Part 6

A lot happened since Jade got back. After that night she came over I thought we'd speak more, but didn't unfortunately.

I mean, she'd talk to me a few times every now and then, but just small talk and only when we were switching the kids between each other. I told her she could watch them when my mother couldn't and I was at work.

It was upsetting really, but I thought maybe it was just in the mean time while she got back on her feet. At least I hoped.

Currently, I was at the kitchen table waiting for the kids to come home. I planned to try and invite Jade for dinner sometime again.

I tapped my pen against my work papers and sighed trying to focus on getting them done. I couldn't though when my mind was racing on when Jade was going to show up.

About 20 minutes later, I looked up from my papers hearing the door open. I smiled widely seeing my kids running in and coming up to me.

"Mommy!"

"Hi, mom!"

I laughed and hugged them both, pulling Wesley onto my lap. "Hey Bear," I tickled him and looked over to Haley. "Hey sweet girl, how was your day?" I reached over and tucked some hair behind her ear.

"It was fun! Momma took us to the park and we played games all day!" Haley smiled and looked over to her mother.

My eyes followed and I felt my heart pound harder. Jade grinned and crossed her arms, leaning against the wall.

"Oh fun." I said a bit more quietly. I then set Wesley down and got up. "Did you guys eat?"

"I took them to Pizza Hut. I hope that's okay." Jade answered for them.

I chuckled at this and nodded. "Yes it's okay. You don't have to worry, you're their mother too. Thank you for being respectful though."

Jade smiled and looked to the kids. "Alright guys, don't give your mother a heart attack. I'll see you next week?"

Haley and Wesley hugged her bye and I quickly cleared my throat speaking up. "Um, would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow night?" I asked.

My heart was quickly broken by her answer though.

"Actually, I'm busy then, maybe sometime else?" Jade grinned apologetically.

"Oh, yeah, of course. Just let me know."

"Will do. See you later guys."

I watched as my heart walked out the door. It's crazy how I can have a major crush on someone who's already my wife. And I'm beginning to loose hope for us.

-

3 weeks later

"An apartment?" I raised an eyebrow shocked a little.

"Yeah, she's doing great. It's insane. I'm so proud of her." Cat said folding Wesley's blanket.

"Oh.. yeah, me too." I sighed and zipped up Haley's backpack.

"Really? Cause you don't seem like it." Cat sat back against the couch and crossed her legs.

"No, I am. I really am Cat. It's just, I'm so happy for her and this is all I wanted for so long. But I also pictured me and her being together while this happened." I sat down next to her and placed my head in my hands.

"Tori, don't stress too much, okay? I'm sure that time will come soon. Let's just see where this goes."

"And for how long? It's been 4 months already. I just want my wife back.." I croaked out.

The red head frowned and rubbed my back. "Tori.. I know this hurts. I know it sucks, trust me. But maybe it's time to move on. Maybe this is best for you guys. At least you're both getting along now and happy."

I glanced at Cat shocked and felt my heart drop. I wanted to yell at her and tell her she was wrong, but I know I couldn't do that. Because there's a great chance she was right.

Cat bit her lip and looked at her hands. "I know you didn't want to hear that, but I just don't want you expecting something that may not even happen Tori. I want you happy again. And this is the time. Don't let your kids stay in this environment too long. They need to see their mother happy. Both of them."

"I know Cat. Thank you. Really." I sighed and leaned over, hugging her.

-

Another week passes

I thought long and hard about what I was going to do with my life now. It was clear to me that Cat was right. Jade wasn't trying too much to hold conversations anymore. Now it was picking up the kids and leaving. I was lucky to get even 3 words out of her. She still looked happy though, that's all I ask for.

Jade found herself I guess, which is great. It was my turn now though.

And I did it in the only way I could. Don't hold onto things that are just going to hurt you.

Move on.

I walked out of the court office and sighed getting into my car, placing the papers I received from the clerk in the seat next to me. My eyes locked at them for a moment with tears in my eyes.

Today I would be presenting Jade with divorce papers.

-

"Come on kids, in the car."

"But can we stay for one more round?" Haley asked holding up her uno cards.

I shook my head and grabbed Wesley's bag and blanket. "No, we have things to do at home." I nodded towards the door of Jade's new apartment. "Let's go. I'm not going to ask again."

Jade got up from the floor and raised her eyebrow at me. "Everything okay, Tori?" She asked concerned.

I looked at her for a moment before clearing my throat. "Yes. I just have things to do."

"Okay then." She shrugged and sighed. "You heard your mom, next time okay?" She smiled and messed up Haley's hair.

Wesley frowned and got up, handing Jade his cards. She took them and then picked him up. "Hey Bear, I promise you we will play again." She smiled and kissed his forehead multiple times.

He laughed and squealed kicking his legs. Jade then set him down and chuckled with him.

They both walked over to me after gathering their things. "Get your butts in the car." I half-joked with them.

They complied and I looked over to Jade. "Do you have a minute?"

Jade crossed her arms and nodded. "What's up?"

"One minute." I walked out the door and placed the kids bags in the car before grabbing the papers. "Hang on guys, let me talk to your mom real quick." I told them as I let them in the backseat.

After I made sure they were buckled I walked up to Jade's door seeing she was now standing outside of it. I'm guessing so we could keep an eye on the car.

"What's going on Tori?" She said glancing at the papers. I figured she already knew the answer to her question.

All I did was hand Jade the papers before she sighed. She didn't even look at them and shook her head. "Really?"

"What do you mean, really?" I crossed my arms. "Jade, isn't this what we're doing? We are clearly separated, let's just make it official so we can move on."

Jade stayed silent for a minute and looked out at the car. "And what about them?"

"Everything stays the same."

"Just not your last name." She laughed sarcastically and smirked.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "Can't you just do this for me? What even is this? If we're already not together, why can't you sign the papers?"

"What do you get out of it? Seriously Tori?" Jade snapped slightly.

"And what do you get if you don't?" I bit back.

Jade again went quiet and shook her head. "Fine. I'll sign them tonight."

And with that, she went inside with a lock of a door.

-

"Seriously Jade, it's been a week since I reminded you. Why can't you just sign them?" I asked over the phone.

"Tori, I'll get to it, okay? I'm busy."

"You said that for 2 weeks now, Jade! Why can't you do this for me?"

"What's the rush? You have plans to marry someone else or something?"

"Just get them signed or I'll take it to court." I growled hanging up.

It's been weeks and she still kept pushing the papers off. Of course I wasn't really going to take her to court about it, I just really didn't understand. Why couldn't she do this for me?

Was she purposely messing with my feelings? Why didn't she want to sign them so bad? She basically left me. I showed interest to fix things.

Hell she won't even have dinner with me!

"Kids! Dinner is ready!" I called up the stairs.

Wesley, Haley, and I sat around the TV this time and watched a movie while we ate dinner.

The decided on The Barnyard which was Wesley's favorite movie. It was nice being able to relax with my kids and trying to get my mind off Jade.

It worked for awhile until I looked over at my phone seeing a message from her.

Jade West: Really? Threatening to take it to court? It'll get done, Vega. You'll get your wish. Don't worry.

Vega. Very funny Jade..

-

"When's your mom coming to get you guys again? Isn't it her night?" I asked Haley.

Jade was suppose to have the kids tonight. They were going to spend the weekend at her apartment for the first time. Apparently she set the spare room up for them and had surprises for them all weekend long.

"Yeah." Haley said disappointedly, staring at the door from the couch.

Wesley came down the stairs with his blanket and dragging his bag. "Is she here yet?" He whined.

"Not yet, Bear." I sighed and took his bag from him, placing it on the table.

"Don't worry guys, she'll be here soon." I looked out the window.

30 minutes went by and still no sign from Jade. Not a call or text either. It was beginning to think the worst at this point. I probably shouldn't and I knew that, but this hasn't happened in forever. Last time it did, it wasn't good.

The kids went up to their playroom eventually, so I decided to take a shower. Once I got out, I changed into my pink silk robe and shook my hair to dry it some more.

Next thing I knew, I heard the door open and shut from downstairs. A confused look spread across my face and I started hearing steps coming up the stairs, I prayed to God it was Jade considering I wasn't expecting anyone else in my home.

When my bedroom door opened, I sighed in relief seeing Jade walk in.

"Oh thank God, I was-"

"Here's your damn papers." She growled tossing them on the bed.

I raised an eyebrow and picked them up seeing they were actually signed. "Oh, thank you." I said shocked.

Jade ran her hands through her hair and crossed her arms, sighing and looking away.

"You know you're late getting the kids, right? It's almost 8 at night, Jade."

Jade laughed and shook her head. "I get that Tori. I'm not oblivious."

"I'm just saying they are upset. What are you going to do now? Go home and sleep? Great way to spend the day with the kids."

"All you do is bitch." She muttered.

I was taken back at this and narrowed my eyes at her. "No, I don't. I haven't bitched at you until recently. We were doing fine until you started being sketch. You stopped talking to me, you stopped trying to even interact with me, you refused to sign the papers you clearly wanted, and now you're late picking up your kids. So, why don't you tell me what's going on so I don't bitch, Jade?"

Jade glared at me and pointed to the divorce papers. "No, no, no. I did not ask for that. I thought we needed time Tori. I didn't want to come home and be like, 'Let's get back together!' Do you not remember what you told me at the steak house dinner? You clearly made it known nothing is there anymore. I didn't want to push and scare you off. I didn't have dinner with you because I have meetings to attend to. I was scared too, Tori. I didn't know what to do and I didn't want to come back into your life and make it seem like I'm weaseling my way in. I figured you may of had some feelings for me still when I got back, but that night was strange too, you bolted up the stairs not even allowing me to talk to you!" She laughed uncomfortably. "Like what do you want from me Tori? And instead of talking to me you appear at my apartment with divorce papers. That's your way of talking. And then forcing me to sign them. If I didn't sign them that night, or the night after, or the night after that even, that should've told you something. Do you realize how hard that was for me? But congratulations Tori. You got your wish. All I ask is that I see my kids." She sighed and put her hands down next to her.

"Sorry I was late to get them. But I was sitting in my car forever debating on giving you those papers. Not everything we want in life we get though. So be lucky." Jade shook her head turning to walk out.

I dropped my jaw shocked and then quickly ran over to grab her wrists. I turned her around and placed my hands on her cheeks. "I'm sorry, okay? I just. I'm confused and all I wanted this entire time you've been back was for you to be home. I didn't want to push just like you said and-"

In the moment everything changed. Jade showed she really did care and wanted to be in our life again. She showed she wanted me back and that she was emotionally confused just like I was. To sum it up, we were both terrified of everything. Our feelings were very much mutual. We didn't want to jump into anything and ruin it, but we wanted each other back.

We laid in our bed and talked it all through. We talked about the kids. We talked about her addiction and how we knew she'd stay clean this time. We talked about our marriage and how we wanted to it go back to normal. Us both happy and there for our kids together. Like an actual family. She explained she never lost feelings for me once and I explained I was scared that I did for awhile while she was still drinking.

But in the end we agreed to make it work. We agreed to stay together and keep our plan to watch the kids grow up.

She was my wife and that'll never change.

I rubbed Jade's chest and looked up at her happily as she wrapped an arm around me, staring up at the ceiling with a smile on her face. "I love you." I whispered.

Jade looked down at me and moved to where we were level with each other. "I love you Tori." She leaned in and placed her lips on mine.

I smiled through it and laid back down on her chest, closing my eyes.

A knock was heard from my- our door and we both looked over at it.

"Oh shit, the kids." I said sitting up a little. I quickly grabbed my robe and slipped it on.

Jade laughed and grabbed her shirt, putting it over her head. "Come in!" She called out.

Wesley and Haley entered the room with a shocked look on their face. "Momma?"

Jade smiled and sat up more. "Hey babies."

"Are we still going to your house?" Haley asked crawling onto the bed.

Wesley walked over to me and I lifted him up onto the bed, wrapping my arms around him and placing him between Jade and I.

I looked over our family and smiled, tears filling my eyes.

Jade looked at me and laughed lightly. "No baby, I think we already are home."

And as for those divorce papers? Jade and I burned them outside in a trash can that night.