now I was getting worried.
�Tris, just say it already.�
�I don�t want to hurt you.� She said.
�Why would I be hurt?� I asked as my heart beat faster.
�I think Aaron cheated on you.� Trista said like she really didn�t want to say it.

I almost dropped the phone. My heart felt like it had stopped and I had to catch my breath.
�Why�why do you think that?� I asked.
�Nick yelled something about him cheating on you��
�Oh my God�� I said as tears came to my eyes.
�I�m so sorry to tell you Mac, but I thought you should know.�
�I can�t believe he�d do this to me!� I yelled.
�I know.�
�We�re getting married and he�s screwing around!?� The tears were now steadily falling and my breathing increased making it hard for me to form words.

�Mac, calm down.�
�Calm down!? Trista, do you know how much this hurts right now?� I sobbed.
�Look, we don�t know anything. I mean maybe it was a misunderstanding.�
�Trista, what did you hear exactly?� I asked.
�Well, Nick yelled �you cheated on her� and Aaron shushed him.�
�Oh God.�
�Mackenzie, please just calm down and wait until Aaron gets back and you talk about it, okay?�
�Yeah, okay.� I said crying all over again.
�Don�t cry.�
�Trista, what would you do?� I asked.
�Same thing you�re doing. I�ll kill him if he cheated on you.� Trista said. Gotta love your best friends.
�Thanks.� I sniffled. �Are they still arguing?� I asked.
�I don�t think so. It�s kind of quiet now.�
�Okay, well I�m going to go let the dogs out.�
�Okay. I�ll call you later.�
�Thanks Tris.�
�Take care Mac.�

After I hung up the phone, I debated on going to the store myself and stocking up on ice cream just so I can pig out when Aaron breaks my heart and rips my world apart. I just kept thinking about why he would go somewhere else for sex? Was I not good enough for him anymore? Maybe it wasn�t meaningless sex that he had. Maybe he�s falling for someone else. He must have done it in New York. That�s why he was acting weird and that�s why he stayed longer! That little asshole. I don�t know if I�ll be able to forgive him. I feel like I screwed up somehow. I hate this. Where is he already? As if on cue, the door opened and Aaron walked in with grocery bags. He smiled at me like he was guilty and I wanted to just slap it off his face.

�I got your ice cream.�
�Yeah, five hours later.� I said getting off the couch and pulling the bags out of his hand. I unloaded the cartons of ice cream. He knew all my favorite flavors and it just pissed me off at this moment for some reason. Just looking at him was disgusting me. I put the ice cream in the freezer, keeping out one carton though.
�Sorry. I stopped off at Nick and Trista�s.� He said and I took out a spoon and went into the living room with my ice cream.
�Trista called me while you were there.� I said and Aaron sat next to me.
�I have something to tell you.� He sighed. I took one scoop of my ice cream before putting it down on the coffee table. I was starting to feel sick again.
�I�m glad you�re not going to be a complete dog and try to keep it from me.� I sighed.
�What?� Aaron asked.
�Trista told me you and Nick were arguing.�
�Yeah, and what did she say we were arguing about?� Aaron asked nervously.
�You cheated on me Aaron!?� I yelled as tears started all over again.
�What?�

�You cheated on me in New York, didn�t you?�
�Mackenzie, no!�
�Why are you lying to me?� I asked.
�I�m not lying to you!� Aaron yelled.
�So you were in New York recording the whole time?�
�Uh�no.�
�I can�t believe you would do this to me with less than three months before our wedding!�
�Mac, just listen to me okay?� Aaron pleaded.
�I don�t want to know who she is. Just tell me if you love her.�
�What? Mackenzie, you�re being ridiculous. I think you would know if I was in love with anyone but you. I�m crazy about you.� Aaron said taking my hand, but I pulled it away.
�Yeah, but you can have sex with another woman and still love me completely?�
�I didn�t have sex with anyone. I was in Boston.� Aaron said and I narrowed my eyes.
�Boston?�
�Yeah, from New York I went to Boston to visit Erica.� Oh my God, this is not happening.
�What!? Why would you want to visit Erica?�
�Nothing happened Mac. Not this time.� He said and my eyes bugged out.

�You slept with her while she was in Florida!?�
�Mackenzie, just hear me out!�
�No�I can�t�I can�t believe this!� I think I was going to have a nervous break down at this point.
�I�m not having an affair with Erica!�
�Then what is it?� I yelled.
�Eryn is my daughter!�
�Your what?�
�She�s my baby girl, not Jordan�s.� Suddenly, I had to throw up. I�m not sure whether it was from disgust or morning sickness or just plain shock. I ran to the bathroom and Aaron called after me.

Chapter 23

I was kneeling beside the toilet bowl getting ready to throw up again when Aaron walked in. I didn�t look up at him. I leaned over the toilet again and let my sickness pass through me. I felt Aaron rubbing my back and I shrugged him away once I was done. I leaned back against the bathtub and Aaron just stared down at me worried.
�Are you okay?�
�If your definition of okay is puking, crying and feeling like you lost your mind�then yes, I�m A okay.� I said sarcastically. Aaron went to kneel down beside me, but I stood up and went over to the sink. I brushed my teeth before splashing cold water on my face. Aaron just stood behind me the entire time. He looked scared, almost like a little boy. He should be scared. I really needed some explanation quick or else my mind was going to continue to think the worst.
�Better?� He asked. I rolled my eyes and walked out of the bathroom and into my bedroom. I laid down and took a deep breath.

�Are you going to explain what you just said to me or what?� I asked, since all Aaron�s been doing was follow me around and stare. He nodded and sat down on the bed.
�Before I tell you, I just want you to know that I love you and I want to make you my wife more than anything.� I closed my eyes and opened them hoping that after I�d hear this, I�d still want to be his wife. �I�m not even sure where to start.�
�Start where you and Erica had sex or did you donate sperm and that�s how you�re Eryn�s father?� I asked and Aaron kind of snickered. �I�m not laughing Aaron.� I sighed.
�Remember after the first big Spotlight awards before we got together?� He asked and I nodded.�I thought you slept with Jackie and we had that whole big misunderstanding. We didn�t speak for a while. Well, like the week before my birthday when you came to see me and I told you how I felt�it was Erica�s debut party��
�A week before we got together?� I asked. Aaron gulped and nodded.
�I was so upset about not having you�� He said and I felt like that was just a load of crap.
�So upset that you could sleep with someone like Erica?�
�I was drunk Mac. Really drunk and Erica was staying at my house and I was ready to pass out�I didn�t know what was going on�she was taking my clothes off and it was done and over with before I could even comprehend what was happening.� Aaron rambled and he looked disgusted with himself.
�You had sex with her of all people in the same bed you and I shared a week later?� I asked with tears falling down my face.
�But it was nothing with her and it meant everything with you. At that point Mackenzie, I thought we were never going to get together��

�So you choose to screw Erica of all girls?�
�I didn�t choose her. She chose me and I was stupid enough to just let her and fall into the drunken fool trap.� Aaron sighed.
�And now that one night made Eryn?�
�Yes.�
�Aaron, did it only happen once?� I asked.
�Yes, I swear to you. I know it took us four years before you got pregnant, but all it took was one stupid night with Erica.� I stayed quiet for the longest time as Aaron just laid down next to me and stared at me. I couldn�t even look at him. �Please say something.�
�I don�t know what to say.�
�Tell me you still love me.� Aaron said and I sighed.
�Of course I still love you, but this is pretty shocking news here.�
�Everything was going great, you know? We�re getting married and having a baby. I thought nothing could break that happiness.�
�And nothing will Mackenzie!� Aaron yelled like he was annoyed.
�Why are you yelling at me?�
�I�m sorry. I�m just frustrated.�

�Why didn�t you ever tell me about you and Erica?�
�Why? I was afraid you�d break up with me.�
�Aaron��
�You would have.� I just sighed. I don�t know what I would have done.
�I just can�t believe this.�
�You can�t Mackenzie? I�m the one who has a daughter now!� Aaron yelled.
�And that�s my fault?� I said upset before facing the other direction.
�Mac��
�I can�t look at you right now Aaron. Please, just go.� I said sadly.
�I�ll call you later, okay?� He asked before kissing my head. I felt the bed shift and a few minutes later, I heard the front door close. I just laid there for a good hour crying and trying to get images of Aaron with Erica out of my head. I started to picture Eryn and I wondered how I could be so blind? Eryn was a female version of Aaron, not necessarily Nick. We all blamed him and secretly it was Aaron. It just hurt so bad because you think you know everything about a person and find out you may really know nothing at all.

I left Mackenzie�s apartment not too surprised about her reaction. I keep trying to picture myself in her position. If I ever found out Jackie or someone slept with Mackenzie right before we got together, I�d be pretty upset if she kept it from me. I drove home and when I walked inside, Angel was making out with Craig. Not something I want to see, but I guess I was getting used to it.

�Hey Aaron.� Angel smiled when they noticed me.
�Hey.�
�What�s wrong?� She asked.
�Nothing.� I shrugged.
�Want to play some ball?� Craig asked.
�Maybe later. Is Mom around?� I wondered. They both gave me a strange look.
�She�s upstairs.� Angel said. I nodded and headed upstairs.
�Mom?� I called out.
�Yeah?� She asked as I came into her room.
�I told Mackenzie.� I sighed.
�What did she say?�
�She threw up.�
�Oh, well that�s not a good sign.� Mom joked. I just gave her a look.
�She didn�t say a lot.�
�Aaron, she�s going to be upset. Just give her some time to accept the idea.�
�I know, but we have a lot to do and time is not really an option.� I shrugged.
�Well, be patient.�

�Did you tell anyone else?� Mom asked.
�Just Nick.�
�How did that go?�
�He called me names and yelled. Pretty much what I expected.�
�Yup. Well, you really should tell your father and your sisters.�
�You didn�t tell anyone?� I asked surprised.
�I�m not dropping that kind of bomb on anyone. I don�t want to hear it. You tell them. That�s your job.� She said sternly. I nodded.
�I guess I�ll tell everyone Sunday.�
�Yeah, that�s a good idea.�

After dinner, I decided to call Mackenzie, but before I could even dial, my phone rang.
�Hello?�
�Aaron freakin� Carter!� The voice yelled at me.
�Keely?� I asked.
�Yes. I can�t believe what I just heard.� She said and I closed my eyes. Why did girls have to blab their mouth right away?
�What did you just hear?�
�That you screwed Erica and now her daughter is yours.�
�Oh. Glad to see Mac told you.� I said sarcastically.
�What do you expect Aaron? She�s a mess over this and she needed to talk to someone about it.�
�I know Keely and I know I was stupid already.�
�Damn right you were stupid.�

�Did you call me just to tell me that?� I asked.
�No, I called to tell you I�m coming in a couple of days and I�ll be staying at Mackenzie�s.�
�Great. Looking forward to seeing you.� I lied. Okay, yeah it�s cool to see Keely, but now was not a good time for Mac to have houseguests when we had to sort through this crap.
�Gee, you sound excited.� Keely said.
�I�m sorry. I was just hoping that Mackenzie and I would be able to talk this out and everything.�
�You will be able to. I�ll give you your space, but Aaron you should have just told Mac about you and Erica when it happened.� Keely said and I groaned.
�What would the point of that be? It happened before we were together and I didn�t want anyone to know. I wanted to forget it myself.�
�Well, maybe it wouldn�t have caused a problem then.�
�Keely, I still would have a three year old that I had no idea about.� I sighed.
�Yeah. Did you give Erica shit for that?� She asked.
�Of course I did. I mean it seems like she waited for this opportunity to screw up my life.�
�So what are you going to do?� Keely asked.
�The only thing I can do�be a Dad.�
�Good luck Aaron.�
�Thanks.� I said. Keely and I hung up and I wondered if I should call Mackenzie or not.

I figured it would be better just to go to her place, even if it was just to sleep beside her. I drove to Mac�s place and she wasn�t even home. I laid in her bed, waiting for her all night before falling asleep around three am.

Chapter 24

After I had talked with Keely, I decided to call Jackie to tell him when she was coming, since she refused to. Keely didn�t want to make a big deal out of their fling or whatever, but I could tell they were really into each other.
�Hello?�
�Hey Jackie.�
�Mackenzie?�
�Yes.�
�Hey! What do I owe this pleasure to?� He asked and I smiled.
�Keely actually.�
�She hasn�t called me.�
�You haven�t called her.� I pointed out. He laughed.
�True.�
�She�s coming in two days. I thought you might come to dinner with us that night.� I suggested.

�Does Keely want me there?�
�Jackie, why wouldn�t she?�
�I don�t know. I don�t want to be the person she hooked up with who won�t go away.� He said and I laughed.
�Trust me, we don�t want you to go away.�
�We?� He asked.
�Well, I have no problem with you.�
�Aaron does.�
�Jack��
�You know he does Mac.�
�He�s just jealous.� I sighed.
�Why? He�s the one who�s marrying you.�
�Yeah, but you�re the only person who�s a real threat to him.� Jackie laughed.
�Me? What about Leonardo DiCaprio or something?�
�When do I talk to Leo? I never even met the dude and besides, I would not leave Aaron for him.� I said.

�Are you saying you�d leave Aaron for me?� Jackie asked and I knew he was grinning.
�No, I�m saying that I wouldn�t leave Aaron for any guy, but you and I share a history.�
�If we share such a history, how come we never hang out anymore?� Jackie asked. We hardly ever did. If he hadn�t moved to Florida, I probably wouldn�t have seen him until the summer.
�Why don�t we change that right now?� I asked.
�Really? Aaron won�t mind?�
�And if he did?�
�Mackenzie, I�m not about making enemies.�
�Jackie, you�re not. If Aaron trusts me, this won�t bother him.�
�Okay. Well, I didn�t eat dinner yet, so how about you come over my place since you still have yet to see it�� Jackie said annoyed and I laughed. �And we�ll order something in. Sound good?� He asked.
�Perfect. I�ll be there in about an hour.�

I got ready quickly and made my way toward Jackie�s house. I knocked on the door and as I waited for Jackie to answer, I looked down at my stomach. God, it was obvious that I was pregnant. I tried stretching my shirt out just as Jackie opened the door. I stopped and smiled at him before he hugged me. We walked inside and I glanced around the place. It was really gorgeous despite things still in boxes and pictures on the floor waiting to be hung.

�I love it.� I smiled. Jackie smiled back and he glanced down and then back up. I sighed.
�Say it.�
�Say what?� Jackie asked confused.
�I�m showing. Go ahead and say it. I look fat.�
�Mackenzie, I didn�t even notice. You look pretty much the same.�
�Pretty much?� I asked.
�Well, you look tired and upset. Is everything okay?� Jackie asked.
�Show me the rest of the house.� I said walking toward the kitchen. Jackie led me in and out of rooms before we sat down at the kitchen table, looking over different take-out menus.
�What are you in the mood for?� Jackie asked.
�Pizza.�
�Pizza it is then.�
�No, maybe I�ll just get a salad.�
�Why?� Jackie asked.
�All I�ve eaten since I�ve been pregnant is fast food and junk.�
�Mackenzie, you�re supposed to gain weight when you�re pregnant.�
�Yeah, but I�m supposed to watch what I eat too.�
�Well, don�t get a salad.� He said disgusted.
�You sound like Aaron now.� I laughed.
�I�ll order for you. How about a grilled chicken sandwich, a side salad and a baked potato?�
I smiled, �Sounds good.�
�I�ll have the same.� He winked.
�Jackie, you can still get pizza.�
�I�m not in the mood for it anymore.�

As we waited for our food, I walked into the kitchen and started to unpack the boxes.
�What are you doing?� Jackie asked.
�Helping.� I shrugged.
�I don�t make my guests help me unpack.� He said taking my hand.
�I want to help.� I said as he pulled me into the living room.
�You�re avoiding talking to me.�
�I am not.� I laughed.
�Mac, from previous experiences�you come to me when you�re upset with Aaron.� I bit my lip.
�I�m sorry.�
�Don�t be. I just wonder why do you want to risk doing something you�ll regret over something you should just talk to Aaron about?� Jackie asked.
�Do you want me to leave?� I wondered.
�No, I�m not saying that.�
�Jackie, I�m not doing anything but visiting a friend.�
�Are you sure?� He asked looking into my eyes. I nodded.
�If it were any other guy, I�d know he wouldn�t care about my relationship with Aaron. He�d be a jerk and take me to bed, but I know you wouldn�t do that.�
�Damn.� Jackie joked and I laughed.

There was a knock at the door and it was the delivery boy with our dinner. We sat down at the kitchen table and ate in almost silence. Nothing but small talk was made until we had stopped eating.
�So are you going to tell me what�s bothering you or what?� Jackie asked as he sat back and folded his arms. I sighed.
�You really want to know?�
�Duh.� He said and I laughed. I leaned forward and rested my arms on the table.
�What would you do if you found out your fianc� slept with someone you practically hated?� I asked. Jackie�s eyes widened.
�Aaron cheated on you!?�
�No. He slept with her four years ago right before we got together, but I just found out now.�
�Mac, you really can�t hold that against him if it happened before you were together.�
�I know, but to sleep with Erica? Erica�the girl who tried to ruin so much for everyone and then, he didn�t even tell me. I mean I thought he hated her. Then those rumors came out about them two�and when we found out she was pregnant�he said nothing.� I said as my aggravation rose.
�Well, what was he supposed to say? Hey Mackenzie, just so you know I slept with someone we both hate?� Jackie asked and I sighed.
�I don�t know. When Erica announced she was pregnant, at that point he should have spoken up.�

Jackie shrugged and I groaned.
�Forget it. I just don�t want to talk about it right now.�
�Okay. We won�t talk about it. My advice to you though is don�t let some skank like Erica ruin the best thing in your life.�
�Who says Aaron�s the best thing in my life?� I smirked.
�You did.�
�When?� I asked.
�You don�t have to say it Mac. You show it.�

Jackie and I spent the rest of the night talking and watching movies. I wound up falling asleep on his couch and when I woke up at one am, Jackie refused to let me drive home that late and let me sleep in his bed while he slept on the couch. I offered him to share the bed with me because I knew nothing would happen, but Jackie said it was the principle of the matter. He was really a good guy and I hope that he and Keely could really have something.

I woke up to Mackenzie talking to the dogs. I glanced at the time and it was ten am. I got out of bed and walked down the stairs. She looked up at me and went into the kitchen. I walked over to her.
�Where were you?� I asked softly.
�At a friend�s.� She said turning the water on and starting to wash dishes.
�I called Nick�s. You weren�t there.�
�What are you tracking me down now?� She snapped.
�No�I just wanted to talk to you.�
�You had my cell.� She sighed.
�And you didn�t answer.�
�I know.� She shrugged.
�So you�re not going to tell me where you were?�
�Aaron, it�s none of your business.� She said rinsing a fork off before turning the water off and walking past me.

�So you were out all night, but I�m not supposed to worry where you were?�
�Hmm, last time I checked I was a grown woman.� She said.
�Mac, I came over last night to talk to you.� I said following her into the living room.
�Excuse me Aaron, but I had other things to do.�
�Why are you being like this to me?� I asked.
�Being like what?� She asked.
�Bitchy.�
�I�m going to ignore that comment.� I sat next to her on the couch.
�Tell me what you�re feeling. Just get it out so we can get past this.� I sighed.
�Aaron, I�m feeling like I don�t know you.�
�What!?� I asked. �How do you not know me anymore? You know me better than I know myself.�
�It�s like you buried these secrets away from me.� She said looking down.
�One secret Mackenzie.�
�How do I know that?� She asked. I narrowed my eyes.
�How do I know you never cheated on me? How do I know that last night you didn�t go off with some guy?� I asked.
�What?� Mac yelled.
�I trust you Mackenzie. That�s how I know. I�m asking you to trust me now.�

�Aaron, I do trust you, but if you kept this from me, it makes me wonder what else I don�t know.�
�Mac, I kept this from you because I wanted to forget about it. I was ashamed of myself.� I sighed.
�And when you knew Erica was pregnant why didn�t you say something then?�
�Honestly, it didn�t cross my mind. She was already with Jordan by that time and supposedly she was only a month pregnant, which she lied about.� Mac nodded and we just stared at each other. I saw that her eyes were softening and before I knew it, she was in my arms hugging me. The phone started ringing, but neither of us moved. I started kissing Mac�s cheeks as the machine picked up.
�Hey Mac, it�s me Jackie.� The voice on the machine said. My body kind of stiffened. It was nothing, just a phone call. �I just wanted to say I had a great time last night and we have to do it again. I hope my bed was comfortable enough for you. Thanks for leaving coffee and breakfast for me this morning. Talk to you later.� Jackie finished the message and I seriously felt like kicking his ass or like I was going to have a heart attack.

I pulled away from Mackenzie quickly.
�Aaron, I--�
�You were with Jackie last night?� I asked, my body was tense and I felt like I was shaking.
�Yes, but we didn�t--�
�Mackenzie, you talk about secrets? At least mine was four years old�� I said standing up. I walked into the bedroom and grabbed my sneakers and my car keys before walking back down the stairs.
�Aaron, would you just listen to me?� Mac asked.
�Unless you can tell me you didn�t sleep in Jackie�s bed last night, I have nothing to say to you.�
�I did, but--�
�Goodbye Mackenzie.� I said walking out and slamming the door shut. I got in my car and smacked the steering wheel a few times before driving off. I wasn�t sure what to believe at this point. Was Mackenzie hurt and upset enough to do something as stupid as cheat on me with Jackie of all people?

Chapter 25

I pulled into Nick and Trista�s driveway and slammed the car door before making my way to their doorstep. I rang the doorbell and a few minutes later, Nick opened the door holding Tyler.
�Hey.� Nick said and I just walked in.
�So Mackenzie didn�t take it well, huh?� Nick asked.
�She fucking went to Jackie!�
�What?� Nick asked.
�Mackenzie and I talked and she seemed to understand, but then Jackie called and left a message on her answering machine. She slept at his house last night.� I said plopping down on the couch. Nick placed Tyler in his baby seat and sat down next to me.
�Trista went to Mac�s place a little while ago.�
�Did Trista say anything about Mac and Jackie?� I asked.
�No. She just said Mackenzie was upset.�
�I can�t fucking believe her Nick.� I said shaking my head.
�Bro, I know you�re mad, but maybe nothing happened.�
�Nick, I don�t know if I can believe that right now. Mackenzie goes to Jackie when she�s pissed at me and I�m sick of it.�
�They�re friends Aaron.�
�Jackie wants to get her into bed so bad. I can tell by the way he looks at her.�

�Aar, did you ask Mackenzie what happened?�
�No, I got out of there. I couldn�t even look at her.� My cell phone rang. I looked at the number before pressing talk. �Hey Craig, what�s up?� I asked.
�Angel and I were going to grab something to eat and we were wondering if you and Mac wanted to come with us?�
�Um, Mac�s busy, but I�ll go if you don�t mind me being a third wheel.�
�Cool. No, we don�t mind. Meet us at Marina�s Diner in a half an hour?� Craig asked.
�See you there.� I said before hanging up.
�You want to come to dinner?� I asked looking at Nick.
�Na, I have to wait for Trista to come back and feed the rug rat.� Nick said looking over at Tyler, who was falling asleep. I rubbed his stomach and smiled at him.
�Dude, are you going to be okay?� Nick asked.
�I don�t know. I just want to forget about this past week and go back to when everything was perfect.� I sighed.
�Look, I�m here if you need me and if that means kicking Jackie�s ass, then I�ll be there for you too.� Nick said and I laughed before slapping his hand.
�Take care of my nephew.� I said standing up.

I left Nick�s house and met up with Craig and Angel for dinner. Angel knew something was wrong from the second she saw me. That was the bad thing about having sisters. They always knew when you were upset or pissed off about something right away. Having a twin sister was even worse. The only other people who knew something was wrong just by looking at my face were Mom and Mackenzie.

�Are you going to tell us what�s wrong yet?� Angel asked after we ordered our food. I sighed.
�Mackenzie and I got into an argument.� I said biting into a piece of bread.
�About the wedding?� Craig asked. I snickered.
�If there will even be a wedding.� I mumbled.
�Aaron�� Angel said looking at me wide-eyed.
�Look, there�s some serious things going on between Mac and me and I really don�t want to get into it right now.� After we ate dinner, we walked outside and Angel started talking about the neighborhood saying one of her friends lived down the street or whatever.
�Oh, you know who else moved over here?� Angel asked.
�Who?� Craig wondered.
�Jackie.� My head shot up and I looked over at her.
�How do you know?� I asked.
�Jackie took Leslie and I to see the place before Lucas left.�
�Where did Lucas go?� I asked.
�Back home to Naperville.� Angel sighed.
�Where does that leave Les?�
�That�s what she�s trying to figure out.� She shrugged.
�Ass.� I said shaking my head.

�Let�s drop by Jackie�s house. I want to see it.� I lied.
�Uh, okay.� Angel said looking at me weird.
�Should we call first?� Craig asked.
�We won�t stay long.� I said.
�Besides, I don�t have his number.� Angel said getting into Craig�s car.
�Follow us Aar.� Craig said and I nodded before getting inside my car. I followed Craig�s car down the street until it stopped. I got out of the car and walked up the walkway to the doorstep. Angel and Craig caught up to me and I rang the bell. Jackie opened the door and looked pretty damn surprised to see me.
�Hey. What brings you guys to my neighborhood?� He asked, looking more behind me at Craig and Angel than at me.
�Aaron wanted to see your house. If this is a bad time, we can come back?� Angel asked.
�No, it�s okay. Come in.� Jackie said and I walked in.
�Nice place.� I said. I was being really cold and tense with him and I know he knows what I am doing there and I could see the fear in his eyes.
�Thanks.� Jackie said.
�You going to give me the tour?� I asked.
�Okay.� Jackie led us through the house, naming each room before we reached the bedroom. The bed wasn�t even made and it just made me think of his message from last night. I wanted to kill at that point.

�This is the bedroom.�
�Did you fuck Mackenzie?� I asked turning toward him. I couldn�t hold it back anymore.
�Aaron!� Angel yelled.
�No man.� Jackie said keeping a cold glare on me.
�What did you do with her?� I asked.
�All we did was talk. I swear.�
�Your message this morning said she slept in your bed��
�I slept on the couch.�
�I don�t know if I can even believe you.�
�Then believe Mackenzie.� Jackie said. I sighed and nodded.
�I�m sorry man.� I apologized.
�She loves you so much Aaron.�
�I love her too.�
�Then what are you doing here trying to kick my ass when you could be with her making up?� Jackie asked.
�What do you mean trying to kick your ass? I wouldn�t have to try man.�
�Dude, let�s just be happy I won�t have a reason to kick your scrawny ass!� Jackie said.
�Scrawny? What the fuck ever!� I said and Jackie laughed.
�What the hell just happened here?� Craig asked.
�Misunderstanding.� I said with a smirk. We stayed at Jackie�s for about twenty minutes longer before we made our way to our cars.

We were laughing and talking as we took our time getting to our car. Suddenly Angel gasped.
�What?� I asked turning around to see five guys. Two of them had baseball bats. What the fuck was this?
�Miss me baby?� One of them said toward Angel.
�What do you want?� I asked.
�To finish that bitch off and her little boyfriend. We never knew she was Aaron fucking Carter�s sister. You�re just an added bonus.� Another guy said.
�You�re the one who messed with my sister?� I asked. I didn�t see anything anymore, but this bastard all over Angel that night and how upset she was over it.
�Aaron, come on. Let�s go.� Angel said pulling my arm and the one who addressed her, grabbed her arm.
�No one�s going anywhere.� Craig and I both instinctively pushed him off Angel. One of his friends punched me in the stomach and I stood up straight and punched him back before four of them started attacking us as one of them held onto Angel. I could hear Angel screaming and crying as I felt a baseball bat smack against my ribs. Fuck, that hurt. I tried my best to fight back, but they were punks and were taking the pussy way out by using bats and ganging up four against two. I heard someone yelling from behind and threaten to call the cops. The assholes stopped kicking Craig and I and ran off. The one holding Angel dropped her and I heard her sob out Jackie�s name before I blacked out.

Trista and I sat in my living room watching movies as I polished off a half gallon of ice cream. I was hardly paying attention to the movie anymore. I just kept thinking about Aaron being a father already. I wanted us to do this together, both of us first time parents, but it wouldn�t be that way now. What I was thinking about even more though was the fact that Aaron ran out on me, not even wanting to listen to an explanation. I know what Jackie said made everything look bad and I�ll admit, part of me visiting Jackie was my own revenge. It was stupid and I never even wanted Aaron to know I just hung out with Jackie alone after we fought, it was just my revenge in my own way. It was an innocent one. I would never cheat on Aaron and he should know that.

That was what really got to me. Aaron didn�t hesitate to think the worst of me.
�Mackenzie, are you even watching the movie?� Trista asked interrupting my thoughts.
�No, sorry.� I sighed.
�Talk about it then.� Trista said turning the movie off.
�It�s just�Trista, Aaron didn�t even ask me for an explanation. He just assumed and ran out of here.�
�Mac, what would you have done? Or wait, what did you do when you were in Aaron�s position the other day?� Trista asked.
�I got all upset and thought the worst, that Aaron had cheated on me with some slut.� I sighed.
�Exactly. It�s not really a lack of trust. It�s temporary heartbreak because these things do happen sometimes where two people love each other more than anything, but one of them could be cheating. The thought clouds your senses and you just react to that.� Trista explained and I nodded.
�Yeah, that�s true. Aaron can�t just walk out on me though anymore. I�m supposed to be his wife in a couple of months and we�re going to be parents. We have to be mature about something like this. It makes me wonder if what Bob thinks about Aaron not being ready is right.� I said slumping back into the couch.

�Mac, he�s going to make mistakes. You both are, but that doesn�t mean you�re not ready.�
�Kind of like you live and you learn?� I smiled.
�And then you get Luvs.� Trista joked.
�Are they really the best diapers?� I wondered.
�They�re not bad.� Trista laughed. �You should call Aaron.� I smiled and picked up the phone. I dialed Aaron�s cell phone, but got his voicemail right away. I decided against leaving a message and hung up.
�His phone is turned off.�
�Well, I better get back to my husband and son.� Trista smiled before standing up.
�Yeah, you don�t want to leave Nick alone with Tyler for too long. The kid might wind up listening to Nirvana to get to sleep.� I teased. Trista laughed before hugging me.
�Everything will work out.� She assured me.
�Thanks.� I walked Trista to the door and walked back into the living room before lying down on the couch, trying to get comfortable.

The phone rang and I picked it up, hoping it was Aaron.
�Hello?�
�Ms. Wiley please.�
�This is Ms. Wiley.�
�This is Dr. Jacobs� office confirming your appointment for Friday at three thirty.�
�Yes, that�s still fine.�
�Okay, we�ll see you then.� The receptionist said. I hung up and rubbed my stomach before smiling. It would be my first sonogram, the first picture of my baby. The phone rang again and I sighed before picking it up.
�Hello?� I answered and I heard crying in the background.
�Mackenzie, it�s Jackie.�
�Hi Jackie.�
�H-hi.� He said kind of strangely.
�Is something wrong? Who�s crying?� I wondered.
�Angel. We�re at the hospital.�
�Oh my God, is she okay?� I asked, really confused why Jackie was with her.
�Yeah. There was a fight. Aaron�s in the hospital.� Jackie said and my eyes bugged out.
�What!? What did you do to him Jackie?� I asked jumping to conclusions.
�I didn�t do anything to him Mac! These guys jumped Craig and Aaron. Craig has nothing broken, but he�s all bruised and they don�t know about Aaron yet.� Jackie sighed.
�What!?�
�The doctor still hasn�t come out yet.�

�Oh my God�� I said crying.
�Mac, calm down.�
�What hospital are you at?� I asked.
�Memorial.�
�I�ll be there as soon as I can.� I said hanging up the phone. I just kept crying as I searched for my car keys and shoes. I got in my car and normally I�m a slow driver, but I was practically speeding to the hospital. I parked the car in the first spot I saw and ran into the hospital. I got to the waiting area of the emergency room and ran into Angel�s arms as she was still crying.

�What happened?� I asked pulling back to look at Jackie and Angel.
�We were leaving Jackie�s house and these guys were standing there�they grabbed me and Craig and Aaron pushed them away, but before I knew it they were kicking and punching them and they had bats�� Angel sobbed.
�Oh my God�� I said covering my mouth, more worried now than ever.
�Who the hell were those assholes anyway?� Jackie asked.
�I knew one of them.� Angel sniffled.
�You did?� I asked. She nodded.
�One of them was the guy who tried to rape me.� She said crying harder. I pulled her into another hug and just looked at Jackie as he was just in shock. �It�s my fault Mac.�
�Angel, no it�s not. You didn�t ask for any of this. Don�t blame yourself.� I said pushing her hair away from her face.
�Ms. Carter?� A nurse asked.
�Yeah?� Angel asked, wiping her face.
�Your boyfriend is asking for you.� She said with a small smile. Angel nodded and walked off to follow the nurse.

I looked over at Jackie as tears still ran down my face.
�How bad does it look?� I asked.
�I don�t know Mac.�
�Jackie, I need to know something!�
�He took some abuse in his ribs. They seemed to aim for that area.� Jackie sighed.
�Assholes�� I sobbed and Jackie pulled me into his arms, trying to calm me down.
�When Aaron came to see me, I thought I was the one who was going to get an ass whooping.� Jackie said and I pulled away from him.
�Why did he come to see you?� I asked.
�I guess to find out what happened.�
�And what did you tell him?�
�The truth. We talked and you love him.� Jackie smiled. I returned it.
�I really hope he is okay.� I sighed.
�He will be Mackenzie. Those punks are fucking pansies.� Jackie said and I nodded.

Jackie and I sat down and I just wish someone would come out and say something already. This not knowing what was going on was really not good. I never understood why hospitals keep you in so much suspense.

Chapter 26

�Mackenzie!� Jane yelled and I jumped up.
�What happened?� She asked.
�I don�t know. I wasn�t there.� I sighed.
�Where�s Angel?� Jane asked.
�She�s in with Craig.�
�Have you seen Aaron yet?�
�No, I�m waiting for the doctor to say something.�
�This is ridiculous. Angel said she didn�t know anything almost an hour ago.� Jane said walking away. I saw Bob walk in from the street and go over to Jane.
�I should probably call Nick and their other sisters.� I said and Jackie nodded. I sat back down and pulled out my cell phone.
�Hey Mac.� Trista answered.
�Hey.�
�Did you find Aaron?� She asked.
�I�m at the hospital.�
�Why? Is it the baby?� Trista asked worriedly.
�No, Aaron�s in the hospital.�
�What? What happened?�
�He was jumped.� I said getting a little worked up again.
�Oh my God�� She said and then I heard her repeat what happened to Nick, before I heard him freaking out.
�We�re at Memorial.� I informed her.
�Nick�s on his way. I hope everything�s okay Mac.�
�I hope so too.�

After hanging up with Trista, I was about to call BJ, but Jane and Bob came back over.
�The doctor�s going to talk to us in a minute.� Jane said and I nodded. Leave it to Jane to boss around doctors. Angel walked over to us and hugged Jane.
�How�s Craig?� She asked.
�He�s okay. He looks a little beat up, but he�s fine.� Angel sighed.
�Who did this?� Bob asked. Just then, the doctor came over to us.
�Hello, your son has been moved into a recovery room. He has two broken ribs and needed stitches on his forehead. He has a minor concussion.� The doctor explained. I just closed my eyes, which made tears fall. I was relieved Aaron was okay, but still upset that someone would do this to him. What if the last time I had talked to him would be him thinking I cheated on him or didn�t want to be with him anymore?
�Can we see him?� I asked.
�In about ten minutes. He�s a little out of it because of the pain killers.� The doctor advised.
�Thanks.� Bob said.
�How the hell did this all happen?� Jane asked. Bob and Jane both looked at Angel for an explanation.
�We were leaving Jackie�s house and these five guys started with us.�
�Aaron enticed them didn�t he?� Bob asked sighing.
�No, Dad. It wasn�t Aaron or Craig�s fault. They were trying to protect me.� Angel sighed.
�You?� Jane asked and she nodded.
�Did you know them?� Bob asked.
�One of them I did.� Angel said looking down.
�So you can identify them then with the police?� Jane asked and Angel�s head shot up.
�Y-yeah.� Angel nodded. I looked over at her. She should tell them about what one of them tried to do to her.

I called BJ and Bob called Leslie and by the time we were ready to go see Aaron, Nick came running over. We explained to him what happened and he looked like he wanted to kill someone. I don�t blame him. I wanted to hurt those bastards myself. We got to Aaron�s floor and I was almost afraid what Aaron would look like. Jackie stayed back in the waiting room as the rest of us walked in. Aaron was lying in the hospital bed, his eyes closed, though it was hard to tell with the one black eye he had. His lip was swelled and the stitches on his forehead were noticeable. He also had some scratches on his face and along his knuckles, I assumed from fighting back.

I tried to hold back my gasp when I saw him. I felt Nick clasp my hand and give it a squeeze. It was really weird for me to see Aaron like this. He wasn�t a really still or low-key person. He was always on the go, always making noise and cracking jokes. The silence was eerie. It wasn�t like he was sleeping because even when he slept, he tossed and turned and his mouth hung open. I knew he wasn�t dying or even in critical condition, but it was upsetting to see someone you love so much like that. Aaron�s eyes fluttered opened and he just looked at us for a minute before speaking.

�Hi�� He said. We all moved closer before Jane took his hand and kissed his forehead, avoiding his stitches.
�How are you feeling?� She asked.
�Like shit.� He laughed softly. Ang, you okay?� He asked. She nodded.
�I�m sorry.� She whispered.
�Listen to me�this wasn�t your fault. Okay?� He asked.
�Okay.� Angel said.
�How�s Craig?� He asked.
�Not bad.� Angel shrugged.
�Better than me?� He asked with a smirk. She laughed.
�Well, yeah.� Angel said. Aaron nodded and he looked over at me. He just stared into my eyes, which of course I was crying though I was trying not to. I never have been so scared for him, for anyone.

�I told you to let me help you kick Jackie�s ass.� Nick joked. �I knew you couldn�t handle it.�
�Shut up ass.� Aaron said rolling his eyes. �Where is Jackie?� He asked.
�He�s outside.� Nick said and I realized he was still holding my hand. I knew it was shaking and I think it made Nick hold it tighter.
�Tell him I said thanks.� Aaron said and Nick nodded. Bob and Jane said some more words before Aaron looked back toward me. �Can I talk to Mac alone for a minute?� Aaron asked. His voice sounded a little strained and groggy from the painkillers. Jane kissed his forehead again as Bob patted his shoulder. Nick let go of my hand and slapped hands with Aaron. Angel hugged him for a long moment, trying not to hurt his side where Aaron was wincing slightly when she came into contact with it. Everyone walked out and Nick patted my arm on his way out. I just looked over at Aaron and he looked right back at me. He smiled at me slightly and I closed the distance between us and took his hand.

�Can I have a hug?� He asked.
�I don�t want to hurt you.�
�I don�t care. I need to feel you in my arms right now.� Aaron said and I leaned over and laid my head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. I pulled the blanket down slightly and ran my hands over his ribs, feeling the bandages. We stayed like that for a minute before I pulled away and pulled a chair over to his bed. I sat down and Aaron reached for my hand.
�You scared me so much.�
�I wasn�t trying to.� He said.
�I�m just so happy you�re okay.�
�Me too. I was on my way to see you.� Aaron said with a half smile.

�You were?� Mackenzie asked. I nodded.
�I went to Jackie�s place ready to kick his ass. He told me nothing happened and I believed him, but mostly I trusted you.� I admitted. Mac smiled slightly.
�I know it looked bad. I�m sorry.�
�Don�t apologize. I�m sorry that I had to lay all that crap about Erica on you.�
�The thought still repulses me. It pisses me off that she had you first.� Mac said and I had to grin at that, even though it hurt my fat lip.
�Don�t. Believe me, it was nothing to be envious of.�
�So you�re a Daddy already�� Mac sighed.
�Yeah, it looks like it.�
�I was hoping we would go through this together.� Mac said.
�We will. I may already have a daughter, but I never had a baby before.� I said and Mackenzie smiled.

�Can I kiss you?� She asked.
�You never have to ask me that.� I said and Mackenzie got out of her seat and placed her lips on mine. I deepened it a little, though it was killing my lip. She pulled away giggling.
�What are you trying to do?� She asked.
�Kiss you.�
�There�s only one place a kiss like that will lead.� She said biting her lip.
�Exactly where I want it to lead.� I smirked.
�Aaron, we�re in a hospital.�
�So? Just because my ribs are broken doesn�t mean the rest of me is and we can�t make-up the proper way.� I said and Mackenzie rolled her eyes.
�You have such a one-track mind.� She said shaking her head.
�Well, this whole week has been hell and I want to turn that around.�
�When do you get to come home?�
�The doctor said tomorrow�s okay as long as I feel up to it.� I said.

�You want to stay at my place while you recover?� Mackenzie asked.
�Are you sure you want me there? I can be very needy when I�m sick.� I laughed.
�I am not making you soup.�
�How about we eat ice cream in bed together?�
�That sounds like a deal.� Mac agreed.
�Mmm, kiss me again.� I said and Mackenzie obliged.
�So we�re all okay now?� She asked once we broke apart.
�We�re kissing. Doesn�t that tell you something?� I asked.
�That you�re horny.� She laughed. She had a point.
�I have no problems. You?� I wondered.
�I�m not going to lie to you and say I�m okay with this whole mess you got yourself into, but we all make mistakes and I�m glad you�re willing to take the responsibility for them.� Mac explained and I nodded.
�I would have taken that responsibility a long time ago if I would have known.� I sighed.
�It really sucks that you didn�t know about Eryn.�
�It�s one of the fucking worst feelings I�ve ever felt.� I said thinking of the whole situation again.
�I love you Aaron.� Mac said bringing my attention back to her.
�I love you too.� I said kissing her fingers. Just then, BJ and Leslie walked in and I smiled over at them.
�I�m going to go see how Craig is doing.� Mackenzie said and I nodded.
�Tell him I said hi.� I laughed and Mac nodded before kissing my lips lightly. She said hi to BJ and Leslie before walking out.

�Are you okay?� Leslie asked, looking scared.
�Yeah, no big deal.� I shrugged.
�I don�t think you should go out without Mike anymore.� BJ sighed coming closer and sitting down.
�Beedge, I hate having a babysitter.� I said rolling my eyes.
�Aar, it�s for your own protection.� Leslie said.
�Look, this wasn�t because I was Aaron Carter and those mother fuckers were out to get me.� I sighed.
�Then what was it all about?� BJ asked.
�I can�t say.� I sighed, knowing Angel would get upset if I told anyone.
�What does that mean Aaron?� Leslie asked.
�Just know it wasn�t because of me.� I said and they both looked at me and nodded, but I knew there would be more questions later. I talked to BJ and Leslie for a little while before Mom and Dad came in and told me that they knew about Angel. I know that in some way, they felt betrayed by her. To them, she was their angel and all along it had been her acting irresponsibly and not me.
�I just think your sister could have avoided this situation if she were more responsible.� Dad said and I nodded.
�She�s learned a lot and in no way did she deserve that though.� I said and they both nodded. �I don�t think she needs a lecture right now either.� I advised.
�No, I wouldn�t do that. I�m just glad that everyone is okay.� Mom sighed.

After my family had gone home, Mackenzie came back in and I smiled at her.
�Getting ready to head home?� I asked.
�No, I�m staying here.�
�Mac, you don�t have to. I�m fine.�
�I want to. It sounds stupid, but I feel like I haven�t been with you in a while.� She said.
�It doesn�t sound stupid. I�ve been gone and then we got into a fight. I know how you feel.� I said. I scooted over slightly and it killed. God, I wouldn�t be able to take off my shirt in concert for a while. Damn, that was always a nice ego booster to hear the screams. I patted the bed and Mackenzie carefully got into bed with me and I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head. I fell asleep almost instantly, really starting to feel the kick of the painkillers, plus my body felt so tired. Tomorrow would be a better day, I hope.

Chapter 27

The next day, I was waiting for Mackenzie to pick me up at the hospital. I had a rough time changing into my own clothes and luckily some hot nurse offered to help. I won�t tell Mac about that. It wasn�t like she saw anything anyway. Just my boxers. I mean who hasn�t seen me in my boxers? I was lying back in the bed, hoping they�d bring my medication soon because my side was starting to hurt again. Angel walked in and I smiled at her.

�Hey Ang.�
�You�re looking better today.�
�Thanks. How does my eye look?� I wondered. I haven�t looked in a mirror yet.
�Um, like a giant blueberry farted on it.� Angel said with a giggle and I laughed.
�Thanks. That gave me a nice visual.�
�Glad I could be of service.� She grinned.
�So I heard you told Mom and Dad��
�Yeah�I told them everything. I even told them how you sent Craig to protect me.�
�You talked to the police?� I wondered.
�Yeah, that was actually easier than talking to Mom and Dad.� She laughed.
�Did they find the guy?�
�Yeah. I heard his name last night during the fight, so that helped. That neighborhood isn�t very big, so it wasn�t hard to find them.�
�Oh, they caught all of them?�
�Yeah, they brought in all his friends this morning. Craig and Jackie helped me identify them all.�
�How do you feel?� I asked.
�Actually, pretty good knowing that those assholes are put away.� She smiled.
�Good. Craig visited me a little while ago. He wanted to kill those guys and I think he was more worried about you than any of us.� I smiled. Angel blushed.
�Yeah, I had to calm him down last night.� She said.
�He really cares about you Ang.� I said. I really saw a change in him since they�ve been dating. Craig�s never been one for serious relationships and Angel hasn�t been in one since that prick from Italy.

�I love him.� Angel said, hiding a grin as she looked down.
�Exsqueeze me?� I asked and she laughed.
�I love him.�
�Does he know that?� I asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable about my sister telling me she loved my best friend.
�Not yet.� She sighed.
�Did he tell you he loved you?� I wondered.
�No.� Angel groaned.
�Maybe he�s waiting for you to say it.�
�Or maybe he just doesn�t love me.� Angel sighed.
�Angel, Craig has a hard time opening up to girls. Give him a chance.�
�Since when are you offering love advice to me and Craig?�
�I don�t know. Don�t let it get out.� I joked.
�Do you think he loves me?� Angel asked.
�I don�t see how he couldn�t.�
�Aaron, you�re just saying that because you�re my brother.� She sighed.
�Okay, well let me put it this way. Craig doesn�t get head over heels and he�s not one for romance or being tied down�all he�s talked about is what kinds of places he should take you to dinner and he doesn�t seem to be looking to break free.� I smiled.
�Thanks Aaron. Oh, I have to get to a gig. Mackenzie�s picking you up right?� She asked.
�Yeah.�
�Everything better between you two?� Angel asked.
�All better.� I nodded.
�Good.� Angel said hugging me. As soon as Angel walked out, the nurse came in and gave me my medication. A little while later, Mackenzie came in with a wheelchair and I just looked at her like she was crazy.

�What�s that for?�
�You.� She said wheeling it next to the bed.
�I don�t need a wheelchair.�
�Aaron, you wince when you move. You really think you�re okay to walk?� I just sighed. She did make a good point. �Are you ready?� She asked and I nodded. Mackenzie helped me up and I took a few painful steps before sitting down in the wheelchair.
�Let�s blow this joint.� I said and Mac shook her head.
�Why?�
�I didn�t get a kiss yet.� She smirked. I puckered my lips out to her and she giggled before leaning down and kissing me. I quickly deepened it. �Can�t any kiss ever be a peck with you?� Mac asked once we parted.
�Not really.� I grinned before pulling her into another kiss. Mackenzie sat down on my lap and rubbed against my ribs a little, which hurt so I winced and she quickly got up.
�I�m sorry.� She said panicked. I laughed.
�It�s okay. You didn�t kill me.�
�Come on, let�s get you out of here and into bed.� Mackenzie said stepping behind me and starting to wheel me.
�Now we�re talking.� I teased.
�God, Aaron. You�re practically a cripple and that�s all you can think of?� Mackenzie laughed.

On the way back to Mac�s apartment, she told me about her doctor�s appointment tomorrow.
�So what is this appointment for?� I asked.
�To check up on the baby and have my first sonogram.�
�That�s where they look at that weird alien on TV right?� I snickered.
�You�re going to refer to our baby as a weird alien?� Mackenzie asked offended.
�Well, I just never really understood why people got all excited over it. When Nick showed me Tyler�s sonogram picture, it just looked like fuzzy gray clouds, not a baby.� I shrugged.
�It�s just cool to see your baby inside of you and hear its heartbeat.� She said.
�You can hear the baby�s heartbeat?� I asked. I never knew that.
�Yeah. We can even get a video of it.� Mac said.
�A video of what?� I wondered. This sonogram stuff was kind of weird.
�The baby moving inside of me.�
�How the hell do they get a camera in there?� I asked and Mackenzie rolled her eyes before cracking up.
�What?�
�You�re one of a kind.� Mac said and I grinned, though I didn�t think it was a compliment.

�So are you coming with me or not?� Mackenzie asked.
�To see them videotaping the baby?� I asked and she sighed.
�To the appointment.�
�Um, why? I can just watch it on video right?� I suggested as we pulled into her driveway.
�You don�t want to come?�
�Mackenzie, I can hardly walk.� I shrugged. I really didn�t want to sit in a doctor�s office and watch him poke around in Mac and then watch some screen that I�m supposed to see my baby in. It just seemed really weird and it kind of freaked me out how people got excited over it. Mackenzie didn�t say anything and just got out of the car. I knew I did something wrong.

I pulled Aaron�s wheelchair out of the backseat of my car and opened it before opening Aaron�s door and walking up toward the house. Okay, so that was pretty bitchy of me, but I was going to my first real baby appointment and Aaron was acting weird about it.
�Mackenzie�� I heard Aaron whining and I stopped and turned around, seeing Aaron wincing as he got into the wheelchair. I sighed and made my way back over to him. I helped him in and pushed him up the walkway before opening the door and pushing him inside.
�Why are you mad at me?� Aaron asked.
�I�m not mad at you.� I said, not very convincingly as I placed my keys on the table.
�Mac, I can tell when you�re mad.�
�I just wanted you to come with me to the appointment.� I sighed looking over at him.
�Why didn�t you ask me to then?� Aaron asked and I sighed again.
�I thought that we were in this together.�
�We are. I just thought that�s something girls do alone. You know, that womanly doctor appointment stuff.� Aaron said looking kind of squeamish about it.
�Okay, well I guess you don�t have to come to this one since it�s kind of selfish of me when you�re like this.� I said feeling bad.
�If you want me there, I�ll��
�No, I�ll bring you home the video and we can eat popcorn as we watch, okay?� I said and Aaron laughed.
�That�s a little weird to me.� He said and now I laughed.

�So you want me to help you into bed?� I asked.
�Will you come to bed too?� He asked. I nodded. Aaron stood up and he supported his weight on me as I helped him up the steps that led to my bedroom. He sat down on the bed and I pulled off his sneakers and socks. He lifted up his arms like a little kid and I laughed before pulling his shirt off, revealing his bandaged up torso. I ran my fingers over the bandages.
�My poor baby.� I said before placing my lips on his chest. Aaron unbuttoned his pants and I laughed. �Do you not like clothes or something?� I asked.
�I like to be free.� Aaron laughed lying back against the pillows. I tugged his pants off before gathering up his clothes and putting them in the hamper. I laid in bed next to him and kissed him softly.
�How ugly do I look?� He asked.
�When have you ever looked ugly?� I asked.
�Angel said it looks like a blueberry farted on my face.� Aaron said and I cracked up. �So I guess it�s true.� He said wide-eyed and I shook my head.
�Okay, well yeah, it does, but it will heal. The swelling went down from yesterday.� I commented as Aaron�s eyelids became heavy. He started kissing me as his hands roamed my body.
�Aaron�I don�t think it will feel too good with you hurting over every little move.� I warned.
�I want you right now.� He whispered before kissing my neck. I gave in, but realized Aaron just fell asleep right then and there. I laughed to myself before placing his head on the pillow and kicking my shoes off before lying next to Aaron comfortably.

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