We had just finish packing up my stuff and were now cuddling in my bed. I was straddling Xander with my arms looped around his neck, and his around my waist. "So what's going to happen?" I mumbled.

"About our relationship? Or my condition?"

"Both."

"We'll have to have a long distance relationship, at least until winter break starts in a month. As for my condition, I'll be starting treatment in a month also, so everything should turn out fine," he assured me.

"That's okay, but we have to promise to call everyday," I said looking up at him. He nodded.

"Can you tell me more about your cancer, if you're comfortable? Please."

He sighed. "Its leukemia. I found out about a year before we met, it wasn't serious so I didn't really pay it any mind. It's only been acting up recently."

"I'm sorry about that. Does anyone else know?"

"Only you and my family, and I'd like it to stay that way please."

"I'm going to miss you so much," I whined.

"I am going miss you even more, now let's go to bed. You have a big day tomorrow."

~~~

The next morning I woke bright and early. I had already informed Mr. Duncan that I wouldn't be back until the evening, so only my bags were going on the bus.

Xander and I had already eaten breakfast, and I was on my way to meet Elias. "Remember to keep an open mind," Xander advised.

"Yeah yeah, I know. Now give me a kiss." He chuckled, but complied anyway. Pressing my lips to his like it was the last time, I told him that I loved him. "I love you too, now go," he rushed.

Sliding out of his car, I walked into the restaurant, and the receptionist recognized me immediately. "Hi, how can I help you," she greeted with on overly cheery voice. Ha. Well someone got a whole attitude change.

"Hello, reservation under Micheals," I stated blankly.

"Yes, come this way please." I followed her to a table outside and saw Elias already waiting there. He's actually early.

"Elias, you do know that it's nine forty-five, right? That's a bit earlier than expected," I commented.

"Yes, I'm aware. I arrived an hour early, and I ordered already if you don't mind," he smiled kindly.

"Sure, so straight to the point. I don't remember exactly when you ran out of our lives; but I'd like to know why," I asked heatedly.

Letting out a remorseful sigh, he picked up a napkin and began to tear it. "It was not my choice, really. Natalie didn't want me in your lives anymore."

Curious, I leaned closer. "And why was that?"

He ran a hand through his hair before continuing. "Business wasn't going so well, finances were tight and I got involved with some bad people. Not by choice, I don't know if your mom told you this; but we were going to have another child." What the actual fuck? How did I not know this?

Seeing the surprise on my face, he smiled sadly. "I'm guessing she didn't, we were gonna name him Nehemiah. As I said before we didn't have enough money for a child, and I was willing to do anything to make you, your mother and the baby happy."

"What happened after that?"

"There was this man, Donovan Williams. You could say he was the kingpin, and I made a deal with him. He would loan me some money as long as I paid him back with interest when business starts booming."

"Did you?" I questioned.

"I did. But that wasn't enough for him. When he realized that my business was making a lot of money, he wanted more, I refused. But men like him don't take no for an answer, so he came to our home."

Lean closer, I urged him to continue. "I came home to find one of his henchmen with a knife at your throat and him with a gun at your mother's head."

My eyes widened. "I don't recall that."

"You wouldn't, you were so young. Anyhow, I had to make a choice, you or your mother; and I felt torn apart. Knowing Donovan, I brought a small gun in a secret compartment in my briefcase at all times, although I didn't intend to use it. Maybe it was the adrenaline, but I somehow managed to get the gun and I shot the guy that was holding you; I killed a man."

Reluctantly, I put my hand over his, reassuring him. "You can stop if you want."

He waved he off. "No, you deserve an explanation." With a shaky but determined voice, he continued. "He let you go and fell to the ground, if you feel under your right jaw, you'll feel a small scar."

Doing just that, I felt a scar there. Huh. I didn't even realize. "So what happened after that?"

"Apparently, that henchman was his son. I felt guilty, but then I remembered when he threatened you and Natalie's life. I don't know how my lawyer did it, but he managed to prove me innocent."

"Is that why you left?"

"Well, your mother kicked me out of your lives, she said that I was a monster and she couldn't live with a murderer. But I was still there. I watched from a distance as you grew up, I took care of your expenses and I was there at Natalie's funeral."

Surprised, I rose my eyebrows. "Wow, that's a lot to take in. So why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You tend to be quite hostile sometimes," he said, choosing his words carefully. Shrugging, I nodded. "I can be at times, so what next?"

A nervous expression took over his face. "Well if you don't mind, my other kids would love to meet you. I've told them a lot about you." Other kids?

Looking at his hand, I saw a wedding ring in his left hand. "How many do you have?"

A look of absolute adoration sparkled in his eyes. "I have a boy and a girl. Nehemiah and Natalie, eleven and six. I'd like you to meet my family, if that's alright with you of course."

"And the wife? Is she okay with you having a child out of wedlock? Not that it matters."

"Actually, she was the one who told me to reach out to you, her name is Sophia. I thought I'd never love again after your mother and I ended things, but then she came into my life and changed that completely."

A smile of somewhat kindness bloomed on my face, "Someone wise once told me not to hold on to past, to focus on the present because life is short. And I think I'm going to do just that." Contemplating for a moment, I added, "Dad."

And the tears that filled his eyes and look on his face was so worth it. For the next hour or so, we caught up in each other's life. He told me more about Nehemiah and Natalie, while I told him about my friends and of course, my Xander.

Cutting our laughter short, my phone rang. Putting it up to my ears I answered, "Hello?"

The panicked voice of Helen greeted me, and what I heard next made my heart drop to my stomach.

"Neph, I'm at the hospital. It's Xander."