"Control yourself

Take only what you need from it,

A family of trees wanting…

To be haunted…"

Kids by MGMT

Jack Brewer stood over his grave. With his face clouded over with sorrow and regret. If only he hadn't allowed him to take a bullet for Jack he wouldn't be dead. "Why did you do it, Ethan?" Jack asked his brother. Jack knew it was pointless to ask Ethan. Ethan did it to save Jack, to save his younger brother. Jack knew Ethan cared too much about him that Ethan would sacrifice his own life.

Why? Jack questioned himself. He didn't understand why Ethan wouldn't just let that bullet hit Jack and not him. "I should be the one buried down there not you." Jack said. Jack reached for a picture that was stashed away in his pocket. He pulled it out and stared at it. He grimaced, it was a family photo taken when Ethan was 15, Jack was 13 and 9 year old Marissa, their young sister. He sighed and knelt down. He felt a few years running down his face. He placed a hand on the top of the tombstone.

"Even though you know I'm going through a tough time and all. I..." He pinched the bridge of his nose as the last few tears leaked out of his eyes. "I just wanna thank you for taking a hit for me, but it should've been me." He stood up and tried to smile. It was difficult to leave his brother alone but he had to, because his sister was dropping off his daughter, Sadie. "Bye Ethan." Jack whispered and left the lonely cemetery.

Jack got in his car and began driving as the memories flooded his mind. He remembered Ethan screaming at Jack to move. Jack didn't obey instead his brother stood in front of him and took a bullet t the heart. Ethan fell to the ground and Jack quickly reacted and shot his brother's killer. Although killing his brother's murderer didn't make Jack feel better. It made him feel worse.

Jack arrived at his home, where Marissa was already waiting for him. His daughter quickly ran to towards him and hugged his leg. "Daddy!" Sadie said and looked at him. Jack slowly looked down and saw his daughter's eyes twinkle in delight.

"Hey Sadie," Jack said and smiled a genuine smile and took Sadie in his arms. Marissa walked towards him and Jack's demeanor quickly changed.

"Hey Jack, how are things going?" Marissa asked and Jack only stared at her.

"...Good..." Jack said with a cold tone. Marissa sighed she had gotten used to his "split personalities" by now. Marissa was definitely sad that Ethan had died, but she knew that Jack was really close to Ethan and his death was like stabbing his heart. He had been cold to everyone around him except Sadie of coursed, he loved her more than anything.

"I've missed you, Daddy!" Sadie said and hugged Jack's neck.

Jack smiled, "I've missed you too," he put Sadie down. Marissa smiled at the small reunion, she had been taking care of Sadie ever since Jack got deployed, but now... things have changed. "How are thing going for you?" Jack asked. Marissa looked at him.

"Things are fine." Marissa said. Jack looked at her.

"Are you and Felix okay?"

"Kind of..."

"Meaning?"

Marissa sighed, "Meaning that things are shaky..."

Jack stood silent for a while, "Talk to me, if things aren't good, okay?" Marissa looked at him and he looked at her. This was the first time ever that Jack has offered help in a long time.

Marissa nodded, "Okay."

Jack nodded as he looked at Sadie, feeling content for the first time in forever. He loved Sadie, he truly did. He didn't give her the cold shoulder like he did to everyone. He didn't stop caring about her, like he did in past relationships. He loved her more than life itself and she meant everything to him, but he had a bad habit of staring off into space at times when she would talk to him. "I gotta go, Talk to you later?" Marissa said sounding hopeful. Jack began thinking about it.

He nodded, "Sounds good." Marissa smiled as she waved goodbye to Jack and Sadie.

"Bye Auntie Marissa!" Sadie said.

"Bye Sadie, be a good girl for your Daddy!" Sadie nodded as she held her father's hand. They both watched the silver KIA drive away.

"So, what have you and Auntie Marissa been doing while I was gone?" Jack asked.

"The usual..." Sadie replied looking at her father.

"Meaning?"

"Oh, well... uh there's school, but it's almost over, and... um having fun with Auntie Marissa." Sadie said in a simple way. He smiled at her and her life's current simplicity. He stared off into space and began pondering if her life will always be sweet and simple. Jack gently squeezed her hand and began walking towards the car. Sadie got in the back and watched her father. "Where our we going?"

"You'll see," Jack said as he started the car. Sadie just watched her father as he drove, sitting silently. Jack pulled up to Woodrow Park and got out. Sadie got out and Jack grabbed her and placed her on his shoulders. She didn't question her father and was silent as he was walking. She watched as her father walked over to a... more serene and quiet place. He took her off his shoulders and they sat down on a bench.

Jack sighed and closed his eyes. Flashbacks of Ethan raced on his mind. He sighed and opened his eyes, not wanting to live that hell. All of a sudden Sadie began screaming and Jack whirled his head towards her. A huge dog was standing there wagging his tail in delight.

"Oh my god I am so sorry!" A female voice said as it approached.

"M-Ms. Crawford?!" Sadie said.

"Sadie?!"

Jack just stared at the woman, confused that this beautiful was his daughter's teacher...

Hello everyone this is a new story! I hope you guys really enjoy it!

I'm just going to say this once, okay? I do not own anything except the plot and my OCs.

Question of the Day- Favorite book?

Food of the Day- Coffee

Song of the Day- Kids by MGMT. Really good song...

Until Next Time!