Author's Note: Song and Lyrics for "Say Yes" by Elliott Smith...

Jake cursed the unexpected delay in his flight schedule. For sure he thought he would be home in time for Jenny's first Field Hockey game that started at 5:30. But it was already after nine and he was just turning on to their street. He felt absolutely horrible that he had missed it but at least Peyton had been there and no doubt captured the event on the video camera.

Grabbing his bags, he rushed into the house, which was quiet and dark. He headed upstairs only to find that the master bedroom as well as Jenny's room, were empty.

"Pey!" he called out. "Jen! Anybody home?"

No answer but as he wandered around, he noticed the light on in the garage. He peered inside. Peyton's car was gone, his motorcycle, but in a corner, he saw Jenny sitting alone on a chair. She had his guitar in her hands and was softly strumming a tune. He looked on in silence for a while. She was good. He couldn't help but smile. Art, Field Hockey and now musical instruments? Did the kid's talents ever end?

She adjusted the pick, then began playing another song. The music was oddly familiar.

"Jenny."

She stopped playing immediately and scrambled to return the guitar where she found it.

"Sorry. I was just messing around."

"No, it's okay. I didn't know you played."

She shrugged.

"A little bit."

"You had lessons?"

Jenny shook her head.

"I kind of taught myself."

"That song you were playing…"

"I don't know. I just heard it a couple of times."

Jake smiled as he softly began singing the lyrics.

I'm in love with the world

Through the eyes of a girl

Who's still around the morning after

We broke up a month ago

When I grew up I didn't know

I'd be around the morning after

It's always been wait and see

A happy day and then you pay

You feel like shit the morning after

Now I feel changed around

And instead of falling down

I'm standing up the morning after

Situations get fucked up

Turned around sooner or later

I could be another fool

Or an exception to the rule

You tell me the morning after

Crooked spin cant come to rest

I'm damaged bad at best

She'll decide what she wants

I'll probably be the last to know

No one says until it shows

See how it is...

They want you or they don't

Say Yes

I'm in love with the world

Through the eyes of a girl

Who's still around the morning after

Jenny's heart pounded as she heard her father sing. She had always loved that song. She couldn't remember where she had heard or why she liked it but just that it always made her feel good inside, safe almost. Hearing his voice so soft and beautiful almost made her want to cry. Almost. But she couldn't. She couldn't react, not even a little bit. She couldn't show any signs of weakness or vulnerability and let him know he had gotten to her.

"Better keep your day job", she said.

Jake chuckled.

"Was I that bad?"

"You were okay, I guess", she sighed.

"You used to like my voice and you used to love that song. When you were a few months old, it was the only thing that would get you to sleep at night. I used to have to pull out that very guitar there and sing the song over and over until you stopped crying."

He closed his eyes and was transported back to his room as a nervous teenage father desperately trying to calm a wailing newborn. Jenny shuffled uncomfortably.

"I'm gonna go to bed", she finally said.

"How did the game go?"

"We lost. I told you the girls suck."

"But did you have fun?"

"It was okay. Coach let me start as forward. I scored a couple of goals and we would have won if I had some half decent fullbacks and sweeps on my side."

"As long as you had fun and did your best. I'm sure you guys will win the next one."

"Don't hold your breath."

Jake shoved his hands in his pockets.

"Look, I'm sorry I missed it. I know I told you I'd be there. I really tried, Jen but the schedules got messed up and…"

"It's no big deal."

"It's a big deal to me."

"Jake, chill. It's a bunch of girls playing field hockey, and not very well by the way. It's not like you missed the Olympic championship or something."

"I should have been there. I wanted to be there. I promised you I would. I'm sorry I let you down and I'm going to make it up to you."

"Whatever."

"I tried to call you guys this afternoon but Peyton's cell was off. Did she tape the game?"

"Not unless she did from downtown."

Jake frowned.

"What?"

"She wasn't there."

"What do you mean?"

"Am I speaking French? She didn't come."

"But I told her. And she was so excited. She even wanted to make a banner for you to cheer you on."

Jenny rolled her eyes.

"In that case, I'm glad she didn't show up. Anyway, I think she was at the University."

"The University?"

"Yeah. Something about an art show. I think Amanda painted something for it."

Jake closed his eyes. Amanda. Why didn't he guess? The pretty young student Peyton had been spending an awful lot of time with. He thought it was nice that she had gone out of her way to help the troubled girl but lately it seemed Peyton's only focus was her students. She was always helping them or spending extra time with them, especially Amanda. It wasn't uncommon for Jake to return from the gym or the arena or a road trip to find his house full of kids from the alternative school. It didn't bother him of course but he secretly wondered if Peyton was losing sight of their own family?

"Jen, I'm sorry…"

"I don't care. It's just a game and I didn't really want her there anyway."

Jake nodded, still confused.

"You going to bed?"

"That's the plan", she scurried past him.

"Good night."

She didn't answer and Jake stood there alone for a long time struggling to understand exactly what had happened. Finally, he walked inside and up the stairs and climbed into bed. His wife returned an hour later.

"My husband is home", she grinned, leaning down and kissing him as she stripped from the sexy, black dress she was wearing. "How was the road?"

"Where were you tonight?" he cut right to the chase.

"Amanda had her first art show. It was so awesome. Haley and I went to support her."

Jake nodded.

"How did she do?"

"Great. She's so talented, babe. Her stuff is really good but she was so nervous."

"That's nice, you know, that you were there for her."

"I don't mind", Peyton pulled on an old tank and sweats. "Someone has to be."

"Like someone needs to be there for our daughter?"

"Excuse me?"

Jake rolled his eyes.

"Peyton, what was today? What have we been talking about? Why was I trying to come home early? What did I remind you about several times?"

"Jake…"

"Jenny had her first game today and you weren't there. You promised, Peyton."

"No. Jenny's game is tomorrow, Wednesday."

"Look at the calendar", he sighed. "Today is Wednesday."

Peyton looked and closed her eyes.

"Oh my God. Oh God. Babe, I am so sorry", she gasped. "I must have gotten my days mixed up. You know there is no way I would have missed that."

"Well, you did."

"I'm sorry. How did she do?"

"Pretty good from what I hear but I was late so I didn't get to see her play either."

"Oh no", Peyton plopped down on the bed. "Jake, I swear…"

"Whatever", he said, rolling over and turning his back to her.

"Now you sound like Jenny."

"I think Jenny just might have the right idea."

"Are you mad at me?" Peyton folded her arms.

"Yes."

"Why? Because I forgot? Because of an honest mix up?"

Jake sat straight up.

"I'm mad because it was an important day for my kid. You know how important it is for us to be there and support her. For the first time, she's making progress, real progress, Pey. She's making friends and doing better in classes and not getting into trouble. The least we can do is go the games and show her that we care and that we're interested."

"I agree. You know that. Of course I want Jenny to do well. You know I've been excited about this. Jake, I'm sorry. Okay. And tomorrow I'll apologize to Jenny, even though it won't do any good. She's just gonna roll her eyes and give me attitude."

"Peyton…"

"She hates me and you know that's true."

"She doesn't hate you."

"What do you call it?"

"She's just a little kid. She's scared and confused and trying to adjust. She has a whole new life now. I told you she's been opening up here and there about life with Nikki. I haven't heard too many details but what I did hear didn't sound good. Jenny needs love and stability. She needs a family. We're her family and we're supposed to be working on our family but how can that happen when school and art and everything come before us?"

"Are you kidding me?"

"Pey…"

"No. I can't believe you just said that to me. You encourage me to do this teaching thing and now that it works out and these kids actually need me and I'm making a difference, all of a sudden it's a problem? How dare you say that to me!"

"I respect what you're doing and it's all fine and good but your family should come first. I just wish Jenny and I could get half the attention you give those kids."

"Now you're just being stupid and you're pissing me off. Quit while you're ahead, Jagielski."

"No. I think we should talk about this."

"There is nothing to talk about. I am not fighting with you."

"Peyton!"

"I will not explain or justify or God forbid apologize for what I'm doing. I got my days confused and missed Jenny's game. I feel bad and I am sorry about that but what do you want from me. What can I do about it now, Jake? And you want to throw family in my face? What family? A husband that's away from home more often than not and a stepdaughter that curses the quick sand I walk on? Please! Give me a fucking break. I have had it. I have tried everything to get through to Jenny and I do love her so I will continue to try but excuse me for wanting to spend time with people who actually appreciate me."

Jake rubbed his tired eyes. A full on screaming match. The last thing he had wanted.

"Just lower your voice, okay? Look, I didn't mean to start an argument…"

"Like Jenny says, 'whatever'" Peyton grumbled as she grabbed her favorite pillow.

"Pey, where are you going?"

"Away from you", she slammed the door, headed to the couch.

He cursed out loud and fell back on the bed. A few feet away in the other bedroom, Jenny Jagielski lie awake. She was terrified. Although she couldn't make out their words, she knew none of it was good. She hated all the shouting. It frightened her.

FLASHBACK…

"I hate you, you sorry ass son of a bitch!" Nikki had stormed out of the apartment. "I know you've been sleeping with that whore from work, Kurt!"

Kurt rolled his eyes as the heavily made up dark haired woman blew past him in a rage.

"You're crazy, Nikki! And you're drunk! You're the one sleeping around!"

"Maybe if you satisfied me like a real man, I wouldn't have to."

"Fuck you!"

"That's the problem…you can't. Now come on, Jenny!"

Jenny cowered outside the door. Kurt was one of the few likable, decent boyfriends her mother had ever had. She didn't want to leave. She hated moving. Where would they go? And Nikki was pissed off which wasn't good. The only thing worse than a pissed off Nikki was a drunk Nikki. Jenny now had both on her hands.

"Jennifer Lynn, do you hear me?" Nikki screeched. "Get your little ass in this car right now!"

Jenny looked at Kurt.

"Sorry, kiddo", he mouthed.

"Jenny! Don't make me get out of this car and get you!"

"You better go", he said soflty. "I'm sorry."

Jenny held back tears and walked towards her mother, slowly climbing inside. She was sorry, too.