Chapter 6: It's Okay To Be A Little Broken

In New Jersey Jesse was ready to see the game. The warming up had finished. Pauline was talking too much with Rebekah. That was very weird. He knew how the situation was. He was sitting on the living room when Romeo joined him. "Hey, big brother." he said as he sut next to him on the couch. "Hey, little brother. What's up?" "Nothing, i just wanted to see how are you. What are you watching?" Romeo asked looking on the TV. "Pauline is playing now." "Oh great! That will be intersting." Romeo answered and got more confortable on the couch. Jesse raised his eyebrow as he asked. "Are you staying at home on Friday night?"

"Yep, i have nothing to do." "What about that girl i saw the other night?" "Oh Mary? Nothing important." "Be carefull man. You change with women like you change shirts." Jesse told to him brother. "What the Hell that means?" "It's a Greek quote, Pauline told me. It means you don't stay with someone too long. How much did your beigest relationship lasted?" "About 20-25 days." Romeo answered. "You see?" "Yeah, but we're not all that lucky that you. You're with Pauline since i was ten. I can't do that." "You're too young  for big relationships, Romy. But when you'll find the right girl, you'll know it." Jesse said and touched his brother's showlder.

"When you saw Pauline you knew she was the one for you?" his 18 year old brtoher asked him. "I knew it. But i wasn't sure if she was feeling the same about me." "And you find it out?" Romeo asked again. "When you were all in England in 2012." Jesse answered. "Oh, yeah i remember that day. I danced with Taylor Swift. Great night. She spend the night here, didn't see?" Romeo asked looking to his brother. "Yep, she did." "And you fucked her?" "Romeo John!" Jesse yelled.

"Yeah, sorry. You made love?" "Yes, we did." Jesse smiled. "Pauline was there too?" Romeo teased. "Smartass. Of course and she was. Actually, was her idea." "Hold on. Pauline wanted to make love and you didn't?" Romeo asked confuised. "I wanted since the first time i saw her. But i wanted her to be sure first." "Did she liked it?" was Romeo's next question. "I don't know. She never told me. She just kissed me goodnight and felt asleep in my arms." Jesse answered remembering that night. 

"Oh, i get it. She didn't like it." "I guess we'll never find out." Jesse answered and looked on TV. The game had already started. "I'll get a Coke and ships. You want some too?" Jesse asked his brother as he stood up from the couch. "Yes, please." Romeo answered and took the remote in his hands.

Jesse walked in the kitchen he took two Cokes and bag of chips. He remebered that time when Pauline cooked lunch for them. He could still see her making that pasta. He missed being a kid. He missed her being a kid. He missed all those crazy things they did when they were in High School. But he didn't regrete any of those things. Actually sometimes he thought how things will be if she knew from the first who he was. Maybe they were not together and maybe yes. He couldn't know that.

"JESSEEEEE!!! RUNNNN!!" he stopped thinking when he heard Romeo's screaming. Scared he run to the living room. "What?" he asked. Romeo pointed out the TV. Jesse saw on replay Pauline falling on the ground.

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Pauline hit the ground so hard. She tried to protect herslef by putting her arm first. Without even know it she was lying on the floor. Before shge rearized where she was a strong pain caught her breath. Robina came to her running and kneelt next to her. "Pauline are you okay?" she asked. "My arm is hurting." she answered. She tried to move it. She screamed out of pain. "Don't move. doctors are coming. You're going to be fine." Robina said again. She looked in her eyes. She could see the tears in the corners of her eyes. These were pain tears.

The doctors arrived to where Pauline was. With their help Pauline was back on her feet. Her arm was going from bad to worse. The pain she was feeling she wasn't able to put into words. Her arm suddenly shalowed while the pain was getting stronger and stronger. She was ready to leave but she wasn't going anywhere without her bag. "Robina, my bag!" she yelled. Robina heard her and passed it to her. "When we finished here, i'll come and find you okay?" Pauline nodded as she walked out of the court. An ambulance was waitng there for her. She jumped in and left the court.

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Jesse's jaw fell as he saw Pauline laying down on the floor. He could see that the pain she was feelling was killing her. He saw her standing up to her feet and walked out of the court with pain in her eyes as long as to her shalowen arm. Romeo was watching Jesse very close. "Jesse are you okay?" he asked him.

"Yeah, tell Mum and Dad i'll be in Texas okay?" Jesse answered and run to his room leaving behind Romeo suprised and puzzled. He walked in his room and put in a bag some clothes, his wallet with all the money he had. Car keys on his hand he walked down the stairs and found Romeo waiting for him. "Are you really flying to Texas?" Romeo asked and folowed almost running Jesse. "What, you think i'm joking?" "No..." "Good, i'll call you when i'm in Texas." Jesse answered as he jumped in his car.

About 30 minutes later he walked in the airport. He saw on the big screens a flight leaving for Texas in 30 minutes. If he was fast enough he will catch this flight. He run to the airport to find a ticket. When he found where to buy a ticket he calmed down. "Hello sir, what can i do for you?" th lady saidbehind of a comouter screen. "I need a ticket for Texas." Jesse answered and pulled out his wallet. "Wait a minute sir, to check if there are available seats." the lady said and start searching to the computer. 

In his mind everything was taking so long. He was trying to stop pounding his left foot on the floor but he was too nervous for that. Finaly the lady replayed. "I'm sorry sir but there are no available seats. You can wait until the next flight in 6 hours." Jesse's temper was starting to load. "In business class?" he asked before he was ready to expload. The lady checked the computer and answered. "You're very lucky sir. These is one seat left." she told him and smiled.

Jesse payied for the to ticket and arrived running to the plane. He gave the ticket to the lady who waiting and clipmed the stairs to get to the plane. He walked in to the plane and sut on his seat. He had 5 hours ahead of him to get to Pauline. He has no idea how these hours will pass by. He ckecked the hour, it was 11.00 in the evening. He'll arrive at Texas in 4.00 am. He realized that he has no idea in which hospital Pauline was. 

He texted her.  Babe, are you okay? Don't worry i'll be by your side in 5 hours. In which hospital are you?

Pauline arrived to the hospital and got some x-rays done. But the resutls will be ready by tommorow. So, she'll stay in for the night. A nurse showed her the room. She gave her some pain killers. She never felt this pain before, the pain killers were necesery. Pauline setled to her room and layied on the bed. She took some pain killer which will help them sleep and not think about the pain.

She closed her eyes and the her phone buzzed. She said a little curse as she took the phone. Of her suprised Jesse texted her. As she read his text she rolled her eyes. She forget that Jesse will watch the game in live stream. She wasn't pissed that he was coming. More relifed she was feeling. 

I'm okay! I'm in St. Joseph's Medical Center, room 516. Have a nice flight!! See you soon... :) She replayied to him and closed her eyes and fall asleep. 

Hours later Robina walked in the room and saw Pauline sleeping on the bed. She tried not to make any sound, she didn't want to wake her up. She sut on the chair next to the bed. "We won?" Pauline asked and turned to look at Robina. Robina smiled as she answered. "Yes, 3-2 on time break." Robina told her and smiled. "How are you doing? How is your arm?" Robin added a few seconds later.

"Fine from now, i took some pain killers. Jesse is coming." Pauline answered. "Jesse is coming here, in Texas?" Robina asked and her eyes opened wide. "Yeah, he texted me a few minutes ago. I tolod him in which hospital i am." Pauline answered to Robina with eyes filled with love and compassion. Robina shaked her head. "This is what i call true love." she answered. Pauline smiled.

"Look, do you mind if i go to the hotel? I'll come tommorow morning to check up on you again." Robina said with low voise. She didn't ant to leave her but she was tiried after tha game. She hoped Pauline will understand. "Of course and you can. Plus, i will sleep all night and will be a little uncomortable for you looking after me all night." Pauline answered shaked her head. Robina stood up from the chair and said. "Good night Pauline. See you tommorow." "Good night to you too Robina." Pauline answered from the bed and Robina left closing the door behind her.

Hours later a taxi left Jesse to the entrance of the hospital. It was 4.00 am he was so lucky that he found a taxi at this hour. He walked in the hospital and found a nurse. He asked her where Pauline's room was. When the nurse answered him he thanked her and walked to the elevators doors. Pauline's room was on the sixth floor. He arrived at the floor and one minute later to Pauline's room.

He tried to be as silent as he can. It was the middle of the night and he doesn't want to wake her up. He opened the door and without making any sound he walked in the hospital room. There he found Pauline sound sleeping. He can say from her breathing that she's in deep sleep. He took a few steps and left his bag on the floor. He looked to the splint that was around her right arm. Even though that splint was in her arm she looked so beautiful to him, like she always does. Her hair were a mess because of her sleeping. He loved the fact that she leaves her mouth just an inch open when she's sleeping.

A smile appeared in his lips forgeting that he's in a hospital. He sut on the chair next to the bed. He was so tiried from the flight, he wanted to close his eyes and sleep. But when Pauline will wake up mist find his awake not sleeping on the chair. He pulled the phone from his pocket and checked the time. It was 5.00 am. It took him more than he thought. He got more comfotrable on the chair. he was trying so hard to keep in eyes open but he lost the battle.

Hours later Pauline opened one eye. She looked around the hospital room. The curtains were closed and no light was coming from the window. She wondered if was still night or morning. She looked down to the splint in her right arm when he notised a bag on the floor. She knew that bag, it was Jesse's. The ammounts of happiness hit the highest levels when she turned and saw him sleeping to the chair next to her.

He looked so cute. That was one of the best things Pauline loved to do, watching him sleeping. She loved from the first night they slept together and that bahit never stopped. She was always waking up first just to see him sleeping. To hear his heart beatting perfectly synchronized with his breathing. That was the best waking up for her.

She tried to turned her body in order to have a better niew of sleeping Jesse but her arm has other ideas. A strong pain caught her breath to her throat as she let out a little scream. Jesse opened wide his eyes and looked around. His eyes went straight to the bed and to Pauline. He saw her being in pain and he hated it. He sut on the bed next to her.

"Hey, i'm here Paul." he said with low voise and tried to calm her down. "How are you?" he added a few seconds later when he saw in her eyes that she calmed down. "Now, i'm better. That arm is killing me. Is there any pain killer left?" Pauline asked. Jesse looked to the night stand next tot he bed and answered. "Yes, you want some?" "Of course and i do...." she answered and before Jesse tried to answer the pain killer made their own way to Pauline's throat.

"Sorry about that." she answered and smiled. "It's okay babe. How is your arm?" Jesse asked and sut next to her on the bed. "It hurts a little but now i took the pain killers and i'll be great soon. How was your flight?" "Endless, i was counting the minutes to come here and to be with you. You have no idea how much you scrared me..." Jesse answered looking her in the eyes. "How did you fell? I didn't see it Romeo told me that you fell and i left the house." Jesse added.

"I just fell. I didn't stood my body well on the blog and Amanda came with power bigger than the usual. But i'm fine." Pauline answered. "Yeah, with a broken arm." Jesse said and pointed her arm. "It's okay to be a little broken. Is not a big deal. Is not the first time i break a bone. Remember when i broke my leg? It was much worse. You know, i prefere the arm. You can move more easily and you don't have the damn scratches following you on every move."Pauline tried to explain but Jesse wasn't very happy by her answer.

"Pauline did you hear what you just said?" "Which one?" "Paul, i'm not joking. You know how many months you'll stay off the place?" he stood up and start walking across the room. "You say it like is the end of the world. I broke my arm not my head." Pauline slapped back at him.

Jesse was about to answer her but a doctor came to the room. "Good morning Miss Timson. We got the results from the x-rays." the doctor started and moved closer to Pauline's bed. "Is it that bad doctor?" Pauline asked. That was the last thing she wanted. "It could be much worse if you didn't protect yourself, Miss Timson. But the point is you didn't protect enough. Your in broken in two places. That means at least 10 weeks in the splint." the doctor explained to them.

"So, when she can leave the hospital?" Jesse finaly asked the doctor. "I had already take care of that sir. Miss Timson can leave anytime from now." "I can leave like right now?" Pauline asked from the bed with rolled eyes. "Yes, if you ready to go home." the doctor answered and smiled.

The doctor gave them some last details and left the room. Pauline was up and packing the bag that Robina gave it to her when she left the court. "I missed home even for these 3 days." Pauline said. "You shouldn't packing. You heard what doctor said. No lifting, Paul." Jesse answered and took the bag from her. "Yeah, sorry. I bet i have to used to it." Pauline said shaking her head.

"It was nice seeing you but i hope i don't have to see you again St Joseph's." Pauline said looking to the room. Jesse was standing by the door with the two bags on his hands. "Ready to go Paul?" he said from behind. Pauline turned and answered. "Yeah." she walked to his side and both left the room. "You know no matter what happend i liked this trip." Pauline told him. "You liked it?" "Yeah, we have a lot catching up to do. Thank God we have 5 hours ahead of us to tell everything, with details....." Pauline said and clapped her hands.

They both knew that when Pauline startes talking about something she never stops. She can talk for hours for a subject. But Jesse didn't care. He was happy that she's safe and sound and both are heading to the airport to go back to New Jersey. He couldn't be happier. Even though with her double broken right arm.

Chapter 5: Flying In The Freefall

The plane landed to Texas's airport. The New Jersey volleyball team hit the ground. They were on the bus now going to the hotel. Pauline was lucky that she had a room of herself. She wouldn't mind to share it with an any other girl. But in the team were girls that they didn't like each other and that was obvious.

They arrived at the hotel and took the keys to their rooms. Pauline opened the door of her room and walked in. It was a nice room. A double bed on the left, a small living room on the right. A small closet and a bathroom. She left the suitcase on the bed and walked out to the balcony. The balcony has view to the pool. She smiled. She sut on the chair and pulled her mobile phone from her pocket. She found Jesse's number and called him. After one ring he answered it.

"Hey, where have you been?" he said first. "We just arrived at the hotel. And hello to you too." "Yeah, sorry Paul. You know how i am." "Jesse, i told you to the airport relax. I'm here to the hotel. We have trainning in three hours and then back to the hotel for dinner." Pauline explained. It suprised her that Jesse was still nervous about her. "Great! How was your flight?" "Good." "With the girls everything okay? Did that little bitch Esther said anything to you?" "Nope, she was very friendly though." Pauline answered to him.

Esther was the other setter on the team. She would be the basic setter and the team captain of the team. But couch choose Pauline over her. She never liked her. She said that captainship needs someone with more experience that Pauline has. At first that hurted Pauline. She never told anyone else unless Jesse. She couldn't hide it from him. His only advise was not to listen to her. She's just jelous because Pauline is the captain and not her. Jesse was right. She IS the captain of the team and not Esther.

"Maybe she finally accept that you're the captain." "Maybe." Pauline simply answered. "Nervous for tommorow?" Jesse asked. "Just a little. You know i'm always nervous before the game." "I know that. But you had played many games and still you're nervous." "Every game is unique Jesse. Plus we play in Texas and not in New Jersey." she answered wishing that wasn't true.

"Don't worry babe. Your next game will be here and you don't have to travel all over the country." Jesse answered. He wanted to make her relax and forget how miles away she was. "Yeah, you're right. Look, i gotta have a shower and get ready for the trainning. I'll call you after the dinner okay?" "Sure, babe. I'll wait. Have a nice trainning. Love ya." Jesse said and blow her a kiss from the phone. "Love you too." Pauline answered and hung up the phone.

She left the balcony and jumped to the shower. It was what she really needed this time. The shower was very refreshing. When she finished with her shower she checked the hour on the phone. She was on time. She opened the suitacase which was it on the bed. She pulled a pair of yoga pants and a hoodie of the NJ team. It was the first days of 2021 it was a little cold day.

Hour later they return back to the hotel. All the girls were on their rooms so was Pauline. Three rooms next to her was her best team mate, Robina. A middle hitter and a very good friend. They boned from the first day and stay this way ever since. Also a huge Bon Jovi fan. They were playing good volleyball together.

Robina walked out to the balcony to relax a little. When she heard a conversation from the room next to her. She stood up and tried to listen better. She heard Esther talking. "This is our change Rebekah! We can do this." "Not you Esther, I AM going to do it and you can't imagine how happy i am about it. Is time for the bitch to understand who rulles the team...." Rebekah said from the next room and highed five with Esther.

Robina rolled her eyes as she heard Esther and Rebekah talking. She was sure they were talkinga bout Pauline. She was more years in the team and Esther and Rebekah very well. Robina never understand why they didn't like Pauline. She was so nice and charming and so beautiful. They were jelous of all of them. Robina knew the answer. Now, she was pissed. She will not let them hurt Pauline in any way.

She left her room and walked to Pauline's. She knocked the door and the smiling pauline opened it. Robina walked in not being in the best mood. "Hey, what happend?" Pauline asked and sut next to Robina on the couch. "Esther and Rebekah happend." she said with raised voise. "What did they do again?" Pauline almost annoying. She knew that they were always maiking trouble.

"They didn't do anything yet. They'll do tommorow in the game." Robina said and looked at her. "Oh! And what that could be?" "I have no idea, something bad. I heard them talking. They might want to hurt you." Robina dropped the bomb. But she didn't wait Pauline to react like that. "So?" "Is that only what you gonna say?" Robina said and stood up.

"What more can i say? If they want to hurt me bad for them because i'll hurt them too." "You can't. They are older than us. And both want the same thing, glory. You better watch yourself if you want to go home safe and sound." Robina said. "And when they are planning it?" "On the game? In front of the cameras and the coaches?" Pauline asked suprised. She thought they were smarter than that.

"I don't know what they have in mind but you should keep an eye on them." "I will, but i don't think they are that fool." Pauline answered. "I don't know Pauline. You know they, they want a blaze of glory. You know the song." "Hey, because i'm a Darksider doesn't mean i don't know Jon's songs." "Anyway, try to relax. We have a big game tommorow. I want full of energy tommorow, alright captain?" "Got it! You too girl. We have to kick some ass in Jersey style!" Pauline answered and both laughed a little.

Robina left from the room leaving behind Pauline puzzled. Was Esther and Rebekah planning something against her? Of course she trusts Robina, she will never lie to her about something important like this. She wasn't sure of what to exept. In a court full of cameras and all the croud. Is craziness to hurt someone on the court. All Pauline has to do is wait until the game and see.

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The team arrived at the court where the game will take place. Esther and Rebekah were too friendly this time. Robina was sure something will happend. She wished Pauline hoped the same thing. She thought that she will understand the danger of having them to the court.

The warming up has already started. Rebekah was keeping a very close to Pauline. She was watching close every single move she made. All the other girls in the team were asking her questions and were just trying to relax before the game. Pauline was so nice to everyone and always with a smile on her face, no matter what. She tried so hard to remember when she had seen Pauline sad. Esther saw her watching her and came closer to her.

"What are you thinking?" she asked. Rebekah turned and said "I can't do this." Esther knew exuactly of what she was talking about. "You can do this. Just imagine us being on the top of the team. And who knows maybe we'll be mebers of the USA team someday." she answered. She wanted this as much Rebekah wanted to. "Yeah, but not in that was Esther. Just look at her." Rebekah started. Both looked at Pauline's direction.

All the team was around her talking and laughing. Only Esther and Rebekah were alone. "Everyone likes her. That's why we are alone. I'm sorry but this girl deserves everything!" Rebekah said and stood up. "No, you can't leave, now. We have the best plane ever to be every we ever wanted. And you having seconds thoughts?" Esther said with agressiveness in her voise. "Yes, and i'm sure if you sit and think about it you will too." she walked away.

Esther said stood up as she yelled. "Yeah, Rebekah runaway like you always do!" That grabbed everyones attetion. Rebekah turned and faced esther as the them joined them. "I knew you were a coward..." Esther added. "Hey girls what's going on?" Robina asked. "You should Rebekah not me..." Esther said and all looked at Rebekah. "You're such a bitch Esther!" "Girls, please. I'm sure if you sit down you can make this work." Pauline said. She had no idea what was going like any other girl.

"No, Pauline. Things will never worked again between us. I'm sorry Esther but you crossed the line today." Rebekah said and left almost running from the court. She left everyone with their jaws open. These two never fight. Something was going on. Pauline was next to Robina when she said to her. "I'm going with her." she took a step but Robina stopped her by grabbing her hand. "Have you lost your mind?" "She is having a hard time. I'm the team captain, Robina. We have agame to play. We will never win if you play as one." Pauline answered and left.

She walked to the locket rooms and found Rebekah sitting there alone. "Hey!" she said and sut next to her. "Pauline please go. I want to be alone." Rebekah answered without looking to her. "Look, i know we didn't get along but we all want the same thing, to win this game and all the others. We can't do this if you don't forgive her." Pauline tried. "No, i will not forgive her." she started and looked at Pauline.

"Your so nice Pauline. One of the best team captains i've ever met. You deserve better than that." Pauline suprised as she asked. "What are you talking about?" "We all want a blaze of glory Pauline. Just a little one has a great power to change people. I never mean to hurt you but that glory overcame me. I didn't know what i was thinking when i said yes. I've never wanted to hurt in any way. But that was what Esther wanted. She wanted to be the captain, the leader. When coach said you will be the captain, she freaked out. She was cursing you hours and even days. She wanted to be you. But she was pasient. She waited for the right time and she will hit you." Rebekah explained.

While Rebekah was talking Pauline realized that Robina was right. Pauline never believed that Esther will do anything like that. "And this will happend today." "Yes, with my help we could do what we want more. But, without me she can't do anything. Don't worry. I will not let this happen to you. You have my word on that." Rebekah said and was looking her in the eyes. Pauline knew she was telling the truth.

"Alright. Now, get up. We have a game to play." Pauline said and stood up, Rebekah followed. "I'll leave you now. Be outside in two minutes okay? Before coach got crazy." Pauline said and start walking out of the room. "Pauline?" "Yeah?" she said as she turned. "Thank you for being you." Rebekah said. Pauline looked at her and smiled before she left her alone.

The game had started. The New Jersey team wins 13-10. The Texas team was plainning an attack. Pauline and Amanda jumped to the block. While they were on the air Amanda pushed hard her hit against Pauline's. That made Pauline lose her balance and hit hard the ground.

Chapter 4: Cross Road

They were all at the Sambora house waiting for 2021 to come. They all were haolding a glass of wine in their hands waiting for the new year. "Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four Three. Two. One. Happy New Year!!" they all said with one voise. They star hugging and kissing each other whising happy New Year.

"Happy New Year, Paul." Jesse said and kissed Pauline. "Happy New Year too, Jess." she answered when they broke up from the kiss. His hand was in her waist watching the fireworks in the New Jersey skyline. "This year will be the best, i promise." he whispered to her ear. "I know..." she answered loud enough to hear her.

Alex and Ava walked to the centre as they said. "May have your attettion please?" All turned to their direction. "Since 2021 has arrived, Ava and i wanted to share some news with you." Alex started as everyone was listen to them. He took Ava's hand and said "Ava and i are going to be parents. Ava is 10 weeks pregant." Alex finished while everyone rolled their eyes.

All eyes went to Richie who wasn't sure if he heard right. Tori on his right was rubbing his back. He couldn't believe what he just heard. "I-I'm going to be a grand-father...?" he asked with tumbrlled voise and took a step forward. Ava smiled at him and hugged him. "Yes. You'll be the best grandpa ever." she said while she was still in his daddy's arms.

They broke the hug and Richie looked deep in his daughter's eyes. She had that confindent in her eyes and the power to make it through. She will be a great mother. He kissed her forehead and turned to the others. "I'm going to be a grand-father.." he said. Now he was sure. "Welcome to the club, Rich!" Jon said. He already know what this feels like. Her had the same reaction with Stephanie told them she was pregnant. He couldn't believe it until he held in his hand his very first grandson.

Jon hugged his best friend. "Get ready! You have no idea what is coming..." Jon said to Richie. "You said like it is a bad thing, uncle Jon." Ava said. "No, princess. Actually is the best feeling in the world but your father is too old for chancing diappers, don't you think?" Jon teased him. All laughed. "Fuck you, Jon!" Richie said and forgot about Jon's grandson being around. Steven is only four years old and he's learning new words every day.

He turned to his mother, Stephanie and asked. "Mommy what is fuck you?" Stephanie gave Richie the stink eye. "Why, don't you go to uncle Richie to explain to you..." she said and watched her 4year old son running to Richie's side. "Uncle Risi, what is fuck you?" he asked. "See this like trainning for the future..." Jon said and crossed his arms waiting for Richie to answer. "Well, Steven these words are very bad. You must not use them, okay?" Richie tried to explain. Steven nodded his head and yelled to his mother. "Mommy, no television for une Risi!!" everybody laughed. "Mmm, i don't know honey what aunt Tori has to say about that?" Stephanie answered and looked to Tori who was keep laughing.

"I say that no guitar for the rest of his life will great!" Tori answered and looked at Richie who was ready to murder her. Everybody laughed because everybody knew that Richie is hard to live without guitar. This how the rest of the night passed. Full of joy and happiness.

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Pauline opened the door of Jesse's room while she said. "Damn this high-heels! I will never wear them again." Jesse was behind her and laughed. "Don't laugh! This is not funny!" Pauline answered and sut on the chair and put away the high heels. "Oh sweet God! Freedom.." she said and lifted her legs to the air. Next to her Jesse had already unbottomed his shirt. "You'll sleep in this dress?" he asked. "No, way... i hate this dress too..." Pauline answered. "But you're going to wear it again and again...." "Oh really? Why is that?" "Because you look so fucking hot in this dress..." he answered and moved closer to her for a soft kiss.

"That's why you're looking to me all the time?" "Yep, and i can do this all my life but..." he started but stopped to sigh. Jesse wasn't looking at her but Pauline was looking at him. She stood up and walked behind him. She put her hands on his back as she said. "Is only for three days Jess. After that i'll be home again." Pauline answered with soft voise.

"Yeah, to leave again in one week. I know how is works." he said a little agressive. "There is nothing i can do about it and you know it." Pauline said but he doesn't look at her. She can see it by the reflection of the mirror which was in front of them. Jesse looked at her from the mirror's reflection. "Yes, i know. I'm sorry that i'm acting like a 5 year old but is hard for me not to be with you for three days." "You had haldled more than three days. When was is in 2012 i think when i broke up with you." Pauline answered.

"Yeah, but you were in Red Bank, not in Texas. Plus, it was my fault that you broke up with me." "So, don't act like a child. Three days is nothing. You can see me on the live stream on the internet, okay?" she asked and rubbed his back. "Okay, you'll call me when you'll land, right?" "Jesse i'm not leaving tommorow, you have two more days to say goodbye to me." Pauline said. "Thank you, now i feel so much better..." Jesse answered while Pauline laughed. "Can we sleep now? I'm like a walking dead...." she said using the puppy face. "Fine!" he said and wore a shorts and lay on the bed. 

Pauline after wearing a t-shirt and a shorts too and layied next to him. She pulled up the covers and got herself comfortable next to him. "What a year huh?" Pauline said. "I liked the year but we will both love the year is coming..." Jesse answered and opened his arms and Pauline cruel in. "Yeah. You know while i was in the bathroom i had an idea." "Really? Will i like it?" Jesse asked a little suprised. What kind of idea will she had in the middle of the night in the bathroom?

"I'm sure you'll love it. I thought that i can stay here with you the next two days before i leave. You said is hard for you when i'm gone. So, i thought that you wouldn't mind if you share this bed with me from two more nights." Pauline told him while she was staring at him. Jesse looked down to Pauline and smiled. With his fingers he fixed the hair in from of her face and kissed her. "Is the best idea you ever had, Paul!" "Thank you. And i have one more." she said with dirty voise.

She kissed him softly at first but then more passionet. She got on the top of him. "What are you doing?" he asked. "What do you think i'm doing?" she asked him back and stopped. "You said you were a walking dead." "I was a walking dead. Now, please shut up and kiss me. I'm leaving in two days." Pauline ordered him and he was more than willing to do the order. "Yes, ma'am." he answered and layied her down on the bed. While he was on the top of her he said "I love you." "I love you too."

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Pauline and Jesse arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport two days later. They spend the last days together. Jesse's words touched Pauline's heart that night. He doesn't talk to her always like that. But when he does she fell in love with him even more. Is was the best way to start a year with him but that didn't last forever. The USA Cup starts on January 5th. New Jersey team faces the Texas one. Pauline now has been in the New Jersey volleyball team for four years now. She became the captain of the team last year when the previous captain left.

"When you'll land, you'll call me, okay?" Jesse said as he passed to her the suitcase. "Yes, sir! Babe, relax i'll be fine..." Pauline answered as she took the suitase. They walked to the entrance of the airport and found the rest of the team. Pauline greeted all her team mates. "When we're leaving?" she asked the couch. "In 45 minutes Pauline. Did you checked in?" her couch asked back. "Yes." "Good." the couch answered and continue his chatt with the rest couches.

Jesse was sitting next to Pauline. His foot was pounding like crazy on the floor. While the girls were talking to each other, Pauline notised him. "Babe, why are you nervous?" she asked and touched his knee. "I'm not nervous." When you're nervous you're pounding your left foot." she told him. Both looked and he was pounding his left foot. "You have a bad feeling about the game?" she asked him again. She will not leave New Jersey until she knows what's making him nervous.

"No, i know you'll kick their ass. But i don't know.... you've never been too far away." "Jesse i think we had this conversation before. I think you're acting like Steven now. I'm big girl and i can take care of myself for three days. You're acting worse than my mum." "I'm just being protective." "I know and i respect that. But Jesse i'm not 16 anymore like the night you met me, okay? Now, stop worring because we must leave now." Pauline answered and stood up.

A team mate of hers told her that they must go to the airplane. "You okay now?" she asked him again and picked up the siutcase. "Yeah, better." Jesse answered and stood up. "I must leave." she said and hugged him. When they broke the hug Jesse kissed her goodbye. "I'll call you when i'm on Texas and after the game." "Alright babe. Have a safe trip." Jesse answered and watched her walking to the rest of the team.

She was right. He has nothing to worry about. But he can't fight. It's in his nature to care about the people he loves.But he can't put into words of what he feels about her. He had tried many times to express himself but that wasn't enough. His love of her is endless and will always be that way. Until he sees her for the last time.

Chapter 3: This Is Our House

Pauline was going a walk with Louis when Ava texted her. She was in Red Bank. Just yesterday she came back from her honeymmon with Alex. And they didn't have the chance to see each other. Pauline arrived at the cage Ava was sitting. She scanned unknown faces until she found Ava sitting on a table.

She walked to her side and start smilling. Ava saw her coming and stood up. She opened her amr s and hugged her. "Welcome back Mrs Wilson!!" Pauline said as they broke the hug. Both young women sut down. "Is good to be home Mrs Bongiovi and Louis..." Ava said and looked down to the dog next to her. "He's all grown up..." Ava added. "Yeah, he is. Tell me how was your honeymoon? The Alpes all good?" Pauline asked.

"Yeah, very very good." Ava answered with a cunning look on her face. "Alright i get it, i don't want to hear more details." "I wasn't going to tell you anyway. So, how was the concert? Did you had a good time?" Ava asked. "This was so fucking awesome! I can go there for the rst of my life over and over again.... They are great!" "I'm not talking about the band Pauline. For the marriage proposal i'm talking about."

"Oh! I said yes. What else should i had said?" "Of course, i know what happend. Adam called after the concert and told me everything. You should check the video your expresion was hilarious." Ava answered and laughed. "I should have guessed that. You have no idea how many messages i had the day after that. I got bored of answering..." "But you must admit he;s crazy for you and now the whole world knows it. Alex and i were on a restaurant and on the table next to us was a family with 2 kids, one of each. The girl showed Jesse's proposal on you and she wished she was you. Lucky you...."

"Really?" Pauline answered with rolled eyes. She had no idea that so many people will see this video. "Yeah! Have you talked about it?" "We didn't have too much time. We both are on the run. We barely see each other." "This is all about to change, now. You'll be happy more than ever. Trust me on that. I know how you're feelling." "Do you think it will work?" "Of course and it will work. It workes for 7 years now. You have nothing to worry about. You were made to be his baby and he was made to be your man. To say it in your language." Ava answered and both laughed.

It was that time when Pauline's phone rung. Smiling she answered. "Hey, where are you?" Pauline asked. "I'm on my way to Jersey but i want to show you something. Where are you now?" Jesse asked her back. "I'm in a cafe with Ava." "I'm sure she'll not be mad. Say good bye to her. Meet you at our bench in 30." "Okay, i'll be there. Bye." "Bye." Pauline said and hung up the phone.

"I knew that smile. That was Jesse, right?" Ava said when she finished with her call. "Yep, that was him. He wants to show me something." Pauline answered and looked down to Louis who was looking at her. "And you have no idea what that will be..." "Yeah. I know he loves suprises but i don't know what to exept anymore." "I'm sure it will be something nice like all the previous times." Ava answered. "Hope that too. I have to go now." "Yeah, sure. I'll call you." Ava said and watched her stood up. "I'll wait..." Pauline answered and said goodbye to Ava and left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pauline was sitting on the bench playing with Louis when Jesse came. "Hey, Paul! You didn't say that Louis is with you..." Jesse said and sut next to her and kissed her. "It was time for his walk. So, what is that you want to show me?" Pauline said with a little exitment in her voise. She has no idea what is in his little mind of his. 

"Come... Is not too far away from here." Jesse said and stood up from the bench. The three of them walked to Jesse's car. After putting Louis on the backseat Pauline sut next to the driver's seat. AS she closed the door she said. "Where are we going?" "You'll see in a few Paul. I'm sure you'll like it..." Jesse answered smiling and put the machine on.

Pauline was looking out of the window. She really has no idea what Jesse had in his mind. She knew that it will be something nice but she was still not sure what to exept. Jesse was driving to a place that she've never been before. Is closer to the Shrewsbury River. Pauline only heard out this river but neven been to it.

Jesse turned to a road and drove till the end of it. It ended in an unbuilded lot. Jesse stopped the car and said. "We're here." Pauline also opened the door of the car and jumped out. She opened the door and let Louis out. Jesse walked closer to her and said. "Do you liked it?"

Pauline looked around. The lot had view of the river. It was in the end of the road and has all this part of the river itself. "Is really great.." she started but before she was able to continue Jesse answered. "I was sure you'll liked it. Let's have a better look." he said and took her hand. AS they walked to the property Pauline notised the sigh 'Privete Property. Do not enter.'

"Jesse, i think you should not go there." Pauline stopped in front of the sigh. "Oh! What we're not allowed to our home?" he answered and smiled. Pauline looked at him puzzled. She didn't see that coming. "What do you mean OUR home?"

Jesse took his ahnd on hers and walked to the property. "Well, as you know we're four kids, Stephanie, Jacod, Romeo and i. And you also know what family means to us. My parents wanted us to be together until they we'll die. So, when my parents learnt that their having a baby they thought that the baby will need a home. When he or she will get married. So, the travelled all to Jersey to land like this. Each of us has a land like this along with some money to build and filled it with furnitures. They didn't know how things will be when we'll be in the age to get married, that's why they gave us that money." Jesse explained.

"So, you're telling me that this is where we will built out home and start a family together?" she asked him. "I guess. What you thought we'll get married without having a home?" "No! Is just that didn't exept that. The property is so beautiful... i can picture us living here..." she told and smiled to him. "Really?" "Yeah.." Pauline answered and kissed him.

"Great... now all we jave to do is go to your dad's office to see some ideas of how our house will be." Jesse said when they broke the kiss. "My Dad?" "Yeah, he offered to build the house while my Dad offered to buy all the furniture for the house." he said looking down to his future wife. "That's very sweet. I think we should thank them." Pauline answered looking up to her future hasband. "Yeah, we should... when we built the house. We must celebrate it..." Jesse said and start walking to the property without leaving each other.

Louis was running around and around. He didn't stop for one second. "Look how happy Louis is..." Pauline said and looked at their pet. "Yeah, and we're going to be more happy in a few months when our home is ready. How you oicture it?" "Very big with lots of rooms, at least 6 or 7 i'm not sure. A pool will be nice to play with the kids and family. I want also a big kitchen now that i've learnt to cook we'll need it." "I still remember thye pasta you made when you stayied in my house." he answered.

"That was like 7 years ago..." Pauline said looking at him. "I knew you'll be my Gordon Ramsay..." he said and kissed her. "Really? Wait until i walk throught that kitchen, you'll see who is Gordon Ramsay..." Pauline ansewered and laughed. "I can't wait babe..." he told and kissed her. While they were kissing Pauline's phone rung. They both stopped annoying.

"Hey Ava..." Pauline said as she picked her phone. "Pauline, you in my house now. We have a problem..." Ava said a little upset on the other line. "Is everyone okay?" "Everyone is fine. I want to do something together." "Is it so important? Can it wait?" Pauline said looking to the river. "No, Pauline it can wait!" Ava almost yelled. "Okay, i'm coming." "I'll wait for you." Ava said and both hung up their phones.

"We should propably get going..." Jesse said as Pauline put the phone on her jean pockets. "Yes. Can you dropped me in Ava's?" Pauline asked a little puzzled after the conversation she had with Ava before. "Paul, is everything alright? You look worried." Jesse said put his arms around her. He knows that calms her down since they were kids. "Actually, i'm a little. Ava said we have a problem." "What kind of problem?" he asked and walked out of the property following by Louis. "I have no idea. But Ava sounded very worried." Pauline answered while she closed the door of the backseat. "We should be there fast." Jesse said and put the machine on.

A few minutes later Pauline was standing at the Wilson's doorstep. Ava opened the door and said. "From where you were coming?" Pauline walked in and answered. "From Red Bank. What's going on?" "You'll see right now what is going on." Ava said and walked to the kitchen with Pauline behind her. On the kitchen table was a diary. Ava took it in her hands and showed to her. "That's your diary. I can't see the problem." Pauline answered.

"Really? Look when my last period was." Ava said. "October 13th." "And today we have December 29th." Ava pointed out. Pauline looked puzzled at her trying to understand what was going on. When she did a big smile filled her lips. "You're pregnant?" "I'm not sure. I'm just late. And since we have a tradition on doing pregnancy tests together..." Ava said and opened a drawer and pulled out a pregnancy test. "Let's go upstairs."

Moments later ava walked out of the bathroom withy the test in her hands. "I think is ready now. It's been more than 15 minutes now." Pauline said as soon as she saw Ava. "Great! Now see it and tell me what it says." she said and pushed the test to Pauline. Pauline took it and looked at it. She had no expression in her face and that was killing Ava. "Is it positive or negative?" Ava asked with rolled eyes and her heart was racing.

"I think that being a mother right now is better than the previous time we had this conversation."

Chapter 2: The Answer

Pauline was starring for almost an hour now the t-shirts. The day had arrived and she was more nervous that ever. The door opened and Zeta walked in. "Jesus Pauline! What are you doing?" she asked. "What do you thi...." Pauline turned and looked at her. She was wearing a t-shirt with David's face. "What did you find this?" "I made it. And i thought since we were friends it would be nice.... PLus i want to see the other people looking at my shirt..." Zeta explained.

"You and Joker friends. Who could ever guess that. But still i don't get why you all wanted to come..." Pauline said putting a t-shirt on. "Is their last consert... Plus they gave us free passes for the backstage... what you think that i will miss that?" she answered and checked the time on her watch. "And we'll miss the sound check. Great, i like this t-shirt... Come on..." Zeta said and gave her a thumbs up. "Okay, i'm coming..." Pauline answered and took a jacket with her.

Walking down the stairs father and mother were waiting for them. "Pauline please take a coat with you..." her mother told her. "Guys we're going on a Bon Jovi consert. Do you think that we will need coats?" "Judging from the look on your face we won't." Pauline's father answered. "Great! Shall we now? I want to see a sound ckeck..." Zeta said and moved to the door.

Almost an hour later they arrived at the stadium. There was Jesse waiting for them. When they parked the car and walked out Jesse laughed. "Zeta nice shirt. Does David knows about it?" he asked. "Nope." Zeta answered with the devil's smile. Jesse winked back at her. "Great. Now can we go in?" Pauline said. "Oh yeah sure..." Jesse said and put his arm around her waist.

"What are you doing my parents are behind." she said. "Did i ever told you how hot you look with these jeans and this shirt?" he whispered to her ear. "Really? You find that hot?" she asked back with raised her eyebrow. "Of course and i do. Maybe we can go to see the dressing rooms first and then go to sound check." "Jesse!" Pauline yelled. "I'm just kidding Paul..." "I always wanted to see the dressing rooms but not in that way..." "There always first time for everything..." he said and smiled.

The more closer they were walking to the stage they could hear music. Jesse was walking on a hallway with doors on the right and on the left. They passed all the dressing rooms and finaly arrived on the stage. Pauline's parents and sister left for the dressing rooms while she and Jesse went to the stage. Jesse walked up the first step and held out his hand. "Take my hand..." Pauline looked up at him and smiled. She took his hand and both walked up the stairs.

They could hear playing You Give Love A Bad Name but as long as they walked up to the stage they stopped. "Hey guys!" Tico said first and stopped playing the drums. All the other paused and turned. "Oh Angel, Jess... welcome..." Jon said with a smile and left his mic. "We didn't know that you had started, sorry Dad." Jesse said to his father. "It's okay, son. So Angel what do you think about the stage? Cool huh?" Jon said and showed her with his hand the whole stage.

"It's nice..." "Oh come on Angel. Don't be shy... say what you really thought." Richie said from behind. "Okay, this this so fucking awsome!!!! Oh my God i can't believe i'm here on the sound check!!! Because no one have ever been on the sound check before....." Pauline yelled on the middle of the stage. "That was a lot of better..." David answered and winked at her.

"Well, is time for us to leave now, right Jesse?" Pauline said. "No, stay a little loger. We're done anyway..." Jon answered. "No, this is your last consert ever. I'm sure you have lots of thing to say. Plus Ava is here and i didn't see her since she came back from the honeymoon." "They're in my dressing room. We'll be there soon." Richie said.

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The stadium is fillied with Jovinators. Is time for the last Bon Jovi concert. Every fan has take its seat and wait for the lights to come off. Backstage the band is in Jon's dressing room. "Guys, is our last show. WE have lots of fun over the years. We played great shows but now is time to play THE BEST show for one more reason." Jon started. All the others turned to faced him. "What other reason?" Tico asked from the couch.

"I changed the playlist now." Jon said and passed them the new playlist. "For me is the same....Jesus Jon. You Had Me From Hello seriously?" David asked. "Yeah, man Dave is right. I forgot that we wrote that song." Richie added. "Guys, listen. Jesse is going to proposed to Pauline tonight. This song is their song. Only us know about this change and it must stay this way until the end of the show. We play this song and then Jesse is jumping on stage. And after that i have no idea what the Hell he's going to do." Jon explained.

"You know Kidd is really your son?" David joked. "Shut up Dave. So, lets do this guys!" Jon said and held his hand. The rest of the band members joined him. It's show time.

The lights went out as the into music started to play. They all start screaming when Tico and David took their seats back of the drums and the keyboards. It didn't take to long for Richie to jump on the stage and grab his guitar. The stage was dark but as soon as the band started the You Give Love A Bad Name intro Jon jumped on stage and start singing.

The stadium was on fire for the next songs. They were all screaming and singing the way they can the lyrics of their songs. The best moment was far was when Jon left the stage and let Richie do the singing of I'll Be There For You. "Your one true love is singing to you...." Zeta said to Pauline to the middle of the song. "Stop being a smartass! I'm trying to sing here..." Pauline said and looked back on stage.

Jon returned for the next few songs on the stage. None of them wanted this concert to end. Because they knew that will be the last. They all wanted something to remember that day for the rest of their livies. "What's the last song?" Zeta asked when These Days came to an and. Pauline pulled the playlist from the backpocket of her jeans. "Something For The Pain." Pauline answered. "Is that a ballad?" Zeta answered. "Nope, i really liked this song. I've never hear it live. So, let's hear it." Pauline said and looked to Tico who usualy start all the intro's.

They were all waiting for Tico to start the intro but instead they hear Richie playing an intro of a diferent song. They all had that suprised look on their faces. Most of the audience checked the playlist and they all read Something For The Pain.

"Yeah, that song is not a ballad. You don't know the song, don't you?" Zeta asked with raised her eyebrow. "That song is not Something For The Pain, i know that." Pauline said next to her ear. They were on the very front raw. "Is this your ringtone when Jesse is calling? I hear it all day. I learn it." Zeta answered. Pauline looked up to the stage in front of her. Zeta was right. That was weird. Something is going on.

The last song finished and Jon reached for the microphone. "Thank you! Here we go guys... First of all i want to say a huge thanks to all of you guys. With your love and support over the years you made us who we are today. All the members of the band and i thank you from the bottom of our hearts..... THANK YOU!" Jon said and all start auploding them.

When the aidience calmed down a little Jon said again. "Most of you realized the change on the playlist. And i'm sure that you all want an explainasion, right?" Jon said and let the crowd answer his question. Everyone yelled a big YES, even Pauline. She was so confused at this moment. She didn't know what to exept anymore.

"Great!" Jon said and and turned his body and looked back to the stairs. "I have nothing to do with the explainasion, but i know someone who does.... Please welcome on stage my son Jesse...." Jon said and took a few steps behind and stood next to Richie.

Jesse now has all the stage his. He walked up the stairs and faced the stadium full of fans who were screaming his name. He smiled and took the microphone in his hands. "Hello everyone!! I hope you had a very good time here.... but who wouldn't..... Come on give me your best aupload for these guys... Don't be shy... You love them for all these years, what's one more time....." Jesse said and looked back to his dad and his band while he was clapping his hands. Jon nodded to his son and Jesse nodded back.

"I want to say a big thank to all of you who helped me standing right here looking at you..." he paused. He looked down to the first raw where Pauline was standing. She had that suprised look on her face. "But, there is one person here that i own everything... Come on Pauline you can't miss that view." Jesse said and as he speaks he walked across the stage and stopped in front of Pauline. All the lights went on her while the big screen was showing her face.

Jesse stopped and held out his hand. Pauline looked to her mother who was ready to start crying. She looked up at Jesse who has that sparkle in his eyes. She took his hand and helped her get on stage. As soons as Pauline steped to the stage she gave a look at Richie who was nodding his head.

Jesse lead Pauline to the middle of the stage. He took her hand in his and said looking her in the eyes. "Pauline, you stole my heart 8 years ago... We both know that we had our ups and owns like any other couple. But the moments of laughter and joy overcame the sad and lonely ones. You came into my life the right time and change the way i love people and i'm willing to change you last name...." Jesse said and get down on his one knee. From the back pocket he pulled out a little box with a ring inside it.

"So, Pauline Timson will you marry me?" Jesse said holding with the one hand Pauline's hand and with the other the ring. He was down on his knee and was trying to study her face. Pauline looked down to Jesse. Her mind was trying to prosses what his words ment. Little tears appeared on the corner of her eyes. The whole stadium was remant silent and all were waiting for Pauline's answer.

Pauline looked Jesse, the fire in his eyes never left. She couldn't believe what he just did. He changed the playlist to play their song. And now he asked her to marry him in front of 20,000 people. She never understood why Jesse was so nervous the last few days. She couldn't even crosed her mind that he was planning all these for this special night from Pauline.

Pauline took a deep breath. Tears had already crossed both her ckeeks. She wipped them and looked down to Jesse while she smiled.

"Yes." she said and nodded her head.