Chapter 42: One Last Goodbye

 Jesse was driving as fast as he could on the busy highway. He took a look at the GPS and he smiled knowing he was getting closer to his destination. It was time to put an end to this situation once in for all. After hearing the doctor sharing this news that Pauline was shot three times and one of the bullets caused a miscarriage he was more than sure who was behind this, Jennifer. Maybe it was wrong from his side to tell that she needed help and maybe it was wrong from his to get her into one. At least he knew where she will be and she will not be a threat to him or his family. He kept that a secret all those years because she was after him but now things are different.

He stopped the car once he arrived on the same old driveway he used to sneak into when he was a teen. He knew that house like the palm of his hand. He took his phone in his hands and opened he door. Jesse looked around trying to find a security guard that was the most of the time on the main door. And there he was walking around with his hands in his pockets. He locked eyes with him and suddenly he felt that anger raging inside him, he had every right to be angry and so much more. He walked fast to where he was standing and yelled loudly "Tell her that i'm here!" The guard stopped and looked at Jesse was coming towards him.

Jesse of course didn't pay any attetion to him who was trying to stop him. With a quick move he avoided him and started running pass the gate to the main door of Jennifer's mansion. He looked over his shoulder and the guard was after him. He could hear him talking on the walkie-talkie probably asking for some back-up but he didn't care. He looked straight in front of him and than main door he was after was so close even though he was already out of breath he kept running. He climed the few stairs so quickly and the next thing he knew was knocking on that door so hard he almost broke his hands. A maid opened the door and faced a man who was breathing fast and the guard who was only a few steps behind him. "Move!" Jesse screamed at the maid and walked in the mansion.

To his suprise Jennifer was not here. "Raise your hands!" the security guard orded him while he was pointed a gun at him. Jesse turned his head and looked at him doing the best stink eye he could. "Who are you?" the guard asked him and watched him taking a step closer to him. Jesse was walking closer to him with his both hands raised without loosing that eye contact their eyes had. Even though he was pointing a gun on his he was the one who was more afraid. "Jesse..." they all heard a voice coming from the other side of the room. Jesse knew that voice quite well. It was that voice who was causing so much pain in his heart he wanted to make it stop. He tunred around and saw her standing on the top of the staircase.

Without thinking twice he run to her almost jumping on the stairs and he was lucky enough not to loose his balance and fell over. Jennifer saw him running at her direction and didn' move at all. She saw a raging Jesse coming to her side like a hunter will run into his prey. Once Jesse was close enough to her he wrapped his hands around her hot neck. The force was so huge that made both of them hit the ground. Jesse was on top of her screaming with whatever voice had left "What the fuck did you do?" he kept saying over and over again while his hands were squishing her throat making her unable to take a breath. 

Jesse was so lost in his anger that he didn't feel the four hands that were over him trying to take him away. He felt so strong right now that nobody could ever take him away before the end. But finally gave in as he could noy keep his hands on her anymore. "Let your hands off me!" Jesse said twice while two security guards were grabbing him away from his first love who was now the person he hated the most. Jennifer was taking many deep breaths while her heart was racing. She looked in front her and saw Jesse fighting the best security guards she had almost like an animal. "Let him go. Leave now." Jennifer ordered while she was slowly getting back on her feet. The guards had no other choice and they let Jesse free. He saw them walking away and looked at Jennifer again.

"Follow me Jesse." she said and started walking on her left. Jesse followed her passing all these closed door he felt like he was 16 again. He looked at her again walking like had happend and that made him angry again not that he could stop being angry. Jennifer opened a glass door and walked out on the balcony. On her right there a table with a gun on top. She got it in her hands and gave it to Jesse. "Take it. Hold it." she told him and walked across the edge looking at the rain. Jesse was holding it now. It was the first time he was holding a gun and had no idea what to do with it. He quickly did the math and realised it was the gun she used hours ago. Taking a deep breath he pointed it at Jennifer. "You shot my wife! Three fucking times!" he yelled. The rain was falling so hard on the ground now and he wanted every single word. "She was pregnant!" he added while tears filled his eyes. "Why do you hate me so much? Because i send on that fucking clinic?" he asked her.

Jennifer was hearing loud and cleat what he was saying. She knew by the sound of his voice that he was broken inside. "Why did you stopp visiting me?" she questioned him with a broken voice. "You put me into that place and you stopped coming, why?" "I told you why i put you there. You wanted to change and after what happend i wanted to be sure that you will never hurt her again." Jesse said and stopped pointing at her. He was not proud of his action of course but he had no other choise. "I never stopped tryin to though." she started. Jesse raised his eyebrow. The hard rain was beating down sounding like applause and that made it harder for him to hear her. "She told you about George?" Jennifer asked again and turned around so he didn't have to face him while she was confessing her crimes.

"I did everything. I knew where you'll be that night. I made you come to my house where i had put cameras. I send that video to Pauline. I was so sure that she'll go back in Greece. It wasn't that hard to find him and have a deal with him. He asked to marry her and be the father your kids will know. Of course she said yes but when everything was going great she left. Then you put me there! I stopped taking my meds since you never came back to me, you were so happy with your sons and you forgot that i was rotting in Philadelphia." Jennifer admited while she was walking in circles around him. "How do you know it was me? It might have been a robbery that gone bad. Tell me, i wanna know."

Jesse was studying her face while the sound of the rain was confusing him. He looked at her. "I knew that was you. You see as i was growing up i realised that nobody never said no to you and when you saw me with Pauline something changed inside you. So, i hired a PI right after when you were in this clinic in Philly. And you know it was worth every single dollar i spend and holding it a secret all these years. He texted me and then i was sure it was you." Jesse explained and pointed the gun on Jennifer again. She was more calm that she should be when a loaded gun is facing you. "So tell me why i should not pull this trigger?" he asked her and placed his indext finger on the trigger. "I want this to end! I loved her, i love her and i will always love until the day i die. What's is gonna take til you undestand that? Kill everyone i love?" he was screaming at her right meaning every word. He was angier than before and watching her so impassive was making him loose his mind and God knows he was so close.

"This is the last time i see your fucking face! If you ever come near me, my wife or my sons i swear to God i will pull that trigger." he didn't yell this time, he was so tired now. All he wanted to do now was leave this place and lock it behind him and everything that comes with it. His face was showing no emotion even though his heart was beating fast on the inside. "Why do you think i brought you up here?" Jennifer asked and took a step closer but Jesse waved him the gun to take that step back and she did. "I wanted to say to you one last goodbye." she added and dispite Jesse's earlier order she took that step. She looked so deep into his eyes that so all the pain, anger and the hatred he was feeling right now.

"I know she makes you happy. All i just wanted was to be the person you came to at night. She was always so out of my league that's why i kept trying to win a piece of your heart but all i did was to loose it all." she started while hot tears were rolling down her cold cheeks. She quicky wiped them off. "I am so sorry for everything i did to you but mostly to her. I see clearly now and i know whati must do." Jennifer added and placed her hand over Jesse's who was still holding that gun. His hands were burning like it was summer and all she ever was its a snowy December's night. She stole that gun from his hand and walked on the edge of the balcony where the raindrops made her wet.

She turned around and took a look at him. "I hope she finds the strength to forgive me someday. If she doesn't that's okay, i deserve eveything. Do me a favor Jesse." she paused and shallowed. "Don't let her go. She's everything you've been looking for. Not all of us are so luckly to find that in just one lifetime." she finished and quickly raised the hand which was holding the gun and placed it at her forhead. "Goodbye Jesse." were the last words she spoke before pulling the trigger. Jennifer lost her balance and fell from the balcony to the wet ground. 

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"Daddy!" PJ yelled when his eyes caught Jesse walking in the living room with his mother right next to him. Kevin who was sitting near by saw him too and in no time left the iPad he was holding and follwed his brother. "Hey!!" Jesse  said with broken voice as he knelt down and hugged his sons very close. "Where's Mom?" Kevin asked when they broke the hug. Jesse slowly stood up and looked over his shoulder at his mother. He knew that they'll ask him that question. This was only one hour after he saw Jennifer killing herself and Jesse was not really thinking straight. All he knew was that he had missed his boys and wanted to see them, kiss them and just be with them. Even though he could not spend much time with them he knew that coming here first was what he needed the most this rainy night. 

Dorothea watched her son struggling to answer and took the matter in her own hands. Jon had called her they had arrived at the hospital and she was there when Richie left PJ and Kevin with Tori. "I think it's time you two take a shower." she said and saw the disappointment in their eyes. "Come on boys! You were on the park all afternoon riding your bikes. Both the boys looked at their grandmother's serious look getting under their skin. Tori stood up from the floor where she was palying with them. "Let's go boys." she spoke and giving Dorothea thespace to talk with her son. Annoyed PJ and Kevin followed upstairs Tori leaving Jesse and Dorothea alone.

Once they were alone Jesse looked at his mother with teary eyes and buried his head in her chest and hugged tight like it was the last time he'll see her. Dorothea was stroking his hair and hearing his cry his heart out. "What happend Jess? You Dad won't pick up his phone and Richie too." she spoke after several seconds of silence. Jesse finally broke the hug and wipped off his tears. "How is she? It can't be that bad." she added while she was looking at her son. "She's been shot three times and had a miscarriage. She was pregnant." Jesse almost whispered, he still could not believe that the words he spoke were true. Dorothea's eyes opened wide as she covered her mouth with her hands when she understood what she had just heard.

"How? Who did this?" she asked him. Jesse looked down on his feet this time. "It's over now Mom that's all that matters." he raised his head and looked up at her. "Take the boys home. I have to go to the hospital now." "When you'll be back?" his mother asked the million dollar question. "When Pauline will be with me." Jesse simply answered and walked away. "Jesse wait! What i should tell the boys?" Dorothea said and followed him but he had already opened the main door and was walking on the side walk. She stood there while she was watching him driving away fast. She knew her son quite well and she could sense that something more was going on and had no idea what that might be.

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"Fuck! He won't pick up!" Jon told Richie while stadning next to a door on the back side of the hospital. "It's been almost 4 hours, where the fuck is he?" he added and put the phone back on his coat. Richie looked back at him as he blew the smoke out of his mouth. "Give me one!" Jon ordered his best friend. "No! You quit remember?" Richie asnwered and threw what was remaining of his cigarette on the ground. "I know, i know. But this is too much!" Jon said and looked up at the cloudy night sky. "We were not supposed to be here Rich! We should be home watching a movie with the boys and drinking some hot chocolate, not here!" "But we are here that will not change." Richie answered and placed his hands on Jon's shoulder. "Now put that Superman's cape you have in your shoulder and let's go upstairs. She's probably in her room by now." Jon looked back at him and nodded his head. 

"You gave the money to the doctor for the room, right?" Jon asked as they started walking to the door. "Yeah, the last thing we need now is the press to find out." Richie said as he closed that heavy door behind them. "What do you think happend?" Jon asked while they were walking on the long hallway trying to find the stairs. "Maybe it was a roberry, what else?" "Nothing was missing and she told me to go find PJ and Kevin and take them somewhere safe." Jon started as they were climbing up the stairs avoiding as much as they could to show their faces to the people who were walking by. "She thought i was Jesse." "She must had said something. Try to remember, we need to find that piece of fuck who did this." Richie said.

"You think i'm not trying?" Jon stopped and looked at Richie who was a few stairs back. "I was the one who found her. I've seen a million faces but i will never forget that look on her face. You know i thought she was gonna die Rich." he added as he could not hold his tears any longer. "Hey, hey! Don't go there man!" Richie grabbed his arms as he looked at him. He had known his since 1982 and had never seen him like this. "Pauline will be alright and wi'll find whoever is responsible for this, okay?" Jon just nodded his head again without saying a single word back.

The two of them after some time they reached the floor that Pauline's room was. This floor was much quiter than all the other ones and was what they needed. Richie asked a nurse in which room she was and with some directions they found it. As they were getting closer they saw a man. His both hands were touching the glass door as long as with his forhead. "Jesse where the fuck have you been?" Jon said when he recongised him. Jesse lifted his head and saw them walking towards him. "I went home to see PJ and Kevin." he took a deep breath and replied. "Thank you for staying but i'm here now, you can go. Mom took the boys to your house, go there and get some rest." Jesse added.

"You need to rest too Jess. It's a lot for one day..." Richie tried to change his mind. He could not start imagine how he was feeling right not or what he was feeling. "I'll stay here. This is where i'm supposed to be that's why i'll be alright." Jesse replied while he was looking at them both. "Go, it's getting late." he added and looked the time at his watch. "We'll be here tommorow morning." Jon answered seeing there was no use in trying to change his mind. "As you wish." Jesse spoke and placed his hand on the door knob and walked in Pauline's room.

Chapter 41: Blood In The Water

 Jesse was waiting at the baggage claim erea for his suitcase. He looked around and filled his lungs with that JFK airport smell he had missed. That was his 20th trip to France or the 21th. He had stopped counting after almost 7 years. All he knew was that he was back home once again. While waiting for his suitcase to arrive he pulled his phone from his jeans pocket. He checked the time and found Pauline on his contcat list. He scrolled up on their convertation. He stopped when he found the last photo she had send him. It was her with the boys in a selfie. He zoomed on each and everyone's faces. They looked so happy and he couldn't hide his smile that appeared on his lips. If they were happy, he was happy that was the only point after all, making his family happy. He almost didn't notise that his suitcase was rolling in front of him. He took in his hands and followed the exit sign. 

While he was walking through the one of the exits of the airport he notised Starbucks was empty which barely ever happens. Smiling he thought it will be nice to get her an iced coffee. He was too smart to leave that opportunity go wasted and he walked in. Moments later he exited the airport with two Halloween drinks on his hands. He looked around hoping she was already outside waiting for him. He scanned every car that was parked outside but none of them was Pauline's. He left the drinks on an empty bench he found and he sat down. With his phone on his hands Jesse texted his wife that he was outside waiting for her with a heart emoji. Then he opened his backpack and pulled out a Notre Dame jockey hat and wore it. 

Jesse was trying a take a picture to upload on his Instagram story when he was a very familiar car had just stopped in front of him. Puzzled like never before he stood up and got the drinks on his hands. The driver's door opened. Jesse walked closer only to see that the driver of his father's car was not Pauline. "Richie what are you doing here? Where's Pauline?" he asked a little suprised but not worried. Richie looked back at him while he left the door opened. He gave him a hug "Welcome back Jess!" he said calmly. When they broke the hug he took his suitcase and put it on the back of the car. Jesse was watching him close while he closed that door. He could sense that something was wrong. Richie picking him up from the airport instead of Pauline in his father's car. His father who was supposed to take PJ and Kevin for the weekend. The more he was thinking about it he was sure that something must have happend. 

"Get inside." Richie said abruptly. Jesse did what he asked and once he sat on the passenger seat he turned to Richie said asked. "Could you please tell me what the fuck is going on here?" Richie looked at his side without making any eye contact. He suddenly felt his palms getting sweaty and his heart racing. How could he tell him that Pauline had been shot? What can you possibly tell a man, a husband and a father that? It was the only thing that was preparing while he was driving to the airport. Richie started the engine of the car and was looking straight people passing by. "Jess..." he started and shallowed hard. "There's something you must know."

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PJ was looking at the lights from the backseat. He had just eatten a happy meal from Mc Donald's and his belly was full. When they stopped at a traffic light he remembered. "Grandpa?" he said hesitantly. "Yes, buddy." Jon answered and looked at him from the mirror. "Don't be mad but i forgot home my books and need to do my homework." he said a little embaranced. "Oh come on PJ! I wanna play on unle Romeo's Play Station!" Kevin said first annoyed. "You're lucky we're close home PJ." Jon said and took a left turn instead of a right. A few traffic lights later and a couple of turns later they pulled on their driveway. Jon stopped the car adn turned back to PJ and asked "Where are your books PJ?" "They're all on my desk." PJ anwered quickly. "Be right back." Jon said and opened the door. "We won't go anywhere." Richie answered while he was looking back at the annoyed Kevin and the embarashed PJ.

Jon was searching for the right key while he was walking down the sidewalk when he saw that Pauline's car was parked outside. He didn't pay attention as he found the key he was looking for. With the correct key on his hand he stood outside of the main door only to find it was slightly open. He raised an eyebrow while thinking that this was weird. He opened it as he yelled "Pauline! It's Jon, PJ forgot his books!" He closed the door behind him and walked in the dark house. He was looking around trying to find his daughter in law but there was sign of her. He took a few steps  and yelled again "Pauline are you here?" but the only thing he could hear was his voice echoing back at him. 

Jon notised the door that was leading to the patio was wide open and cold waves of air were blowing in. He closed it and when he turned he notised that there several footprints on the wooden floor. He knelt down and looked closer. He run his finger on the floor and soon he realized that this thick liquid was blood. He suddenly felt that there was not enough air on the room and stood up. "Pauline!" he screamed this time as he stood up. Jon followed the bloody footsteps trying to understand where they're ending or starting. He knew he was getting closer as he could feel that someone was on the house but he was unarmed. He stopped slowly when he saw her laying on the floor and a lake of blood was around her.

He recognised in now time Pauline's curly hair even though he was facing her back. He run to her side and as he was getting closer he could her whispering "Jesse. PJ. Kevin." was all she was saying over and over again. "Pauline?" Jon said with shaking voice and knelt down next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She stopped as she was trying to focus on the face he was seeing. She smiled. "Jesse..." she said. Pauline shallowed as she rolled on her back and she now was facing Jesse or that what she thought. Jon's eyes opened wide while he was looking that she was all covered in blood. Her white sweater had turned red and was keep getting harder for him to breathe. "Take the kids somewhere safe." she tried to speak but the pain was too much for her to handle. She quickly covered the holes the bullets made on her body with her hand, she didn't want him to see them. "What happend? Who did this to you?" Jon finally spoke.

"It doesn't matter, take the kids somewhere safe. I will be fine." Pauline said and looked at him. She lifted her right hand and placed it on Jon's face. "Go, Jesse. Before it's too late." "Late for what?" Jon asked her back trying to understand what she ment. "Before she finds them." Pauline answered and closed her eyes. "No, no! Stay with me!" Jon screamed and sat on the floor right next to her and took her head in his two hands. Jon looked down on her belly and saw that blood was still running from the wounds and for the first time in his entire life he didn't know what to do. For a man who always had a plan for everything was pretty hard for him to think right now. He had to think right and fast but his emotions were keeping him miles away from this room.

"Come on open your eyes!" was the only thing he kept screaming at her but she was not there to respond. Jon was crying while he was holding her head. He had to do something before there was no turning back and leaving her to die was not an option. He gently stood up and run to the front door covered in blood but before he opened it Jon stopped. He couldn't go out there covered in blood, PJ and Kevin will notise. He searched for his phone and luckly it was on his right pocket. He found Richie's number and called him. "Rich! Take my car and leave. Don't tell the kids anything." he said with one breath. "Jon are you okay?" he asked back worried. Jon closed his eyes and braced himself. "Someone broke in the house and..." he started and covered his phone with his hand not wanting his best friend to hear him cry "And Pauline had been shot, i have to take her to the hospital." he said and hung up quickly.

Once he hung up he called 911 thankfully he didn't wait too long. After explaing what he knew he run back to where Pauline was. Her eyes were still closed but he could hear her breathing. He stood there beside her holding her hand and waiting for the ambulance to arrive. "Jesse..." she said breaking the dead silence that filled the room. "Yes." Jon answered quickly. "You'll get the dog for the boys for their birthday right?" that took her a while a finish the sentence. Jon had no idea of what she was talking about and for sure there was no point of asking her. "Sure babe, like we said." was the only he thought to say and saw her smile. 

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Richie was driving on the highway above the speed limit for quite some time now. He was watching Jesse who was sitting next to him and looking outside of the window. He wanted to buy some time to come up with the right words to say to him. At first he thought he must tell him right away when he'll see him but there was too many people around and he knew for fact that he will make a scene and he didn't want that. He saw a rest area that was only a few miles away and turned right. Richie was rellieved that it was empty. He stopped the car. "What are we doing here?" Jesse asked and looked around. Richie looked at him and said "Let's go outside." Both men opened their doors and Richie walked to his side.

This was the time, he had to tell him. "Jesse..." he started and looked at him. "I really don't know how to say this." he added a few seconds later as he saw his eyes were all other him. "Just tell me." Jesse said while he had a strange feeling. Richie shallowed hard and looked back to him as he was getting ready to break his heart. "Someone broke into your house." Richie said with heavy heart knowing the words that he will say next but Jesse had no idea that in just a few seconds he'll loose the ground beneath his feet. "Pauline was shot. She's with Jon on their way to the hospital." he finally found the courage inside him to speak those words and hugged him tight. Jesse was just standing there trying to process what his words really ment and was wondering why he was hugging him so close.

Jesse was keep stranding there without hugging him back. "We need to hurry!" Richie said when he stopped hugging him. He walked back on the car and opened the driver's door but stopped when he saw that Jesse was still standing there. "Jess, come on." Richie added and looked at him. "She is fine!" he said. "You know pulling a prank like this is not funny. Let's go home i want to see my wife and kids." Jesse added and walked to the passenger seat but when he was about to sit Richie grabbed him. He looked deep into his eyes. "Jesse look at me! She's been shot 3 times and Kevin with PJ are at my house with Tori and Adam. We really have no fucking time to waste!" Richie said with raised voice hoping that will make him undestand that he's telling the hard truth. 

"No! No!" he said back and pushed him away. "Pauline is perfectly fine! She send me this selfie hours ago!" Jesse answered back aggressively and searched for his phone to show him that picture. Richie with a gentle move he took his phone in his hands. Jesse was watching him close and looked around while his words were playing on playback in his mind. He took a few steps away from him and let a scream loud enough for everyone on the whole planet could hear him. It was this moment that he finally realised that Richie was only telling the truth. He got down on his knees and touched the ground with his cold palms. His tears found their way soon as he was still screaming at the top of his lungs until there was voiceless plea of just pain. Richie walked next to him and helped him get back on his feet. 

He saw that look on his face that will probably haunt him for the rest of his days. It seems that whatever words he could speak have absolute no point. So, he did what he was known for be there to hold him while he was crying his heart out. They were standing there on a rest stop on a busy highway on a Friday night until some raindrops were falling from the sky hoping to wash away all the pain and heartache they could.

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Jon was sitting on a chair on some hospital's hallway and watching people passing him by. Nobody recongised him, how could they after all? He was wearing a black jockey hat and his hands were hiding his face and he was covered in blood. They had arrived about 1,5 hours ago and the doctors took Pauline to a room where he had no access. All these question were keep popping on his head. How? Who? Why? And still he had no idea what happend on that house. While his thought were making a mess in his mind he heard someone with very familiar voice shouting at a young nurse. He stood up quickly and followed that voice. After a few more steps he was watching his son yelling at a nurse.

"Jesse!" he shouted and Jesse turned his head. He saw his father, the strongest man he knew looking so broken covered in his wife's blood. He run to his side followed by Richie and hugged him so close. Once they broke the hug blood stains were on Jesse's wet coat too but he didn't care. "W-What happend?" he said and his eyes filled with tears. "I don't know..." Jon spoke the truth. Jesse looked around trying to find a doctor. "Does anybody here knows if my wife is okay?" Jesse screamed and he saw about 30 pairs of eyes looked back at him. The nurse he saw yelling earlier run to where he was.

"Sir, are you alright?" she asked. "No i am not! I need to see my wife! Does anybody here knows if my wife is okay?" he screamed again with shaken voice as he felt he couldn't take a breath. He was breathing in and out so fast which made him unable to see clearly everyone else's face. "Here, take a seat and i'll find your wife okay?" the nurse said as calmly as she could and helped Jesse sit on a chair that was near by. "What's her name?" she asked him once he sat down. Jesse tried to answer but he couldn't speak her name. "Pauline Timson." Richie answered fast and the nurse looked back at him. "Wait here, i'll be right back." she said and stormed away.

Moments later a man in his late 50's approached them. "Are you Mrs Timson's husband?" he asked and Jesse stood up rapidy. "Yes, that's me! How is she?" he asked back. The doctor looked at these three men in front of him. He took a deep breath, he always hated that part of his job. "Mrs Timson had been shot 3 times, one on her left leg and other two on the abdomen. Her left ovary and left kidney were damaged from the bullets and they had been removed. She's stable right now but..." the doctor paused. "But?" Jesse jumped in first. The doctor shallowed and put his hands in his pocket. "Mrs Timson was 15 weeks pregnant and she had miscarriage on her way here. I'm so sorry." the doctor dropped the bomb but Jesse could still hear it echoing in his ears. He saw the doctor's lips moved he had probably had said something he didn't even hear. 

He suddenly felt that everything and everybody was moving too fast and he was just standing there unable to think, speak or move. He felt like he couldn't stand, he was poweless and he really was. His face went pale and lost his balance. He wanted to crawl back in time when everything was alright and he wasn't feeling that kind of pain. "Jesse!" Jon said and grabbed him by his arm right before he was about to hit the floor. He helped get back on his feet only to face this empty look on his face. Jesse was starring at the wall that was in front of him when he saw the cloudy sky lighted up by the strong lighting that followed. He saw Jon's car keys on the chair he sat down earlier. He took them in his hands and walked away.

"It's me. Tell me what you know. Okay, text me the adress, i'm on my way right now." Jesse said on the phone and hung up as he was walking down the stairs.

Chapter 40: Army Of One

 October 20th 2029 ~ Red Bank, NJ

"Hey! Come in, they've been waiting for you!" Pauline said smiling from ear to ear when she answered the door. "Hello darlin'!" Richie said first as he walked in followed by Jon. "Hey Pauline! How are you doing?" Jon asked as she closed the door behind her. "You know work, the usual stuff. These two are driving me crazy since Jesse left." she replied as the three of them were walking to the living room. "But i manage, i got used to it you know." she added as she sat down on the couch. "I saw that online show man it was fucking awesome!" Pauline spoke again looking at them feeling proud for them. "Thank you, we are pretty good." Jon said first smiling. "Where are the boys? It's very quite around here." Richie asked while looking around. "They're packing their stuff for the weekend. It's the only thing they're talking about." Pauline answered to Richie.

"Thank you so much for taking them for the weekend. I really need that break." she added and looked at them. "We know the feeling and it's the least we could do." Jon replied knowing how she must be feeling. "We love spending time with them and you with Jess deserve some alone time, we need more children running around here!" Jon said without giving it so much thought. "Jon!" Richie spoke right after him giving his best friend his version of stink eye. "It's alright! We're doing everything we can." Pauline answered feeling little awkward. "Don't listen to him darlin'! You know when the time will come." Richie said softly. "Yeah, i know." she said simply.

"Can i ask you something?" Pauline turned at them after a long pause. "Of course." Jon said taking his serious look. "I heard Kevin singing the other day while he doing his homework..." Pauline started. "And?" Jon said first feeling his excitment raising. "And his voice was unbelievable. I was sitting outside of his bedroom for like 10 minutes listening to him. He was singing that new Adele song and his voice came so effortessly." Pauline finished while both Richie and Jon were proudly smiling. "I told Jesse the next day and said i should tell you guys. I don't know what to do." she said again. "We'll have a karaoke night and see for ourselves. Don't worry he's too young to go an a tour with us." Richie joked and Jon laughed. "I'm not joking i might be raising a  future rock star!" Pauline said a little terrified when she spoke those words out loud. Jon and Richie looked at each other and chukled bit before they could answer they heard footsteps coming from upstairs.

Four legs running down the stairs as fast as they could yelling "Gradpa!" Kevin and PJ said with one voice as they run to where Jon and Richie were sitting. Jon stood up in now time and hugged his grandsons very close. "Hey, boys! I've missed you." he said when they broke the hug and gave each on a kiss on their cheek. "Boys give Richie a hug too. Don't be shy you know him." Pauline said who was watching them and knew they must be feeling a little uncomfortable. They looked at her mother and did what she asked. "Oh boys!" Richie said as he felt four little hands hugging him back. 

"What are we gonna do?" the 7 year old PJ asked first looking at Jon. "Whatever you want! We can go to the park, we can paint. But first we will do your homework, okay? Go get your bags from upstairs so we can go!" Jon said while he was looking at their excited faces. "Okay, we'll be back! Don't leave without us!" Kevin said confident enough to point his finger on his grandfather. "We won't!" Jon said with playfull voice pointing his finger back at him. Smiling both of them stormed out of the living room. Once they were upstairs Pauline turned her head at them and said "We'll see you at the party right?" "Of course, we won't miss it for the world!" Richie said smiling. "It's costume party remember, don't show up wairing jeans!" "Oh right Halloween party!" Jon said laughing "Please don't be Joker again we sceared them last year." Pauline answered as she remembered how much teriefed they were the previous year.

"Nah, i'll dress up as Rich this year!" Jon said and poked Richie on his showlder. "You wish you were as fashionable as me Kidd!" Richie joked. "Really? You wanna bet?" Jon started and searched his pocjet for some money. "Here 50 bucks! Whoever gets the best costume wins!" he added as he placed the 50 dollar bill on the coffee table and offered his hand for a handshake. Richie looked at him and gave him an evil smile as he shook his hand back "Challenge accepted Kidd." "I really don't know who is going to babysit who this weekend." Pauline said as she sat back on the couch with his arms crossed and looked at them. "You know Kidd is being a kid sometimes but you have my word as an adult!" Richie joked and Pauline laughted. 

"We're ready!" PJ and Kevin yelled again as they were walking down the stairs not running this time holding their bags on their hands. Jon and Richie stood up "Say goodbye to your Mum boys and let's roll!" Jon said as he searched for his car keys on his pockets. Pauline stood up as well only to get on her knees to fix her sons coats. "Be good for Grandpa and Uncle Richie okay?" she said as she hugging them both tight. "Don't worry Mum i'll keep an eye on Kevin!" PJ said feeling like a big brother even though he was only 2 minutes older than Kevin. "I know you will baby." she said as she fixed his brown hair. "Whatever!" Kevin said a little annoyed. "Come on guys! Let's go have some fun!" Richie said clapped his hands. "Yeah!" both the boys said and run to the door waiting for the rest of them.

Once at the door Pauline watched her sons getting in Jon's car. "Don't let them eat too much sugar. If anything happens call me anytime!" Pauline to Jon. "Yes, ma'am! Make sure you have some fun and we'll be alright. You have nothing to worry about, Richie is the best babysitter you could ask for." Jon answered as he watched his best friend helping them get into the car and put their seatbelts. "Yeah, i know." Pauline said and checked the time on her watch. "Oh fuck i have to leave in a few nimutes." she added. "When will he land?" "In three hours but you know how busy is JKF on Friday nights." Pauline answered and was waiving back to PJ and Kevin who were waiving at her from the backseat. "I know, i know! See you Sunday at 7.00 pm then Pauline!" Jon said and gave her a quick hug. "Have fun! Hope they don't drive you crazy!" "They can't, already crazy!" Jon joked. 

"Jon! You coming?" Richie yelled from the passenger door opened. "Coming Rich!" he yelled back and said his goodbyes to Pauline. She watched them as they were driving away. Once they were gone she walked back in the warmth on her empty now house. But she had no time to waste. She run upstairs and changed to a pear on Levi's jeans and a white sweater. She grabbed her purse and coat as she exited the master bedroom. She placed them on the couch and closed all the curtains as long as most on the lights. Then she walked in the kicthen to drink a glass of water before she'll leave for the airport. Her heart was already racing when she thought she will spend the next two and a half days alone with Jesse. Of course she adored their children but she needed some alome time with her husband. She checked the time once more before she left the kitchen and turned off the lights. 

Walking across the living room to get her coat and purse she notished one window was open and the curtains blowing. "Where is my mind?" she wondered to herself and walked closer and sealed the window. Turning back her breath was caught on her throat and felt her heart skip more than one beat. She was looking at a silhouette coming closer to her. She wanted to run away but she felt like she couldn't move, like she was trapped here. "Hello Pauline! Long time no see and that's a shame." Pauline heard a familiar voice saying but her mind had stopped working at this time. She could hear the footsteps on the wooden floor coming closer and closer from the dark. "Who are you? Leave or i'll call the Police!" she screamed and reached her phone from her jeans pocket with shaking hands. 

The only light coming from the other side of the room revealed the identity of the person who broke in. "Jennifer." Pauline said almost whispered as her eyes opened wide. "It's been years and i thought i'd pay you a visit." Jennier said while she was looking around the living room. "You have a nice place here." she started and put her right hand in her pocket. "Unfortunately, you won't stick around too long." she added and pulled a loaded gun and pointed it on Pauline. "What do you want?" she said after she gathered all the power she had inside her. "What i want? I think you already know!" Jennifer said and closer to where Pauline was standing. "I want what you took from me all those years ago!" "Really?" Pauline answered knowing she was playing with fire now.

"Really! I promised you one thing when Jesse was in the hospital, remember?" Jennifer answered while she was walking around her making circles. Pauline was watching her every move, how could she not? She had a gun aiming her. "I promised i'll send you to your grave even if i will not see the light of the Sun again, were the words i used. And because i always keep my word let's get over it, i have one more stop before i'll go to the airport to pick up Jesse." she said so calmly. Pauline's whole body was shaking now. "Why now?" she asked trying to buy herself some time to think how she will escape her. 

Jennifer stopped in front of her and looked in her eyes. "Because i was in a psychiatric clinic for almost 8 years. Jesse said it was for the best. I was doing okay but i was even better when i stopped taking the pills they're giving me." Jennifer paused and laughed a little. "I escaped early this morning when the guards changed their shift. And here i am finishing what we started years back, where i can finally be with Jesse and you'll be long gone." she added and walked behind her. Pauline closed her eyes as tears were rolling down her cheek. But she had no time for tears she thought to herself. She was looking around the living room trying to find something to distract her attention. At this moment she was praying for a miracle hoping her savior hasn't left town.

Jennifer placed the gun on the back of her skull and she could feel her breathing in and out on her neck. Pauline closed her eyes and saw her whole life passing by. Memories she didn't know she had until now. The memory that was kept coming back again and again was the one she had only minutes ago, hugging PJ and Kevin. She was an army of one with no gun right now. She could hear her heart beating inside her so fast like never before. She closed her eyes and opened them again determined now to fight for her life. "Any wishes left bitch?" Jennifer joked and placed her finger on the trigger. 

The door that was leading on the patio outside was open and the curtains were blowing under the fall cold breeze. Jennifer heard a noise coming from the garden and slowly turned her head and saw a dog had just jumped the fence and was now on the backyard playing with a tennis ball. "Get the fuck out of here!" she screamed and pointed the gun at the dog and fired. Pauline heard and turned around only to make sure that Bella, the dog, was alright and she was. Jennifer was still looking at the god running in terror at the sound that the gun made. This was her chance. Her savior didn't left town after all. 

Without thinking about it Pauline run towards the stairs. Jennifer felt her running away and aimed at her and pulled the trigger. The sound kept echoing on the living room as Pauline covered her head with her two hands hoping for the best. Pauline tunred around her face and saw Jennifer running to her side. Rapidly she started climbing up the stairs but missed a stair and that gave Jennifer the opportunity to grab her leg and dragged her down of the remaining stairs. Pauline hit her head in each stair but didn't feel anything. She was moving fast and she managed to escape her death wish one more time. Pauline run to where the door was and she heard Jennifer firing her gun again. Her hands were placed on the door trying to open it when she felt a burning coming from her left leg. Pauline held out a voiceless scream when she realised she shot her on the leg. 

She turned around and faced Jennifer who had an pure evil smile on her face while she was walking closer to her. Her back was against the door as she rolling down she notished some umbrellas on her left. She took a step closer and took one on her left hand. Jennifer was one breath away when she opened it. Once the umbrella was open Pauline pressed it forward with whatever power she had left in her. That made Jennifer loose her balance and fel on the floor with the gun she was holding. Pauline saw the gun on the floor being only a few feet away from her, she knew she had to be fast. She looked down at her left leg. Blood was running but there waw no time to think right now. She walked and stopped in front of the gun and took it her shaking hands covered in her own blood. 

Jennifer managed to get back on her feet in now time and in just a matter of seconds she was standing next to Pauline who was holding the gun in one hand while the other one was gently placed on the wound. Jennifer thought fast and with a simple move of hers she kicked Pauline's leg right where she shot her moments earlier. Pauline lost her balance and as she was hitting the floor she saw the gun dancing away from her hands. She screamed loudly. She was felling excruciating pain but didn't say a single word. Jennifer grabbed her by her hair and was dragging her closer to the light. It was dark now and only the light was coming from outside. Pauline kept trying to escape, she was only an army of one after all. 

Jennifer stopped and lifted her face looking in her eyes while Pauline was on her knees. She placed the gun touching gently her forhead this time. "You won't be alone for long, your bastard sons will follow soon enough!" she said as her finger was flerting with the trigger. "You will never find them!" Pauline answered back quickly. "You know when people are about to die, they're always telling the truth. Tell where the fuck are they?" Jennifer screamed in front of her face. "Never!" she said while she was gathering all the strength she had left. Pauline was standing tall and yet so broken in front of Jennifer. She won't bend. She won't break. She won't back down now. 

Pauline was breathing in and out fast and she almost didn't feel that the gun was now touching her belly. Jennifer's blue eyes were never leaving Pauline's hazel ones. She was looking dead in her eyes and Jennifer only saw how terrified she was. Jennifer's lips broke into a bitter smile knowing the moment she was planning for 10 months finally came.

"One for Patrick John!" Jennifer pulled the trigger.

"One for Kevin Constantine!" Jennifer emptied the last bullet in Pauline's body.

Chapter 39: You Give Love A Bad Name

 Pauline opened the bedroom door as she heard Jesse coughing loudly. He was sitting on the bed with a lots tissues around him. "Are you feelling any better?" she asked him from a distance. "Kinda." he replied and looked back on his laptop. Because of him being sick since the day the batch arrived he had to take it slow and not work so much but that was hard. "I made you a chicken soup. You want some?" she asked him. "I can't really eat right now." "I know but you need food for the antibiotics to work." Pauline replied and sat on the side of the bed. "Maybe later. I'm in the middle of something here." Jesse said without lookin at her. "Okay, i'll be downstairs with the boys if you need me." she said stooding up and left.

She closed the door and went downstairs like she told him. She went straight to the living room where PJ and Kevin were playing with each other and their toys. Smiling she sat on the floor right beside them. They didn't pay her so much attetion and they kept playing with their toys. PJ crawled to the coffee table because something caught his eyes. He placed his little hands on the top of it and raised his body. He took in his hands the remote and looked back at his mother confident like an NBA star on the free throw like. Smiling he took the very first step in his life. "Oh my God! Come on PJ you got it!" Pauline yelled in exitment as PJ was getting closer to her and finally made it all by himself. Pauline got him in her arms and hold him close. His hazel eyes met hers as he handed her the remote and smiled. "Didn't need that buddy but thank you!" Pauline said and smiled back as PJ sat down again and crawl back to his twin brother. 

All excited of PJ taking his first steps she wanted to share the news with someone and the first person who crossed her mind was of course Jesse. Dispait the fact that she didn't want to talk to him after the fights they've been having he had the right to know. She grabbed her phone and texted him. PJ was playing with a Fisher Price piano that Jon got him while Kevin was playing with some colourfull blocks. Jesse was watching them from the top of the stairs and was smiling proudly. He walked down the stairs and closer to the rest of his family. "Did he really walk?" he asked and three heads turned around to face him. "Yeah! On his own really!" Pauline answered back feeling enthusiastic. "Oh man and i missed it." Jesse replied and walked a little closer but then he coughed and covered his mouth. 

"Don't worry he'll do it again." "Yeah, sure. So, that soup you made is it ready?" Jesse asked. "Yes, don't forget your antibiotics in a few hours." Pauline said and looked back to PJ and Kevin. "Okay." he replied and left the room and went to the kichen. While he was purring the soup on his plate he looked over at the window. It was a perfect sunny Sunday noon. Some kids were playing outside football and he was stuck in the house. He sat on the chair in the table and started eatting the chichen soup that Pauline made for him thinking how on Earth they end up in this place.

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Pauline was sitting on her desk drinking an iced caramel macchiato she got from Starbucks about 2 hours ago. She was going throught some e-mails she missed the weekend when her phone rung. She checked and it was Rachel, their secretary, who was calling her from the internal phone. "Yes, Rachel." "Mrs Timson there's someone here to see you and he doesn't have an appointment." "What's his name, Rachel?" Pauline asked a little annoyed by her question. "Richard Sambora." Rachel replied after a long pause. Pauline laughed hard as she said "Tell him to come in!". Rachel hung up and seconds later PAuline heard a knock on her door. "Mr Sambora, Mrs Timson." Rachel said as she opened the door and let Richie walked in. Pauline got up from her chair and said "Thank you, Rachel." she nodded her head and left.

"Sorry about that!" Pauline said and gave him a quick hug. "Nah, don't worry! It was nice to feel like a normal person." Richie said as they broke the hug. "What brings you in here?" Pauline answered and took her place back on the desk as Richie sat on the other side. "I had an interview in a radio station and i thought i'd come to say hello." Richie replied and looked around. "You did a good thing!Do you need anything? Coffee, water?" "Coffee if it's okay." Richie replied and Pauline stood up and walked to a little table on her left where a Nespresso coffee machine was waiting. "I only have espresso if that's okay." "Anything you have darlin'!" Richie said and smiled. 

"What is this ashtrey doing here? You didn't start smocking again, didn't you?" he added a few seconds later when he saw the glass ashtrey on her desk. "Of course not! That's Harry's." Pauline replied as she placed the mug filled with espresso in front of him. "Thank you! Good for you!" "You can light up one, but just one!" Pauline replied as she sat back again on the chair. "I can hold on a few minutes, i'm not that desperate.... yet." he joked and drunk a sip of his coffee. "So, how things are going in your life?" "Did Jon send you?" Pauline replied as she sensed something was up and crossed her arms. "No, why will he send me? Did something happend?" Richie asked back and Pauline looked back at him with a raised eyebrow. "Fuck!" he started and looked at her. "Okay, he send me to check up on you." "Check up on me? I'm not 16 anymore,you know." she answered feeling a little pressured in this moment. "We know that, but we notised some tension the other night in Ava's between you and Jesse. Look,all we want is for you both to be happy, so are you happy? If you are that's good enough for me."

Pauline was studying his face. She knew he was not stupid and cared about them very much. She was wondering if they made it that obvious that something was something was off between them. "Honestly, i don't know what we are anymore..." she finally replied as she run her fingers throught her hair. "I mean we keep shouting at each other and calling names and staff. We're both so busy that we don't do anything together like a family and as a couple anymore." she added and looked back at Richie. "I hear you. I don't know what's is wrong here and you don't have to tell me. Can i give a piece of advise?" he asked her and searched the pocket of his coat for his pack of cigarettes. He took the pack out and lighted one and looked back at her.

"We'll all have been there. Working brings up shades of yourself you didn't know you had. I didn't make the best choises back then and now i understand how i let that change me. Being alone on the other side of the world all i wanted was to go home and when i was back home there was no home, you know." Richie said and blew off some smoke. "The only thing Heather and i agreed was what we wanted from each other and that helped us get throught some years but you are not Heather. I know you got staff in your mind and he has his own staff to worry about but you can not let this destroy what you're building here. You have two healthy and beautiful boys and you should both focus on what really matters because in the end you will always have them." "I tried to have a talk with him but didn't go as i planned." Pauline replied fast.

"Yeah, because you're both too fucking stuborn to admit that you're wrong! If you open up a little you'll see what this world it's all about. I'm an old man and took me years and countless mistakes to undersatnd that." Richie said and sat back on his chair with the cigarette resting on his fingers. Pauline looked back at him. "You can give it one more try darlin', it's free." he added and she sighed. "You know Ava said the same thing but used diferent words. Thank you." Pauline replied seeing a diferent point of view this time. "Just do me a favor, when things get though you both are always worth the fight because all you're doing right now is giving love a bad name and nobody wants that, okay?" Richie replied smiling as he put away the cigarette.

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Jesse was laying on the couch watching some show on Netflix or he was trying to pay attention to whatever they were saying. The fire was burning making it an amlost perfect autumn Friday night. "Jess, i think we should talk." she told him from right behind him. Jesse turned around and saw her holding a bottle of Hampton Water and two glasses. "Okay..." he said as he saw her making her way in front of him and sat beside him. Pauline plased the bottle of wine on the coffee table and opened it. She poured the wine in the glasses and gave one to Jesse. He took it in his hand and looked at her. She seemed so diferent now. He could feel her aura had changed. Maybe it was the way she was acting right now or maybe because that was what he wanted her to do. 

"Cheers." she said and raised her glass and watched Jesse took his first sip. "You won't drink?" he asked her when he shallowed. "Not yet. First we need to talk." Pauline replied and placed gently her glass on the coffee table. She took the remote on her left hand and turned off the TV. While facing him she started "Lately i found myself looking at the mirror while i was puting some make up on and you know what i saw? I saw just a woman getting ready for work. I know i'm something more than that and believe you don't deserve a just a person. You're right i've changed and now all i'm asking is for us to sit down and find a way to fix whatever broke us, i won't run away or yell at you, i'm fucking tired of that." She spoke with so low voice that Jesse had trouble hearing some words. She was so calm and teh vibes she was sending were something he had never experience before in his entire life.

He placed the glass on the coffee table and was starring at her. "I'm tired too. You're right we need talk this through. You've been distant and it's been killing me. All i want is to be with you and the boys and enjoy what we've created which is something i can't even find the words to describe it." he spoke while locking his eyes with hers. Pauline looked down at her feet when he finished. "You're right. I was so obsessed with this job and i pushed everyone away." she started and lifted her face and kept starring straight to the turned off TV while a tear rolled down her cheek. "I thought that after the wedding eveything will be perfect and nothing can go wrong and then you told you lost your job and i felt so traped in a situation i didn't know how to get out. But now that changes and we are more stable in our jobs and we can look after each other. I just wish we had talk months ago before it destroyed us." 

"It didn't destroy us, only us can do that. I mean we can speak the words but i will never really mean them. What my life could be with you, PJ and Kevin? Nothing!" he paused and looked at her. "I'm the only to blame for all of this! If didn't lose my job then i wouldn't have to drink so much. I will be able to be the husband you fucking deserve and not some really cheap version of it. But i was afraid, we had no money and i knew you will be disappointed in me and i will hate myself for that, not that i don't do that already." "What?" she paused him suddenly.

"I fucking hate myself right now, Paul! I hate the fact that we're having this conversation right now." he was looking at her speaking the only truth he had at the moment. "Jess..." she started covering his hands with hers. "I was told today that we are always worth the fight when things get tough. And with that in mind i decided to be in the office only for 4 hours per day. I know it's not a lot but it's a start to try to fix what needs to be fixed between us. You are really not the only one to blame, it's takes two to start a fire. I have responsibilities too that's why i'm taking the first step to break that circle. If you hate yourself then i do too because you're a part of me as i am a part of you, you told me that in Rome remember?" she paused as memories were flashing back in her mind.

Jesse chuckled also when his own memories of this special moment were running back to his mind. "Yeah, i was pretty wise back then." he said simply. "I really appreciate what you're doing and now that i'm not sick anymore i can do this..." he added seconds later and moved closer to her. He looked so deep in her eyes that he thought he was a part of them, in his mind he definitely was. He placed the sweetest kiss that was hiding on her lips while his palm was resting on her cheek. "We will be alright Pauline Timson i promise you that. You don't have to doubt about than anymore." Jesse spoke softly but in his head those words were screaming. He was never more serious in his whole life. He knew they're both acting wrong but all he cared about now was that they promised they will do better.

As they were kissing each other, they were thinking the very same thing; that the Sun will shine new tommorow morning when the Moon tells it that they are not broken anymore.

Chapter 38: When I Was Home I Was Miles Away

 Jesse was searching for his keys as he was his Uber driving away. He was standing outside of his house trying not to make any noise. He opened the door slowly and left his heavy suitcase on his left. After closing and locking the door behind him he checked the time on his watch, it was 2.38 am. He was supposed to be here at least 4-5 ago but Air France Airways had a different opinion on that matter. He could barely keep his eyes open and that jet lack didn’t help at all. Even though he was exhausted, Jesse checked if all doors and windows were closed and then he noticed her. She was sound sleeping wrapped in a Hard Rock Café blanket they got from a trip in Rome with her phone in her hands.

The lights were all off but still he could see every line in Pauline’s face. A smile appeared on his lips when he realized how much he had missed her these three weeks he was away. Thoughts were fighting in his head. Should he wake her up or let her sleep there on the couch? He didn’t give it too much thought and knelt in front of his sleeping beauty and whispered softly "Hey, Paul time to wake up." Jesse said and placed his hand on her left shoulder. She slowly opened her eyes and said with the most sleepy voice she had "Hey…what time is it?" "It’s late, let’s go to bed." Jesse answered and Pauline sat up on the couch. "You’re late." She said and yawned big time after checking the time on his phone. "I know, I’ll tell you everything in the morning." He replied and put aside the blanket so she could stand up. "Okay." She said again and stood up.

Moments later they were both in bed cuddling. Jesse was holding her so close like it was for the first time and didn’t know how her touch felt like. He was always wondering how his father was doing that for more than 40 years but he never really knew how it felt until now. Now that he was holding her in his arms he knew that this moment kept him going on and on. He had missed the way her hair smells and how her skin felt under his fingertips. His eyes were getting heavier and heavier and he could feel himself getting lost in her arms as Morpheus was whispering to him goodnight.

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Pauline was watching away waving goodbye to the last guests of their small gathering. Ava sat next to her on the couch "Finaly some alone time!" she said and took the glass of wine in her hands. "I'm gonna miss this you know!" Pauline answered as she got comfier on the couch. "We can Facetime whenever you want. Exept when we're shooting." Ava joked. "Yeah, i know. So, are you going to tell me anything about the role? I mean i'm your best friend,i have the right to know." Pauline replied hoping that Ava will give in eventually and tell her but she laughed hard. "You know i can't tell you that!The only thing i can tell you is that you are going to love it!" "That's what you keep telling me for the last two months!" Pauline said with a raised voice not because she was mad but because she was so curious. "And that's what you will get for now!" Ava said laughing sarcasticly and looked at the other side of the living room where Jesse and Alex were talking.

After some seconds of silence Ava finally spoke "When are you going to tell me? I'm leaving tomorrow." Pauline looked at ehr with her eyebrow raised having no idea what she was talking about. "Tell you what?" "Oh come on! I know you and i also know him." Ava said and pointed at Jesse with her eyes. "Oh, you mean him." "Him?" Ava asked back suprised. Pauline singed as she looked at Jesse with the corner of her eye "We are going through some phase. He's so obsessed since he came back from France i don't recognize him anymore." "Yeah i notised that too. You barelly spoke tonight." Ava spoke her truth. "We don't really talk. We're both so busy i'm really wondering how the fuck we keep this family together." Pauline said and took a sip of her wine. "The first batch will be here by the end of the week and it's driving him crazy. He spend the last 10 days planning this and fucking ignoring us."

"Have you told him about this?" Ava asked. "Talk? I don't even see him. He wakes up before me and goes to sleep before me as well." "I think you're telling this to the wrong person." Ava started and stopped for a second to look at her. "I've been here since day one of this relationship and i'm your biggest fan. I'm not saying who is wrong and who is right but you must tell him how you feel. I know with you working again things are diferent and do i need to remind you that you have been through so much worse? Really i don't know where to begin! The accident? Mike? Jennifer?" "Please don't say her name!" Pauline stopped her when she heard the name of the person that made almost destroyed everything. "All i'm trying to say is that you need to talk to him. He is your fucking husband and we all know how much he loves you and the boys!" Ava answered and took a sip of the wine as well. 

"Yeah, i think you're right like always. I really have no idea what i would do without you, Ava!" she said and placed her hand on her knee. Ava covered it with her own hand only seconds later. "We'll be fine. It's gonna be tough at first but you know we're something more than friends!" "I know..." Pauline answered sobbing. "Hey, what are you girls crying for?" Alex spoke as he sat on the edge of the couch and placed his arm around Ava's shoulders. Pauline quickly whipped off the tear before it roll down her cheek. Jesse sat right next to her and before he could get comfortable she moved a little closer to Ava. He saw her but never said a single word. "I have the right to get a little emotional!" Pauline answered. 

"So Jess how is Hampton Water doing?" Ava tried to change the subject. "We didn't have the chance to talk about it tonight, sorry about that." Alex added sortly and now everyone was looking at him. "It's good. It's been very busy. I'm trying to find an office somewhere but that's hard. You know at least finding employees was somehow easier than i thought." Jesse answered all exited that finally the idea of was coming to life. "I found a graphic design company that did the logo and the website which turned better than i thought. I made an Instagram account and now the first batch will arrive from France by the end of the week." Jesse continued while he was looking at Ava and Alex almost ignoring Pauline.

"That's huge! We're sorry that we'll miss that." Alex said feeling how exited he must be. "Nah, don't mention it! We'll visit you when everything is up and running, right Paul?" Jesse said and turned to face her. "Yeah, sure!" she answered back with a shade of sarcasm in her voice as she finished the remaining wine. She placed the glass on the coffee table in front of her and stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom." she said and vanished. Jesse looked at her and then at Ava and Alex. "I should go too." "Yeah you should Jesse." Ava said back and crossed her arms as she saw Jesse running to catch up her best friend.

Pauline was about the enter the bathroom when Jesse grabbed her arm and stopped her. "What the fuck was that Paul?" he asked a little angry. "What are you talking about?" she replied innocently. "Don't play dumb with me!" he replied fast. Pauline was looking at him, his eyes were open wide and she knew well enough that he was pissed. "This is not the place or the time to have this conversation, now if you excume me i need to pee." "Really? I thought that bathroom idea was a lie." Jesse said as he crossed his arms and lean back on the wall on the other side of the bathroom door. "What's supposed to mean?" Pauline asked him and closed the door. "I think you know. You've been avoiding me for days now and you're asking me?" "Oh yeah like you've been a perfect husband for the last weeks!" she slapped hard on him. 

"Oh right i'm the problem here like always. The easy way is always to blame me for working 12 hours every day!" "I'm working too if you remember when i go back home to my kids i want my fucking husband to be there too not 1.000 fucking miles away!" she screamed pointing her finger on him. "Yeah right running daddy's business is very hard especially when someone else is running it for you!" Jesse yelled. "At least i'm not taking Daddy's money!" she answered looking him dead in the eyes. When the words came out of her mouth her eyes opened wide as she realized what she had just said. Jesse shallowed hard trying not to let his love for her turn into hate. "I'm so happy that you married a guy who uses his father's money." he said with a heart broken voice. "You know the distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 93 million miles. The distance between your heart and mine is 7 inches. Yet somehow the Sun feels closer to me in this moment than you." he added without making any eye contact with her and walked away.

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Jesse was driving late at night. The rain was not helping him at all. He checked the time on the clock in the car, it was 2.05 am and he was late. He was trying to go there as soon as possible but he was not used to staying late at this hour. He took a left turn in the Newark Port. He was driving so slow and the rain was falling hard on the front windscreen making things even worse for him. Jesse was watching the trucks waiting to load or unload their cargos from the ship that just had arrived. With that ship from France came the very first batch of Hampton Water. He stopped the car where he could have a clear view to the trucks coming out of the cargo ship. 

He drunk a sip of filter coffee he made at home about 2 hours ago. He took the phone in his hand and started checking some news and stories on Instagram hoping that will make the time fly by quickly. He soend a good 40 minutes watching TikToks when his phone rung "Jesse Bongiovi?" the man on the other line of the phone asked as soon as Jesse answered it. "Yes, you must me Lucas right?" "Yep, where are you? I'm driving a  grey Mercendes-Benz truck." Lucas said as he got off the ship. "Yeah i can see you Lucas!" "Yeah i can see you too man. I'll go there left and meet you there." "Okay see you there."Jesse said and hung up the phone. He started the engine of the car and followed the truck. His heart beating fast as he was getting closer. 

They found an openening before the West exit of the port and stopped there. Jesse opened the door and he got off his car. The rain was still going but that didn't sto him at all. The driver got off the truck as well and met Jesse on the back. "Welcome man!" Jesse said and shook hands with Lucas. "Thank you! So where am i taking those boxes?" he asked Jesse as he opened the door of the truck and showing him about 200 boxes full of wine. Jesse's eyes opened wide as he saw them and than moment the rain didn'e bother him at all. "I'll text you the adress it's not far from here." "Good, you want a box?" Lucas asked him and looked inside. "Yeah, sure man!" Lucas smiled and climbed the few stairs and lifted the first box he found. He carefully placed it of the edge of the truck's floor and in front of Jesse. "Oh, i almost forgot." Jesse started and searched for an envelope from his wet jacket. When he found it he handed over to Lucas who wasted no time and opened it. It took him a while to count all of the 50$ dollar bills he found inside. 

"We're good." Lucas simply answered and put the envelope full of money on the pocket on the back of his jeans. "Take care Jesse!" Lucas said as Jesse lifted the box and closed the door. "Thank you Lucas! Drive safe!" he said as he walking back to his car as fast as he could. Jesse quickly placed the box on the backseat and jumped in the driver's seat. He searched for some tissues and found some. He looked at him self in the front mirror and he could not recall a moment that he was so wet and yet so happy. He checked the time on phone and texted Lucas the adress for the delivery. Once that was done he started the engine's car and drove away. The ride back home was as hard as it was he thought it wll be. The rain never stopped and he was driving slow on the highway. 

He could not wait this ride back home to end. He wanted so badly to go home and see what his dream is made of. And yet he knew that he will not be alone at home. Scenes of him and her fighting were flashing by his mind as he was listening to a Imagine Dragons song on the radio. He was hurt by the words she choose to speak than night in Ava's. She's the one who is wrong this time he thought. She must apologize to him and to his suprise she haven't done that yet. Instead she was more distand. He will wait for her say the right words and then he will think of he will forgive her. In a point of view the words she spoke were right, he was using his father's money but only to create something for them and not for his own pleasure. 

With that in mind he parked the car on their driveway after almost 1,5 hour drive from Newark's Port. He quickly grabbed his phone, his coffee and car keys. Jesse checked the time and it was almost 4.00 am and then he realized how tired he was. He left the box in the car and he will get after a must needed sleep. He unlock the door of this home and lock it again after he got in. He walked in the kicthen and left the stainless steel tubler he got from Starbucks in the sink. Then he walk up the stairs and looked at PJ and Kevin who were in deep sleep and snorring a little, he smiled and closed the door without making any voice. Jesse opened the door of the maser bedroom and then notised all the drops tht were on the floor from his clothes. "Fuck!" he said with low voice. "You should take a shower." Pauline said as she sat up on the bed and turned on the light on the night stand next to her. "Jesus! You sceared me Pauline" he said suprised that she was awake at this hour. 

Water drops were still falling down on the carpet making it wet. "Sorry..." she said with a sleepy voice. Jesse looked at her and walked to the bathroom without responding to her. He quickly got undressed and left the wet clothes on the bathroom floor. Hot water was running to his entire body as he heard the door open and she walked in. "What are you doing here?" he asked her. "Just wanted to make sure you were okay." Pauline replied as she was resting her body on the sink watching him. "As you can see i'm pretty good. Now could you please leave? I want to take a shower alone in peace." Jesse replied as purred body wash on his sponge. "Alright." she answered simply realizing he was not on the mood for talking about how the delivery went. She walked out of the bathroom and sat on the bed waiting for him.

Time was passing by and he was still in the bathroom. It's been more than 25 minutes now and she was getting worried. Even though they were not in the best place she could not deny that she still cares about him to death. She got up and knocked on the door since he wanted to be alone she thought it will be better than walking in. No repsonce. "Jesse?" she asked waiting for an answer but she didn't get it. She knocked again harder than the last time. "Are you okay in there?" Pauline said again as she could hear the water running from the shower. All afraid that something bad was going on inside she opened the door. 

There she found him sitting insode the shower with his legs crossed. She run to his side and notised that he was crying. "Babe, what happend?" she asked as she knelt down next to him. Jesse looked at her with tears in his eyes. "Do you still love me?" he dropped the bomb and looked into her hazel eyes. "What? Of course and i do, you don't have to question that!" she replied. "Then why don't you show it anymore?" "I do, but you keep pushing me away." Pauline answered and sat next to him but outside of the shower. "I'm not pushing you away! All i know is that we don't talk anymore like we used to." "You have to understand that i'm working too and i take care of the kids by myself the last months and i'm so tired and you're not helping me at all." she said and looked at him. "Right, so you keep blaming me that we got here." "I'm not blaming you Jesse!" she said fast. "Yes, you are! You knew things will get though and you're only blaming me but it does not work like that." he answered while he looked eyes with her. 

"You're diferent since you start working and i don't know why. You are so bossy to me, to the kids. You just got a little power in your hands and that changed you so fucking much and turned you into a person i barely recongise anymore." Jesse added what he wanted to say for so long now and it felt good taking that off from his chest. "Is that really what you think of me?" "The woman i married will never say that i used my Dad's money." he said without thinking. Pauline was looking at her feet feeling ashamed of herself. 

 "Okay, you're right i'm really sorry about that and i shouldn't have said that! But you need to be in shoes for once!" "I tried! Have you tried to be in my shoes? Watching my wife being sick of my presence? Do you have any idea how that feels like?" Jesse slapped back at her. "You didn't even apologize to me for what you said that night. You did it now because i brought it up!Do ypu have any idea how that hurt me? Hearing my own wife saying those words? Do you think you will get away with everything just because you are the mother of my children? I believe you must think what you really want from me before it's too late." Jesse said and stood up from the shower floor and wore his underwear. "Before it's too late for what?" Pauline answered back as she stood up as well. Jesse turned and met her gaze as he replied "For us." 

Chapter 37: Across The Boarder They Turn Water Into Wine

The bell rung at the Bongiovi household while Pauline was still in the kitchen. "Jess, they're here!" she yelled from there hoping Jesse was somewhere close. "I heard that!" he yelled back and walked closer to the door and opened it. "Hello! Come in!" Jesse said with a smile and gave a quick hug to his parents. "We brought dessert!" Jon said holding a bag. "It's cheesecake!" Dorothea answered and Jesse closed the door behind them. "Where are the boys?" Jon asked his son while he was trying to spot them on the living room. "Oh here they are!" he said and gave Jesse the bag. PJ and Kevin were sitting on the floor playing with some trains and cars when they saw their grandfather walking to their direction. Kevin was the first to recognize him and started clapping his little hands.

Jon's heart started melting as soon as he walked closer and lifted them both up into the air. "You missed me guys?" he asked them but the only answer he got was a smile. "Jon they're too young to talk!" Dorothea said from behind and took PJ from his husband's hands. "Don't listen to him PJ, he's too old to understand!" she joked. "Very funny, very funny!" Jon answered a little annoyed. "Where's Pauline?" Jon asked as he let Kevin on the floor to play with his toys. "She's in the kitchen! Wanna go outside? The table is all set!" Jesse said smiling proudly because he set the table. "Yeah, sure! Bring some wine on the way back son!" Jon said again and lifted Kevin while he followed his wife with PJ on the pattio.

Jesse walked in the kitchen to where Pauline was making a vinaigrette for the salad that was on the fridge. She checked the famous lasagna in the oven. Jesse put the cheesecake on the fridge. "Everything alright in here?" he asked and put his arms around her. "Yeah, i'm just finishing this and we're all set!" Pauline answered a little nervous and he saw that. "Don't tell me you're nervous, because that should be me." "Me of course not! It's just your parents!" Pauline answered and turned off the oven and opened its door. "It's a big night and i hope to hear a yes." Jesse added and Pauline faced him. "Hey, it's a great idea and i'm sure your Dad sees that too. You have nothing to worry about Jess." she tried to comfort him with a kiss that followed soon enough. "Hope you're right." he replied praying she was right.

Momments later they were all sitting at the table next to the pool enjoying the early night breeze. "This taste amazing Pauline!" Jon started with his seconds place half finished. "Thank you!Its not the best but you know with work and the kids time seems so little." Pauline answered and took a bit of her plate. "How is work? It's been almost 2 months right?" Dorothea asked her. "It's good, i mean better than i thought. My Dad helped me a lot and things were getting better by the day!" Pauline asnwered feeling a little more confident about the new role she had in her father's company. "How about you? A new song perhaps?" she asked and looked at Jon. "We're taking a break from this now, we have more important things to do." Jon replied and looked over to this grandsons who were sound sleeping.

"I'm sure you do!" Jesse said smiling. "I think i'm full, where is that cheesecake?" Jon said as he put his fork and knife down next to his plate. "I'll go get it!" Jesse answered back quickly and stood up. "I'll go with you." Jon said right after and both of them left leaving their wivies alone. As Dorothea watched them walking away she turned to Pauline. "How are you Pauline? Really?" she asked her with a glass of wine in her hand. "I'm okay, just a little tired but coffee helps a lot." she joked because that was her mechanism when she was nervous and she was for some reason she didn't know yet. "You sure? You barely touched your plate tonight and that lasagna you made were amazing." Pauline was looking at her trying to find out where this was going.

After taking a sip of the wine Dorothea said again "You probably don't know this but Jon saw you in the Kitchen on your birthday, the night before we had a fight about something i don't even remember." she paused and chuckled a little. "And he came back home with a huge bouquet of roses and he told me 'I met a girl today in the Kitchen and she had the same fire in her eyes just like you.' and he gave me the roses and disappeared." she paused again and drunk more wine. "And i was standing there wondering what just happened. And when i met you that day the fire in your eyes turned into light in Jesse's eyes. I'm old enough to know what's wrong or what's right and you are something more than right for my son. When Jesse was in the hospital i blamed you, i blamed her and i blamed myself and i know i apologized to you so many times but still i don't think that's enough. I mean you were only 17 when that happend and still you were acting like an adult when Jennifer walked in."

Dorothea stopped and took Pauline's hands into hers and looked deep into her eyes until a tear appeared in the corner. When she heard Jennifer's name she felt sick to her stomach. She hadn't heard it in years and still the anger she was feeling didn't go away. "I know we don't talk too often but if you ever want talk to someone about anything i'm here for you and i mean that." Dorothea finished leaving Pauline speachless next to her. They never had that kind of conversation before not because they didn't like each other but simply because it didn't happen. "Thank you." she managed to say between tears. 

As these two women were hugging tight each other, the men of their livies were in the kitchen. Jesse opened the door of the fridge and found the cheesecake. "You good Jess?" Jon asked as his son closed the fridge's door. "I'm perfect! Really." he replied and placed four plates and four spoons on the table next to the cheesecake. "I'm happy for you. Both of you." Jon said and turned to his son. "Thanks Dad!" smiling Jesse took the dessert with the plates and silverware in his hands. "I hope this doesn't change when you'll working more hours." Jon added when Jesse was on the edge of leaving the room but he stopped when he heard those words. Trying to process the last sentence it hit him. Jon on the other half was laughing when he saw his eyes open wide when he faced him.

"Does this mean that we're doing it?" he said while the feel excitement took over his entire body. "Yep, i wanted to tell you first." was all he could say before Jesse was hugging him closer than any other day. "You won't regret this one Dad, i promise!" "You better!" Jon said when they broke the hug. "I spoke with some friends and we're leaving next week." he added. "Leaving? I can't leave Pauline alone with the boys." Jesse asked back suprised with eyes opened wide. "We need a supplier Jess and we can't make this kind of deals from here." "Where are we going? I did my research and i must say on the South they have some very nice wineyards." Jesse answered and looked up at his father. "Yeah, i know but if we want to do this the right way we must go all the way..." Jon said but stopped as he was a little afraid to tell him where they're going. "Dad where are we going?" he asked him again. Jon sighed and finally told him "Languedoc." Jesse was looking at him puzzled trying to understand where on Earth is this place. "Where is that?" "It's about 40 miles outside of Montpellier." Jon answered as calmy as he could.

"That's in fucking France!" Jesse yelled this time. "Hey watch your tongue young man!" Jon stopped him soon enough. "Sorry, but i can't leave them! Pauline needs me here to look after the boys when she's at work." Jesse spoke his truth. "I know but if we miss that chance there is no point of doing it. It's your idea Jess you must fight for that." Jon told him and nodded his head. He knew what was going on in his head. He had been in that place more times that he could recall. Jon knew what was asking from him was hard and he hated it but this was business. "I know." Jesse replied simply while he was looking down at his feet. "I'll send you your ticket when i get home." Jon said after several seconds of silence and touched his shoulder with his right hand. Jesse just looked at him and nodded while his father was walking away leaving him alone with the cheesecake in the kitchen.

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Jesse was siting on the edge of the bed with a suitcase half ready in front him. He was starring at it for minutes now and he didn't notice Pauline walking in. "Ready?" she said softly knowing the thoughts in his mind were is someplace else. He jumped a little at the sound of her voice. "You need a helping hand with this?" she said again and she sat next to him on the bed. "I got it!" he said. Pauline was looking at him his eyes were locked in that suitcase. "You should pack that baby blue shirt, it looks great on you." she tried to keep the conversation going. "Already in." Jesse answered simply. "The boys will up soon, you should spend some time with them before you leave." she said and looked at him. "Are you sure you can handle this? I can stay here if you say the words." he faced her this time. "No way! You go there and make a fucking deal. Besides what kind of a wife i am if i'm not here to support you." Pauline said and hugged him close. "Just focus on this Jess. We will be fine here!" she added while she was still hugging him.

When they broke apart Jesse watched her eyes close. They looked so tiried and black cirles were beneath them. He knew she was tiried but she never said a word to him. "I'm doing this for us, i hope you know that." he spoke after several seconds. "Yes, Jess. I know. Now let's wake up the boys." Pauline answered and stood up quickly. Jesse followed her and soon enough they were in the nursery room. He watched his sons sound sleeping in their cribs and how much they grew up the last months. He couldn't be any prouder of the family they created. Jesse walked closer to PJ's crib and he tried he wake him up and gentle as he could. "PJ come on buddy. Time to wake up." he whispered and touched his back. PJ slowly opened his eyes and saw his father smiling down at him. He smiled back at him as he said with his sleeping voice. "Dada!" 

Jesse could feel his heart melt at the sound of this simple word. He took him in his arms and filled up his lungs with that baby smell PJ had. His little hands were around his neck as Jesse was still hugging him so close. "Dada!" he heard an another voice from the other side of the room. Kevin was standing tall in his crib trying to find his balance. Pauline was sitting right next to to him and was wacthing them. Jesse walked closer to Kevin and took him in his arms. He was holding them so close that he thought that this is how Heaven must look like or feel like. "I love you so much!" he said while some tears followed because he will not see them for the next three weeks and that was tearing him apart.Pauline was watching the men in her life together thinking how will be able to take care of them for the next three weeks. Of course she had all the help she needs but still it was not the same. Jesse looked over at her and said "Come in here Mommy!" she smiled at stood up from the rocking chair and filled the gap between the three of them. "We love Mommy too, right boys?" Jesse said and looked at them who smiled. Pauline chuckled a bit as he kissed him softly.

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Pauline was at the office. It's been a week since Jesse was in France with his father. It was not the best week and not the worst. Her mother was taking care of the boys while she was at work but when she was back home she was all alone with them. Work was hard the last couple of days and she was getting tired very quickly. She thought that being young and full of energy will help her get throught this but at this point she was mistaken. She was looking at the computer screen for sometime now. They were about to close a huge deal with a client and that will be the first she did on her own. She was nervous because she wanted to show her father that she could manage this position. Time flew by and outside was getting dark and cloudy. She checked her phone and no text from Jesse who was half world away. She wished they could talk more but with time difernce and their busy schedules that seemed hard enough.

She knew at this point she will not get any work done so she diceded to leave. She was alone in the building after all. She turned off the computer and closed the door behind her. She was about to text Jesse when she saw in the office next to her that Harry was still there. She looked in throught the glass door but the chair was facing the Trenton skyline but she was able to see his blonde hair. Pauline knocked before she opened the door. "Hey, what are you doing here?" she asked him. Harry heard her and quickly moved his chair. A violin solo was echoing from the speaker and as she walked closer she notised a bottle of Jameson whiskey half empty. He whipped his tears as quickly as he could. "I-I'm sorry i thought you were gone. You need anything?" Harry said with a shaken voice. "Are you arlight?" Pauline asked him and sat on the chair rigth across from him.

"Yeah, i'm okay. I'm just blowing some steam." he answered trying to hide the truth. She was starring at his eyes that were now turned red from crying. "I know it's not my place but if you need anything you can talk to me. I'm pretty good friend and i'm not your boss, we're way passed working hours." she said laughing hoping this will make a diference in his emotions right now. Harry chuckled a little and took a sip of the whiskey that was on the table without using a glass. "It's too late now, Pauline." he simply said and stood up. With the Jameson in hand he was looking outside of the window but he was not paying any attetion actually. "Her name was Emily.We met in London. I was visiting a friend from College and she was cousin of my friend's girlfiend." he started but he stopped to take a sip of whiskey. "She was the most beautiful person i've ever met and i was just a boy who fell madly in love with her. I was supposted to stay there for a week but that week turned into a month. It was hard with the time difference and the things i needed to do here but somehow we managed. She was a member of the Royal Orchestra playing the violin, Queen's favourite." he stopped again as tears were rolling down his cheeks.

"She gave all that up in a heartbeat. My apartnemt was not that big but we managed, found her a job here and i was feeling like i owned the world only because my world was hers. She was playing for me every night and with every note she was hitting i was flying to place far away from here with her. The next day i spend all the money i was saving to buy a new car and proposed to her, she accepted. A few weeks later we found out she was prengant. Nine months later our daughter Charlotte was home with us until..." he paused only to whip his tears now. Harry looked at Pauline was waiting for his next words. "On a rainy day just like this on this exact date they were coming here to pick me up and all three of us we were going on a party to one of Charlotte's friends from school but THEY NEVER FUCKING MADE IT HERE!" Harry screamed at the top of his lungs the last words and with whatever strenght had left in his body he threw the dark green bottle of whiskey to the wall on his left. 

The bottle shattered as soon as it hit the wall while the liquid was rolling down slowly. Harry was in his knees crying and swearring to God, to the universe, to his luck. "I bought that new car and it took everything i ever cared about with it including myself. I'm fucking empty! I feel nothing! I care about nothing! Do you understand?" Harry met Pauline's gaze who was still in shock and her brain was not working properly right now. What can she possible say to a man who lost his wife and daughter? Probably nothing. "I was blaming myself and wondering what i've done wrong. I'm trying to be sane 364 days only to loose it for one day of the year." he said and slowly stood up. 

Pauline was still looking at him and she could not imagine how much pain his was feeling right now. Being a mother herself she couldn’t ever bare the thought of not seeing her sons again. Soon her own tears followed as she was watching him like this. She approached him while he was down on his knees crying. She didn’t speak a word. She knew words don’t matter at all in these situations. She hugged him close hoping all the broken pieces of his heart will find their way back together. Harry hugged her back a little tighter than the usual.

"I’m sorry…" he said between tears while his head was resting on her shoulder. "Let it out Harry. Let it out." Pauline answered back meaning every word. Her heart was breaking inside as Harry let out a scream that could make all his demons hide or that was what she thought. She was holding him for more than 40 minutes while hard autumn rain was falling down from the dark clouds. "Come on, I’ll drive you home." Pauline whispered.

"I have my scooter." Harry simply said and stood up. He used a tissue to whip off the remaining tears in his eyes. "I’m sure your electric scooter is 100% waterproof." She said and stood up as well and checked the time on her watch. "Don’t come tomorrow and on Friday." She added while she watched him folding his shirt in his pants. "No, no! We’re about to close that big deal. I need to be here." Harry replied quickly. "All you need to be is home. We’ll be fine for two days without you Lord Commander!" Pauline answered trying to make him forget what today was and she knew he was a huge Game of Thrones fan.

Harry chuckled a little. "Okay, your Grace." He said and watched Pauline making probably the worst bow he had ever seen. Both of them laughed out loud. "Thank you for tonight. Things might have been different if I was alone." Harry said when he found his breath from the previous laughter. "Don’t you ever say that again. I really can not imagine how much this hurts but as long as I’m around you are not going anywhere! Is that understood?" she spoke looking his in the eyes. As she was keep staring at them she realized how much they look like Jesse’s and how much she was missing him right now.

In just a few minutes they were inside Pauline's car. With Harry's direction they arrived at his condo. "Thank you so much for tonight, again." he said when Pauline stopped the engine of the car. "That's what friends are for." she answered with a smile. "I should probably go." Harry spoke as he saw the rain outside getting harder and harder. "See you on Monday Harry Charlesworth." she told him hoping that he won't show up tomorrow at the office. "Drive safe." he said as he opened the door and with a rapid move he closed the door behind him and disappeared into the rain. 

As she watched him walking away from the car there is ony one thing she wanted at this moment. She grabbed her phone and called Jesse. She waited a few seconds until he finally answered. "Hey Paul, i can't talk right now. I'll call you back." that was what Jesse said and hung up the phone leaving his now crying wife alone in the rain.