thetjbailey

[thetjbailey]

Stepping off the thread mill and wiping his brow and neck with a towel, Theo calmly headed over to the weight section. He had finally managed to get a gym membership and was steadily getting back into his own work out routine which felt great. The opportunities out here in the real world when it came to something as simple as working out were endless. Whereas in prison he had been confined to only a few tools, this gym seemed to have everything.

He was waiting for one of the weight benches to become available, when he noticed one of the guys didn't have a spotter. "Hey, do you need me to spot you for a bit? I really don't mind." he offered, walking closer to the bench the other was on and offering a friendly smile. Hopefully he wasn't the type that would be offended at being asked.

@elliot-monroe

[thetjbailey]

"Indeed it was." Theo grinned back at her, a devilish glint in his pale blue orbs. God she was so sexy when she started flirting outright with him. He couldn't imagine resisting her at all. It felt so damn good to feel her fingers touch his skin and her lips had that addictive taste he could never properly describe but was unable to get enough of. Beck would always be his best friend and the one person on this planet he was fiercely protective of. Even though she did not need his protection, he was always unable not to feel the need and want to take care of her. Of course she was also the kind of person who made sure he knew what she needed from him. Rarely did he have to wonder or question things when it came to her. He could tell she wasn't doing great at the moment. And that pained him a lot. But more than that it triggered his protective instincts. No matter what was truly going on with her, he would be there for her. And he would do whatever he could to protect her and make her feel more like herself. Noticing her slight change of demeanor after he had spoken, curiosity burned. What had happened to make her question whether she deserved good things in life? To make her not believe she deserved to be supported and cherished? He really wanted to know. But he also did not want to push her into telling him. That should come naturally and it would once she felt safe enough to share. "You should believe me. Its the truth." he quietly insisted.

Only Beck could make him blush like a twelve year old. With anyone else it would have been humiliating and something he'd work to cover up. With her though, he did not cover up anything. She was not someone he hid from. "Yes, but then you always are perfect to me. No you shouldn't. I haven't been with a woman in five years, almost six. Nothing, not even your younger self, will be able to compete." he assured, albeit with a soft chuckle. Of course, those memories would always be slightly glorified in his mind. He'd had the best girlfriend anyone could ask for in high school and she had always managed to amaze and surprise him. Which was not necessarily who she was not at this moment in time. "Oh have you now? Lets just say my stamina is definitely much improved."

The slightest taste of her lips left him wanting more, and the deeper their kisses became the harder his heart seemed to beat. He was definitively riled up and beyond aroused by her. While it was also as if he was rediscovering the emotions and love they had held for each other all along. It was intense and felt undeniable. The nip made him moan softly, eyes sparkled with lust and adoration, both of which he felt so intensely for her. "Shit Beck.. everywhere. Anywhere. Now." he agreed as his lips sucked on a spot he knew was particularly sensitive where her neck and shoulder met. Feeling rather than fully seeing that she was starting to undress, Theo dropped his hands from her for a moment to unbuckle his jeans and step out of his all too tight and constricting boxer briefs, leaving him in his t-shirt. His hands then could not help but run along her now unclothed arms and sides, determinedly making their way to the waistband of her jeans. With ease he popped off the button and zipper and proceeded to pull the garment down until it slid on its own. Going on instinct, he palmed her clothed slit and ground his palm against her, humming softly when he could feel wetness seep trough the thin fabric of her panties. "Wet for me already?" he huskily teased as he kept grinding and rubbing against her core with circular motions.

"Yes, it was your pleasure, wasn't it?" Beck shot Theo a mischievous little grin, letting her flirtatiousness lace her words as her fingers continued to pluck and trace along his shirt collar. Being this close to him again reignited her feelings for him so easily it was practically natural instinct. He'd done so much to build her up, to create a solid foundation for her, and she'd always enjoyed letting him benefit from the confidence he'd helped instill in her. Lately, she felt as if she was hiding herself behind false bravado, but Theo sparked something inside her. Something that made her feel real again - alive again. His next words, however, knocked her off her game slightly. No less than you deserve. Her eyes flickered closed for a moment, letting his words wash over her and trying to ignore the ache that spread through her chest. Did she deserve this? To have someone holding her like this - telling her she was worthy of good things? She hadn't allowed herself to feel truly cared for since Ramona's death. She'd gone out of her way to shut people out. It felt wrong somehow - to experience genuine love or happiness while her best friend rotted in the earth. But wasn't this why she'd sought him out? Theo was her safe harbor. If there was anyone she could open herself up for, it was him. Her voice was soft when she responded, vulnerability teetering on the edge. "See, when you say things like that, it makes me want to believe you."

Her eyes immediately focused on the light flush in his cheeks, flickering with smug satisfaction. Fuck, she loved that she could still make him blush. "Pure perfection, huh? Maybe you're remembering me better than I was. Should I be worried about competing with the memory of my younger self?" She laughed lightly, but her words betrayed a sense of unease. She felt... dimmer than who she used to be. She'd been so tenacious and hopeful back then, determined to take on the world. And the world had promptly kicked her ass and sent her along home with her tail tucked between her legs. She shook those thoughts away, not wanting to spoil the moment. Instead, she smirked at him, reaching out to squeeze his bicep once more. "Though I might have learned some new tricks since then... and I am eager to see what these new muscles can do."

His lips on hers was more intoxicating than any liquor, any drug, any thrill she'd ever experienced. Just the slightest taste of him had her pressing closer, eager to feel every inch of him against her. She caught his lower lip between her teeth as he pulled away, nipping lightly in protest of his retreat. She was already nodding along to whatever he was saying before the words were even out of his mouth. "Oh, you can have me. On the floor, over the counter, against the wall, wrapped around you..." She tilted her head to the side, granting him better access to her jaw and neck as she wiggled her leather jacket off her shoulders, tossing it to the floor. Her body was already humming in anticipation, her breaths coming more heavily with each touch. To further signal her enthusiastic consent, she pulled the hem of her shirt over her head and let it join her jacket on the floor, leaving her in her lacey black bra and jeans. She let her eyes connect with his. "Toss me wherever, take whatever - it's yours."

[thetjbailey]

Just being inside the gallery made Theo feel inspired. Wondering if he shouldn't have brought his pad and charcoal to sketch a little after he was done here. Of course, he could never measure up to these actual artists who poured their life, sweat and tears into works of art. He'd toyed with the idea of doing something more narrative like a comic strip or graphic novel when he was younger. Now it just seemed too out of his league. He'd need a degree to get hired anywhere, and at thirty one he didn't possess one. "Thank you, I will." he said with a soft smile to the girl. "Truth be told I'm mostly here to be inspired." he confessed, hoping she wouldn't be put off that he wouldn't purchase anything. "That's amazing. Really? I didn't know we had such prominent artists here in our small town. That's great though!"

It had been a slow morning, and even if Addison was angry with the world and her father she could be happy to see a customer. This was her job after all and putting on a friendly smile was key. "Browse away." Addison smiled, knowing that it meant he might not actually be a sale. "Art is made to be viewed. We have a lot to explore in our collection." Addison nodded and surveyed the piece he was looking at. "Most of the art in here is from local artists. A few are actually from New Bellevoux, but all are fairly local. Some are from New Orleans, some all around Louisiana and we even have a few from Texas."

[thetjbailey]

Theo knew he wouldn't have made it through without Jazzy supporting him and calling, even showing up for visits. He was beyond grateful to have an older sister that was not only super involved, but also cared so much about him. She would always go the extra mile for him and in return he would do anything for her. They had always been fairly inseparable, even as kids. "Jaz when do you think I get up? I'm at the bakery at three or four am every single morning." he couldn't help but shake his head in amusement that she seemed to think he got out of being up at the crack of dawn. "And yeah, sometimes it does suck. But its all about routine. Once you are in the groove, its not so bad." he shrugged. Once inside the store, Theo tried to remember what size he was as he began browsing t-shirts. "It is. For real, he never would." he agreed with a chuckle, playfully rolling his eyes at her elbowing him. "My fate is in your hands sis."

It had been weird for her, having a brother in jail, but she had never doubted that he'd get through it. She was always there for him and always would be, loving both of her siblings more than anything else in this world. So having him back was great and something she was so thankful for. "True, though thankfully you don't have to get up that early to start working," she pointed out, as bakeries started working before they actually opened, "because that shit sucks." She said with a giggle as they walked into the mall to get started shopping. "But that's good about your PO, and yeah I highly doubt dad would fire you even if you burnt the muffins," she said with a playful elbow job to his side. "Oh you'll be looking great by the end of the day."

[thetjbailey]

While he had considered himself too cool for the art scene back in high school, Theo had spent a good amount of time sketching as a young adult. It was a hobby he had taken with him during his time in prison, and what had prompted him to step into the gallery today. "Ahm thank you." he said with a polite smile when the young girl came straight over after he had barely crossed the treshhold. Someone took their job seriously, that was for sure. "I am just browsing. I was curious to see the work currently on display." He said as he let his eyes wander some, their attention drawn to a beautiful painting. "Really? Are a lot of the pieces from local artists?"

Who: Open 0/4 @newbellevouxstarters Where: Artful Aura

"Welcome to Artful Aura." Addison's voice came from behind the tall counter at the back of the gallery. The little chime above the door alerted her to the new customer. "Are you looking for something in particular today, or just browsing?" Leaving the paperwork she had been working on, Addison approached the person. As their gaze moved to the piece hanging on the wall, Addison launched into professional mode. "That's a new piece actually. We just got it in from a local artist working out of New Orleans. Do you like it?"

[thetjbailey]

Being away from one another had been hard but they had gotten trough it. Despite all the years that had gone by, awfully slowly for him but quite differently he imagined for both Jazzy and his dad, Theo had to try to live in the present. Focus on what was good now and what they could do now that he was a free man again. Even if he still felt like he had one foot inside his prison cell. Acclimating would take him some time, to say the very least. Meeting his sisters gaze, he nodded. "I mean he's hardly there when I am since I get up before the crack of dawn to bake but its nice to feel like I'm contributing and helping dad out. And it does look good to my PO. He's content that I have a job with minimal risk of getting fired." He had to grin a little at that last bit. He would have to do something truly horrific to make his father fire him. Feeling the force of her push only made Theo laugh as he too exited the car and fell in step with her walking towards the mall. "At least I'll look super hip when you are done."

For those years TJ had been locked up, Jazzy missed her partner in crime. It was difficult having one person who you shared just about everything with, someone you grew up with to suddenly be under the watchful eye of the criminal justice system. But that was the past and Jazzy was so happy to have her little brother home. She unbuckled her own seat belt and nodded as he spoke, "that's good and yeah working with dad has to be good and look good for your PO right?" She asked, always having heard that someone who got out had a parole officer and they'd check up on them from time to time. "Ew dude!" She exclaimed and punched him again, this time a little bit harder. "I don't, " she exclaimed in a huff and got out of the car, "let's go," she nodded towards the mall. "T-shirts it is."

[thetjbailey]

Moving to New Bellevux had been hard on his family. That was a truth they would never be able to escape. Looking back though, Theo knew everyone had their reasons for why things had become hard. His dad had needed to come back for his grandma. His mother had her whole life uprooted moving here. Then they'd lost his grandma anyway and his mother had somehow decided to split altogether. Jasmine had certainly coped better than him. She'd been more mature about it. He'd put his dad trough hell instead, and it was something he was quietly trying to make up for now. They had always been close, but back then he hadn't let his dad help nor listened much to him as a parent or when given advice. A lot of mistakes that had lead to that cell he'd been in. Part of him still believed he had deserved it, despite covering for Rosalie with the drugs. Of course, he had never told anyone but her about it.

He shook his head some. "Come on pops, you fit in just fine around here." he said, not able to fully joke about something like that. "Most people under thirty." Theo had to laugh at that one, unable not to state the obvious truth. "Its good though. Would be awfully embarrassing if you were dying your hair and trying to keep up with the slang." he pointed out with a small smirk just fully unable to picture that. "Thank you pops. Just trying to make you all proud." He said, his expression changing to one of gratitude and poorly hidden relief. It was more than a little nice to hear his dad say things like this. In actuality, he needed it. "Cool, give me a minute to find the menu on Wolt." he said, retrieving his phone from his pocket.

Truth be told Theo had been a little nervous asking his dad to move back in. He had not been any kind of model son since he hit puberty and his mom left them, and by acting out the way he had, he'd somewhat punished his dad with his anger and rebellion instead of the person he was actually angry with.. But then his mother had not been around for him to be angry with or mad at. Somehow though, no matter what he did or who he became, his dad never stopped loving him. He was an amazing parent who had been dealt a really crappy hand. For the time being though, it was safe being back home. And he was lucky to have his family around for support.

"I wouldn't know either after years away from ordinary society." He shrugged. "At least you don't try super hard to be hip or modern like some men your age." he chuckled a little at that, not even able to picture what that would look like. "Thanks dad. Just doing my part." he smiled back, not entirely able to outright take the compliment. Sure he was decent as a home cook but he was no pastry chief. Free reign of choice? Nice! "How about trying that new greek place?" he suggested, feeling like a kid being told he could have pizza for dinner.

[thetjbailey]

"Wouldn't be surprised if I was. Oh no, no need to thank me. My pleasure and all that." The said, unable not to smirk back at her, all too aware of where her hand went as it made him feel more heated than he had in five years. Just like expected, their old ways of bantering and teasing went on naturally, as if they hadn't been much apart at all. Then again, Theo could hardly remember a time in his life where Beck hadn't ben an integral part of it. He had grown up in such a stable home compared to her, and thus more often than not she had stayed over to escape the craziness at home. He'd come to her too of course, though he'd found it challenging to keep his opinions to himself when around her selfish parents. She had always deserved so much more than they had given her. In his eyes she had always hung the moon and he did not understand how the people who gave birth to her had not been able to get over themselves and take care of their daughter. Even now, after all the time they had spent separated by long distance, then prison, she hadn't seemed to loose faith in him. He would always regret not coming with her to New York. Many a night in his cell had been spent agonizing over the fact that he didn't get out before his life imploded. He hadn't listened to her. He had let her and his family down. All he could do now was trying to make it up to them. "No less than you deserve. I missed you too. So damn much."

A slight reddish tint grazed Theo's cheeks at her words and the immediate memory of her pressed naked up against that tree. God he had felt invincible and wildly desired that night with her. The memory of her like that was seared into his brain, and selfishly he had thought of it more than once since. "Best huh? You know your moves were always pure perfection." He shook his head a little at her, a mix of lust and adoration dancing in his eyes. "You little minx." She was a damn magnet and he was clad in metal, being drawn to her by an invisible force. One he was wrestling with. He hadn't even asked if she was single now, and he had no idea how long she was here for. If this was truly just a visit he was setting himself up for a world of hurt.. The second he'd thrown caution to the wind, Theo was lost. The taste of her soft lips, the smell of her perfume, the feel of her slim body pressed into his. It was as if someone had finally turned on the light and he was wide awake. In a sense he hadn't been in years. By the time he pulled back a little he was breathing hard, his heart pounding. He wasn't sure what he had expected her reaction to be, but when she told him to forget the food, smirking at him like that.. He almost groaned where he stood, their foreheads still touching. "Yeah? I can have you instead?" he teasingly asked, unable not to make sure that she wanted this. Despite how badly he wanted her in this moment, he would never overstep or go ahead without checking in with her. Letting her know she could say no. Her choices mattered far more than his own. Though since she pulled him in, his mouth found her smooth skin, trailing from the corner of her mouth and along her jaw. God it felt so right having her back in his arms, holding her to him with ease.

"Yes, you have. In fact, you're likely to blame for my unfounded levels of confidence. So, thank you for that. Truly." Beck's own response was just as teasing, sliding a hand along the collar of his shirt. Even in their joking banter, the words rang true. Her home environment growing up would have been enough to tear any kid down, but Theo had been her shield. Always telling her she's beautiful, embracing her for who she was, and encouraging her to pursue her dreams. She found it bitterly ironic that it was his love for her that gave her the strength to go to New York, ultimately leaving him behind. A decision she'd tossed and turned over so many times it had nearly driven her mad. When he fell in deeper with the wrong crowd, when he told her he'd fallen in love with someone else, when he told her he was going to marry the woman, when she heard the news about his arrest - any time his life changed, a piece of her had ached with the what-ifs. Where would they be if she'd stayed? If he'd gone? The weight of it all was enough to drown in. She let out a happy hum of contentment as he kissed her head, drawing her back from the past and into the current moment. "You're too good to me. I missed you."

Beck laughed in return, grinning at the memory of their park adventure. "You better not have. I pulled out some of my best moves up against those trees. I was still finding leaves in my hair the next morning." Her heartbeat stuttered when she realized he was moving even closer, and she instinctively leaned in to meet him, always sure of what direction to go when Theo was involved. He had his own gravitational pull when it came to her, drawing her in like a wave to the shore. With his scent flooding her senses and his lips warm against hers, she was already a goner. The gentleness of his movements was almost torturous, all of those what-ifs pummeling her full-force. She hated the hesitation, hated that he'd ever question that she wouldn't surrender to anything he asked of her. When they pulled away slightly, she found his eyes once more, her obvious desire for him glinting in her own. "Mm, forget the food. I have much better plans for this kitchen." With a playful smirk, she wrapped a hand around the back of his neck and pulled him back in, allowing her body to finally fully press against his as she gave herself over to him.

[thetjbailey]

Theo: I'm lucky that you guys won't. And I can't mess this up. I have a kid to take care of now. And I can't let her down either. Theo: Yes, she is alive and she is here. Theo: He is.. Do you think he will be mad? This is too much..

Jazzy: Don't be sorry, and you won't. I won't let you. Dad won't let you.

Jazzy: She's alive? And she's here!?

Jazzy: Oh wow, um I'm sure he'll be okay...he's strong

[thetjbailey]

Theo: Shit okay. Miles behind yeah.. Theo: Beck I have a kid.. a five year old.. - takes forced deep breath - Rosalie was pregnant when I was arrested. She just told me we have a son. I just don't.. Fuck I want a drink so badly.

Beck: Yes, your phone is working. - laughs - I forgot you're now years behind on technology. Beck: Wait - you sound upset. What happened? Who are we fighting?

[thetjbailey]

Theo: I'm sorry. I know. I know. I can't fuck up now. You guys don't deserve that. Theo: I thought she was dead.. then I run into her at the grocery store.. Theo: She told me. Fuck how do I tell dad..

Jazzy: TJ you're freaking me out...But just hold on to that, and remember dad and I are here for you.

Jazzy: Wait, what? I thought she....

Jazzy: ...Wtf. Wait how do you know?

[thetjbailey]

Despite the pure chaos in his mind, the hurt piercing his body with overwhelming force, Theo managed to listen to her words. As hard as it was to not take it personally, to not feel hurt that she had believed he would want nothing to do with her or their son.. he couldn't blame her. Her father had been an outright psycopath. The type of criminal and low life with little regard or empathy for others. If his reach and connections had been able to thwart their communication in prison, then his reach was longer than either one of them had thought.. and her safety, not to mention their son's safety was more important than his feelings. More important than his involvement. As long as her father had been alive, he'd posed a threat to their child. Sniffling a little, still chocked up by the few tears he had not been able to hold back, he managed a small nod. "No you are right. You did the right thing. Your safety and his safety should always come first." he quietly agreed, unable not to reach out for her hand. "I am so sorry I wasn't there to protect either one of you." He was feeling the weight of his actions back then like never before. If he'd just been more careful. If he'd just gotten out of the gang. He should have made that choice when they got together. For her sake as much as his own. But he hadn't been strong enough. And this was his punishment. It took everything he had though not to agree with her. At some point she must have been safe enough that she could have reached out again. Yet she hadn't. That was what hurt more than anything. Her thinking less of him. Her not knowing he would have moved heaven and earth to be a father and partner. Even from inside a jail cell.

Pushing the self pity away once and for all, Theo reached for her cheek. "Hey, Rosie, its okay. I understand. You did the best you could." he said, this time with more conviction and softness than before. "I am the one who's sorry. I wasn't able to be there for you or for him. But.." he took another deep breath, fingers tipping her chin up because he needed her to hear and see him as he said this. "Please believe me when I say I would have done anything for you and our son. Neither one of us can change the past, but if you'll let me I will do anything for the both of you, okay?" His voice was thick with determination and affection now. What was done was done. He had no doubt that she was doing an amazing job as a mom. He'd always admired Rosalie's strength and resilience. As far as he knew, there was no stronger woman alive on the planet.

Hearing that she had named their son Tucker James, following the family tradition and giving him both his middle name and last name made Theo's heart flutter with a flood of warmth. That meant a lot. More than he knew how to express in this very moment. "That's incredible. Dinosaurs huh? I'm sure he's amazing.. he couldn't be anything less with you for a mom." he said softly with a small smile. It was clear from how she spoke that she fiercely loved their son and he wasn't surprised at all. She'd always had a huge heart. There was no doubt in his mind that she was already a kick ass mother. When she offered him her phone with a picture, Theo felt the tears resurface all over again. Tucker had the same curly hair he'd had as a child. His mothers dimples and a light chocolate skin color that reflected both of them. "He's so big.." he whispered, more to himself than to Rosie. He had a hard time taking his eyes from the picture, wanting to memorize every little detail. But when she touched his arm, making his heart to some extra flips, he had to look back up at her. "He is. And you made the right choice. He has to come first, in everything. I am so sorry you had to go trough all of this alone." he said, gently folding her into his arms again in a tight but reassuring hug. "You don't have anything to apologize for Rosie. We can't change the past." Instead they had to find a way to move forward from here. Drawing slightly back after a little bit, having allowed himself to relish the warmth of her body and the intoxicating smell of her hair, Theo fixed his eyes on hers. "Will you let me see him? I have so much time to make up for."

Rosalie’s heart shattered as she saw the pain in Theo’s eyes, mirroring the anguish she had carried alone for so long. The tears on her cheeks were warm, but they only made her feel colder inside, the weight of her choices pressing down on her chest. She had done what she believed was right to protect their son, but seeing Theo’s reaction now made her question everything.

“I was so scared,” Rosalie whispered, her voice trembling as she struggled to find the right words. Her eyes dropped from his, unable to bear the hurt reflected back at her. “I didn’t know what to do. Your arrest… it terrified me. My father would have done anything to keep us apart, to make sure I wasn’t with you, and I couldn’t risk him finding us. I had to protect our son. He was all that mattered. The guilt that had simmered beneath the surface for years now roared to life, a painful reminder of the decisions she had made out of fear. “I should have tried harder to reach you,” she said, her voice breaking as she looked back up at Theo. The shame she felt was overwhelming, and her tears came faster, blurring her vision. “I’m so sorry, Theo. I thought you… I thought you didn’t want anything to do with him when I never heard back from you.” Rosalie knew that her father had to have had something to do with that. Even in jail, her father would find ways to mess with them.

She reached up, wiping at her tears with trembling hands, but they wouldn’t stop. Despite the guilt and the fear, speaking of their son brought warmth to her chest, a reminder of the joy Tucker had brought into her life. “His name is Tucker James Bailey,” she said softly, her voice filled with a mix of pride and sorrow. “He turned five at the beginning of May, and he’s… he’s amazing, Theo. He’s obsessed with dinosaurs, and he’s so smart, so full of life. I love him more than anything, and I’ve done everything I can to be a good mom to him.”

Rosalie fumbled for her phone, her hands still shaking as she pulled up a photo of Tucker. She held it out to Theo, her heart in her throat as she watched him take in the image of their son. “He’s our little boy,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “I’ve never once thought of giving him up. I love him so much, and I’ve tried to give him the best life I could. I just… I was so scared for us, for our lives, that I didn’t want to risk it.”She reached out, her hand gently touching his arm as she tried to find some comfort in the connection between them. “I’m sorry, Theo. I’m so, so sorry. I just… I didn’t know what else to do.”

[thetjbailey]

Theo: No... but I'm not sure its enough right now. Theo: Rosie was pregnant when I was arrested.. Theo: I have a 5 year old son.

Jazzy: I mean you don't want to do something you regret right?

Jazzy: Why, what happened??

Jazzy: TJ, what's going on? What happened?

@thetjbailey

[thetjbailey]

Theo was currently walking the straight and narrow as well he could. He'd done a lot of thinking before being released. About what being a free man meant. How to go about life once he was out. Most of all how to become a better person than the angry teen and young adult he had been. He knew his family was going to support him, and he was more than grateful for that. But that also meant they deserved to see that he was trying hard to show them he would do better from now on. "Its still strange, to be back out. Though I think I've gotten into a decent routine with work and cooking for dad." he said. Her playful response made him chuckle lightly. "No? You about to pimp your little brother out?" he joked back. Once the car stopped, he clipped his seatbelt off. "Hmm, guess t-shirts?" he suggested.

As they drove along, she nodded, paying attention to what he was saying as well as paying attention to the road ahead. "I know how that goes," she replied though in a different way of course. She was glad to get him out and about, even if it was just to go shopping. She figured getting him new clothes could boost his confidence and allow him to start anew. "Hmm, I can't guarantee anything you know," she said with a slight tease and light punch to his shoulder as they pulled into the lot of the mall. "So, anything in particular you want to start?"

[thetjbailey]

Jazzy & Theo / Text

Theo: Remind me why I can't drink or smoke.. Theo: Fuck Jaz, my life just took a one eighty. Theo: Dad is gonna have my balls..

@jxsminebailey

[thetjbailey]

Beck & Theo / Call

Theo: - slightly agitated - Beck? Can you talk? Theo: Is this phone even working.. @beckholloway

[thetjbailey]

Theo was relieved that she came along without protests. She could easily have brushed him off and decided not to speak to him further if she had wanted to. After all he had no claim on her or her time after five years in prison, nor had he expected her to wait for him. He had told her as much when they were writing to each other. He loved her, and he probably always would. Despite the serious trouble he had gotten into in his youth, he had never been the type to not pursue a girl he didn't genuinely wanted to be with. Nor had he fooled around much either. He had gone from one serious relationship with Beck to another one with Rosalie. The two women in his life he had given his heart to, and never really asked for it back. But life had decided for him that he could have neither one of them. Beck separated from him to start over and pursue her career, and Rosalie taken from him by a lengthy prison sentence. Sometimes, he wondered if he was being punished for not being the best version of himself with heartbreak.. He had never really gotten over Rosie. Heck, he'd been hours away from proposing to her the evening he was arrested. Once again he was faced with the painful truth of having lost the woman he loved to circumstances out of his control. Seeing her again, as much of a relief as it had been for a moment realizing she was alive, was painful. A reminder that he didn't deserve to find happiness and love with another person.

Watching her tears fall freely made him feel guilty for causing her pain. He was about to speak, apologize for believing she was gone without checking more thouroghly. But then she spoke again. Pregnancy.. Theo stilled completely where he sat, staring at he with round eyes as his brain whirled. Did she mean.. had she been.. "You were pregnant?" he repeated, dumbfounded, trying to wrap his mind around it. Did that mean they had a child he had never known about? All because her crazy father had gone trough extreme lengths to keep them apart? Theo had always suspected that he was involved in planting the drugs that had gotten him arrested. What father planted drugs in his own daughters car. It was beyond despicable. But to think that he would have also intercepted personal letters between them. Staring back into Rosie's pretty brown orbs, concern welled inside him again. Had she kept the baby? He knew she never wanted kids, not after everything her father had put her family trough. It broke his heart all over again, merely contemplating that she'd had to raise their child all by herself while he was incarcerated. Even with her family's support, raising and caring for a child was a lot of work even with a partner.

Our son. They had a son? Despite himself, Theo felt tears sting in his eyes, his hands shaking in his lap where he sat. They had a child. And he hadn't known.. He was a father, but his son had never seen him, never gotten to know him. Maybe he even thought he didn't exist.. He clenched his hands into fists, feeling as if he couldn't breathe. The tears slipped free as he was unable to compose himself, the mix of pain, disbelief and guilt too much to handle all at once. "And you thought I didn't want be there?" His words were dripping with anguish and hurt. After all they had been trough together.. after he had taken the blame for the drugs in her car to protect her. She'd still thought him the kind of man who wouldn't be there for her and their baby boy.. Burying his face in his hands, Theo tried to force air into his burning lungs, his entire body now shaking from all he was feeling. He probably should just leave it alone. Clearly she had been running from her father and she had also lost her mother.. Maybe it wasn't as personal as it felt. She'd been trough so much and either way, he had been locked up tight, unable to help her. And there was nothing he could do, and perhaps not even say, to change that.

Slowly he managed to get his breathing under control, and wipe at his cheeks. Clearing his throat he finally looked back at her. "Its alright, I'm sure you did the best you could." he managed in a hoarse voice. "H-How is he? Do you guys live nearby?" he asked, trying to focus on what he could do here and now. He had lost so much time already.. not being able to be there for either one of them. That was going to change right this instant. Granted that she would let him close enough though.

Rosalie stood frozen, her mind reeling as she processed Theo’s words. The mention of her mother’s passing sent a fresh wave of grief through her, but it was the sight of Theo in front of her that left her completely speechless. She hadn’t expected to see him, not after everything that had happened. Yet, here he was, standing right in front of her, seemingly unaware of the weight of her words. When Theo reached out and grabbed her hand, she didn’t resist. Instead, she allowed him to lead her out of the store, leaving her cart behind without a second thought. Thankfully, she hadn’t ventured far into her shopping, so there wasn’t much to leave behind. But that was the least of her concerns as she followed him, her mind swirling with a mixture of shock and confusion. Climbing into Theo’s truck, Rosalie was hit with a wave of nostalgia so strong it nearly took her breath away. Everything about being back here felt familiar, yet so distant, like a memory she had tried to bury long ago. It was overwhelming; before she knew it, tears were welling up in her eyes. She thought about how long it had taken her to get over losing Theo, how she had spent countless hours in therapy trying to untangle the mess of emotions that had come with their separation, and everything else she had endured.

The silence between them stretched, heavy and suffocating, until Theo finally broke it. His words hit her like a punch to the gut—he never got the letters. He never knew she was pregnant with their son. Rosalie’s breath hitched, and tears rolled down her cheeks as she struggled to comprehend what he was saying. “That makes sense,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That’s why my father went crazy that night... He must have found out about the pregnancy through my letters to you.” Rosalie paused, wiping her tears away with shaky hands as she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She felt a deep sense of gratitude that she had managed to escape because if she hadn’t, she wouldn’t be alive today. And neither would their son. The thought was almost too much to bear.

For a few long moments, she remained silent, her gaze locked with Theo’s, tears streaming down her face. There was so much she wanted to say and needed him to understand, but the words seemed to stick in her throat. Finally, after an eternity, she took a deep breath and forced herself to speak. “I was pregnant,” Rosalie said, her voice barely above a whisper, heavy with the weight of the past. She sighed deeply, the pain of those memories still raw. “My dad must have found out and intercepted the letters... I couldn’t reach out because it wasn’t safe for me or for our son.” She paused, her heart aching as she relived the fear and desperation of those days. “I wrote you after I found out I was pregnant.” she continued, her voice breaking. “I never meant to keep it from you, Theo. I just... I didn’t know how to tell you after everything.”