Justin arrived at Irish’s front door with Shani safely in her baby snuggler that was attached to front of his body. She leaned her head against his chest as the sound of his heartbeat lulled her to sleep. He unlocked the door as he looked down at her, snoring as only a baby could.

He bent his head as he walked into the apartment, kissing his daughter on her hair. His heart silently told her what he felt for her deep inside. Justin locked the door back before he walked to Shani’s nursery. He undressed her and changed her diaper before slipping on her nightgown.

Irish walked from her room and stood at the threshold as she took in the sight of the man she loved, care for the beautiful little girl they created. “I think it’s time to talk.” Justin spoke out loud breaking her thoughts. Justin turned as she noticed how tired he seemed.
His eyes were red and the straight line his lips gave, made his face age.

“I know. I’m sure Lynn has talked to you by now.” She said as she pulled a piece of paper from behind her back. Justin eyed the paper in her hands, fearing the worst.
“Irish, please don’t do this.” He choked as he took a step backwards. “I love you. I want you and our baby. I don’t need or want the fame. Not anymore.”

She shook her head as she walked up to him and handed him the paper. “Justin, sign it. It gives you totally control over custody and visitation. In fact, she’ll live with you until I get us situated to move away.”

Justin’s eyes skimmed the paper's bold print. He felt his face sting as the tears came to the surface. He walked out of the nursery and into the living room as he paced. “I won’t! If you won’t fight for us anymore, I’ll just continue.” Irish closed the distance and wrapped her arms around him as they slowly moved down to the floor.

Just another night
And I'm all alone
I wonder where you are
Who you're holding

And I'm wasting time
By the telephone
It gets harder when there's
no way of knowing


“You can’t fight for something, if someone wants to give up. I want to give up. Let me go, Justin. Let me go.” She whispered as her voice sobbed. Justin held her tighter as his shoulders shook. Thousands of tears later, they still held each other on the floor as he focused on the paper in his hands.


I always thought we'd be together someday
There was nothing that could keep me away
Coulda worked it out somehow
But it's over now
Thought you'd be comin' 'round
But it's over now

He remembered saying how he would rather they be safe and happy with out him than stay with him and not be around at all. He exhaled a ragged breath as moved away from Irish’s embrace and stood up.

He went over to the table as he reached for a nearby pen. He hurried and signed it before his mind changed again. He handed her the paper as their fingers touched. They felt the spark between then as he pulled her up and into his embrace once more. He gave a kiss so deep and so painfully sweet that he made sure she never wanted another man. The thought of her moving on with someone that wasn’t him, broke his heart.

When I close my eyes
I can see your face
There was still so much to discover
All the time we shared
Can't be erased
No you're in the arms of another

He broke the kiss and hugged her tight. “I love you so much, Irish Diana Elliot. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for helping me remember. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for letting me love you.” He pulled away to look at her. “Thank you for blessing me with Shani. And thank you for blessing my life with your presence, if only for a short time.”

Irish simply nodded as she wiped away the tears. “We will keep in touch for Shani’s sake. I will tell you when and where we’ll move. You’re her daddy. And she needs you as much as you need her.”

I always thought we'd be together someday
There was nothing that could keep me away
Coulda worked it out somehow
But it's over now
Thought you'd be comin' 'round
But it's over now

Irish moved out of his hold as she walked in the room with the document. The moment she moved away from him, Justin felt an emptiness cover his soul. He looked around the room before moving to the table and setting down the key she gave him. He sighed deeply as he walked to the door and let himself out.


If you broke my heart
I can't let it show
I can take the pain
I can't let you go
Some people change
I guess it had to be
Even though you're gone now
You still mean so much to me


“Justin, I was wondering when did you want Shani to spend the night.” Irish said as she walked back into the now empty living room. She noticed the key she gave Justin sitting on the table as the realization hit her, it was truly over now.

Just another day
I'm still holdin' on
No matter how I try
I can't shake this feeling
Yeah I'm sitting here
Like nothing's wrong
I'm still lookin' for someone to believe in


“I’ll always love you, Baby.” She spoke to the room as she sat on the couch and curled up to cry as the memories flooded her heart and mind of the last two years. Irish let the tears fall until she fell asleep, ready for a life without Justin in it.

Justin started up the ignition as he drove away as more tears clouded his vision. He lost her. He still had a place in Shani’s life, so his soul was still complete. It was his heart that made him long for days gone by. “I’ll always love you, Irish. Goodbye, Baby.” He whispered to himself as he drove home to get ready for life with Irish in it.

I always thought we'd be together someday
There was nothing that could keep me away
Coulda worked it out somehow
But it's over now

(song: It's Over Now by: L..A. Guns)

 

 

The End