Walking out of Live wire with my nine year old step daughter, Jesse, who was now playing with the new cell phone I had bought her. I couldn’t help but wonder if I should still be doing things like this. With me and Rollins marriage being annulled, I just didn’t know where I fit exactly.

“You like it?” I couldn’t help but ask her as she was figuring out how the phone worked. “Happy, ah, Happy early birthday.” Smiling, I take a deep breath as I stare at her a moment. Wondering if she was even listening to me.

“Look, Jesse,” Bending down to her level, I try to get her to at least look at me so I know she is paying attention. “You gotta be responsible with this, Okay?”

“I will.” She says in her sweet innocent voice as she gives me a quick assuring smile before her eyes are glued back to the screen again.

“The only reason you’re getting it,” I begin to explain to her as I place my hand on her back to encourage her to walk with me. “Is so you can talk to mommy when she’s traveling for her new job.”

“When is she coming home?” Hearing the sadness in her voice as she looks up at me, it broke my heart. It was the first time she was giving me her full and undivided attention.

“A few days.” Three words was all I could offer her for comfort and assurance. It wasn’t that long. Not really. “Come on.” I smile, then I see you walking towards us. This wasn’t exactly how I planned on introducing you to the family, because I didn’t even know what was family anymore.

“You okay?” Hearing Jesse’s question, didn’t do much for me to look away from you, as I thought about the best way to handle this.

“Yeah, yeah.” I try to assure her with a affirmative nod. “Here, sweetie, come over here for a second.” Walking her over to a safe place where I could keep an eye on her, I sigh. “Just wait here for me? Hold this.” I hand her the Live Wire bag. “All right. I’ll be right back.”

“Hey.” I call out to you, surprised to see you here of all places. Though I was happy to see you, I only wish it was under different circumstances.