Michael's POV

My heart rate was going through the roof. I have to get my children out of here. I don't care if I make it out or not, I just need my babies safe.

Prince looked at me. "Dad, what's wrong?" 

My oxygen was coming in short breaths and pain in my chest was starting to rise. A tornado of anxiety was spinning in the pit of my stomach. I felt nauseous. I shook my head and took a deep breath.

I managed to speak. "He set off a bomb. This place is gonna be gone in sixty minutes."

They all looked at me with wide eyes. Paris started to cry.

"Daddy what are we gonna do?" She cried.

I put my hands on her shoulders and looked in her eyes. "Hey. Look at me. We're gonna be okay. Remember what I promised you? I promised that I wouldn't let anything happen to you and I won't. So stay strong for me. Okay?" 

She wiped her tears and nodded. I kissed her forehead and looked over at Prince.

"Prince, I need you to go see if the back door is unlocked." He nodded and ran off. "Paris, can you go see if there is anything in the desk that will unlock the door?" She obliged.

Blanket tugged at my pants. "Daddy, what can I do?"

I picked him up. "You're gonna stay with me, okay?" 

"Okay." He held onto me. I started to walk through the hall and noticed that Hank wasn't there anymore. Something feels really off. I looked around and didn't see anything. Prince started walking up to me. 

"Dad, it wasn't unlocked." 

I sighed and noticed that Prince's expression changed. His eyes widened and he started backing away. I put Blanket down. "Prince, what's wrong?"

He opened his mouth as if he was going to speak, but no words came out. I slowly turned to see Hank standing there, holding a knife to Paris' throat. My heart dropped. I couldn't breath. "Paris.."

Hank glared at me. "I'll make a deal with you, Jackson. I'll unlock the door. But.. only for the kids. You have to stay in here."

I swallowed. "Fine. I'll stay." 

Paris looked at me. "What! Daddy, no! Don't do it! Let me stay with you! Please!" She was sobbing. My poor baby. She ran into my arms and cried against me.

"Paris.. I have to. I can't risk losing you guys. I'm sorry." I stroked her hair.

"You have five minutes to say goodbye or whatever." Hank demanded and walked off.

Paris was still clung to me and I felt Blanket wrap his little arms around my leg. I held onto the both of them, embracing their love. I looked over at Prince leaning against the wall, not making eye contact with me. 

"There's room for one more." I told him.

He looked at me and frowned. "How could you?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Excuse me?"

He shook his head. "I'm not saying goodbye. I refuse to grow up without a father. Tell him you changed your mind." 

I released Paris and Blanket and walked over to him. "Prince, I can't do that. I'm not gonna let you guys die. You're too young."

I could see the tears swimming in his eyes. He wrapped his arms around my waist. 

"I'll miss you." My heart shattered. 

I kissed the top of his head and felt a tear slip down my face. "I'll always be with you."

"Time's up." I looked over to see Hank standing before us.

I nodded and let go of Prince. I bent down to Blanket. "I'll miss you, boy." I hugged him tightly. I let go and kissed his cheek. I straightened up and stood before Paris. She looked at me, still crying. I sighed and took her into my arms. "My sweet babygirl. I love you so very much." I kissed her forehead. I let go, but she didn't. Her arms stayed wrapped tightly around me. 

"Baby, you have to let go." I caressed her face. 

She looked up at me. "I'll never let go." 

That statement broke me. I could hold back the tears anymore. I silently cried and she let go. They walked over to Hank and he led them to the door. 

"Bye babies." I whispered to myself. I sat down against the wall and covered my face, crying. I lost my babies. I feel like I've just been hit by a car. I never thought I could feel this kind of pain. I heard laughing and I looked up to see Hank looking down at me, with a wicked smile on his face. I saw him raise his arm and his hand connected to my face. I held my cheek, and looked up at him. The pain was nothing compared to how I feel emotionally.

"Get up."He grabbed my arm and jerked me up. I stumbled onto my feet and he led me into a room. "You have 15 minutes left." He shut the door and locked it. I sat down on the bed, staring into space. I can't think at all. I just want to die right now so I won't have to feel this anymore. Am I being selfish? How do I expect my kids to grow up without a father. You know what they say about kids who grow up without a father figure. They end up doing bad stuff. No. I'm not going to let that happen. I'm gonna find a way out of here. For my babies.