Page 27 of Harmonizing Hearts

Itake a deep breath as I knock on Emma’s door, my heart pounding in my chest. Today is the day I’ve been eagerly awaiting and avoiding too—a chance to show her a part of my life that I’ve rarely shared with anyone.

Emma opens the door with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Hey, Jax!” She eyes me, “Where are we going?” Her voice is filled with excitement.

“Today, we’re going on a private trip to a place that means a lot to me.”

Emma’s eyes widen with intrigue, and she nods eagerly. “Okay but you didn’t get many hints.”

“You’ll see.” I kiss her hand and help her to step into my car. The engine purrs softly as I drive the bustling streets of Los Angeles. The city’s familiar chaos slowly fades away as we leave its boundaries, heading toward the town I once called home — Boulder, Colorado.

Holding her hand the fear of letting her see my past seems less scary but still my stomach knots. I haven’t had a normal childhood and all I have now, I’ve built it with my hard work.

As we drive through the city I slow down and then stop in front of the foster center. “My parents died when I was little and with no relatives, it’s here I’ve spent sixteen years of my life.”

“Jax, I’m so sorry for your loss.” Her hand grips on mine and she kisses it. "I get it," she says, her voice softening. "I lost my parents when I was six, but Auntie Trish stepped in and took care of me. I can't even begin to imagine what you went through."

“It wasn’t easy,” I continue, my eyes peering at the building, “I’ve felt like a toy no one wanted. And the more the new parents brought me back in there, the more I was bullied.” I pause, biting the inside of my cheek, “The rules have been changed since I’m one of the donors, and I wanted to be sure no one could lay a hand on a child in there.” It took me so many battles to change the staff. Once the judge said if they don’t accept my request they’ll be shut, everything has changed and now this place is almost empty. “This was my personal victory.”

“Why don’t you let this news be shared? It’s the best thing that someone did for those kids.”

Starting the engine again, I drive away, “Because it’s part of the past I don’t want everyone to know.”

She shifts in her seat, looking at me, “But why?”

“Life hasn’t been easy for me. I’m not the spoiled rich guy and will never be. God knows how grateful I am for what I have now, but…” I pause when we arrive at the familiar bridge where my life took a drastic turn. I park the car and guide Emma toward the worn-out railing. Memories flood back—of a broken boy, alone and desperate for connection.

“I’ve reached the point of break at fourteen. At fifteen the vodka bottle was my best friend. At sixteen I reached my lowest and was about to jump off this bridge. No one cared about me and my life wasn't worth living anymore. I was consuming precious air from those who had a purpose in their life. I didn’t have any.” My vision blurs as Emma gasps, her hand finding mine for reassurance. I feel a warm sense of comfort wash over me, knowing she’s here with me, by my side and I pull her in a hug.

I spot a figure leaning against the railing, smoking a cigarette.

Emma glances at me, her eyes filled with questions. I smile softly and nod, gesturing toward the figure. “That man over there, he’s the reason I am still here. That’s Mac, my father.”

We approach him, who looks up, a mixture of surprise and joy lighting up his face. “Jax!” He throws his cigarette and comes closer.

I nod, my throat tightening with emotion. “Hi Dad. ” I hug him. “This is Emma.”

Mac’s eyes flicker between us before a grin spreads across his weathered face. “Well, it’s about time you introduced me to the lucky lady. Come on, let’s go home and catch up properly.”

We follow Mac as he leads us through the familiar streets, pointing out landmarks and sharing anecdotes from the past. The town feels smaller than I remember, yet brimming with memories that shaped who I am today.

Finally, we arrive at Mac’s house — a sanctuary of warmth and love.

"I was about to hit you up!" Lorelai's voice cuts through the air just before she appears like a mini-tornado and crashes into me. "Jax!"

"Hey, spark plug, what's the word on the street?" I chuckle, wrapping her in a bear hug.

"Life's a blast, but—" She cuts off, her eyes darting curiously behind me.

I smile and introduce them. "Lorelai, this ray of sunshine is Emma." I draw Emma closer. "Em, this tiny tempest is my niece and she's skirting around calling me 'old man'," I tease.

Lorelai grins at Emma. "Uncle Jax sounds way too Jurassic for him, don't you think? It’s a pleasure to finally meet you!"

Emma laughs, shaking her hand. "Jurassic, huh? I'll have to remember that one when he's acting like a fossil. Great to meet you too."

Dad waves us over. "Make yourselves at home in the living room," he says, before disappearing with Lorelai into the kitchen.

"Yeah, Lorelai's got enough energy to power the neighborhood," I joke, tossing my jacket on the back of a chair. "She's Mac's niece, but she pretty much turns this place into her personal summer camp. And Janet? She's got a black belt in holding grudges."

Emma's eyes twinkle with amusement. "Should I get ready to do some serious schmoozing then?"

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