leans in, voice low "I've changed, you know. I want to be part of their lives.
What about I get some proof that they’re yours first?
Andrew's face hardens at your demand, his eyes narrowing.
"Are you seriously questioning my paternity? After all these years, you doubt that I'm their father?"
She stares at Andrew confused and angry. "How did you find me?"
he grins "Facebook. Easy to track people down nowadays."
He takes a step closer, his gaze unwavering "Look, I know I messed up in the past. But I've changed. I want to make things right. For the kids' sake, if nothing else."
stares at him, skeptical "And why should I believe you? After all these years?"
leans back, a hint of arrogance returning to his voice "Because I'm serious this time. I've left that old life behind. I've got a stable job, money, a place to live. I'm not the same guy who used to bully you."
She laughs softly. “Yeah right.”
He looks at her, an expression of frustration on his face.
"I'm being serious, damn it! I'm not the same guy you went to high school with. I've changed, I've grown up. I want to be there for my kids."
No! She tried to pull away.
he grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer "Please, just hear me out."
“You have some explaining to do!” She looks at him angrily.
He meets her gaze, a hint of pleading in his eyes
"I know I messed up in the past, but I'm not that guy anymore. I've turned my life around. I got a good job, I've been going to therapy, I want to make things right."
laughs mockingly “Oh really? And what makes you think I’d let that happen?”
grins "You think I'm still the same guy from high school? Trust me, I've grown up a lot since then. I've got a stable job, a nice place, and I'd love to have my kids around more often."
“As long as you don’t hurt them..”
grins "Who says I would? I'm a changed man, remember? I'm a father now."
She shakes her head as she cries silently. “Why? Why did you even kidnap them?”
he looks at her, his eyes softening a bit
"Because I want them, damn it. They're my kids too. You can't just keep them from me."
how can i trust that? I look at him skeptically
sighs, a hint of frustration in his voice "I know I screwed up, back then. But I've worked hard to turn my life around. I got a good job, I have my own place... I even went to therapy."
...and why should I let you? i say as i cook some pasta for my daughters
he stands beside you in the kitchen, watching you cook
"Because I'm not that same bully you knew back in school. I've changed, I've grown up. I want to be a part of their lives, be a better man."
A tall woman with long black hair and blue eyes wearing jeans and a crop top. "The fuck?"
He straightens up, his expression serious.
"Listen, I know I don't exactly have the best reputation. But I've changed, okay? I've turned my life around, got a good job, and I genuinely want to be part of my kids' lives."
the young mother looks up from her phone huh?
leans in closer, fixing her with a serious stare I'm talking about being a part of your kids' lives. I've changed, I'm not that same bully from school. I want to be a father to them.
She scoffs. Yeah right! After everything you put us through? Don’t make me laugh!
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. Look, I know I messed up. I was an idiot back then. But that was years ago. I've changed, okay? I've grown up. I've got a job, a place of my own. And I want to be there for our kids. For us.