The Choices We Make

Gunther

I woke up to find that CeCe and I were entwined in more ways than one. This week, all in all, had been the best week of my life.

I found CeCe. I found out I had a son. We were together again.

I suddenly remembered that my flight was due back this morning, but I couldn't be bothered to even attempt to catch it. Not that CeCe would let me. The thought made me smile. I shifted CeCe's weight so that she was lying on the bed instead of on top of me, and pulled out of her. I pulled on my boxer shorts, and a tee shirt, then headed out the door.

CeCe was suddenly awake, and grabbed my hand fearfully, "Don't go," She pleaded. I smiled. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise." She nodded, and her eyes slid closed again. I walked down the hallway, and after a few trials and errors, I finally found Jacob's room. He lay there, peacefully asleep, and he was, in a word, adorable.

There were so many questions I wanted to ask him; Do you have any friends? What's your favorite color? What do you like to do for fun apart from play Halo?

I'd have to be patient and ask when he woke up. I was jolted when the doorbell rang. I went to get it, not wanting to wake anyone up, and saw Rocky standing there. She grinned when she saw me. "I knew you'd figure out where she was!" She said, smiling. I smiled back at her. "Hey, Rocky," I greeted her, opening the door so she could come in. It was freezing outside, and the ground was covered in snow, as CeCe had predicted. Jacob would like that.

"I heard someone moving around, and CeCe came out of the bedroom. Her face lit up when she saw Rocky standing there. "Rocky!" Oh my Gosh!" Rocky hugged her, and CeCe tugged her into the living room. Rocky immediately turned to face me. "So? What do you think of having a son?"

"It's honestly the best thing that's ever happened to me." I answered truthfully.

CeCe smiled, and Rocky grinned. "Isn't it hard to believe that this all started at a school lock-in four years ago?"

I nodded. SO much had happened during those four years, and if anything was to be shifted or changed, and one event left out, then things would be very different right now.

For example, if Rocky hadn't accidentally told CeCe I loved her, none of this would ever had happened. I shuddered at the thought.

I suddenly heard a voice from behind us. "Mom?" I looked back, and saw Jacob rubbing his eyes, "Aunt Rocky?" Suddenly Jacob grinned. "Hi, Aunt Rocky! I can't believe you're here. When did you get here? Oh, and Gunther! You're still here, too!"

Rocky looked at me. 'Gunther?' she mouthed, indicating the fact that he called me Gunther instead of dads. CeCe chewed on her bottom lip. We hadn't told Jacob I was hid dad yet, but even when we did, I wouldn't force him to call me dad. He'd call me that when he felt like it. "Guys! Its snowing!" Jacob squealed suddenly, before asking if he could go out.

"Um... Jakey, sweetie, you'll go outside later, but me and Gunther have to talk to you about something,"

Jacob's eyes widened. "Dad isn't coming back, is he?" He asked, looking terrified. It took me a minute to realize he was talking about CeCe's ex-husband, and I stared in confusion, nearly throwing up when Rocky muttered something to me. She wasn't loud enough for me to hear it, but I picked up the words 'abusive husband... hit Jake and CeCe a lot..."

"No, he's not," I quickly assured Jacob who was still looking scared. "But... Do you know who I am, Jacob?"

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You're Gunther," He said, and I smiled. "Well, yes, I am, but do you know why I'm here?" CeCe stiffened next to me, and Rocky bit her bottom lip. "You're mom's friend," He told me,

"Yes... I'm your mom's friend, but I'm also your dad,"

Jacob stared. "No you're not. I already have a dad."

I tried to make my voice as gentle as possible. This was going to be hard for him, but it was better if he knew from the start. "But he wasn't really your dad," I told him. He frowned. "So you're my dad?"

"Yes,"

"Is that why I have blond hair?" He asked me. I nodded. "Probably,"

"But... if you're my dad, then how come you only showed up now?" I looked at CeCe, who looked uncomfortable, and Jacob was just too young to understand, so I didn't bother explaining. "I'll tell you one day, when you're older," I promised. He nodded, then stood up again. "So do I have to call you dad now?"

I shook my head. "That's your choice,"

He grinned. "Cool. So, can I go play in the snow now, Gunther?" I sighed. I'd known he probably wouldn't start calling me 'dad' straight away but it still bugged me. I'd love for him to call me his father, but I'd obviously have to wait till' he was ready.

"Sure, I'll help you get dressed," I said, and he bolted for his bedroom. I looked at CeCe. "I wonder what everyone else's reaction to him will be,"

CeCe shrugged. "I hope they'll like him,"

I scoffed, as did Rocky. "How could you not?" We said at the same time, then grinned at each other. CeCe nodded. "I want to go back to Chicago as soon as possible. This place is driving me crazy. It's insane that I planned on living here for the rest of my life,"

"I'll book you the next flight to Chicago," Rocky said, pulling a laptop out of her bag. "Don't you have to pack?" I asked CeCe. She shook her head, "I don't have that nay things, anyway. It'll take me an hour, tops to pack everything Jake and I need. I just need to be with you, Gunther." I needed the exact same thing. I suddenly remembered something from earlier.

"CeCe, about your husband..."

"Can we talk about this later? I'm really happy at the moment, and I don't want to think about him," I nodded and put an arm around her, then went to go help Jake with his scarf and gloves and hat, leaving Rocky and CeCe to book the plane tickets back to Chicago.

I had honestly never been happier.