*~*Zacky’s POV*~*

“Alright are we ready? You have your backpack right little man?” I said as I turned around to look at my son in his car seat.

“Ready!!” He yelled with his hands in the air, “Your car is nice Zacky.”

“Thanks Jay.” I chuckled lightly and looked over to Chloe, “You ready?”

“Yes, I don’t see why we had to take your nice car… my car was fine… Jayden’s only going to make a mess in here.” She replied trailing her fingers along the black leather seat.

“It’s fine and did you really want them to see what you drive? I figured you’d want to fly under the radar…” I said as I backed out of the driveway and headed towards Matt’s parents’ place, “With the Haners, they ran into us, this time we are going to them…”

“Please don’t remind me. I’m so nervous about this whole thing…” she answered wiping her palms on her jeans.

“Don’t be. Why do you think I had Matt guys leave first? Matt’s going to explain to them before we get there that they can’t say anything. Don’t worry Chloe. Everything will be fine.” I said glancing over at her.

“You keep telling me that…” she said taking a deep breath and looking out the window.

“So start believing me will you?” I told her.

“Zacky can you play the music louder?” Jayden asked from the backseat.

I looked in the rearview mirror as I spoke to him, “I can. What do you want to listen to?”

“MISFITS!!” Jayden shouted excitedly.

“This kid’s got good taste…” I told Chloe as I switched the CD in the stereo.

“Hello?! He’s my kid, of course he does. We don’t play that Kidz Bop crap. Not on my watch.” She smirked at me.

Horror Business started playing thru the speakers and Jayden clapped as he sang the lyrics with Chloe. I couldn’t help but smile as I kept glancing in the mirror to watch him happily sing along.

“You don’t go in the bathroom with me with you! I’ll put a knife right in you I’m warning you!I’ll put a knife right in you I’m warning you!” we all yelled the last chorus together.

“Mommy, play Eagles Dare! Eagles Dare!” He cheered as the song ended.

“This is probably his favorite one…” Chloe said as she leaned forward and switched to the song at the red light.

I looked at him in the mirror and when the music started he went crazy in his car seat belting the song out as loud as he could:

“We walk the streets at night We go where eagles dare They pick up every movement They pick up every loser With jaded eyes and features You think they really care…
I ain’t no goddamn son of a bitch You better think about it baby I ain’t no goddamn son of a bitch You better think about it baby, babe”

“You let him sing this one? What happened to bad words?” I said to Chloe as I smiled at my son’s reaction to his favorite song.

“He knows he’s only allowed to sing them in songs. You know I was never one for the censorship of music Zee.” She smirked and giggled at Jayden who was still singing.

“It really isn’t the same when you change the words…” I replied as we pulled up in front of Matt’s parents’ house.

The song had just ended and I turned off the car glancing over to Chloe. She looked like she was going to vomit.

“It hasn’t changed much huh?” she chuckled nervously as she looked at the house.

“Not really. Come on, I’m sure they want to see you.” I said placing my hand on her shaking one in her lap.

She turned to me and nodded with a nervous smile.

*Meanwhile*

*~*Val’s POV*~*

“Are you going to tell them everything Matt?” I asked as we headed over to his parents’ house.

“No. I’m just going to tell them that someone is coming over and they can’t speak a word of it to anyone.” He answered, eyes focused on the road.

“That just sounds suspicious Matt. They’re not going to agree to that.” I said looking out the window.

“Well, it’s up to Zacky and Chloe to explain their situation, not us.” He replied.

“Maybe that’s also what you should tell them… that Zacky will explain more when he gets there.” I suggested.

“Your mom’s not going to freak out is she?” Jimmy asked from the backseat.

“I hope not.” Matt replied as we pulled into the driveway of their house.

We all got out and Matt didn’t bother knocking as he opened the door to the house, “Mom! Dad!”

“In the kitchen Matthew.” His mother called back.

She was standing over the counter only looking over her shoulder briefly as she heard more than just Matt’s footsteps enter the kitchen, “Oh hello Valary!”

She wiped her hands on a dishtowel and turned embracing me in a hug before moving on to Jimmy, “Oh Jimmy you have to stop growing! I’m going to have to get a ladder soon… What brings you over today?”

“Practice Mrs. S…” Jimmy said grabbing a cold soda from the fridge and leaning against the opposite counter from her.

“Well then why are you in here? You boys usually just go straight to the garage… the music lets me know you’re here before I even see any of you…” she said resuming cutting vegetables on the counter.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about before everyone gets here mom… is dad home?” Matt said seriously.

She set the knife down on the counter and turned to look at him concerned, “No, he’s at work. What’s wrong Matthew?”

“Nothing is wrong, just we have a surprise for you today…” he said grabbing her hands and directing her over to sit at the kitchen table.

She looked at me with wide eyes before turning back to Matt, “Oh my God!”

“What?” Matt replied a little frightened by her excitement.

“Val’s pregnant! I’m going to be a grandma!” she cheered.

I felt all the color drain in my face as I tried not to freak out about her outburst, “No mom… I’m sorry but I’m not pregnant.”

She grabbed my hands inspecting them, “No ring either I see…”

“My God mom! No! Would you let me talk and stop assuming stuff!” Matt exclaimed.

She pulled her hands back and sat them in her lap, “Yes, I’m sorry Matt. Continue.”

“Mom, someone is coming over today and I need you to promise me that you won’t say anything to anyone about seeing them.”

“What? Why? Are they in trouble Matt? Are you hiding them out or something? We aren’t harboring fugitives here.” She said sternly.

“You harbor me… some say I’m a fugitive…” Jimmy said sipping his soda in the corner.

“You’re no fugitive Jimmy…” she replied smiling at him.

“They aren’t in trouble or anything mom. I just need you to promise me. Please, it’s important.” Matt pleaded with her.

“I can’t promise Matt. Not until you tell me why.” She said.

“I can’t tell you why mom. Zacky can explain everything when he gets here. I just need you to trust me on this and not say anything to anyone. You’ll understand when they get here.” Matt begged.

“Please mom. I promise it’s not anything bad. It just has to be dealt with… with extreme care.” I added.

She looked at me and looked at Matt before glancing over at Jimmy, “They aren’t pulling one over on me are they Jimmy?”

“No ma’am. When you see, it’ll all make sense. We’ve all been sworn to secrecy.” Jimmy replied putting a hand up.

“Alright then… and you said Zacky will explain everything?” she asked curiously.

“Yeah… thanks mom.” Matt said getting up from his chair and kissing her cheek, “We’ll just wait in the living room unt-”

Knock. Knock.

“Sounds like they’re here…” I said as Matt went to the front door, his mother following close behind him.

*~*Chloe’s POV*~*

Zacky knocked on the door and turned back smiling reassuringly at me. I felt like I was going to have a nervous breakdown as we stood there. Jayden had stayed quiet since getting out of the car with his little dinosaur backpack on and wrapped his arm securely around my leg, standing just behind Zacky and I. My hand hadn’t stopped shaking and Zacky noticing this, reached over and held my hand, squeezing it firmly.

“It’s going to be fine.” He smiled as Matt ripped the door open with his mother standing just behind his right shoulder.

“Oh my goodness! Chloe?!” she exclaimed shoving Matt out of the way and embracing me in a warm hug.

Her hug instantly relieved some of the nervousness, “Hi Mrs. Sanders.”

“Oh Matt! Why didn’t you just tell me you were bringing Chloe?!” she said as she pulled back to look at me, “Oh Chloe, it’s so good to see you dear…”

I felt Jayden tighten his hold around my leg before his little voice squeaked out, “Mommy?”

“Oh!” she said shocked before her hand flew over her mouth.

“Mom…” Matt said sternly.

“Yes, yes… of course.” She shook her head gently before regaining her composure, “And who is this little angel?”

I gently put my hand on the back of his head and tried ushering him forwards, “This is my son, Jayden. Jayden, don’t be shy sweetie.”

Jayden held on tightly to my leg, refusing to let go, burying his face in my side. Zacky, not liking his hiding behind me, handed me his guitar and picked him up, setting him on his hip before Jayden hid in the crook of his neck.

“Come on Jay, don’t be rude. Say hello to Mrs. Sanders. This is Uncle Matt’s mommy. You have nothing to be scared of.” Zacky said touching Jayden’s face softly, getting him to relax and look at her.

“Hi Mrs. Sanders.” He mumbled looking up at her shyly.

“Oh look at those big beautiful eyes you have… just like… just like…” she trailed off, her eyes getting wide as she shifted her gaze from Jayden to Zacky and back, before her hand flew over her mouth again with realization, “Oh my God!”

“Mom! Why don’t we head inside?” Matt said loudly interrupting her next words from the doorway.

“Yes, please… come in.” She stuttered in shock.

“Mom, he doesn’t know…” Val whispered to her as we came in.

She nodded her head as we walked thru the house and out into the garage. The same old ratty couch was there, but now there was some nicer studio equipment on the desk, and some much nicer amps stacked in the corner. I noticed some of the old rock posters had been changed with the guys’ promotional posters from the Waking The Fallen CD release, showing that this was a family proud of their son’s achievements. Matt’s mother hit the button on the wall causing the garage door to open to the driveway before coming out and taking a seat next to Valary on the couch. Jayden still clung on to Zacky and I set my bag down on the ground by the couch before going over to him and handing him his guitar.

“Trade you?” I smiled.

“Jay, go to mommy.” Zacky told him as he took his guitar from me.

“No. I want to stay with you.” He snipped.

“Well, how is Zacky going to play with me then?” Brian said as he walked into the garage with his own guitar, Johnny trailing behind him with his bass.

“Do I have to?” Jayden whined as he looked at Zacky.

“Sorry little man, but you do. I need both hands. Go to mommy and you can watch with her and aunty.” He coaxed him.

“Okay.” He said before turning and opening his arms to me.

I carried him over to the couch and sat down next to Matt’s mother, setting him in my lap.

“It’s very nice to meet you Jayden. You can call me Aunty Kim.” She smiled at him, “How old are you sweetheart?”

“I’m 3.” He said smiling back.

“Oh wow, you’re such a big boy. When did you and mommy come to California?” she asked me more than him.

“Um…” he looked up at me, “Mommy?”

“We moved back almost 3 weeks ago now. I was given the opportunity to move anywhere I wanted to start my magazine and I thought no better place than home.” I smiled as I brushed Jayden’s hair from his face.

The guys started tuning their guitars and Jayden started clapping excitedly thinking they were starting already. Val, Kim, and I all giggled at his excitement.

“Mommy, they’re gonna play now?” he turned and asked with his bright green eyes.

“Not yet baby, soon. They have to make sure everything is tuned right.” I told him as Jimmy started playing random bits and pieces.

“Is it too loud for you?” Kim asked Jayden and he shook his head no.

“He loves it loud.” I smiled.

“Just like his mommy and daddy.” Kim replied.

“You know my daddy?” Jayden turned and asked.

“Oh, Chloe… I’m sorry. I…” Kim’s eyes went wide as she started to apologize.

Jimmy started the first beat to Unholy Confessions before Zacky and Brian’s riffs followed him, filling the garage with music. Jayden slid off my lap and stood between my legs with the biggest smile on his face, easily forgetting about his question. He had heard this song the other day when I played it in the car on the way to get him some medicine from the store and loved it. I never told him it was Zacky and the guys.

“I know this song mommy!!!” He jumped up and down surprising even me when he started singing some of the words with Matt.

Matt smiled as he sang, watching Jayden jump up and down screaming the lyrics he knew. As the song progressed, Jayden wandered closer to Zacky watching his fingers fly across the frets in amazement. Zacky smiled down at his son as he played, before looking up to smile at me, just like he used to when they practiced here in high school. The memories hit me like a wave as I remembered what it was like to be here after school almost every day, listening to the man I loved do what he loved to do.

“Chlo, you alright?” Val leaned over and asked placing a hand on my shoulder.

I hadn’t even realized I had tears falling until I looked down at my lap and saw the droplets on my jeans, “Yeah, I’m gonna get something to drink. Watch Jay for me for a second?” I asked as Val nodded.

“Let me help you dear.” Kim said as she stood and led me back into the house.

I followed her to the kitchen and she opened the refrigerator, handing me a cold beer that she had no doubt bought for the guys’ practices earlier, “Alright Chloe… tell me.”

I gave her the short story version of how Jayden came to be as the guys went thru a few more newer songs in the garage. I explained to her why we wanted it to be a secret until we had figured out what we were doing ourselves.

“I feel like the less people involved the easier…” I said taking another drink of the beer.

“I see where you are coming from…” she replied, “Oh, Chloe, you sure have gotten yourself in a mess…”

“I know I did.” I said putting my head down shamefully.

“It will all be fine honey. It seems like a big mess now, but it will all work out. You and Zack will figure it out.” She said patting my hand reassuringly.

“Am I doing the right thing? I mean by waiting to tell him?” I looked up and asked her.

“Do you think you are?” She asked.

“Yes. I don’t want Zacky to hurt him.” I replied.

“Do you honestly think Zacky would? That’s his son Chloe.” She said grabbing a few more beers from the fridge.

“No, but things have changed… he’s a rockstar now. I just feel like he thinks he wants it.” I answered taking another drink.

“I don’t know Chloe, the way he looks at that boy I just don’t see him giving that up. Zacky adores him. Jayden adores Zacky. If you want to wait by all means do as you please, but Chloe, you need to tell him. Tell him soon, so he can grow up and try to forget that he didn’t know who his father was. Give Zacky the chance now to make up for the 3 years he missed out on as his father. You never should have kept that from him Chloe, and I understand your reasoning as a young mother, but now you can make this right.” She said smiling warmly at me.

“Thanks Mrs. S… let’s take these out there… I’m sure they are thirsty by now.” I said hugging her tightly and grabbing the beers from the counter.

Notes