Finding Jaime

Pete POV
"We're here with Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and his family at the premiere of this season's most anticipated movie. Pete, it's great to see you!" The red carpet reporter was saying.

"Good to see you, as well," I smiled.

"I see you've brought the family along to this premiere. How is everyone?" She asked, looking at the six of us.

"Everyone's doing well, thanks. I think the kids are excited for this movie," I smiled. I saw her eyes flick over to Jaime, his blank eyes staring straight ahead. I kept my hands on the handles of his wheelchair.

Paparazzi were snapping photos of us and I wanted to make sure Jaime was in them, too. It had been five months since the assault and two and a half or so since we'd brought him home.

After a few more questions, we continued up the carpet for a few more photos and questions and then went into the theatre.

The six of us sat in the back where there was space for Jaime's wheelchair.

"Popcorn?" I asked. The kids said yes and so I went with Bronx to get snacks and drinks.

Back in the theatre, I saw Marvel had climbed into Jaime's lap and Meagan was sitting beside him holding his hand and rubbing her thumb back and forth over his knuckles.

"Hey, Pete," I heard and turned around. Brendon and Sarah had also been invited and had come to say hello.

"Hey, guys. How are you?"

"Good, good," Brendon said. "How are you guys? Jaime, good to see you, as always."

No response.

We spoke for a few minutes before they went to take their seats just ahead of us. Brendon turned around to chat some more.

The lights went down and Brendon turned back around.

The movie was good. We were really enjoying watching the story play out on the screen. Until something close caught my attention.

"Uchhhhhhh," I heard, quietly. I looked over at Meagan and saw Brendon and Sarah were both looking back at us. Meagan leaned forward looking between me and Jaime.

"What?" I asked quietly.

"Uchhhhhhh," I heard again.

"Daddy!" Marvel whispered. "Jaime's making noises!"

"Jaime?" I asked. "Jaime, are you okay?"

"Uhhhhh," he said.

I got up and grasped the handles to Jaime's wheelchair, walking quickly out of the theatre and into the lobby. I pushed Jaime towards a bench and sat down looking at him. Meagan came out with Marvel, who she had taken off Jaime's lap when I got up.

"Jaime? Are you there?" I asked. I looked in his eyes and saw they weren't the same cloudy, dull eyes I'd been staring at for four months. There was something there. A tiny spark or something. His eyes were no longer lifeless.

"Jaime?" I said again.

"Uhhhh," he said.

"Can you hear me?"

"Uhhh," he replied.

"Jaime, can you squeeze my hand?" I asked, grasping his hand. I didn't feel anything but I felt like he was trying.

"What's happening?" Meagan asked. "What happened? Jaime?"

"Muhhh," he said. "Muhhhhm."

"Did he just say 'Mom'?" Meagan asked, tears springing to her eyes. She stood up and stood in front of Jaime.