I do not own any of the cast or crew of DC, nor do I own the show. This is purely fictional and for entertainment purposes. However, I do own the OC, McKenzie and her story.

FULL SUMMARY: McKenzie Morris didn't want to be back in Washington, much less back in Seattle. She made a new life for herself in a new state with her small daughter and new boyfriend but what happens when she runs into her troubled ex, Jake Harris? Will Mackenzie try to help Jake pick up the pieces or will she leave it all behind like she did before? She will soon have to decide on what she wants or what she needs.

A/N: So I'm beginning another story because I'm stuck at the moment on my other story NEW CHANGES, NEW BEGINNINGS. I hope everyone will like this one and please review!

Chapter 1

June 2011

McKenzie didn't want to be back in Washington. She had moved far away to Colorado where she made a new life for herself and two-year old daughter, Aubree. She hadn't been back in 15 months and the only reason she was back now was to celebrate her father's 55th birthday. She seen the Welcome to Seattle sign and sighed.

"Yeah, welcome back my ass." She mumbled.

She looked in the rearview mirror and seen her little girl asleep in her car seat. It brought a smile to her face. That's the only thing good that's happened to her. A few minutes later, she pulled her gecko green Jeep Wrangler up at her father's house. The front door swung open and her older brother, Matt swung the door open.

"Baby sister!" He smiled picked her up in a bear hug.

"Matt….can't…breathe."

"Oh, sorry." He said sitting her down on her feet. "Where's my favorite girl?"

"In the Jeep passed out." She giggled. "It's been a LONG trip for her."

"Yeah, 19 hours." Matt said nodding. "Why didn't you two just fly?"

"I wanted to see the scenery and to think." She said opening the door and getting her sleeping daughter out. "Where's dad?"

"He's still at work." He said grabbing their bags. "Jesus, Mac….how long are you planning to stay?"

They walked inside and McKenzie laid Aubree on the couch.

"She's been out since North Bend, so she'll sleep for another hour or so." She told her brother.

They walked into the kitchen. She hadn't been there in 15 months but everything was still the same. They got something to drink and sat down at the bar. Even though McKenzie didn't want to be back here, she was glad she was seeing her dad and brother. She hasn't seen them since they visited Colorado for Thanksgiving. Matt was tall, athletic, with blonde hair and brown eyes. He looked a lot like their father. McKenzie, on the other hand was small, petite with long brown hair and brown eyes. Everyone said she looked like their mother.

"How long are you back for?" Her brother asked.

"A week."

"Are you going to see any of your old friends while you're here?"

"Are you asking me if I'm going to see him?"

"I know you don't want to talk about it…"

"You right, Matthew, I don't." She said cutting him off.

"He has a right to see his daughter."

"I knew you would do this." She said getting all defensive. "Just because you're still friends with him, doesn't mean anything!"

"Calm down, McKenzie." Matt said with a sigh. "He just really misses her."

"Could've fooled me…considering the fact that he hasn't called."

"You changed your number." He reminded her. "And moved 1300 miles away."

"I had to." She said. "I couldn't stay here…I couldn't continue to watch him…."

She choked up and stopped.

"Hey." He said wrapping his arms around his sister.

"He hurt me."

"I know." He said. "He's regretted it ever since. He let you down, he let his daughter down, he let everyone down."

She wiped her eyes. She wasn't supposed to cry. She told herself that a million times before she hit the Washington state line.

"He's clean, Mac." Matt told her. "He's been doing really well. He wants to be a part of his daughter's life."

"We're doing just fine without him."

"Do you really think you should be keeping Aubree from him?" He asked. "He's her father. She needs a dad in her life."

"I'm not keeping her from him! I'm protecting her!" She said pushing him away. "To save her from the disappointment."

Matt opened his mouth to respond, but decided against it. Suddenly the back door opened and in came their father.

"Mac!" He said happily.

"Hi, daddy." She smiled getting up.

She hugged her dad and he pulled away to look at her.

"Have you been crying?" He asked looking down at her and then looked at his son angrily.

"Yeah, but it's no big deal."

"Well I'm gonna head home now." Matt said grabbing his keys. "Chelsea is probably home now."

"You guys coming out to dinner with us, right?" McKenzie asked.

"Yeah, we'll meet you there at 7." He said kissing the top of his sister's head.

Her brother made a quick exit.

"So, kiddo…how's life been?" Her father asked getting water out of the fridge.

"Colorado's been great." She said smiling. "My job's great…Aubree seems to love it and her daycare."

"Well I'm glad." He smiled. "I'm glad you two are happy and that you are here."

There was a crying two-year old in the livingroom.

"I bet you're not used to that." McKenzie giggled getting up.

"Haven't heard that in 24 years." He chuckled.

A/N 2: I know it's a short chapter but I have a lot of ideas in my head about this story. Hope you enjoyed!