Your direction is more important than your speed

 

Deano wasn't sure how to react when he answered the door. It was Dylan and Tori. They were here to see Hannah.

Dylan came in with groceries and Tori lugged in Soren who was getting so big. Deano kept grinning thinking he needed to keep his mouth shut. Oh, he didn't want to mention how Caitlin was on this trail of trying to find Soren's father. After all, there were hunches that didn't mean it was evidence.

"So, how have you been?" Deano hoped they didn't see the dark circles under his eyes. He really wanted to feel refreshed after a shower, but he was dragging. He thanked them for all the goodies for Hannah and the groceries too.

The doorbell rang again and he was surprised to see Hope and Kyle and they had presents too. "Oh my god," Deano couldn't believe it. This was surprising to have so many people here at once that weren't family. "Long time no see."

Hope gave him a hug and so do Kyle. They wanted to know where baby Hannah was. He told them she was actually sleeping which was kind of a rare occasion these days. "She takes after her mother, that way." He told them.

Hope apologized for not being around. They had both been busy since school started. "But it's going well."

Deano kept smiling. Although, he knew he could never be a teacher. They were practically going into the battlefield. He thought of how horrible the news was lately, but he wouldn't mention it. 

He brought them in to see Caitlin who was resting on the couch. She looked as if she might be napping with her eyes open even if there was a Baby Shark video going on the TV from YouTube. 

"Look at you!" Hope started in on Caitlin in her fluffy track suit. Naturally, Caitlin set up straight and put her canister of oatmeal cookies behind her. She looked a little sheepish but sighed back with a smile.

"You look so Caitlin," Tori smiled and they both gave her a hug. "You look great."

"I know I don't." She was straight-lipped.

"But you do, you are hard at work being a mom," Hope sat down next to her and Tori sat on the other side.

Deano smiled. Oh, maybe Caitlin was joining the club. He hoped so. Still, he knew who would be doing most of the cooking and cleaning. After all, it had always been that way. No way, was it going to change now.

"Man, I can't believe I saw you running," Pan's smile was open but he lit a cigarette then and shared it with Ari.

"I'd rather you not mention it again," Ari took a draw from it. As of yet, Jade had not noticed the nicotine. He hoped to keep it that way.

"So no more stalking, is that it?" Pan wanted to know as they booth leaned against the white brick wall on the outside of the apartment complex. Winter was here as snow flakes began to fall, but there was still some warmth to the night as they had their backs to the chilly wind. He took a drag off the cigarette and handed it back to Ari.

"She does not know that," Ari looked at his new friend Pan. Obviously, Pan needed to keep quiet but he only grinned at Ari. 

"Got it," he sighed. "At least you're getting some."

"Well, quit playing so hard to get," Ari told him with a shrug as he leaned against the wall. Yes, it was so clean and pristine at Jade's. Ari felt like moving in, but he didn't really want to be in a studio like Pan.

"We broke up," Pan reminded him about his girlfriend Roxanne. 

"Yeah, and you're still sleeping together." Ari sighed.

Pan shrugged back. "That's our bed. I'm not going anywhere."

Pan was the sort that didn't own much. Evidently. He hadn't seen his own family in years. A part of Ari wished he could be like him.

"Can't you make up?" Ari asked.

"I was in the wrong," Pan handed the cigarette back to Ari. "I should not have seen my ex."

"But you didn't do anything with her," Ari reminded him.

"Yeah, it was only lunch, but..but what if it had happened. then what?"

"Wasn't she the chick who claimed you were her baby's father, but you weren't?" Ari gave him a serious look.

"Don't remind me." 

Ari took back the cigarette and took another drag.

"You know, you only love Roxanne. She's the love of your life and you know how rotten your life could have been without her." This, Ari knew from the few talks he'd had with Pan these last few weeks when he hadn't gotten up the nerve to see Jade. Pan talked about his past. It was a sad past. Why was he trying to sabotage the present?

"She's your best friend, man." Ari gave him a serious look. "Don't mess it up. Besides, it was your ex who came to you during your lunch break. You didn't do anything wrong."

"I know."

"Then tell Roxanne what really happened," Ari said.

"OK."

But Ari doubted he would. "I just want what you have, OK. I mean, with Jade. She's just you know, cool. And..and kind of scary." Ari shoved his hands in his hoodie pockets. Really, he didn't want to smoke any more.

"What I'd really like..is you know, if you guys could be friends with me and Jade." Ari nodded. He needed friends. He didn't want Jade to think he was a freak. But really, he was no good at making friends. It was amazing he had Jade in his life. If she wanted to run then he was gonna run. He'd do whatever she wanted.

Pan nodded back. Ari hoped he made up with Roxanne soon.