One Track Mind

PRIVATE:

Bet she’d hate herself if she found out that I left the serpents, became a firefighter, and have a beautiful daughter. And step daughter. And boyfriend. You should tell her that I destroyed her expectations for me, and became a better man that she could have ever imagined. 

I do indeed. She’s a firecracker, smart, snarky… and such a Puckerman. Good. Because Beth… she really needs strong women in her life, after what she went through with Ivy. Pretty much what I went through with Jason. And Soph, she’s adorable, and my baby girl. 

PRIVATE:

I will happily do that when I call her tomorrow. I’m really glad you’ve had good things here, Noah.

They sound absolutely amazing. I can’t wait to meet them.

So is it the boyfriend of it all or the living together of it all that was more of a bomb?

I’ve been a firefighter since I left high school, or at least training to be one right after high school. Got the girl, got the job, got the baby. Don’t really know life outside of my job and Sophia. And now Noah and Beth too.

Maybe the boyfriend of it all? I knew I obviously would have missed a lot about his life but still, my big bro has a boyfriend. 

That’s .. really impressive actually. I can imagine you had a long night.

Do you want to swing by tomorrow around 10?

It was very long. But so far it’s proving to have been worth it.

PRIVATE:

…Wow. So, she judged a seven year old kid… thinking I’d turn out just like him. 

He is my partner that I live with. Sorry. Sophia is Ryan’s daughter from his previous marriage, and Beth is my daughter, from my girlfriend who I knocked up in junior year. 

Ivy, my ex, ran away with Beth shortly after she was born. Last time I was ever in a relationship. Until Ryan. Beth showed up, mid November, Ivy decided she didn’t want to be a ‘mom’ anymore. Mom is used loosely here. 

Anyway, so… you’re an aunt to Sophia, who is almost five, and Beth, who is 11. 

PRIVATE:

Yeah, I thought it was stupid too. There was a bit of a fight between us about it.

You have a daughter? That’s so exciting! And a little nerve wracking on my part, was totally not expecting to be a little sister and an aunt all in one day. But mostly exciting. I love kids.

Well, sorry to, uh, drop that on you then.

I’m a firefighter, that’s how Noah and I met because I didn’t grow up around here either. Currently I’ve been on a leave though so mostly I’m just a dad.

I’m just wishing I had some girlfriend that I was living with back in Chicago to drop on him or something. 

Wow. And … from what I’ve gathered, your brother did. Well … he didn’t … but you came back to find Noah.

Really? Just like that? I mean, I’d have to interview you and everything.

Yep, hopped on the first flight I could get here to see him.

PRIVATE:

…What’s the truth then? Cause, other than she took you and ran, I know nothing, clearly.

My childhood would have been a lot different. 

Though, I wouldn’t have become a firefighter. I wouldn’t have met Ryan, and Sophia. Hell, I would have never had Beth. 

PRIVATE:

I’d really rather not tell you but I don’t want to start off this reconnection with lies so...she left you behind cause she thought you’d end up like Jason for some reason.

Yes. Ryan. Ryan Hayes, who is your partner that you live with. You should’ve just started off with telling me about him. Who are Sophia and Beth?

I’m curious, what has he mentioned?

Nice to meet you too. Ryan Hayes.

Mostly we’ve just been talking about our parents so far.

Welcome back. How old were you when you left?

I might have a job opening at Pops .. one of my servers quit just after Christmas.

4 years old, haven’t been back since.

Welcome to Riverdale! Younger? Oh wow! Well, then Welcome Back! 

Noah? He’s probably at the firehall, that’s where he always seems to be. As for a job opening… that I don’t know about, but maybe I can talk to Marley. Maybe there’s one at Pops! 

Also Hi, I’m Blaine! 

Yep! I was really little when we left so it’ll have to be pure childhood memory if I pick anything up.

I found him. Well, he came to me, but we’re talking now. If I was planning on staying, I’d probably just do the substitute teaching thing again but this is supposed to be a temporary visit so, I can definitely do Pop’s.

PRIVATE

How did you find out? 

I’m… sorry, that I didn’t know you were alive, Sarah… I really am. I would have come looking for you if I had. 

PRIVATE:

We were at a friend’s Christmas party and she was telling her friend the story. The real story, anyways. I overheard, confronted her the next day, got the truth.

I believe you. I’m sorry you weren’t with us.

I am. I live with him. He’s my partner.

Wait … sister? Are we talking biological?

What? He so has not mentioned that yet.

I’m looking at him. What do you need Noah for?

You’re looking at him? I’ve already gotten in touch with him, but I’m sister.

Good

PRIVATE

… I definitely would have chosen to leave. What? Did she think I was going to turn into Jason or something?

Where is Mom now?

PRIVATE:

Yes.

She’s in Chicago still. I found out you didn’t choose to leave and took the next flight here.

Mhm, that’s a good point. Hunger Games is a really good book. Now I feel like I want to re-read the books again. … Puck has a sister?! Oh! Wow.. I had no idea. That’s.. I mean, that’s just crazy. I can’t imagine if I hadn’t grown up with my brother. He’s not older than me, well, no more than like, 90 seconds because we’re twins so we were born at basically the same time but we’ve been like, together forever so that’s.. that’s gotta be weird. But in a cool way! I mean, to come back and, you know, get to meet him. 

You definitely should, rereading multiple times is great. Yeah, it’s definitely weird. But that’s why I’m here, wanted to finally see the brother I barely remember.

I won’t let him near you.

PRIVATE

What did she tell you?

I’ll stay as far away as possible when you’re not around.

PRIVATE:

That you chose to stay behind.

You are definitely lucky you don’t remember him. Trust me. Honestly, I’m glad you and mom got away from him. Wish you would have taken me with you.

I hope I never see him. I wish we did too. Mom told me a completely different story of what happened when we left.