Coming Home

    It was now the end of February and in a week would be Jon’s twenty-fourth birthday. She had to skip the last week from seeing him only because it was school vacation and she didn’t want to leave Jimmy alone with her parents the whole time. She wanted to spend it with him. Plus she had something and wasn’t feeling up to it anyway. Yeah she had gotten it before when she was with him and they found other ways to be together but in the beginning it’s just that she feels crappy and icky and it’s just hard to explain to him. So she was glad this time she didn’t have to. Oh for men to get this just once! She thought. Jimmy came running in waving some paper in the air.

“Mommy I donn.” He told her while handing her his masterpiece.

“Let me see. Oh Honey this is wonderful. Daddy is going to love this. I’ll pack this with everything else ok?” she told him.

“Ok can I watch tv now?” he asked her.

“Sure go ahead.” She went with him to put on Sesame Street when her brother Chick walked in.

“Hey Jimmy did a great job on Jon’s card.” He told her.

“Didn’t he? He’s excited that he gets to come with me this time.” She told her brother.

“Well it’s not like you two are going to a hotel right? You said you’re going to his apartment?” Chick asked her.

“Yeah that’s right. But I guess it’s a real guy’s, guy’s apartment he said so he’s already there and wants to clean it up before we get there and get a room ready for Jimmy. He’s so excited too it’s kind of funny.” She told him laughing.

“Well he’s not used to having a kid around remember. So remember go easy on him.” He told her.

“Whoa really? “she asked him.

“What?” Chick wanted to know.

“You’re the second one who’s given me that lecture on going easy on him about Jimmy. Don't worry I will. And you can tell Daddy I do get it. God you guys stick together don’t you? I thought you guys would be the toughest.” She laughed at him.

“No just Joey he’s not too keen about this whole thing.  I thought he’d come around by now but…he’s just too stubborn.” He told her shrugging his shoulders.

Smiling, “Don't worry about Joey he’s been going thru a lot I think.  Something’s up with him and Mary don’t you think? Well look if something does happen call me I don’t care ok. The number of Jon’s place will be on the frig. Look I need to run down to the mall and I’ll be back shortly can you watch Jimmy so Mom can finish dinner?” she asked him.

“Yeah sure if it’s ok if I ask Dave to come over here then we can eat and then split later?” he asked her.

“Make sure if it’s ok with Mommy first.” She told him. Chick went and asked his Mom and she told him that would be fine. So Ellie ran to the mall to pick up a few things and she wanted to pick something up for Jon’s Birthday to bring with them.

As she was walking thru the mall she felt as if she was being followed but when she turned around she couldn’t make out anyone that she knew or could recognize. Ellie did what she had too and she was in and out only because she hated to shop. She got what she needed and then headed over to the store to grab some milk. When she got home she didn’t want to mention what happened in the mall and scare her parents only because she could have been wrong. She also hated to basically run into the house because the paps would get out of theirs cars when she would either come out of the house or when she came home. She did exactly what Jon told her and tried her best to ignore them. But they love to throw out little things like ‘How’s Jon doing with his new conquest. And ‘We saw Jon we a groupie the other night.’ And she would have to block all that out and not believe them. All they wanted was her re-action so they could get a picture of her and sell it.

A few days later her brother Chick took them to the airport and Jimmy was in awe of all the airplanes. You would think he would be tired seeing it was like in the middle of the night for him. It was four in the morning. He stayed with them until it was time for them to get on the plane. It was just easier also for Ellie to handle Jimmy too. Once inside she got him settled and the plane took off. What she didn’t know there was someone else on there too.

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 Jon was waiting at the airport as the plane was finally coming in. They were forty-five minutes late. They had to fly over until the fog lifted so they could land. It really didn’t take them long to get to New Jersey by plane seeing they were next door but Jon wanted them with him A.S.A.P. He was waiting at the gate when he finally saw them walking down the ramp and waited very impatiently for them to get to him. When they finally got to him he grabbed Ellie and kissed her hard.

Letting her go finally, “Hey Baby how was the flight?”

“It was fine. Jimmy thought it was great didn’t you?” she asked him as he looked up at her as he held on to her leg. All he did was shake his head yes.

Getting down to his level Jon asked him, “So are you glad you’re here Jimmy?” Again Jimmy just shook his head. Patting him on his shoulder and getting up, “He’s not talking a lot is he?” he asked her.

“He’s just playing shy right now. Wait til he meets the guys he won’t open up for a while until he knows them. But he should be fine once we get him back to the apartment. Speaking of which it is livable right?” she asked him.

Smiling, “Yes Honey it’s livable I’ve spent most of the week cleaning it. Oh and I cleaned the spare room for Jimmy so he’d have his own room so he wouldn’t spend it with us if that’s ok with you?” he told her.

“That’s fine because if he did you wouldn’t be getting anything if you know what I mean.” She told him giggling.

“That’s why I did it.” He said giving her his pearly smile.

They went and got their bags and headed out to the beach where Jon’s apartment was. Jon didn’t notice that he was being followed all the way back from the airport. This guy was a real pro. Entering the apartment Ellie was impressed that Jon had indeed cleaned it up. It wasn’t bad for a guy that was on the road most of the time. “Well does it meet with your approval?” he asked her.

Looking around it didn’t look half bad. “It looks fine Jon. What do you say Jimmy did Daddy do a good job?” she asked him. Again all Jimmy did was shake his head yes. She noticed that he was also yawning. “Um Jon you want to show me Jimmy’s room?” she asked him as she pointed down to him.

Jon noticed what she meant and showed them both his room. “Oh sure come this way. Right here I hope you like it Jimmy you can decorate it anyway you want. I didn’t do it because I wasn’t sure what you liked.” He told him a little sad.

“Well I’m sure he can come up with a few ideas but right now I think he needs to get some sleep what do you say?” she asked her son. All Jimmy did was nod but also waved to her to come to him. She did and he whispered to her if she could stay with him until he fell asleep. She told him of course she could and he also asked if Jon could too. Well that sent Jon over the moon. They both stayed with him until he drifted off and they quietly left him to sleep hopefully for quite some time Jon hoped. He wanted to spend some time with his Mama.

 Back in the living room, “So now I finally get you all to myself.” Jon told her as he wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her properly. “So how long does he nap for?” he asked her as he nuzzled on her neck.

“A few hours and probably more if I let him only because the flight took a lot out of him he was really excited about coming.” She told Jon.

Jon parted from her and looked at her strangely. “Really? Well he didn’t seem it when I met you two at the airport or when we got back here in fact he hasn’t opened his mouth.” Jon told her a little hurt.

“Oh Honey don’t be like that. This is all strange to him plus remember he’s only five. He’ doesn’t see you all the time so he doesn’t know how to act around you. Or what to call you. I mean I call you Daddy so he knows that you are his Daddy he says Daddy back at the house but give him time to actually say it to ok?” she asked him giving him a small smile.

“Yeah I know I guess I just want everything to fall into place at once. Sorry. I’ll try not to rush him or you for that matter. I guess I’m just really nervous.” He told her.

“I know and it’s ok really. And he really doesn’t bite. He really doesn’t he knows better I taught not too I hate kids who bite!” she told with a big smile.

“Oh very funny.” He said thru gritted teeth and grabbed her and started tickling her.

“Jon! He’s sleeping stop! Come cut it out will ya!” she kept telling him trying hard not to yell so he wouldn’t wake up. So Jon covered her mouth with his and was kissing her good when there was a noise outside. Like something was knocked over. Jon’s head shot up.

“What the hell was that? Those stupid paps! Look you stay and I’ll get rid of them for good. There’s no way in hell they’re hanging around here when you and Jimmy are here.” Jon said pissed. Jon got up and grabbed his baseball bat.

“Jon don’t do anything stupid please.” Ellie asked him as she saw him grab the bat.

“I’m just going to show them that I mean business Baby that’s all. I’m not going to hit anyone ok?” he said as he opened the back door and looked out first before he walked out. He knew it could be a reporter, fan or anything and didn’t want to scare her. He looked around on the deck and didn’t see anything. So he walked a little farther to the end of the deck and still didn’t see anyone. When he finally turned around at this black and white cat jumped out from behind him and made him jump. ‘Jesus!’ he yelped to himself. He still didn’t feel good about the situation thou. Just something in his gut told him. He would have to make a call later. He walked back inside. “Well couldn’t see anything except a damn cat.” He told her putting the bat back.

“Did the cat attack?” she asked him trying to hold in her giggles.

Turning around and looking at her, “Are you laughing at me? I went out there to protect my family and all I get is laughing? Oh oh oh are you so going to get it.” He told her as he started to saunter over to her as he was giving her this look.

“No no no, I’m not laughing at you Babe really I’m (she said as she started to back up on the couch) um I’m was just oh yeah asking that’s all and trying to be encouraging um you just stop right there Mister!” But she didn’t have time as he grabbed her and put her over his shoulder and carried her into the bedroom as he slapped her ass.

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Ellie was in the bathroom cleaning up as Jon had put on sweats and a t-shirt. He had walked into the kitchen just as he heard Jimmy calling out to his mother. At first Jon thought to get Ellie but then he decided to try to put his Daddy skills to use. So he went into the bedroom to see what he could do. “Hey big man you’re awake.” He said sitting on the side on the bed and laying his hand around Jimmy‘s side.

Rubbing his eyes, “I want Mommy.” He told Jon who was feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Well Mommy is in the bathroom right now. Can I help you?” he asked his son hoping that he would let him.

“No I want Mommy.” He said firmly.

Jon didn’t see Ellie hiding in the door way as she watched the two of them. She really hoped that Jon could handle this situation on his own.

“Well Jimmy I’m your Daddy so you know I can help you too. I want too. I was really hoping that you and I could be really close like you are with your Mom would that be ok?” he asked his son as he held his breath.

Jimmy looked at his Dad and thought about it for a few minutes. Ellie was trying not to giggle because she knew that was the same face Jon usually made. He was his father. “Well I guess so. I welly need to go to the bathroom.” He told Jon.

“Oh, oh well come I can show you where that is you know we don’t need your mother for that. I mean where guys so we should stick together for those kind of things while you’re here dontcha think?” he asked his son who was pondering it over.

“I guess so. It is a boy thing wight?” he asked his Dad.

“Hey it is. Come on let’s go.” So Jon helped him up and as they turned around there was Ellie at the door.

“Mommy! Daddy and I are going to the bathroom. Only we guys can go ok?” he asked her.

“Oh ok that’s fine you and Daddy go right ahead.” She told them holding in her laughter. As they passed her Jon gave her a wink and the biggest smile. She went into the kitchen to see what she could get Jimmy as a snack when the phone rang. She heard Jon yell out to answer it. So she picked it up and said Hello but when she did at first there was no answer but she knew there was someone on the other end on the phone. “Look I’m going to hang up if you can’t say something.” She told them. But then the voice on the other end came on.

“I don’t think you want me to do that. You’re mine and always have been and don’t forget that. I will be seeing you soon Ellie.” And he hung up. Ellie just stood there ash white. The receiver hit the floor as Jon and Jimmy walked out of the bathroom. Jon saw her and didn’t know what was happening. He thought she was going to faint so he ran to her and grabbed her.

“Baby are you ok? Talk to me please?” he asked her but she wasn’t talking so he helped her to the couch. Jimmy was starting to get upset. “Hey there Jimmy come on why don’t you come and sit next to Mommy ok?” he told him as Jimmy jumped up and sat next to her. Kneeling in front of her he took her hand and kept trying to get her to talk as Jimmy just put his head on her shoulder. It took about ten minutes before she was able to come around and see straight.

“Hey.” Was all she could say at first.

“Hey, are you back with us Baby?” he asked her still scared out of his mind.

“The phone? He’s on the phone!” she yelped and nearly jumped off the couch and almost knocking off Jimmy.

“Hey calm down, now tell me who was on the phone?” he asked her concerned.

She just stared at him like she had seen a ghost. He was supposed to be in prison she thought for another ten years. And how the hell did he get Jon’s number? But how did he know where to find either of them in the first place? She looked at Jon then she looked at Jimmy and tilted her head towards their son.

 “Hey Jimmy you want to watch some t.v.?” he asked his son.

“Ok. But is Mommy ok?” he wanted to know.

“Yeah she’s fine you know how she gets her headaches right?” he asked him and hoped he did. Jimmy shooked his head yes.

“Well good I think this is one of those times so I’m going to bring her in the bedroom and you can watch some t.v. ok? What’s on that you like Honey?” he asked him.

“Just put PBS on for him all his shows are on there.” Ellie told him. Jon did what she told him and then he guided her in the bedroom. Once he got her to the bed and sat her down he sat beside her and put his arm around her.

“Ok Baby now do you want to tell me what the hell is going on please your scaring the hell out of me.” He told her.

“That phone call.” She said.

“Ok so it was a crank call I get them all the time. It’s probably just a bunch of girls calling here and how they find my new number is beyond me. I change it all the time. What did they say to upset you so much?” he wanted to you.

“Jon it wasn’t a bunch of girls it was…Michael.” She told him as she gave him a horrified look.

“Michael? How the hell could it have been him? Isn’t he in jail?” Jon asked her stumped.

“I…I don’t know how. But I know his voice Jon and that was Michael on the phone I’m sure of it.” She told him still shaking.

“No I believe you. Look I’ll make some phone calls ok. Find out what the hell is going on with this Michael. Baby don’t worry I promise you he will never hurt you again. Look at me, I swear if he comes near you or Jimmy that will be the last thing he’ll ever do.” He told her as he put his arms around her so she knew she would feel safe.

Once she felt a little bit better and composed herself she left the bedroom and saw Jon and Jimmy sitting on the couch and Jimmy was explaining why Oscar the Grouch was living in his trash can. Jon saw her come and was smiling. “Boy he really knows his stuff doesn’t he?” Jon said of his son.

“Oh yeah he does. You should see him and my Dad debate over why Oscar lives in the can. Jimmy says it’s because he likes it because of all the goodies that get throw in his trash can. My Dad tells him it’s because he just likes to live in a mess. They debate this out all the time. Daddy does this on purpose because he thinks that Jimmy is a genius because he can have an intelligent conversation with him more than he can with most adults.” She told him smiling. 

“You do know your Father is right.” Jon told her smiling as well. She just shooked her head.

“You’re too funny.” She told him smiling at him.

“Well I’ve been called worse. You hungry?” he asked her.

 “I could eat but just a little ok?” she told him looking a little defeated.

“Well you do need to eat a little something. I did go out and buy some sandwich meat yesterday so we can make ourselves some sandwiches if that’s ok with you?” he asked.

“That’s fine, I know what Jimmy likes and myself of course but if you could make your own?” she asked him.

“That’s fine Babe come on I have the stuff over here.” He told her as they started to get things together. As they ate Jon told her while she took her nap he called his lawyer Tom to see what he could find out about Michael and to get back to him. He also called his security team from the tour and asked if his lead guy could find someone to come out and watch the apartment and see about a body guard for Ellie. They told him also they would get back to him as soon as possible. In the meantime Jon wasn’t going to let either one of them out of his eye sight.

Ellie knew what her next move was and she dreaded doing it but she knew she had too. She asked Jon to entertain Jimmy while she called her parents. He told her he would as she dialed the phone. Her Mom picked up and she explained what happened. Cecilia had to sit down when she learned of what happened. Her first concern was of Jimmy then asked how she was doing. She explained what Jon was doing and was glad that Jon was being so pro-active for her daughter and grandson. She asked her Mom if they had heard anything about Michael being released and of course her Mom said no and why would we keep something like that from you. She told her she didn’t know and wasn’t really thinking and was just scared. Cecelia understood and told her that she would tell her father everything when he returned home. Unfortunately Joe and Mary are no longer together. Joe found Mary in bed with someone else and he kicked her out. So your Dad is with him now only because he called your brother Chick and he was pretty drunk. Ellie knew something was up with those two because in the last few weeks Mary wasn’t able to look her in the eye. She told her Mom to tell Joe that she loved him and to hang in there and she’ll be home soon. Hanging up the phone she turned to Jon.

“Is everything ok you don’t look to good again?” he told her concerned.

Trying not to yell, “No I’m not. I told Mom everything and they didn’t get anything about Michael and she’s going to tell Daddy but they have a lot on they’re plate. Little Mrs. Whore was caught in bed when Joey came home from work! I am so going to rip her heart out of her chest!” she told Jon and he knew that she meant it.

“Whoa baby calm down. Who caught who?” he wanted to know.

“My brother caught his cheating whore of a wife in bed with some scum when he came home from work. To be honest I’m surprised that they’re both still alive!” she told him.

Jon just looked at her and laughed to himself only because she’d probably belt him, that her whole demeanor changed when it came to one of her siblings hurting more than her. “Ok but what about Michael Babe, I need to know about him. Not your brother. Honey I’m sorry about Joe I really am but we need to stay on track here did your Mom know anything about Michael?” he asked her.

“I’m sorry Honey no she didn’t and she’ll let me know if Daddy knew anything when he gets back but if he didn’t and finds out that Michael just called me? He’s gonna flip.” She told him.

“Ok well let’s just wait and see what we can do when we get the info back then we can set a plan into action sounds good?” he asked her.

“Oh sure and in the meantime I don’t know if he’s watching us or if he’s still in prison Jon. You don’t know the hell he put me thru. I’m scared.” She told him as she looked into his blue eyes.

“I know you are but I told you I’m not going to let anything happen to either one of you. It will be alright.  Just then the phone rang and they both jumped.

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As Cecelia was getting dinner ready she was nervous now herself knowing that something was up with that scum bucket Michael. The only thing that got her thru this was knowing that Jon was with them. She heard a car drive up and saw that it was her husband and her son Joe. She was glad that he was able to talk him into coming home for dinner. As they got out of the car luckily they didn’t see any paps around so they knew that Ellie wasn’t here this week. But when they got closer to the house they saw someone in the backyard sneaking around. Joe whispered to his Dad to go around to the garage side where they had the other gate. So Paul when over there as Joe slowly open this gate and went in. He slowly went next to the porch where the man was standing in front of and next to pool so if he turned to his left he could see Joe but Paul had opened the gate at the other end of the yard so the man quickly turned to his left out of habit without looking and ran right into Joey and they both were about the same match for each other. But Joe was ready for him he didn’t know that Joe was there so who landed on the pool cover and got all wet?