Note: Okay, I have bad news, guys. Updates will be slower because stupid Dish has taken away the channel I watch Containment on >:(  So updates will be predominately Wednesdays from now on :( But anyway, enjoy this one shot, guys ^_^ I'll try to have another one tomorrow :)

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at the photograph in my hand. In it, my father held my 4 year-old self in his arms. I was smiling and so was he. I wrapped my arms around myself as memories washed over me. The most vivid ones - ones I wish I could forget - was when he and my mom would fight. I remember my back pressed against the door of my bedroom as I heard him yell harsh, cruel things to her.

A sob escaped my lips as I fingered the necklace he had given me so long ago...back when he still had my love. Suddenly, my head snapped up as I heard my apartment door unlock downstairs. Jake must be here. We'd been dating for two years now and he still didn't know about my past.

I quickly wiped my tears away and stuck the picture underneath one of the books on my nightstand. I heard Jake's combat boots coming up the stairs as I turned my head towards the door. The door swung open then, revealing Jake in a Doctor Who t-shirt and ripped jeans.

"Happy birthday, princess! I decided to surprise visit you," he smirked.

I shot him a fake smile even though I was exploding inside.

"Aw, thanks, Jake!" I faked enthusiasm, as he walked closer.

His eyebrows furrowed in concern as he watched me. He sat down next to me on my bed.

"Baby, what's wrong? What happened?" he asked, worry filling his voice.

All of a sudden, I couldn't hold it in any longer. All of the emotions I'd pent up for years just broke and came out in waves of tears. Jake took me in his strong arms to where I was sitting on his lap.

"It's-it's my dad," I choked out, "He decided he wasn't coming."

Jake's cerulean-blue eyes softened as he ran his fingers through my hair.

"I'm sure he'd be here if he could," Jake tried to soothe me.

I lifted my eyes to look up into Jake's as hot tears rolled down my cheeks.

"No, Jake, that's just it. He could have been here if he'd wanted to. He decided to work late. So he can make more money for himself. That's all he cares about - all he's ever cared about!" I said, breaking off into sobs.

Jake gathered me into his arms once more and I snuggled deeper into his chest.

"I had no idea...why didn't you tell me?" he asked, pressing soft kisses into my hair.

I shook my head and sniffled.

"I didn't want you to know, Jake. It - it's been my secret for so long. I didn't know how to say it..."

Jake placed another kiss on the top of my head as he held me. He put his hand underneath my chin and forced my dark brown eyes to meet his.

"Listen to me. I will never do this to you. I promise...I love you." he said to me and I knew he was telling the truth.

I nodded, "I love you too, Jake."

He smiled sadly and I snuggled back into his chest.