Sally's words lingered in Blue's mind like a warning bell. She couldn't concentrate at work, her thoughts shifting back to Jack and the secrets Sally hinted at.
That evening, Blue had decided to visit her Aunty's apartment.
Her Aunty had moved out of California with her family few years back.
Blue's hands trembled as she inserted the key into the old lock. She hadn't been back to her Aunty's home in years. As she kept on trying to fix the key in, Sally's words echoed in her mind "Jacks family is not what they seem to be."
As she stepped inside, memories flooded her senses. The creaky floorboards, the faded photographs, the lingering scent of her Aunty's perfume. Blue's heart ached with nostalgia.
She wandered into the attic, dusty boxes and forgotten trinkets surrounding her. Amidst the clutter, a small, leather bound book caught her eye. Her Aunty's diary.
As she opened the book, it sent shivers down her spines as her memory was refreshed with their family's past. How her grandmother took care of her grandchildren, how much of an headache Blue's mother was. How she really wanted her family together and happy again.
As Blue went through the pages, she couldn't help but tear out. Her present situation, joint with her painful childhood memories tore her apart instantly as she cried aloud, allowing her emotions pour out.
Her 4-year old daughter, Ivy, ran in immediately, breaking the spell. "Mummy, look what I found"
Showing her an old tablet from the store room. She immediately cleans her face, and wears a smile.
"Oh, that's not working anymore" she said as she took it from her trying to put it on.
"Can we go see the park now mummy? Please" she said tugging on her hands.
"Soon, baby. Let's explore the house first." Blue smiled, pushing aside the emotions.
As they wandered round the rooms. Blue's thoughts shifted to Jack. She had kept their child a secret, afraid of his family's influence and manipulations.
In the attic, Blue stumbled upon an old trunk, adorned with her mothers initials.
Inside, she found a stack of letters and pictures, tied with a faded ribbon, a photo slipped out- a picture of her mother carrying a baby Blue didn't recognize .
Ivy's curious voice interrupted her thoughts. "Mummy who's that? Is that you at your childhood?"
She asked taking a close look at the picture.
Blue stuttered ,thinking of words to say, "No baby, that's my late sister" she said looking confused.
As they left the attic, Blues mind whirled with questions.. who was the mysterious baby? And why didn't her mother ever mention it to her?
The creaky floorboards beneath them seemed to echo with untold histories, and Blue wondered if she was ready to uncover them.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
As they walked to the park, Ivy chattering excitedly about the swings, Blue's thoughts lingered on the mysterious photo. Who was the child, and what was her connection to Blue's mother?
At the park, Blue pushed Ivy on the swing, watching as she giggled and soared into the air. She felt a sense of peace wash over here, but it was short-lived.
As she turns to sit on the bench, she notices a familiar figure across the playground. Jack. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time stood still.
Ivy's voice broke the spell, "mummy, look! The ball!"
Blue faked a smile, trying to play it cool. But her heart raced as Jack approached them.
As Blue saw Jack walking towards her, a bright smile spread across her face, and her eyes sparkled with joy. She felt like she was melting into his gaze just like used to, when they first met. For a moment, she forgot about the pain and heartache of whatever secrets their past could be holding , and all she could feel was the rush of happiness at seeing him again.
Jacks meeting with Blue wasn't a coincidence. Jack had been searching for Blue, and he finally found her through a private investigator.
As Jack fixed his gaze on Blue, he felt a mix of emotions: shock, guilt and longing. Just how it was when they first met.
"Blue" he said, his voice low and smooth, "it's been a long time."
"Jack!" She exclaimed , her voice barely above a whisper, as if she was afraid to break the connection.
He took a step towards her, His hands reaching out to her, and Blue met him halfway, embracing her in a warm hug. Blue felt like she was home, like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As they pulled back, Blues eyes shone with unshed tears, and she smiled up at Jack,her heart full of love and longing.
"I've missed you so much" he whispered, his voice trembling with emotions.
Blue's face softened as she smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, "I've missed you too" she said "more than you'll ever know"
Jacks gaze shifted to Ivy, and for a moment, Blue worried that he might recognize their child. But Jacks expression remained neutral.
"What brings you here, Jack?"
"Just enjoying the day," he said "I didn't know you have a ....."
"Niece...a niece" Blue cut in immediately as her instincts screamed at her to protest Ivy's identity. "I'm babysitting" she said quickly.
Jack spent more time with Blue and Ivy, they began to reconnect again.
"She's pretty, she looks much like you" he said, fixing his gaze on Ivy.
Ivy's talent is dancing to ballads, her movements graceful and emotive. She would loose herself in the music, her body swaying to the rhythm like a leaf in the wind. Jack watched, mesmerized as Ivy danced across the park to the music playing in the background. She had people stop to watch and take videos of her.. Her eyes closed, her heart pouring out through her movements.
Blue smiled, remembering the countless hours Ivy had practiced, perfecting her steps. "She loves dancing to ballads" Blue said, her voice filled with pride. "There's something about the music that speaks to her soul."
Jack nodded, captivated by Ivy's performance. He felt a deep sense of connection to this little girl, who expressed herself beautifully through dance.
As Ivy finished her dance, Jack stood up, applauding her, his eyes shiny with admiration. Other people across the park that were entertained by her moves, joined in to applaud her.
Ivy curtsied, her face flushed with pleasure, she took a bow, running towards Blue, and gave a warm hug.
Blue's countenance softened, seeing Jacks genuine appreciation for Ivy's talent.
Maybe, just maybe, she could trust him with their secret.
"Thanks Jack," Blue uttered, her voice a little warmer. "Ivy loves dancing for people who really appreciate it."
Jack smiled, feeling a sense of belonging.
"I'd love to watch her dance again sometime," he said, meaning every word.
"Can we meet over dinner? tomorrow 7pm.. please?" Jack asked, proposing to Blue for a date.
"yeah, sure. That'll be fine" she responded with a smile.
"Alright, dinner tomorrow! I'll text you." Jack added as they parted ways.