Getting Closer to the FInish

A few months had gone by and Ellie had brought Jimmy back home weeks after her Mother’s attack and she needed to get him back to some semblance of a normal life. Her Mother was home and she had gotten her settled before she had left but was still uneasy when she left. But she knew she had to as she was getting her life settled in New Jersey. The only thing missing was her guy. But she knew New Jersey was the place he wanted to be settled in and her parents always told her that you go with the man that you loved. Why did they always have to be right? She was lonely there but she didn’t want to bitch to him about it and make her “one of those women” who always bitch to their men about every single thing that bothers them. It was bad enough that she didn’t see enough of him as it was. So she just went along with him as if nothing was wrong when he called.

In the meantime Carol had been driving Jon crazy about seeing her Grandson again and he had to tell her that he wasn’t going to be home for a while and she didn’t understand why they couldn’t go over there as long as John Sr. was with her. Jon had told her no that he had to be there or Ellie would have a fit. She just wasn’t ready yet to have them over without him not being there yet and she would have to understand or things would go back to the way they were. He also told her that he wanted to be there because he wasn’t sure either as she would have to stop calling him or he would make the decision not to let her see him. Carol finally gave in but didn’t like it.

Jon wanted to scream as he hung up the phone from his Mom. He thought they had explained everything to her when he left there for Vancouver but apparently again she only heard what she wanted too. He got up from his chair to grab a drink from behind the bar and poured him himself one when there was a knock at the door. He went over to answer it and when he opened it it was Richie.

“Hey Kidd what’s up?” he said as he walked in.

“Nothing much just same old shit with my Mom. What’s up with you?” he asked Rich.

Richie turning around, “Your Mom what’s up now?”

“Oh she’s bitching that I won’t let her go over to the house without me and see Jimmy. I really don’t need Ellie bitching at me that I told Mom that she could go and see him without me there you know?” he said taking a slug of the golden liquor coating his throat on the way down.

“You’re shitting me? Yeah Ellie would have a bird all right. You got anymore of that stuff?” he asked Jon.

“Yeah behind the bar.” He told him. ”Help yourself.”

Pouring himself one too, “So you’re not going to tell her are you?” Rich asked.

“Who Ellie? Hell no do you think I’m stupid!” Jon looked at him.

“Hey just asking Kidd. Oh by the way did you get the call from Mark? They want to start taking pictures for the cover of the album. He said he has some ideas that he wants to run by us.” Rich said.

“Yeah I did, he told me a couple of them and I’m not too sure about them but Mark said to keep an open mind about them. That’s why I’m drinking now maybe if I have a hangover I’ll have more of an open mind.” Jon told Richie in a sarcastic way.

“Why were they that bad?” Richie wanted to know.

“No I guess not but one of them he wants to shoot a girl with big tits and wear one of the Slippery When Wet t-shirts for the cover of the album. That’s going to set off red flags with the PMRC but I’ll see how it looks when they show us the finished product.” He said taking his last gulp and getting up to get another glass full.

“Really? Yeah that’s going to be sketchy to say the least. Depending on how much skin we’re willing to show on it and cleavage we may be pushing it.” Richie said sneering.

Looking at his best friend and chuckling, “Get your mind out of the gutter will you? This may be what makes us or breaks us dumbass. So we need to play this just right.” He told him taking a sip of his drink this time.

“Oh this coming from our Captain who didn’t want to put Living on the album.” Richie whined to him.

“Yeah exactly. I’m still not sure about that.” He told him giving him the stink eye.

“Well those kids thought it was a good idea didn’t they?” he gloated.

“Yeah, yeah well we’ll see now won’t we?” Jon moaned.

“You still have something stuck up your ass what it is?” Richie wanted to know.

Looking at him defeated. “We’re not going to have much time at home before we’re off on the tour you know? And I might have not told Ellie about it yet?” he told him.

“You haven’t told her yet? How the hell couldn’t you tell her? She’s going to be pissed Jon! It’s bad enough she’s trying to get adjusted to this life style but you’re not helping by not telling her stuff like your schedule man. She’s stuck in that house with your son all by themselves, what the hell were you thinking?” Richie asked him all upset.

“I know ok? She’s going to be pissed at me I get it. I just didn’t know how to tell her and well the days just kind of crept up on me and with all this shit going on with Doc and doing the new album well you know I just didn’t want to deal with it that’s all.” He told him as he ran his hand thru his hair.

“Oh that’s just great Kidd she’s going to love that. So what songs do you want us to sing at your funeral? Because she’s going to kill you.” Richie told him wincing.

“Oh gee thanks for the support.” Jon told him as he gave him the Jersey salute.

“Hey you’re the one that got yourself into this mess. It’s not my fault that you can’t be honest with your woman.” Rich said to him as he took a sip of his drink.

“Oh don’t even go there Rich.” Jon said to him pissed now.

“Hey after all the shit that you have put us thru trying not to tell her don’t even say that Jon.” Rich thru back at him. “Have you even told her that Dorothea is here as one of the damn models with Mark? That’s not going to go over with her.” Richie pointed out.

“No I haven’t told her yet because I haven’t spoken to her yet. Plus I have no way of telling her that she’s here. How the hell am I supposed to tell her that anyway? ‘Oh Baby guess what my ex is here as a model in a little bikini flirting with me.’ Yeah that’s going to go over real big.” Jon said sarcastically.

“Look Kidd just tell her because if you don’t and she hears it from someone else you’re dead. Look what happened the last time she found out.” he told him.

“Look I’ve been good since my last indiscretion haven’t I? You know how much I love Ellie and there’s no fucking way I’m going to lose my family because of it. But I also worked to damn hard to get where I am now and I’m not going to stop now and she’s just going to have to realize that.” He told him as he paced the floor.

“Well does she realize it, that is?” Richie wanted to know.

“We’ve talked about it. So yeah she does and she says she understands it. I’m here aren’t I?” he told him.

“Yeah but your guilty about it. I’ve never seen you guilty about it before. We’ve always come first and your relationships always came last. In fact all of our relationships have come last. The question is what is so special about this one Jon? Because you’ve heard everyone talking just like I have and they’re saying that this album may be the one. Everyone loves the songs on it and think we might have a couple on number ones on it. That this one just might put us on the map. So if it does then what are you going to tell her when we’re out on the road for let’s say two years. Because that’s what we’re looking at you know that. And your throat is going to get a work out so are you going to be able to handle that as well?” Richie wanted to know.  

Jon just looked at him and sighed. “You don’t think that all of those questions haven’t gone thru my mind like a thousand times Rich? You don’t think that I’m scared of each and every single one of them. My voice of maybe losing it? I guess maybe we can work something out and if you guys help me when it gets horse and maybe trying not to talk when we’re off and stuff. And as for Ellie just try and be honest with her as much as possible. I can’t lose her Rich I just can’t. I know what it’s like not having her in my life and I can’t go thru that again and I won’t fuck that up I love her too much.” He told him as he sat down in the chair and just stared at the floor.

Getting up and walking over to him and sitting on the arm rest, “Look Jon you won’t fuck this up as long as you tell her the truth ok? She loves you just as much as you love her. I see the way she looks at you. Believe it’s not how the groupies look at us. I would kill for someone to look and feel that way about me.” he told him as he patted him on the back.’

“You will man she may not be as special as my Ellie but you will.” Jon told him.

“And hey look as for the other stuff we’ll work everything out don’t worry about it ok? We’ll take care of it when and if it happens. We’ll always be there for you right? You do know that?” Richie asked him

“Yeah I do and Thanks.” Jon said to him.

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Jon had gotten back from a day of shooting photos of him and the guys outside in a parking lot with a bunch of barely there women glad in nothing but bikini’s in the Slippery in Wet t-shirts washing cars in soap and water like a car wash with the guys also soaked and Jon in nothing but his shorts. Mark Weiss was doing the photography and knew what he wanted as he had done other photos the previous week in the studio. So Jon let him do this shoot also. He needed a shower badly when he got in because he was hot and smelling badly of sweat and whatever it was that they used to wash those damn cars with. Oh and whatever those girls used as perfume because they were all over them especially Dotty who was trying to get his attention and the others who were giggling as they thought splashing and throwing the buckets of water at each other were just so funny. It may have if Ellie was with them but it just was another dig that she wasn’t. He really needed her and not over the phone that was getting old.

After taking his shower and eating he was looking at the phone and he really needed to hear her voice. What he really needed was to feel her but he would take what he could right now. So he picked up the phone and called her. As it rang he was getting antsy and he really didn’t understand why. It’s not like he’s never talked to her before so why was he getting this feeling he thought? Just then the phone picked up.

“Hello?” she asked.

“Hey Babe how are you doing tonight?” he asked her nervously for some reason.

“Hey I’m doing good but I miss you.” She told him sighing.

“Yeah I miss you too. So how’s Jimmy doing? When is he getting out of school?” he asked her.

“Oh um Hon he got out last week I told you that don’t you remember?” she asked him worried.

“Oh you did? I must have forgotten. I’m sorry Babe I’ve just been under so much stress you know with the album and shit.” He told her.

“Hon it’s ok I understand you can’t keep track of everything.” She told him in an understanding voice.

“Well I should. You guys are just as important to me as the band and I should know what’s going on in your lives too. Some provider I am.” He said sadly.

“Hey are you looking for sympathy? Because I can’t give it you properly you know over the phone Sweetie. Plus you’re not one for not asking for it either so what’s up?” she asked him wondering.

“Can’t I just once miss you and be a little whinny about it?” he asked her a little put out about it.

“Yes but it’s really not you so did something happen today? Because I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me Jon?” she explained to him.

“No it’s just everything I guess. Just being away from the two of you this time it’s been how long?” he asked her.

“Two and half months and I know how you feel but something isn’t right so what’s going on? Is Doc making trouble again?” she asked him.

“No more than usual. I just miss you and Jimmy. You with me and waking up with me and going to bed with me. Look we had this photo shoot today and well we had to shoot with these girls in bikini’s as we were washing these cars and throwing the water around and acting like we were having fun. Ok so the guys were but I would have if you were there you know. I would have had more fun getting you all wet if you get my drift.” He growled at her.

“Yeah I get your drift you big faker. Like you didn’t have any fun. Girls in bikinis yeah like you didn’t have any fun. Jon in cases like that it’s ok to have a little fun as long as you don’t take it to the bedroom or anywhere else where you’re going to fuck one of the girls then it’s ok to have some fun. Do you understand that Honey?” she asked him.

“Yeah I think so. So if and when you see these pictures then you’re not going to freak out then?” he asked her.

“As long as you tell me first that I’m going to see them and not be surprised by them then yeah I’ll be fined and my imagination won’t run away from me yeah sure. I know you want me to get use to this life style and all the crap that goes along with it and I’m trying I really am. I’m seeing in the rags what’s going on in Vancouver and it looks like you guys are having a grand time there. It says Jon Bon Jovi this and Jon Bon Jovi that. And it’s killing me not to call you on all of it. So I’m trusting you on everything ok?” she told him.

“Have I told you yet how much I love you?” he asked her.

“Nope not yet.” She told him with a hint of a giggling.

“Ok then Elinore I love you so much and miss you I can’t wait to get you in my arms.” He told her as he choked up.

“Well what are you going to do with me once you get me in your arms Sweetie?” she asked him cooing back at him.

“Oh, oh, oh I think you have a pretty good idea what I’m going to do to you when I get ahold of you young lady. So you better have a lot of lotion on hand Baby because between your ass and wrists you’re going to need it.” He told her as he kept growling into the phone.

As she continued to giggle, “Well then it’s a good thing I hired that Nanny then or do you want to send Jimmy to the Sambora’s for the first couple of nights when you get back?” she asked him.

“Oh crap I totally forgot. Wait a minute you hired a Nanny without me?” he asked her surprised.

“Yeah why? I had too because you didn’t want Jared to keep taking him to school when I couldn’t did you? So I asked Joan to help me look for one and we went thru this agency that she recommended and with her help we got this great lady named Janice Black. Her credentials checked out. I did have Jared check them out too and they came back clean so I hired her. She’s in her late fifty’s and is grandmother oh and is divorced so it works out great.” She told him.

“Well what if we want to be alone?’ he asked her.

“Well we can always drop him of at the Sambora’s I told you that weren’t you listening to me?” she asked him.

“Um no I don’t think I heard you after you said you hired a nanny.” He told her honestly.

“Jon it’s ok she’s working out great and Jimmy loves her. And it’s good for me when I don’t feel good and for when I need to lay down and take a nap and she also over sees the staff for me. So what’s the problem? You aren’t here all the time and I needed to get this done and how were you going to help me hire someone when your miles away? Are you trying to tell me you don’t trust my judgment?” she asked him trying not to jump down his throat.

Thinking real quick so he wouldn’t get his balls chopped off, “No of course not Babe but you never did this before and there are a lot of well how can I put this…Whacko’s out there that’s all.” He told her trying to keep his calm.

And trying to keep her calm she said back to him, “I told you we went over her credentials and credit checks. I know what I’m doing Jon he is my son too especially after what I’ve been thru with these Whacko’s and don’t you think I would take the necessary measures to make sure that our son would be safe with some stranger?” she empathized to him.  

Jon knew he put his foot in his mouth. Now he had to figure out how he was going to get it out.

“Sorry it’s just that I’m not there and it’s driving me crazy especially that I’m not making all the arrangements like I should.” He explained to her.

Shaking her head to herself, “Jon why do you need to make all the arrangements yourself when I’m perfectly able to do it myself? I’m not an idiot you know?” she told him upset.

“I know you’re not and I don’t mean to make you feel that you are. It’s just that I’m the man and I’m supposed to take care of my family that’s all and right now I’m not doing such a great job of it.” He told her upset at himself.

“Jon how many times do I have to tell you that you do not have to take this on all by yourself? Being a family and at least with me is a team effort. So get use to it got it? Maybe in your family it might go that way but in my family my parents share the responsibility so in ours it will be the same ok?” she told him matter of fact.

“Well I guess you told me huh?” he said smiling but was glad she couldn’t see him.

“Yeah I did so what are you going to do about it Kidd?” she giggled.

“Kidd? Did you just call me Kidd? Oh, oh you are so going to be punished when I get home you do know that Elinore!” he told her in his deep whiskey voice.

“Oh you can try Bongiovi you can try.” She told him as she giggled more. They talked some more for about another half hour when Jon started to yawn and she told him that he should get some sleep.

“Yeah I really should but I need to tell you something before we hang up Babe.” He said.

“Ok what we’ve been talking for ages so what could you have left out?” she asked him.

“Look it wasn’t my idea ok? But our photographer Mark Weiss who is out of Jersey well he brought the models with him so he could photograph them for the album and promo pictures. Baby Dorothea is one of the damn models and I swear I didn’t interact with her at all. She tried but I just ignored her the whole time I swear.” He told her and waited to hear her reaction.

There was quiet on the other end of the phone that you could hear a pin drop. At first Jon thought she hung up the phone but then he remembered that he would hear a dial tone if she did. Calling her name a couple of times she finally said something to him.

“Yeah I’m still here. So she got to you thru your photographer huh?  And you waited to tell me at the end of our conversation to tell me? Well I’ll give you credit for telling me and that you seem upset that she was there. But it’s up to you Jon to do what you feel is right and what you want. Do you want a free life as a Rock and Roll life style or still have the Rock and Roll but as a committed man? So let me know what you decide ok because if you choose the first one I need time to pack us up so we can be out of here before you get home.” She told him direct.

“Oh God you are so dumb sometimes aren’t you! What have we been doing for the past hour and a half? And I told you how much I love you haven’t I? I want you dummy and only you. And yes I told you til the last minute because I’ve been going thru this in my head because I wanted to know how I was going to tell you and see I still didn’t say it right. You know she doesn’t mean anything to me so stop.” He said getting annoyed.

“Well then you should have led with this first so we could have gotten this out of the way first. Oh I have so much to teach you.” She told him snickering.

“Yeah get the lotion Babe you’re going to need it.” He said in his most demanding voice.

Heartache

  They were a happy little family until it came time for Jon to leave back for Vancouver. Jared had taken Jimmy to school this morning so Ellie and Jon could be alone until his ride came in a few hours. Ellie was loading the dishwasher when Jon walked up to her.

“Hey stop that for a minute will you?” he asked her as he turned her around. “I’m not too thrilled about this either and I don’t think Jimmy realized it so you’re going to have your hands full when he gets home Babe.” He told her worried about both of them.

Sighing, “I know so don’t worry about it I’ll take care of him. But you know I do have the right to feel bad I was just getting use to you again in the bed seeing that you hog it.” She said smiling.

“I do not hog it.” He said feeling insulted, well not much as he was grinning.

“Yeah you do and the blankets.” She told him laughing.

“Oh now you’ve gone too far come here you little…” but just then the phone rang as Jon whined. “Ohhh don’t answer it Babe.”

“I have to it could be anyone and you know that.” She told him as she went to answer the phone and he rolled his eyes and crossed his legs.

“Hello? Chick? Chickie calm down ok? What’s the matter?...Yeah ok I can be home by tomorrow morning the latest. How’s Daddy?...Ok tell him we’ll be home very soon alright. Ok Love you. Bye.” She said as she hung up the phone and just stood there staring into space. Jon walked over to her concerned for her and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the back of her head.

Finally he asked her, “Babe you want to tell me what’s going on?” he asked lovingly.

“Um Mom’s been sick which I knew she had the flu but it turned into ammonia so she couldn’t breath and it got really bad last night. She fought Daddy about going to the hospital but the E.M.T.’s talked her into going and once they got there she had a heart attack mild but still a heart attack. Personally I think they’re calling it mild because she was right there and they got it right away. And Daddy went catatonic.” She told Jon as she continued to stare into space.  

Jon was getting a little nervous now because she wasn’t moving or anything. So he turned her around so he could look at her. “Babe look at me. Come on look at me. Everything will be ok she’s a strong lady. If she can take care of you five she can get thru anything right? Do I see a smile? Huh?” he asked her as tears were coming down her cheeks now. “She’s going to be fine Babe now let’s get upstairs and get you packed and Jimmy so we can get to your folk’s as soon as possible ok?” he told her as she shooked her head yes. Walking to the stairs something hit her that he just said.

Ellie stopped on the third step when she turned to him and asked him, “Jon did you say we?”

“Yeah I did why?” he asked confused.

“Because you can’t go you need to go back to Vancouver.” She told him as she wiped away her tears.

“Baby you just worry about packing ok and I’ll worry about Vancouver. Now come on you go pack your bag and I’ll go pack one for Jimmy.” He told her as they started up the stairs again. Once they got up there she still wasn’t alright with his answer.

“No Jon for one you can’t pack Jimmy’s bag because you’ll pack it like you do your own so forget it.  And second you can’t come with me. Doc and them will have a fit if you don’t show up.” She tried to tell him as he butted in.

“I don’t care this is family and I’m not going to leave you all alone. Look at you you’re a mess. You need me right now.” He told her as he gave her a small kiss.

Thinking for a second she then told him, “Yeah I know right now I am but when Jimmy gets home I’ll be fine because I have to. And when I get home I’ll be fine because my family will need me I do great in time of crisis. I only fall apart when it’s over or when I’m alone so I’ll be fine. So don’t worry about be me. Like you said I’m a lot like Mom.” She told him as the tears again started down her cheeks.

Smiling, “Yeah I can see that Baby. Ok then come on let’s get you packed first then Jimmy but for your information I can pack up Jimmy just fine and the way you want it done. Just because I like mine done a certain way…” he started to say as she started to laugh and cut in.

“I’m sorry a certain way? Oh my God Jon you only take like two pairs of pants and a couple of shirts for a whole tour the guys told me. The other guys bring luggage after luggage. What do you do borrow theirs?” she asked him still laughing.

Well he was standing there smiling at her now and that made him feel a little bit better that he at least got her to laugh. “You know you have a beautiful smile but a great laugh that I could be very content with to go to my grave hearing. I don’t want to wait when I get back be prepared because I want to make this legal. This scare with your Mom it just goes to show you life is too short.” He told her as he sauntered over to her and took her in his arms.   

Looking in his eyes which usually brought her to her knees, “You’re only saying this because of Mommy. Why don’t you wait til you get back when the album is done and see how you or we still feel ok?” she told him trying not to go on the feeling’s that were hitting them right now.

“You saying you don’t want to marry me now?” Jon asked surprised and scared.

“No I’m not you dope. It’s just that we’re both scared right now of what might happen to Mom and thinking of the future and we shouldn’t be doing that right this second that’s all. All I know is that I love you more than I have ever in my life but I can’t think that far ahead right now. Do you understand that Sweetie?” she asked him and hoped he understood.

Squeezing her tight, “Yeah I do, sorry it’s just that I love you so much too. I just don’t want to lose you.” He told her as he looked lovingly into her eyes.

“I know that and I don’t want to lose you either and you won’t. As long as we’re honest with each other Jon you got that?” she told him strongly.

“Yes Ma’am I got that and I won’t forget it either. I guess I was just so used to the girls I use to date and how hurt I was well… (he bent down and kissed her hard and passionately) …I forgot what I had when I had you. But I won’t do that again. Ok so you go get yourself packed and I’ll go make arrangements for you to go home I can at least do that.” He smiled as they headed towards the bedroom.

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 Ellie was all set for later on that night as she was able to get two first class tickets to Boston for eight p.m. that night. Jon was able to get them and have them picked up at the house and to have them picked up at the airport and driven to her parents’ house. She called there once all the arrangements were made and that seem to calm her Dad down quite a bit to have all his kids with him. Finally one p.m. came around and Jon’s car came to pick him up but he was still hesitant about leaving her and his son.

“You know I can change my plans still and come with you and Jimmy…” as he said this she put her finger on his lips.

“No I really appreciate it Sweetie but you know all hell will break loose if you do.” She told him as she put her hand down on his arm.

“But I don’t feel right about this.” he said to her rubbing her arms.

“I know but believe me I really couldn’t take the backlash right now ok?” she told him staring back at him looking defeated.

“Ok I get it and I’m not going to push you on this but if something does happen you call me right away do you understand me?” he told her strongly.

“Yes I understand you perfectly and I love you for it. Plus you need to get this album done so we can be together for a while anyway.” She told him smiling.

“Ok then well kiss me before I change my mind.” And she did as he sent her into orbit.

She waved goodbye and waited til the car was out of her vision before she let the tears flow, she needed to get it out of her system before Jared and Jimmy got home.

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A few days have gone by and Jon and the guys were tired but something good was happening. Things were really starting to come together and they were pleased with some of the results they were getting finally. They had about six tracks laid down that they were very happy with. Hopefully now seeing that they were getting the hang of what they wanted maybe the other fifteen would go a lot faster.

As they were listening to the last track Richie asked Jon, “So have you heard from Ellie lately?”

“Yeah her Mom is doing better but they still want to keep her a few more days which is driving her Mom nuts. She wants to go home you know? And her Dad is doing better he was a mess when she got there. You know they have been together so long it’s funny how dependent you get on one another.” Jon told them.

“Yeah I noticed that with my folks too. Dad always says that he needs to go first because he’ll follow Mom right away.” Richie said.

“Yeah same with mine.” David said.

“Not mine. They wouldn’t care which one went first. Even thou they go everywhere together now they still do things separately and are very independent of each other. But I do know one thing if Dad went first my Mom would drive me nuts because she would want me to take care of her and that sure as hell would break up my marriage to Ellie.” Jon told them.

“Oh you think Jon.” Richie asked him.

“Don't be a smartass Rich. But can you image the two of them together living in one house and I don’t care how big the house is either. There isn’t a house big enough for the two of them.” Jon shuttered.

“Yeah World War III. I can’t believe Ellie actually let them see Jimmy thou that was really cool of her.” Richie said.

“Yeah it was that’s why I love her so much. Mom could really learn a lot from her.” Jon told them.  They all looked at him and agreed with that.

“So when are you going to let them see Jimmy again?” Tico asked him.

“I told them we’ll see when I get home from here and if Mom behaved herself by sticking to the rules. You know no stalking Jimmy mainly and not bad mouthing Ellie so we’ll see.” He said as he was pushing buttons and trying to get the right volume, blocking, syncing and etc. as he was talking.

“So did Jimmy take to them?” Tico asked.

“Oh um he wasn’t sure at first because the only grandparents he knows is Ellie’s and basically Richie’s which pisses my Mom off to know end.” Jon said as Richie jumped in.

“Yeah I bet it does. Here are my folks helping out you and your kid calling them Grandma and Grandpa.” Rich squinted.  

“Yeah you don’t think I haven’t heard an earful of that and I know your parents have too and I’ve thanked them I think about a million times by the way.” Jon told Richie who was smiling at him.

“You know they don’t mind.” He told him.

“I know they don’t and I’m grateful for that.” He told his best friend.

It was a very long day but a very productive one the guys thought. They had laid down two more tracks that they liked and now only had to get them mixed and settled. The others were ready to hit the club but again Jon declined and gave some lame excuse like he wanted to go over some of the remaining songs and tweak them.

“Jon if you tweak them anymore we’ll be starting from the beginning again. So come on come with us you don’t have to do anything just come and have a few beers with us then you can leave.” David told him.

“I really appreciate that Dave but nah I’ll just go back to the condo and have some dinner and watch some t.v. and maybe call Ellie and see how things are going.” He told them.

“You just want to go back and have phone sex with her.” Dave said waggling his eyes at him.

“Shut the fuck up will you Joker it all depends who is around and if Jimmy is asleep.” Jon said giving Dave the finger also.

“Oh you wound me.” Dave said laughing.

“Yeah that will be the day!” Alec said laughing.

“Alright we’re leaving we’ll see you later. Is there anything we can bring you back?” Richie asked him.

“Nah I’m fine I’m just going to fiddle with this a little longer and then head back and have dinner so I’ll see you guys later.” He told them.

**********************************************************************

 When the guys were on their third round of beers a couple of the girls came to sit with them. One of them who was interested in Jon asked Richie where he was. Rich again told him that he was back at the hotel and wasn’t coming back and again told her. She wasn’t too happy with that and more or less told him that. So she told him that tomorrow he better come in with them or she was going to contact his fiance and tell her everything if he didn’t. Richie told her she better not or their will be hell to pay but she didn’t care he was the one she wanted and he was the one she was screwing with when he took off so who was he to just drop her like a bad habit. She got up and stormed off and left him sitting there thinking how the hell do they pick these broads.

Richie got Tico’s attention and asked him to move to one of the corners of the club.

“Rich what the hell is it?”

“You see that brunette over there in the gold and black two piece with the fish net’s?” he asked Tico.

“Yeah I see her why?” he wanted to know.

“Well guess what? We have another little crisis’s in what we call Jon’s life.” Rich told him.

“Oh crap now what?” Tico asked.

Richie explained what the girl told him and Tico just shooked his head. “What does he have a fucking magnet for this crap? Ok maybe we can defuse this before it gets out of control.” Tico told Richie.

“Yeah how do we do that ugly him up?” Richie suggested.

“That’s one way. No but I have an idea hang on.” Tico said as he made his way over to her.

She made a face when Tico walked up to her and it seemed she didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. But Tico wasn’t going away that easily. After about ten minutes with her alone she hugged Tico and shooked her head and then looked at Richie and blew him a kiss and with a hand to her chest nodded as she looked at him with a sympathetic look. Tico then walked back to Richie with a wicked grin.

“Tic what the hell did you say to her that made her leave? Is she going to say anything about Jon or what?” Richie was dying to know.

“Nope she’s not going to say a word.” He told Rich as he was pretty proud of himself.

“You’re kidding right? She’s not going to say a word? Did you promise to pay her off or something?” he wanted to know.

“Nope once I explained about Jon she understood that’s all.” He told him as he sipped his drink.

Richie just looked at him suspiciously and knew that there had to be more to this than what he was telling him. “Ok I’ll bite Tic what the hell did you tell her so she wouldn’t go running to Ellie.”

“Oh that. Well I just told her that you and Jon were how can I put this. That you were a thing and that the only ones that knew were us and we didn’t want the press to know and well Ellie was just a front and that she was a good friend doing you two a favor seeing she had a kid to raise so she agreed to do this. And well Jon and you had this fight when he met her so Jon was trying to make you jealous so he was flirting with her and well when Jon gets drunk anything can happen and it did. So if she could just try and understand a lover’s quarrel and not let this out so the public wouldn’t get wind of this and if she could have a heart try and keep this as quiet as possible” he explained to Richie as he had his mouth open almost the entire time.

When he was able to talk he was able to get out, “You told her that Jon and I were Gay? Are you nuts Tic! You just gave her more ammo. What if she goes to the press and tells them that were gay? Then what?” Richie asked him panicked stricken.

“She won’t Rich she wanted to tell Ellie that he was having an affair with her not that he was gay believe me she wanted to hurt Jon not start a rumor about him. She won’t say anything believe me.” Tico assured him. 

“Well I’m not telling him what just happened here are you?” Richie asked him.

 “Nobody has to tell him anything Rich trust me on this ok. Remember when we were in that bar oh say a few years ago and that big dude walked up to him at the bar and tried to hit on him because he thought he was girl. Jon looked over at you for help because the guy was really aggressive and wouldn’t let up and wouldn’t let him go no matter how much Jon told him that he was a guy. So when he was starting to feel him so to speak down you got up when Jon squealed and you picked that guy up and threw him across the bar and the two of you ran like the devil. Nobody said anything to the press then because they would have been embarrassed right well the same thing will happen if she says anything because she doesn’t want anyone to know that she got rejected by someone who likes the same sex. I mean she’s a professional right?” Tico asked him. Richie shooked his head yes. “Well there you go so don’t worry about it and if something does happen you can blame me.” He told him.

“You better believe I will” Richie said as he slapped him on his back smiling.

**********************************************************************

Jon had finished his dinner and was getting bored with what was on t.v. and he wasn’t in the mood to write. All he could do was think of his family back in Massachusetts. He knew Ellie was still upset and he couldn’t be of much help to her where he was. He knew this was part of the bargain he had to pay if he wanted to be one of the biggest rock stars of his era. (Now if he only knew what was about to happen.)  Finally he had enough and picked up the phone and called her.

It rang a few times before Sean answered it. He went and got his sister, “Hey Honey how are you doing?” she asked him.

“Lousey you?” he said almost as if he was pissed at the world.

“That good huh? Ok Sweetie what’s the matter.” She asked him.

“You’re not here.” He told her sighing.

“Yeah I feel the same way I’m having a hard time sleeping without you next to me. You really spoiled me now I know how my parents feel. Daddy is having a real hard time not having Mommy next to him right now. Just having her next to him you know her breathing, her body, just knowing that their together, God if something like that ever happens to you Jon I…I don’t know what I’d do.” She said choking up.

“Hey nothing is going to happen to me ok. I can’t even image what you’re parents are even going thru. But we really have a lot of time before something like that happens to us. Do me a favor and give them my love ok?” he asked her.

“I already did.” She told him smiling and sniffing.

“Thanks…How are you doing really?” He wanted to know.

“Better and she’s doing better. Daddy took some time off so I’m taking care of him basically but we’re going to have to figure out something when Mom comes home. Maybe bring someone in to help out or Beth will have to step up like I did when Mom had her first hip replacement. I hate to do it to her but I did it at fifteen so she can but if someone comes in too that should help and it won’t be that long either at least a couple of weeks. I need to get Jimmy back in school.” She explained to Jon.

“No I get it Babe you have a family of your own now and he comes first. You know there’s nothing wrong with that. And if you need extra money just let me know ok?” he told her.

“Thank You but the insurance will cover it. Do you know how much I love you?” she told him.

“Yeah I think I do. And if you were here I’d show you.” he growled to her.

“Oh don’t do that to me.” She whined.

“Fine but the next time I see you I’m going to fuck your brains out!”  he told her in a demanding voice.

Here Come The In-Laws

Jon was pacing the kitchen trying to think where the hell she could be. Maybe she just went shopping. Yeah that’s where she is, she went shopping and should be back soon. She’s only been gone now for (he looked at the clock) oh crap she’s been gone what looks like four hours. Where the hell could she have gone for four hours? I mean I’ve been up for three so she would have to have been out at least an hour right before he got up, or a good half hour. I’m freaking out now he thought. He knew he had to calm down. She wouldn’t just leave him alone with Jimmy and take off on the two of them.

He was just about to call Richie and ask him what he would do or just talk him this thru when he heard the front door open. So he quickly walked to the front and sure enough Ellie was putting her coat away.

Scaring the hell out of her he loudly asked her, “Where the hell have you’ve been!”

Ellie must have jumped about a foot and yelped loudly as she hit the door frame of the closet with her head and shoulder. Jon quickly responded to grab her but didn’t get to her in time as she slammed into it. “Babe are you ok?” he asked her concerned.

She looked up at him with a dazed look. “Yeah I think so. I just hit my head that’s all.” She said sarcastically.

“I’m sorry if I scared you that wasn’t my intent.” He told her as he helped her up.

“I know I didn’t think I was going to be gone this long sorry. But I guess I had more on my mind than I thought.” She told him.

“Yeah well you did, scare me that is. You know if I don’t find you when I wake up especially if Jimmy is here and you’re not well…yeah things go thru my head and with security not here right now…” he was trying to tell her.

“I’m sorry ok I should have left a note I apologize ok? But I think what I have to tell you might make up for it.” She told him at least she hoped it did.

“Babe you have nothing to apologize for I do. I shouldn’t have jumped down your throat last night. I know it’s a touchy subject for you and well maybe for both of us and we do need to talk about it. And we will when this record is finish ok? But we’ll do it calmly and like grownups I promise.” He told her holding her tight.

“Jon you said those things for a reason because they were bothering you. Yeah we can wait til you finish your album but I’ll tell you what. Let’s compromise shall we. On changing the Birth Certificate  and Guardianship well we’ll wait till the album is finish because that will take a few to get the lawyers and have it changed in the system over to you. But we can work on one thing now and start to make amends with it. I’m still not thrilled with it but for you I’m willing ok?” she told him as she hugged him tight and could hear his heart beating fast.

“Ellie what are you talking about?” he asked curious. He was delighted that she had rethought about changing the Birth Certificate over and the Guardianship but what the hell could she be talking about that they could work on before he leaves tomorrow when all he wants to do is spend it with her and his son.

“Well I went out and had a long drive and thought about what we were well what you were angry about with me last night and I had to try to come to terms with it. And to tell you the truth Jon I’m still having reservations about it. I’m still very angry about it and I can’t help that. But for you and how much I love you I’ll put all that aside ok.” She told him as she looked him in his blue eyes as lovingly as she could.

Jon stood there with his mouth open. It took him a second to wrap his mind around what she just said. “Did I hear you right? You’re willing to let my parents see Jimmy? When did you decide this?” he wanted to know.

“I just told you when I was out riding around so you better get dressed because they’ll be over about five this afternoon.” She told him as she started for the kitchen.

Again Jon was in shock and grabbed her this time. “Ellie what did you say?” he asked her still in shock.

“I told you that they are coming over about five this afternoon why?” she asked him trying not to say something well that she would regret.

“And why you I mean how? Did you call them?” he wanted to know.

“No I went over there after I thought about it. I thought it was time that your mother and I had it out.” She told him as he almost had a stroke.

“Wait you did what? You went over there and talked to her. What are you out of your mind? Please tell me that my Dad was there to referee the two of you?” he had hoped.

“Yeah he was there. He was very nice to me and very grateful that I had gone over and offered for them to come over to see their Grandson. Your Mom on the other hand gave me trouble at first and blamed me for everything but I expected that.” She told him.

“Well of course she did but you still told them they could come? Why?” he asked her.

“Because I told you I love you and this is what you wanted. And that’s what I explained to them. I told her that if she could play nice on this visit and not stalk Jimmy at school or anywhere else for that matter I will rethink for them to continue to visit her Grandson. But only on authorized and supervised visitation. Then we’ll see by then what happens.” She explained to him.

Jon walked up to her and took her into his arms. “Just when I think I love you more than I could then you surprise me like this. I don’t even know what to say?” he told her as tears were forming in his eyes.

“You don’t have to I’m sorry that I was being selfish to you and that I was hurting you. You should have said something sooner if it was bothering you Jon.” she was saying as he was shaking his head no.

“No it really wasn’t that because it hurt me too and to see you hurting hurt me but I guess that when I was looking at Jimmy last night it…well it all just hit at once and I’m sorry and I should have talked to you about it instead of getting mad over it and for that I am sorry Baby. It’s just this whole album thing and with Doc and now with telling you what happened in Vancouver I just feel like everything was falling apart that’s all. I thought I was going to lose everything.” He said sadly.

“Jon if we’re honest and talk more openly about it we won’t lose anything even if it hurts we won’t lose anything I promise. For some reason I love you ya big dope.” She told him as she looked lovingly up at him.

“Ya well I love you right back Beautiful and I don’t want any actresses or models or any or singers that come my way. Just you Baby always remember that no matter what you hear just remember it’s always you.” He told her as he lent down and kissed her passionately. When they felt this thud at their feet and another bunch of footsteps running their way.

“Mommy, Daddy Hi. Buddy I thinks needs to go out. Can you help take him out?” Jimmy asked them.

“I got this Babe (turning to Jimmy) ok let’s go I’ll get Buddy’s leash.” Jon said as they headed towards the kitchen to head out the back.

***************************************************************************

It was a little after five p.m. when there was a buzzing at the gate. Ellie was in the kitchen and looked into the security camera to see that it was Jon’s parent’s so she buzzed them in. She put the oven on low and went to get him. He was in the den with Jimmy and Buddy when she looked in.

“Hey your parent’s are here so do you want to get the door first?” she asked him.

Looking at her he answered that he would and that for her to stay here with Jimmy and the dog. He would be back with his parents in a few. So he headed off to the foyer and as he just got there they rang the bell. He took a deep breath and answered the door.

“Dad, Mom Hi come on in.” he told them as they entered the home.

“Oh Jon it’s so nice to see you Thank You so much for inviting us over Honey.” Carol told him as she hugged him tight.

Jon just looked at his Dad strangely as John Sr. just shrugged his shoulders and shooked his head.

Pushing his Mom off of him, “Mom I didn’t invite you here and you damn well know it. Ellie did so don’t give me this crap. I know what she did she told me when she came home. What you think she’d lie and say that it was all my idea?” Jon said to her annoyed.

“Well I was hoping when I got here that maybe you had something to do with us coming over here also.” Carol asked him.

“Nope it was all Ellie’s idea not mine. She did it because she loves me. She wanted to end this whole stupid feud between us because she knows how it’s wreaking havoc on me unlike you do.” He snapped at her.

“Don't you see Honey it’s just an act on her part.” She told him.

“Alright Carol that’s enough you heard Ellie when she came over if you pulled anything she wouldn’t let you see our Grandson. I on the other hand want to see him so you will be on your own. Ellie made a few good points and that Jon still has made it as a Rock Star and is a Father on top of things and a good one I take it. So either you play nice or you can go home now do you understand me Dear.” John Sr. said to her.

Carol thought over her options and knew she didn’t have many. So she sucked it up and told the both of them that she would play nice. So they headed towards the den as both the senior Bongiovi’s were excited to see their Grandson.

As Jon opened the door they saw a little boy playing with his little puppy and his Mom on the floor as the puppy was jumping all over him as he was giggling hysterically. “Watch out Honey he’s going to getcha ya.” Ellie told him as she was tickling him also when she heard Jon say her name.

“Ellie.” She looked up from the floor and there they were standing there staring at them like they were something new behind a glass window to gawk at. Jimmy turned to see who came in with his Daddy. He got up and went to his Mommy and sat on her lap as did Buddy.

“Hi glad you could make it. Come please sit down unless you want Jon to show you around the house first?” she asked them.

Carol just stared at her Grandson as John Sr. answered. “No um maybe a little later if you don’t mine.”

“Of course not would you like something to eat? As you can see I brought out some cheese and crackers and coffee if you want some. And we have wine and water I‘m sorry but we’d have more but we weren’t really expecting company you know?” she told them.

“No that’s fine Dear we’re fine really.” John Sr. said as Jon led them over to the couch.

Jon knelt down to his son so he could talk to him on his level. “Jimmy I want to tell you something ok?” he said to him as he shooked his head to his Dad. “I want you to meet my Mom and Dad ok?” again Jimmy shooked his head.

“Jimmy you know how my Mommy and Daddy are your Grandparents?” she asked him as he shooked his head yes. “Well Daddy’s parents are you’re other Grandparents too, and these two people here are them.” She told them.

Jimmy looked at them real good and then looked at his Mom and said, “But I don’t know them Mommy.” Which sank three hearts in the room.

“I know Honey and some day you and I will have a long talk about that ok? But in the meantime these are Daddy’s parents and they want to meet you is that ok?” she asked him.

Jimmy looked at her then at Jon then at them. “Well if Buddy says it’s ok then I guess so.” He said dead seriously.

Well Carol was about to say something when John Sr. put his hand on her knee. “Honey Buddy doesn’t know them either so this has to be your call. He’s just a baby you know a puppy so you’re going to have to make his decision for him you know until he gets bigger.” She explained to him.

“Oh ok like you do for me right now.” He asked her.

“Right. When did you get so smart?” she asked him as she hugged him tight and he giggled.

“Because I am Mommy I’m seven now.” He told her smiling. Well Jon was looking on during all this and he couldn’t have been more proud of either of them during this as his parents were also watching on. He was also watching his parents watching them as well and boy he wanted to say a few things on parenting.

Getting up and taking his hand and looking at Jon he took her lead and took his son’s hand and walked him over to his parent’s. Then kneeling, “Mom and Dad I would to introduce to you your Grandson James Paul Anderson. Jimmy this is my Mom Carol and my Dad John.” He said to them all smiling. Jimmy just gave them a weak Hello and clung to his Mom as Carol looked to Jon and said as she just couldn’t help herself.

“Anderson? Why isn’t his last name Bongiovi. He is your child right?” she asked as she glared at Jon.

“Yes Mom and we are not going to get into that right now. Do you understand me?” he said sternly to her. Ellie was just about grinding her teeth as Jon put his hand on her arm to try and stay calm and John Sr. just about put pressure on his wife’s leg.

“Fine we’ll talk about it later. My goodness look at how much he looks like you Jon. He even has your mole exactly in the same spot you do. And the blonde hair. I can’t get over it. He’s just so handsome.” She said trying so hard not to cry.

“Yes both of you he’s a very handsome young man. And very polite I like that.” John Sr. told them.

“Well we try Mr. Bongiovi.” Ellie said proudly.

“Ellie enough of this Mr. Bongiovi you are family Dear please call me Papa B. like the boys do.” he said happily.   

Looking a bit uncomfortable, “Well thank you Papa B.” she told him as she eyed Jon who was smirking.

   “Well Jimmy won’t you come see Nonni and Papa.” Carol told him with her arms outstretched as Ellie looked over to Jon and mouthed “Nonni” to him with this look on her face. Jon just gave her the stink eye and tried not to laugh at the same time as she was biting her tongue as well. Also Jimmy was cutting her circulation off in her leg as he was holding it so tight.

“Um why don’t I leave you guys to get to know each other while I go check on dinner alright? Mrs. Bongiovi, Papa B. would you like to stay we have enough.” She asked them as she headed to the door.

“That’s very nice of you but John said that he would take me out but thank you for asking.” Carol said as John Sr. looked at her curiously.

“Well fine then, Jon when I finish I’ll put everything on warm so just let me know when you’re ready to eat ok?” then she headed to the kitchen as she couldn’t get there fast enough. Once there she sighed a huge relief and boy she could really use a drink right now. Too bad she wasn’t a drinker but she felt once they leave she might just have one with dinner.

Back in the den Carol couldn’t wait to get her hands on her Grandson. “Well Jimmy I can’t tell you how much you look like your Daddy when he was your age.” She told him trying to get him to come to her but he wouldn’t leave Jon’s side.

Jimmy just shook his head and stayed by his Dad as Buddy walked over to her then Barked loudly at her startling her. “Oh my get that Mutt away from me.” She said loudly.

“Carol! All he did was bark.” John Sr. told her.

“Daddy don’t let her hurt Buddy!” Jimmy asked his Father afraid.

Jon picked up Buddy and gave him to his son. “Nobody is going to hurt him Honey ok? He just scared Nonni. I won’t ever let anyone hurt him or you ok? I promise you.” He told him as he gave him a kiss on top of his head. “Now won’t you go take Buddy and put him in his cage so we can talk to your Grandparents for a few more minutes ok?” he told him.

“But Daddy he doesn’t like it in there.” he whined to his father.

“I know but it’s only going to be for a little while I promise.” Jon told him.

“Fine.” He said as he picked Buddy up and brought him over to his cage begrudgingly.

“Thank You Dear I really can’t see how you can have that thing running around wild…” but Jon interrupted his mother.

“Don't just don’t Mom. You don’t have any right on how we run this house. If we wanted to have a dozen dogs running around this house wild we would. But we are trying to show Jimmy how to house train Buddy properly. But apparently he also has good taste because he doesn’t seem to like you.” He blurted out.

“John Francis!” she yelled out.

“What Mom you didn’t like that well too bad because you were just about to tell me what a bad Mother Ellie was weren’t you?” he said trying to keep it down so Jimmy couldn’t hear.

“Jon you think you know everything well you’re wrong. I wasn’t going to say that at all. I was just going to say that you do seem to let the dog run around wild thou.” Carol told him smugly as John Sr. just sat there shaking his head.

“Well for your information Mom I just got him, Buddy, yesterday so there. He’s only had him one day. So running wild for one day is no big deal. And we will raise Jimmy the way she was raised seeing that I’m on the road seventy to eighty percent of the time. I trust her with everything in my life.” He told them proudly.

John Sr. cut in, “Jon we can see that both of you are doing a wonderful job in raising Jimmy. He’s healthy, smart, polite, handsome I could go on. I’m sure your Mother knows that too don’t you Dear?” he asked his wife as she was trying ever so much to not interrupt him.

“Yes John you’re right as usual. I’m sorry Jon if I spoke out of line.” She told her son as she bit her tongue.

Jon knew that she really wasn’t sincere but at least it was a start. Looking at his Dad, “Dad like I said this is all Ellie’s doing I’m only here a quarter of the time. She’s wonderful with him. There’s not a day that she regrets that she made the right choice in keeping him.” He told them proudly.

“Well to be truthful I wouldn’t have expected anything less of her. She was always a good kid.” John Sr. told him.

“Well of course she picked me didn’t she?” Jon said laughing.

They talked and let Jimmy come to them when he felt a little more comfortable and then he showed them Buddy and what he was trying to teach him in just one day which was sit and lie down and that was too funny to them only because it seemed to be working more on Jimmy than Buddy. Even thou Jimmy was getting frustrated with Buddy he was being so gentle with him. So caring and loving with him as all three of them noticed.

“Jon he’s very patience with him for being so young.” Carol said to him very impressed about her Grandson.

“Again that has to do with Ellie.” He said but his Mother cut him off.

“Jon please not everything has to do with her. Somethings are to do with you.  You are a very kind and smart young man yourself so give yourself some credit please.” She told him as she was very annoyed now. “And stop telling us that you’re not here half the time and not involved in helping out with him. It’s clearly shows how close the two of you are.” She told him still annoyed with the whole idea that Ellie should take all the credit.

“Well Mom excuse me for being proud of her ok? She’s been thru a lot since I got her pregnant and wasn’t there for here thru those years.” He told his Mother with a bit of disdain.

“I thought we were going to put all that behind us.” She said as if she was hurt.

“Oh Mom don’t give me that. I missed over five years of my son’s life because of you. I’m sorry but I need to get this out. What if Grams did this to you? What if I didn’t forgive you of all the crap you put me thru in my teen years? No you could learn a few things from Ellie Mom. So as of now we can start over but if you ever say one more bad thing about her don’t think you’ll be welcome here again.  Now we can set up another time for visiting but it will have to be when I’m home again so I’ll call you the next time I’m home.” He told them.

They finished with their visit and Thanked Ellie for letting them come over and hugged and kissed Jimmy. The rules were still in place but things were a tad bit better they hoped. They would see how Carol would behave by the next visit.

What Did You Do?

“Mommy Look what Daddy got me!” Jimmy yelled.

Calmly Ellie asked, “What did you do?”

“What? I brought home a puppy for Jimmy that’s all. Every little boy needs a dog.” He told her proudly.

“Well don’t you think we should have talked about this first?” she asked him giving him the evil eye.

“Are you mad at me? It’s just a dog El it’s no big deal.” He told her not really understanding why she was getting upset at him.

“Jon I don’t want to discuss this with you in front of him alright? Jimmy Honey why don’t you take him to the kitchen and get him a bowl of water and we’ll figure something out for food ok?” she told him. Jimmy took the pup out to the kitchen as Jon stood there waiting for her to yell at him.

Then before she started in on him he held up his hand and started to talk. “Before you come down on me the pet store is sending over all the things the dog needs in about an hour because they are out doing they’re deliveries so they should be here in a little while they said. I ordered what they suggested. So basically all he needs is a name. So I really don’t see what the big deal is.” He told her again.

She stood there as she couldn’t believe what he was saying to her. “Jon the big deal is that you got the dog without consulting me. Don't you think that buying a dog is something that you should have say talked to me about?” she asked him a little miffed.

Realizing that maybe he may have crossed a line here but that Jimmy is his son too he asked her, “Babe ok I think I get what you’re saying but he’s my kid too so why can’t I buy him a dog if I want to? I mean I haven’t had the chance to really get him things that I wanted to so now if I do I have to ask permission first?” he asked her a little annoyed.

“Are you giving me attitude? Look Jon you’re not here all the time so you’re not the one who has to take care of it. It’s going to be like taking care of another kid. It’s going to eat and poop just like a kid and guess what where are you going to be? Oh yeah not here.  And I am and teaching a seven year old how to take care of a puppy.” She told him with just as much attitude as he gave her.

“Babe you’re going to be fine because you’ll have the staff to help you so what’s the problem?” he asked her again.

“Are you kidding me? I’m not going to ask the damn staff to help with the damn dog Jon. Because if it’s Jimmy’s dog then it’s his responsibility to take care of him and mine! That’s why Daddy wouldn’t let us get one because it would fall on Mom to take care of it because we would get bored of taking care of it so it would fall all on her. And now I know why he wouldn’t and if you tell him that I’ll hit you!” she yelled at him.

“Ok I’m sorry I didn’t talk it over with you first but it’s kind of too late now isn’t it.  I’m sorry forgive me?” he asked her now giving her the puppy dog face.

She just looked at him and she knew she couldn’t stay mad at him. “Oh will you stop that. You know I can’t stay mad at you when you do that you big dope.” She said to him as he walked up to her and put his arms around her waist.

“I know why do you think I do it.” He said in his low whiskey voice.

“Cut it out our son is just a few feet away.” She reminded him a little uncomfortable.

“Yeah so.” He said as he licked the outside of her ear. “You still mad at me?”

“Yes so now go away.” She told him as he was letting his hands roam her body.

“Nope and not til you tell me you’re not mad at me.” He said as he was kissing her neck now.

“Ok, ok I’m not mad at you anymore alright so stop and let me go.” She was almost begging him at this point.

Lifting his head, “Ok and I promise I’ll talk to you before I buy him anything like this again ok?” he told her kissing her on her nose.

“You are such a pain in my ass.” She said to him but he kissed her again this time a little bit more passionately.

Just then they heard little feet coming their way and as they parted Jimmy’s head peaked out from behind the doorway of the hall leading towards the kitchen. “Excuse me Mommy?” he asked her.

“Yes Honey what it is?” she asked him still blushing a little bit.

“Um Buddy went peepee on the kitchen floor.” He told them wincing.

They looked at each other smiling.  “Buddy?” she asked him.

“Yeah.” He said to her.

“Can I ask you why Buddy Honey?” she wanted to know.

“Because he’s my Buddy.” he told her like she should have known this.

“Oh well that’s a great name Sweetie. Daddy and I will be right in so don’t let him near it ok?” she told him as he went back in there.

Looking at Jon, “See so do you want to take this Mister?” she asked him smiling.

 “How about I take Buddy and Jimmy and give them both a bath ok?” he asked her with a lopsided grin.

“Why don’t you do that while I wash the floor.” She agreed.

*********************************************************************

Finally it was late at night and Jimmy was put down in bed and Buddy was sleeping at the foot of his bed after Jon showed him how to feed and take him out. He came downstairs in search of Ellie when he found her in the den again reading.

“Hey Babe well they are both down at least for now. You know I meant to ask you there wasn’t any booze in the bar but you have my wine how come?” he wondered why.

“Oh that well they sell your wine at the grocery store so I bought it. I wasn’t sure if the year was any good but I figured if you ever did come home I’d have something for you. Anyway as for the bar I thought you would like to stock that. I really don’t know what kind you want in there so you can do that.” She told him.

“Well the wine is fine Babe so thank you.” He told her looking at her with all that he had.

“What? Oh by the way are you doing your treatments since you been here I haven’t seen you do them.” She asked him.

Trying not to get annoyed, “Yeah why you’ve been asleep when I’ve been doing them it’s all good.” He told her.

She looked at him and she knew that mostly she has been up with him because they have been making love in the morning and at night so they have been together so he couldn’t have been doing it then.  She’ll have to give Richie a call when he leaves and give him a heads up. Maybe he can do something about it more than she can. He usually listens to him better than her anyway.

“Good just checking Babe.” She said to him back.

Jon’s head shot up as he was reading the paper. ‘Did she just call me Babe? She never calls me Babe. What the Fuck?’ he thought to himself. “Ellie is everything ok?” he asked her concerned.

“Yeah why?” she asked him strangely.

Sitting up straight he asked her, “Well you just called me Babe and you never have called me like that. So what’s up with you?” he asked curiously.

“Did I? Huh? I didn’t realize I did isn’t that funny I guess you’re rubbing off on me.” She said to him smiling and went back to her book.

Jon sat there a little surprised at her answer but decided not to push it. Maybe she was right and it was just a slip of the tongue. He went back to his paper and when they both started to get tired they decided to turn in. When they were upstairs they checked in on Jimmy and Ellie saw Jon’s eyes light up when they looked into his room. Jon had put his arms around her shoulder and squeezed as he was just so happy at this moment in his life. He had his girl and his son and they were all together but this time they were in a bigger house than his small apartment. He felt proud that he could provide for his family especially at his young age. He could see what his mother was saying that if he knew about the pregnancy would he still be standing where he is now. He looked over at Ellie and kissed her on her temple and gave her a weak smile.

“Come Babe let’s go bed.” He said to her as he gently moved her in the direction of their room.

*********************************************************************

   They were lying in the bed all cuddle up after they had made love to one another and Jon was stroking her back when he asked her a question.

“Ellie?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you think well we would still be together if I knew about your pregnancy?” he asked her a little nervous.

As she was stroking his chest her hand came to a halt on his stomach. “Um well I don’t know I guess that would have depended on you.” She told him as she was surprised by his questioned.

“Ok well how’s that?” he wanted to know. 

“Well seeing that I’m the one who is pregnant I can’t runaway from it but you can so you really don’t have to stick around you know? But I’m stuck with the baby or at least til I would give birth to it. Then I’d have some options. Which I chose to keep him. I was in love with him as soon as I had calmed down and realized I was going to be a Mom. I knew I couldn’t abort or give this baby away. So if you were with me I have no idea if you could have stuck it out til now Jon. Would you be where you are today? Again I don’t know. What I do know is when you set your mind to something you do it so who knows we could be right where we are right now because my parents still would have taken me and Jimmy in. And you still would have gone and done everything with your music because that would have driven you even more.” She told him hoping that would suffice.

Smiling and kissing the top of her head, “You really have all that faith in me?” he asked her looking at her so lovingly.

“Yeah I do why?” she wanted to know.

Shaking his head, “No reason I just thought for a brief moment what my Mom is going thru that’s all.” He told her feeling a little bit of sympathy for her.

Ellie rolled her eyes but didn’t want Jon to see her. “Ok so what brought this on.” She asked him.

“Watching Jimmy sleep and thinking all the times that I missed.” He told her.

“Well you missed some of those times because of her or have you forgotten that.” She reminded him.

“No El I remember.” He told her sharply.

“Wait your upset with me because I said that?” she asked him shocked as she sat up. 

“No I’m not upset with you ok. I just get it alright.” he told her again still sharply.

“No you are I mean what the hell Jon.” she asked him upset.

“Well fine my Mom keeps calling me and well you know she does have a point. Your parents get to see Jimmy and well mine have never even seen him. And on top of that if something happens to you I’m not even on the Birth Certificate so who has custody if something happens to you?” he wanted to know.

Ellie sat there dumbfounded. “Where the Hell is this all coming from? I mean we just made love to one another and now all hell is breaking loose? Jon I mean why?” she wanted to know as tears were forming in her eyes.

“Well I had gotten a call from my Mother before I left and of course she pulled one of her crying jags again and I blew her off as I usually do. Then when I was talking to Richie about it he had mentioned the certificate again and I blew that off trying to make it look like I didn’t care but Babe I do care. Shouldn’t I be on it? Shouldn’t I be his legal guardian? I mean haven’t you strung this out longer than you should?” he finally asked her.

She just stared at him and didn’t know what to say. After a few minutes Jon looked at her and asked, “Well are you going to answer me or not!” he asked a little too roughly. 

“Fine…I was just waiting for the right time ok?...” But he jumped in not so happy.

“Right time! What’s the right time! We’ve been together now for over a year so you tell me when is the God Damn Right Time Is!” he bellowed.

“Keep your voice down you may wake him! (she said as she got up and put her robe on) Look I just wasn’t sure ok? At first with all that stuff with Michael and then you on the road I just forgot and now with me not sure about you well you know I just need to be one hundred percent sure…” she was trying to explain to him.

“Oh that’s just great!(he was saying as he was putting his sweats on)I’m so sick and tired of being compared to Michael. And as for being on the road get used to it Babe because that’s part of the life style and you’ll always being hearing if I’m fooling around with someone.” He told her as he headed for the door.

“Where are you going? It’s two thirty in the morning.” she asked him.

“Down the hall to one of the other rooms so I can get some sleep.” He told her as he shut the door. Well Ellie just stood there and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry she was so mad. She sat on the bed trying to figure out where all this went bad.

********************************************************************

The morning came and Jon had a hard time sleeping. He was used to having Ellie by his side the past two nights so this night he tossed and turned without having her in his arms. Knowing he made a mistake leaving the bedroom last night over what he said to her, he knew he had a lot to make up for. He didn’t even know why it hit him like it did. Maybe it was the wine who knows he thought. All he knew now was that he had a lot to makeup to her and that he has a big mouth. He got up and walked out and down the hall to their bedroom. He took a deep breath and then entered. But he was surprised when he found the room emptied. The bed was still rumpled but he found her night clothes on the bed in a pile which meant she must have gotten dressed. So he looked over at the bureau and sure enough her pocketbook was gone also. ‘Damn It’ he thought.

So he went to Jimmy’s room thinking that maybe she took him as well. He was almost running down the hall and when he got to his room he threw the door open and nearly scared his son half to death. “Daddy! What’s the matter?” Jimmy asked him.

“Nothing Jimmy I thought I heard you fall but I see you’re fine.” He told him trying to smile.

“I’m ok Daddy see.” He told him holding up one of his action figures as Buddy looked on.

“I see Honey. Um do you know where Mommy is?” he asked him.

“No she just said she was going out for a little while.” He told his Dad.

“So she did leave the house?” Jon asked him.

“Yep after I ate my cereal and we took out Buddy.” He told him going back to his playing.

Jon went back to the bedroom to look for a note but there wasn’t any. So then he went down to the kitchen to look and there wasn’t any there either. Crap she was pissed at him. So he got the coffee going seeing that it was going to be one hell of a long day.

*********************************************************************

Yes Ellie was upset at what Jon had said to her last night. She was driving around all morning to try and clear her head. She had stopped off at their little spot on the beach where he love to take her even thou she wasn’t a beach person. As she was sitting on the beach thinking she was trying to see his side of things and much to her chagrin she could see his side of things. And that pissed her off even more. Was she being selfish to him? Could she do something right now that would help him feel that she is trying to be a part of his life? Oh God she feels Ill. How the hell does he expect her to even forgive and forget? She got up and walked back to her car she really needed to talk this out.

So she drove and drove until she came to this house that she thought she wouldn’t see again for some time. She got out and walked up to the front door and rang the bell. After a few minutes it opened.

“Hello Mrs. Bongiovi I think it’s about time that we talked.” Ellie told her.