Pretty Baby

Chapter 18

The house is eerily quiet. The kind of quiet that makes you feel every heartbeat, every breath, every thought. I sit alone in my home studio, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. The custody trial was yesterday, and I lost. Temporary custody of Penny was granted to Chloe, and I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest.

I stare at the blank sheet of paper in front of me, my guitar resting on my lap. Music has always been my escape, my therapy, my way of making sense of the chaos in my life. But right now, the words won't come. The notes feel hollow. All I can think about is Penny. Her laugh, her smile, the way she reaches for me when she's scared or tired.

I strum a few chords, trying to find a melody that matches the turmoil inside me. But everything sounds wrong. I close my eyes, letting the memories of the past few months wash over me. The late night feedings, the diaper changes, the way she looks at me with those big, trusting eyes. How can Chloe think I'm unfit to be her father? How can a judge look at me and see anything but a man who would do anything for his daughter?

The door to the studio creaks open, and I look up to see Jade standing there, her expression a mix of worry and hesitation. She's been my rock through all of this, but I know I hurt her yesterday at the courthouse. I was so wrapped up in my own pain and anger that I lashed out at her, and I hate myself for it.

"Hey," she says softly, stepping into the room. "Mind if I join you?"

I shake my head, patting the spot next to me on the couch. "Of course not."

She sits down, her presence a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. For a moment, we just sit there in silence, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us.

"I'm sorry," I finally say, my voice barely above a whisper. "For how I acted yesterday. I was a jerk, and you didn't deserve that."

Jade looks at me, her eyes soft with understanding. "I know you were hurting, Zac. I was, too. But we need to stick together if we're going to get through this."

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I just... I can't lose her, Jade. I can't lose Penny."

"You won't," she says firmly, taking my hand in hers. "We're going to fight this. We're going to prove to the court that you're the best parent for Penny. And I'm going to be right there with you, every step of the way."

Her words give me a glimmer of hope, a lifeline to cling to in the storm. I squeeze her hand, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jade leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "You won't have to find out," she murmurs. "We're in this together."

We sit there for a while, just holding each other. Finally, I take a deep breath and pick up my guitar again. "I think I need to write about this," I say. "About Penny, about us, about everything."

Jade nods, her eyes shining with encouragement. "Do it. Let it all out."

I start to play, the chords coming more easily now. The words begin to flow, raw and honest.

In every tear, in every smile,

I’ll find a way to make it worthwhile.

Jade listens, her eyes never leaving my face. When I finish, she reaches out and gently takes the guitar from my hands. "That was beautiful," she says softly. "I can’t wait to hear more."

I jot down a few more lines. I feel a sense of catharsis, a release of some of the tension. I look at Jade, my heart swelling with gratitude and love. "Thank you," I say again. "For everything."

She smiles, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "We'll get through this, Zac. I promise."

"We need to tell Xavier," I say, my voice steady. "About us. He deserves to know the truth."

Jade nods, her expression serious. "You're right. It's time."