As they get older, people have the tendency to get sappy. Sadly, I have reached that point in my life. Actually, I reached that point a long time ago. Not that long ago now, just a few years, but it could be considered a while ago. At that point in my life I had everything figured out and when you have everything figured out in the present, even if just for a little bit, you reflect on everything you did to get to that point.

When Julie and I parted ways, I was kind of a dick. Actually, I was a dick. I had spent all my years of high school and college acting like I was some kind of stud, a lothario or something, and was acting as if it could last forever. But that kind of living can't last forever and I learned that the hard way when Julie left. I was selfish and I hurt her in the process.

But I wasn't really throwing myself a pity party. By this point I was proud of myself. During the last five years I had completely transformed from that annoying lothario to an adult, a father even. It was crazy but... it was kind of crazy awesome. Like I know it kind of goes against all of the maturing I've done to say it, but I was pretty psyched about everything I had accomplished. There are not many times where someone can be vain, but I think when you're a father and happily married that's a pretty good time to be vain.

 "Thanks for watching Ava tonight. Nora's had this work thing planned for weeks and then my boss wanted me to come in... It was just all sort of unexpected. But thanks for being on call."

"No worries, I love watching Ava."

"Yeah, she's pretty great."

"She is. It's the Nora in her."

"Ouch. So the only reason Ava is great is because she isn't like me?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Wow, and here I thought we were friends again."

"We are friends again, moron. And as your friend I'm allowed to tease you. Or has fatherhood made you too dense to tell when someone is teasing you?"

"Well I've got a lot on my mind so-"

"So that's a yes then."

"Yeah, sure."

"But in all seriousness, Ava is great. You guys are great parents."

"Thank you."

"For a while there I didn't think you had it in you but you proved me wrong. It's the one time I'm actually okay with being wrong."

"No, it's the one time you want to be okay with being wrong. You're not actually okay with it."

"I'm doing my best, okay!"

"I know."

"And I want you to know that I'm proud of you. For making this transition."

"Aw, Julie, you don't-"

"I mean it. Come on, Eli, we both know this was a big change for you. And you took it all in stride. It's amazing."

"You're giving me-"

"Just shut up, all right? Take the compliment."

"Thank you."

"Good boy. I've gotta head out. I'll see you guys later, okay?"

"Sounds good."

~~~

So I have a few things to say (like always).

1. In case the notification didn't work (I know Wattpad has been trying to fix all the notification issues that have been happening but you never know), The Stage Manager was updated today! I know it was supposed to be updated yesterday, but I had a Calc final from 8-12 and then I took a nap and got ready for my senior prom that night. 

So yeah, I think I had a pretty good excuse. Anyway, it's up now and it's an awesome conversation between Len and Bea about many things, including #Bellarke vs. #Clexa. I don't want to take sides but...

2. Have you guys seen the message from KellyAnneBlount about #NYCWattCon? IT'S GOING TO BE SO AWESOME. Go to her profile and check out her message now. As in, you know, NOW.

3. This account reached 10K a few days ago! I'm super late on this but I've been busy and wanted to find a way to celebrate this thing right. So I have an idea.

To celebrate this account reaching 10K, and to celebrate the wonderful people (you guys) who got me here, I am doing a little promotion. I will promote ten stories (and the users who wrote them) to all of my lovely followers. Not only that, they will be picked by my followers. How will I do this? I'm glad you asked.

Anyone who would like to suggest a story will fill out this form:

Story Title:

Author:

Short Blurb:

Why I Should Promote This Story:

And PM it to me. You are allowed to suggest your own story or anyone else's, there are no limits on what stories can be suggested. I would prefer that these be undiscovered stories, please nothing that's ever reached #1 on a What's Hot list, but I'm not going to give specific requirements. However, you must be following me to suggest a story or that sort of defeats the purpose. Got it? Good.

I will be taking suggestions until Friday, April 29th (MY BIRTHDAY) so don't forget to send a suggestion in!

4. THERE ARE ONLY 30 MORE CHAPTERS LEFT OF JTH. THAT'S 15 MORE UPDATES. THAT'S 7.5 MORE WEEKS. AHHHHHH.

Okay, that's all. Have a good night everyone! I'll be sending a message out about the promotion on my profile shortly.