Jack's POV

"This isn't the way home." Ryan remarked as we drove along the highway.

"You're right, it's not the way home." I said and wrapped my mind around what I was about to do next. Did I really want this? Of course I did. Having a kid around is inconvenient and there's no way I'm giving up my drinks just for a dumb child.

There was a line of traffic ahead and for once I was greatful for the bumper-to-bumper hell in front of us. It gave me more time to think about this.

Alex's harsh words from before still made circles in my brain. He made me sound selfish. I'm not selfish, I'm just doing what is best and easiest for us. But is the easiest way always the best way?

I looked over at the young boy in the passenger seat. He was quietly singing along to a Fall Out Boy song that was playing on the radio. Could I really give up on him like this? He's already been abandoned and mistreated. The last thing I want is my name added to the list.

Was I really choosing alcohol over a kid?

There was a break in the traffic and I quickly made my move. Our car cruised alongside other vehicles on the road. The police station is two miles away. I had to make my decision now.

Ryan's POV

Jack slowed down and pulled into the parking lot of a police station. Anxiety started to rise up within me. He said I could stay with him for two weeks, it hasn't been that long yet. Unless he hated me so much he decided to turn me in early.

Tears started to well up in my eyes for the second time today. I knew it. No one loves me. No one will ever love me. Well, I guess I'll have to start getting used to foster homes.

He stopped the car and for a minute I thought he was going to tell me to get out so we could go into the station. Then Jack turned the car around so we were headed back out the exit of the parking lot.

"I missed my turn." Jack explained hastily, "We were just using to parking lot as a space to turn around. Jesus Christ, kid, you don't have to look so nervous."

I breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't going to return me. Not yet, anyway.

"Where are we going?" I asked him.

"As I recall, I promised you ice cream the other night." The skunk haired man gave me a sincere smile, "I hope you don't mind if we make up for that now."

I smiled back, "Thank you, Jack."

He mumbled something unintelligible and then stayed silent for the rest of the car trip. I still didn't know if I belived that he was just "turning around". Jack's behavior today has just been off. He's never this quiet.

Finally, we arrived at the ice cream shop. It was a nice little place. There was a small pond in the back and over 20 flavors of ice cream to choose from. I got cookie dough chunk flavor and Jack, being Jack, got the Death By Chocolate concoction where every part of the ice cream (including the cone) was chocolate. We went in the back and sat by the pond.

"I'm really sorry that I blew you off to go get drunk. That was a really shitty thing to do." Jack apologized and kicked at the dirt by his feet. A little pebble landed in the pond and the fish came rushing over, hoping that it was food for them.

I took a bite of my ice cream, "You're right. It was really shitty."

"Do you forgive me?" He replied hopefully.

I shrugged, "Depends. Do I get to pick the TV show and snack food when we get home?"

"You can pick one of them." He said cautiously, "TV show or snack food."

"I think one night of anime and spicy cheetos is a pretty good bargain." I argued, "I could make you jump in the pond or post nudes to your snapchat."

Jack sighed, "Alright. You've got a deal. Can I still do my Honey Senpai impression?"

I playfully rolled my eyes, "Sure you can, if you want to die."