It has been an insanely busy week. Between, work, practice and Mom’s doctor’s appointment, we are exhausted and today is a big day. Karen is moving their clothes and some of their personal stuff here this weekend while Jason spends time with his father. We’re all thrilled to have them moving in with us, but it’s going to make for a busy Saturday, and we have an away game tomorrow.
We were discussing the options as far as her house goes, the other night over the phone, and she’s decided she wants to get rid of it. She doesn’t want any more reminders of her past, so she’s asked her lawyer to draw up a new agreement in hopes of negotiating the divorce with Brian, but we haven’t heard anything yet.
“Kids, breakfast is ready.” The kids are sitting in the living room watching TV quietly.
Grace and Gabe take a seat at the table just as I’m putting plates down in front of them. I made them pancakes and bacon, their favorite. “Dad, what time is Karen getting here?” Gabe asks.
“I’m not sure exactly, but from my conversation with her, I gather it will be soon.”
“Cool, I’m really excited that they’re going to live with us. I told Jason all the classes that I’m in so he can hopefully get into at least one.” Gabe shoves some pancakes into his mouth.
“That will be up to the school, but I agree, it would be nice for him to start a new school and know that you’ll be in some of his classes.” I take a seat with my plate when Mom comes into the room. “Mom, want some?”
“No, I’m good, dear. I’ll make something. You eat.”
We are going to the school tomorrow to get Jason squared away. She’s already called over to figure out exactly what she needs to do. The process isn’t exactly easy, but we agreed that since this is what we all want it will be worth it. We’re eating in silence when we hear a car door outside. I know Gabe hears it too because he jumps up from his seat and runs to the door abandoning the remainder of his breakfast.
“Are you coming too, Grace?”
She shakes her head, shoveling food into her mouth. “Too hungry.”
I chuckle. “We’ll be back.”
The three of us head out to help Karen with the bags. She had to pack a weekend bag for Jason and then the rest of his stuff came here.
“Hey, beautiful. What can we help with?”
Karen pulls a bunch of suitcases from the trunk of her car, rambling off which are hers and which are Jason’s. “Would you mind taking this?”
“Not at all.” I take the suitcase, and she throws an overnight bag over her shoulder while my mom helps Gabe with Jason’s things.
“I spoke to my lawyer on the way over here. She’s drafting the new proposal and will have it on Brian’s desk first thing Monday morning. She says it’s a great idea, and we’re both hoping it helps.”
“That would be awesome, but, of course, Lord only knows with Brian.” She nods her agreement. “How much more do you have?”
“Two more bags in the front seat.” She leans against the banister of the porch and looks up at me. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Absolutely.” I open the front door but quickly shut it again when I hear screaming coming from inside the house. When we get to the kitchen Gabe and Grace are fighting. “Wow. What the hell is going on?” I separate them.
“I came back down to eat the rest of my breakfast and it was gone. She ate my pancakes!” Gabe shouts and reaches around me to shove his sister.
“You snooze you lose.” She sticks out her tongue.
“Grace, go to your room. That was not nice.”
“That’s not fair, he left the table which means he was done.” She plants her hands on her hips.
“He was being a gentleman and helping out, now go.” I point to the stairs. She storms off stomping her feet.
“Come on, Gabe. I’ll make you more pancakes.”
“Forget it, Dad. I’ll grab some cereal while you guys get Karen’s stuff upstairs.”
“You sure, buddy?”
“Yeah. It’s fine. Thanks, though.”
I hate the disappointment in his voice, but I pat him on the shoulder and help Karen upstairs with her stuff. I put her suitcase on the bed and look at her with a slight smile on my face. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
She laughs. “Me too.”
“Good because I think the boys would be really sad if you told them you changed your mind.” I’m trying to play it cool.
“Just the boys?” she asks, already seeing through me.
“Okay, I would be incredibly sad too.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing for everyone that we’re not going anywhere.” She unzips her suitcase and pulls out a bunch of clothes that are still on hangers.
“I made room for you in the closet.”
She steps inside, and her eyes go wide. “I had no idea this closet was this big, and it doesn’t look like you had too much trouble. Where are all your clothes?”
I shrug. “You’re looking at them.”
She grabs more clothes and starts to get her stuff organized. “I’m going to run down and get the other bags.”
“Thanks, but just so you know...there’s more at the house.”
I laugh. “Why am I not surprised?”
She shrugs and goes about hanging more in the closet, and I run down to the car to grab the two big bags in the front. I hook each bag over my shoulder and head back to my room. When I get up there, her suitcase is empty and she’s lying on my bed with her phone in her hand. She looks up at me with a smile when she sees me drop the bags. As soon as she puts her phone down, I climb on top of her and straddle her legs. “I’m so incredibly happy that you’re here with us.” I look into her eyes as I lower my lips to hers.
“I’m glad you’re happy because I’m not sure Brian is going to be thrilled. He’s going to freak when he realizes that I’m offering up the house because I’m living with you.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass what Brian thinks. He’s a dumbass who gave up the most amazing woman in the world.” Her cheeks turn a beautiful shade of pink.
“Stop. You’re making my cheeks flush.”
I laugh. “I can see thatCome on. Let’s finish getting these bags unpacked.”
“I should go get Jason’s things squared away.”
“I’ll help you, plus I have something to show you.” I take her hand and pull her from the bed. When we get to the boys’ room her eyes go wide.
She looks at me with her jaw dropped. “When did you do this?”
“It was delivered and set up yesterday. They each have a full-size bed and there’s a set of drawers for both of them on either end of the set.”
“That was so sweet of you,” she gushes.
Gabe comes in behind us. “Grammy and I unpacked Jason’s stuff.”
“Thank you, Gabe.” She ruffles his short hair.
“You ready for surprise number two?”
“There’s more?”
“There’s more,” I say with a huge grin. “You know how you have an appointment at school Monday?” She nods. “I got us in early. Told them we are going to bring the boys in together. Now we can all go to the school.”
“What about work?”
“I’ll work from the road. When we’re done, you and I are going to spend the day together.”
“You are an amazing man.” Her face is glowing with happiness.
“Why thank you.” She bursts into laughter. “Come on. Let’s go get you unpacked. I want to make Mom some chicken soup.”
“I can make it. I have a great recipe for chicken orzo soup, and I’ve been craving it.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing Mom keeps a box of orzo in the pantry.”
The two of us work together to get soup going in the kitchen. While we’re putting it together, Jesse tells me that he wants to get Grace a new bedroom set as well. He thinks she’s feeling left out and that’s why she is behaving the way she is. I think it’s a fabulous idea, so when we’re done putting the soup together we look at some sets that would be nice for her. It takes us a little while, but we find the perfect set to make her feel like the princess she is. We’ve also agreed to paint her room and get her some new bedding. This set will be perfect for her, she’ll be able to use it for years. By the time we’re done, it’s already after lunchtime and Josephine is in the kitchen making everyone some sandwiches to eat.
Grace comes skipping down the stairs, but Jesse stops her. “Did you apologize to your brother?” She bows her head and bashfully replies with no. He instructs her to go apologize and tell Gabe it’s time for lunch. A few minutes later we hear screaming. I look at Jesse with concern. “She’s laughing.” He smiles.
“Well, that is certainly better than crying.”
The two of them come down the stairs with smiles on their face. “Daddy, Gabe tickled me.”
Jesse laughs. “I would guess that means he forgives you.” He ruffles her hair.
We all take a seat at the table to enjoy lunch. The kids are devouring sandwiches, chips, and fruit salad like they haven’t eaten in months. Jesse and I look at each other in pure shock. “Are you guys hungry?” I ask. They nod and continue to eat. A few minutes later I ask Grace, who has cleared her plate, “How would you like it if we painted your room and got you a new big girl bedroom set?”
“Really?” she asks her father, totally excited.
We both chuckle, and he says, “Really. We’ve picked the perfect bedroom set to surprise you with, but you have to promise to act like a big girl. No more acting out.”
“Can I paint my room pink?” she asks, thrilled.
“You can, but it has to be a color we agree on too,” Jesse warns.
“I promise to be a big girl, Daddy. When can we do it?”
“Karen and I will go to the furniture store Monday after we get Jason registered at school.”
“Yah!” She claps, excited.
“Grace, want to play Xbox?” Gabe asks.
“Yes!” She jumps up, thrilled. “May we be excused, Daddy?” she asks, batting her eyes. We agree, and they head upstairs to play while we clean up from lunch. I think it’s sweet that Gabe offers to play with her. It doesn’t take long for us to hear laughter coming from upstairs showing us that they’re back to getting along.
A short time later, I jump when my phone begins to ring with Jason’s special ringtone. “Hey, buddy.”
“Mom.” His voice is uneven.
“Jason, what’s wrong?”
“Mom, I need you to come get me, please,” he begs.
“What’s wrong? Why are you so upset?” My body trembles with worry. Jesse is right by my side as I hit the speaker button.
“Dad is really drunk, Mom. He threw Melinda against a wall and hit her. She’s bleeding. I tried to help, Mom. I jumped in front of her and told Dad to stop.” He lowers his voice. “He wouldn’t listen. He was so angry. He grabbed me by my shirt.”
I cut him off, struggling to hear more. “Where are you?”
“Hiding in my room. Dad hit me and threw me to the floor.” His voice is shaking. I can tell he’s on the verge of tears. “He’s on a rampage, but Melinda sent me in here. I tried to help her Mom, I did, but he was too strong.” I can hear the fear in his voice as he defends his actions.
Jesse says, “Call 911 from the house phone. Do not hang up with your mother; we are on our way.” Jesse grabs my hand and tells his mom that we have to go.
My head is rolling a million miles an hour. I don’t know what to think or how to feel. I’m numb, worried about my son. “Mom. Are you there?”
“Yeah, buddy. I’m here.” It’s hard to speak with so many emotions running through me.
“Melinda is on the phone with the police. They are coming to the house.”
“Okay, stay in your room. We are on our way.” I stare out the window struggling to stay in the now. Trees are flashing by as the sun is setting, and all I can do is wonder how we got to this point. I know Brian is no longer the man I married, but I never could have imagined a phone call like this one.
The robotic voice of the GPS pulls me to the present. I look over to see Jesse focused on the road as he pulls down Brian’s street.
It’s the longest ride of my life. When we finally pull up to the house there are cop cars everywhere. I jump from the car and bolt toward the house, but a cop snatches me up. “My son is in there,” I scream.
“Wow, ma’am. Please calm down.”
I look the cop in the eye. “My son, Jason, is in there. Tell me he’s okay.”
“Your son told us you were coming, and yes he is. He is a very brave boy. However, I can’t allow you inside. Let me update you folks and then I’ll bring him out to you,” the cop informs me while Jesse and another cop joins me in the driveway. “Your ex is currently inside in handcuffs. We’ve done some questioning of both parties. They both have scratches on them but it was evident that she was in far worse shape and our victim. She has been taken to the hospital and we’re about to bring him out now. That said I want you to know your son was hit and the domestic violence charges will extend to him.” My trembling hands fly to my mouth.
A second later Brian is brought outside in handcuffs. He’s bucking and fighting, but they’re not letting him go. “This is your fault,” he screams, lurching toward me. The cops grab him tighter.
“How could you? How could you lay a hand on your son and another woman?”
“Stupid bitch wouldn’t listen. I told her I needed to see my son, but she didn’t understand. She said I had no business bringing him into our home.”
“So you hit Jason?”
He spits blood. “Stupid bastard got between us. Told me I wasn’t going to disrespect a lady,” he growls. “There was no way I was letting my son disrespect me in my home.” His words are still slightly slurred.
“Take him out of here,” an officer calls out as he escorts Jason from the house.
I run over and wrap my son in a tight hug. “Are you okay, buddy?” I look him over, examining his body.
“I’m okay, Mom. Unfortunately, Melinda isn’t. I’m glad her kids aren’t here.”
“Are they at their father’s?”
“Yeah, they left shortly after I got here. That’s what started the arguing. Melinda was mad that this was supposed to be their time alone and I was interfering. She apologized to me. Told me she didn’t mean to sound selfish, but with their schedule and the kids they got little time alone. Dad has been drinking since he walked in the door. I don’t know what he was drinking but it was brown, smelled gross, and he was pouring it over ice.”
“It’s okay, buddy. Let’s get you out of here.”
“It was scary, Mom. He was downing it and drinking glass after glass. He was meaner and meaner with every drink.” Poor Jason looks devastated, and I can’t say I blame him. It’s the first weekend he’s spent with his father in a long time, and Brian blew up. Jason’s eye is swollen from where his father hit him.
“Jason, do we need to take you to the hospital?”
“We need to document his injuries,” a cop standing to my left informs us.
“Okay, so what do you need us to do?”
“I don’t think your son needs ambulatory care, so why don’t I escort you and your son in my car and your husband can follow.”
I smile at the word husband. He isn’t my husband yet, but I can envision us being husband and wife in the future.
The doctors took forever to see Jason because his injuries weren’t urgent, but they finally called him in. They examined him, documented his injuries, and took pictures of his face. By the time we’re done at the hospital and we manage to get back home, it’s well after dinnertime. We enter the house to find Josephine pacing the living room with anxiety written all over her face.
“Jason.” She runs over and wraps him in a hug.
Gabe and Grace come running down the stairs to check on him. You can see anger radiating from Gabe when he sees Jason’s cheek, and poor Grace is on the verge of tears.
Jason pulls away from Josephine, and Gabe says, “Dude, that was crazy.” Gabe and Jason man hug.
“Gabe, you knew?” Jesse asks.
“We were playing Xbox. Jason told me to hold on. I couldn’t hear much other than distant yelling, and you guys were gone before I could say anything.” The concern for his friend is evident in his shaking voice.
“Okay.” Jesse pats him on the shoulder.
“I know you all want to see Jason, but we’re all hungry and he needs to relax. It’s been a long and emotional day,” I inform everyone.
“I’ll heat y’all some soup,” Josephine announces, heading straight for the kitchen.
“I’ll fill you in after I eat,” Jason says to Gabe who nods and heads back to their room. The room that Jesse set up special for them. Jason hasn’t even gotten to see it yet, and this isn’t exactly the mood we wanted him in when we surprised him, but this is life. The three of us take a seat at the table as Josephine places bowls of chicken orzo soup down.
“Is this my favorite soup?” Jason asks.
I smile. “It is. I put it on not knowing we were coming to get you, but I’m glad it’s put a smile on your face.”
“I love this soup.” He digs in, and so do we.
Jesse finally breaks the silence with torment on his face. “Jason, you know you have to sit out tomorrow, right?”
“I figured. I’m not happy about it, but I understand.”
“Although the doctor said you’re in pretty good shape, I want to make sure you don’t add to your injuries on the field. Your body needs the week to heal.” Jesse pats him on the back.
Jason’s voice trembles. “I’ve never been so scared in my life. He stood over me screaming at me like I was a stranger. Then something clicked because he turned to Melinda who was creeping up behind him. She yelled for me to run, and I bolted from the room.”
His body shakes. “Jason, I’m so sorry. Your father has never behaved like that before. If he had, I wouldn’t have agreed to let you go there.” He shrugs, looking unsure of what to say as he empties his bowl. “Did you have enough?” I ask.
“Yeah. I think I just want to go chill.”
“Okay, you know where I am if you need me.”
He leaves the room, and Josephine comes back in. “That poor boy.” She shakes her head and picks up his bowl. “That man is lucky I wasn’t there. I would’ve taught him a lesson or two,” she says with sass.
Jesse chuckles. “Mom, he’s not a young boy anymore.”
She turns around and plants her hands on her hips. “You think that scares me? Someone needs to teach that man some manners.”
“I have a feeling he may learn some while he spends the next two nights in jail,” I remind her.
“Mom, if you’ll excuse us, I think we both need to go unwind and get ready for tomorrow.”
“I’ll be turning in soon too. You two have a nice night.”
Jesse takes my hand and leads me upstairs. We stop in the boys’ room to say good night. They’re lying on their beds with their phones in their hands. “Thanks, Jesse. This is awesome.”
“You’re welcome, buddy. You boys have a nice night.”
“Good night,” they say in unison.
We then stop at Grace’s room. She’s already asleep on her bed with her light on. I chuckle as I tuck her in and kiss her on the head. Jesse does the same, then we shut her light and close her door. We finally get to our room, and I’m exhausted. My emotions from this afternoon are bubbling to the surface. I collapse on the bed and begin to cry. “How could he do this?” Jesse takes a seat beside me and wraps me in his comforting arms.
“I don’t know, baby, but I can assure you we won’t allow it to happen again.”
“He has never laid a hand on me. I never saw him to be a vicious person. I mean, he said some pretty horrible things to me but to hit me... not once.” I exhale a slow, steady breath. “I feel awful that he put my son through this.”
“I wish I knew what to say to make this all better for you, but there are no magic words. We have to wait and see what happens with court. Hopefully, she presses charges and all will be fine.” He kisses me on the head. “Want to take a bath?”
“Sure. Maybe that will help me unwind.”
“I’ll get it ready.” He goes to the bathroom leaving me on the bed, but I suddenly miss him. He’s quick. When I join him in the bathroom, he’s already filling the tub. The smell of lavender bubbles takes over the room, and the lit candles creating the relaxing ambiance I need. It’s all very romantic.
He peels my shirt over my head, unclips my bra, and unbuttons my jeans. I slip them down my legs and he helps me into the tub, following behind me. “I love you so much,” he whispers into my ear, holding me close. I lean my head back on his shoulder while he runs a warm sponge over the front of my body. It’s sweet, romantic, and just what I need right now. It doesn’t take long to feel my body relax, and my breathing starts to even out. I can feel myself starting to fall asleep in the tub, but he gently nudges me. “Baby, let’s go to bed, and I’ll hold you while you sleep.”
“Mmm, sounds good.” I don’t move a muscle. My body is already asleep even though in my head I know I have to get out.
He laughs. “Come on.” He pulls the drain on the tub, causing my body to instantly chill.
“That wasn’t very nice,” I groan in a groggy voice.
“It was the only way to get you out of the tub.” He kisses me, taking the sting out of his action.
I quickly jump out, wrap my body in a warm towel, and head to the room to dress. I climb into bed where Jesse joins me, wrapping me in his embrace as promised. It takes me a matter of minutes before I fall asleep again.