1 How's that for change?

Jacob comes into my dance practice and is really agitated. This is weird for two reasons. One, because he never comes to my dance practices, like ever. And two, because he doesn't get agitated like this.

"Beck!" He calls to me even though he knows I can't talk while I'm in practice. I glance nervously at my coach. She sighs and nods, it's obvious she's not happy about it but she can clearly see both of our agitation.

"Jake what's wrong?" I ask as I start for him. He shakes his head and stutters out. "My- my mom . . ."

I freeze. No, nothing bad could have possible happened to her. She's such a sweet and kind friend, such an amazing woman. I close the space between us and grip his arm. "What's happened?" I finally get out, dreading the answer.

"She-she . . . There was an accident. Kennedy can't take care of all the kids. I got Leah." His family has a lot of kids, like six. Leah is his youngest sister, not even two years old. Jake is twenty, has his own job and lives in an apartment.

"Okay," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Go on." I encourage him.

"I- I can't take care of her alone. I need help. She- she needs a mother. You're the only one I know . . . The only one I trust . . ." I nod, I know what he's saying. By this time practice has ended and we are getting weird looks. "Can you . . . W- would you . . ." Finally gets the words out, well sort of.

"Yes," I say with final certainty, "She's always been part of me, from the first time I held her." I glance over his shoulder and notice Kennedy for the first time, standing in the doorway holding Leah. I smile at her and she comes in and hands me my new daughter. I smile down at the sleeping child in my arms. "Hey Mac, can you bring me my bags?" I call over my shoulder. She doesn't respond but I can hear her gathering my things for me. Kennedy hands Jake a bag for Leah. Then Mac appears next to me and hands me my bag that I carefully put on one shoulder while still holding the child. Then Mac places my shoes on the floor in front of me and I slip into them.

I look up at Jake, "Follow me to my house and help me pack a bag. Then I'll come home with you and stay there. We should at least try to give her as close to a normal upbringing as possible." Jake nods and we head to the locker room together so I can get the rest of my things.

When we get to the locker room down stairs, no surprise to see my ex Nick practically assaulting his new victim, I mean girlfriend. I clear my throat, "Excuse me but there is a child here. Could we please keep this PG?" Mac and I walk up to the doors as they pull apart. Nick glares at me then sees the child in my arms and looks confused. I ignore him and Mac opens the door for me. As I enter, still carrying Leah, I call over my shoulder to the girl, "No boys allowed in the locker room Dixson." She scowls and follows us into the locker room, leaving the two boys outside.

Mac holds Leah as I gather my bags and coat. I also grab Mac's bags and coat and let her carry Leah outside. When we leave the locker room we see the two boys glaring at each other. "Nick I hope you're not picking fights with people who wouldn't hesitate to kick your ass." Nick shrugs without taking his eyes off Jake. "I think I could take him," he states, full of himself as always.

"That's cute and all, but I was referring to me." That gets his attention. He turns to me, "You?" He sounds slightly smug. "Yes, me," I respond simply, handing my bags and coat to Jake. I put Mac's bags and coat down and take Leah back from her. "I can take you any day. And I think you know that. And I think you might be scared of that." He opens his mouth to respond but I don't give him the chance. "Come on Jake, let's get her home. I need food and a shower." Jake nods, "I'll drive."

"What about my car? How will I get to school in the morning?" I question. Jake just smiles, "It's all taken care of, trust me. Let's just go get your things and get this little one home." I nod and follow him away. As we are leaving though I hear Nick questioning Mac. "Who is that with her? They look familiar. What's going on?" There's a pause before Mac replies, "That's Jake." Then Jake and I turn a corner and head straight for his car.

No one is home when we pull into the driveway of my parents' house. I let myself inside and begin to pack enough clothes and things to last me at least a week or two. On the ride here Jake had explained what had happened. Kennedy had gone back to the hospital to talk to my parents who were there and helping with the rest of the children. Jake comes in with me and helps me pack quickly. Then we grab me some food and head straight for his apartment.

Once we get there we bring my bags inside. "There's only two bedrooms so I don't know how sleeping arrangements are going to work out." Jake says awkwardly, blushing slightly.

"Jake, we've shared a bed before. We've slept in the same place before. As long as you keep your hands to yourself and don't try anything I'm fine with it until we can figure something else out." I tell him and then go down the hall to put Leah down in her room.

Once Leah is settled I go into Jake's room, now our room, and get some pajamas (a pair of sleep shorts and a tank top), "Can I take a shower?"

Jake nods and points to a door at the other end of the room. "Bathroom's through there." I nod and go take my shower. When I get out and back in our room I pull my iPad out of my bag and go to sit on the bed. I notice that Jake is already changed and on the bed too. "So what's the plan?" I ask. "Your dad called you into school for tomorrow and the next day so we can figure things out. Kennedy called me into work. We've got two days to figure things out." It's Wednesday now so really we have until Monday to figure things out, but I didn't mention this to him.

Satisfied I slip my lower half under the covers and use my iPad to send a message out to my friends explaining what was going on and that I wouldn't be in school or practice for the rest of the week. I also sent a similar message to my guidance counselor and coach explaining the same thing. Also I mentioned that I would like my homework for the rest of the week so I wouldn't be so far behind on Monday when I got back.

When I get done I check the time. It's past ten o'clock. I'm really tired and I know Jake is too. So I put my iPad on the night stand and turn off the lights. Then I curl up under the covers, my body not quite used to the new, colder environment yet. I feel warm arms around me right before I fall into a deep sleep.