Chapter 106

After the graduation ceremony, Melody felt proud and sad at the same time. She couldn’t resist hugging her oldest son even though he hated it, he allowed it for once. She quickly informed him about Jon and his kids staying over before getting in the car with him and the other children. Robert would meet them later at her house.

Only then it struck Melody that Robert might not like meet Jon again. The first time they met it had only been a few minutes, now it would be the rest of the afternoon and evening. Melody hoped it would work out; she didn’t want a repeat of the day before.



While resting his back in bed, Jon had fallen asleep again. He could perfectly function on 5 short hours of sleep but being in a bed made it hard not to sleep.



When Melody arrived home she found all four of Jon’s children in the living room. The two youngest still in pajama’s. He couldn’t get them dressed while she was gone, Melody thought annoyed. Guests would arrive soon.

Annoyed she put her things away while all her children joined the living room, making it crowed and she went to look for Jon.

She found him easily, asleep in her bed, on his back; usually he slept on his side, had he been lying?

She sat down on the edge of the bed next to him. “Hon wake up. Guests will be here soon.” She gently woke him.
“Already?” He asked, his eyes still closed.
“It’s almost 4pm. How’s your back?” Melody thought that was the reason he went to lie down again.
“It’s fine.” He grunted as he sat up.
“Sure it is. Then why are you sleeping?” She didn’t believe him at all now.
“Cause I was tired.” Came his defence.
“You should phone your chiropractor.” Melody told him, at least that would help his back.
“It’s Sunday, I don’t want to bother Dean on a Sunday.”
“Ah so it does hurt.” Melody pointed out. “You could phone him and ask him to come tomorrow.” That wouldn’t be bothering him on a Sunday afternoon.
“I’ll phone him tomorrow.” Jon said as he got up from the bed.

Melody let it be, she knew he was stubborn and couldn’t change his mind once it was made up.

Jon got Jake and Romeo ready while Melody prepared the back yard.

Once again her house was full with eight children and she kind of liked it. She was glad the kids got along so well. After a week in Hawaii they got to know each other better. Jake and Romeo liked having a new playmate and she was sure Faith liked having kids her age. Even Stephanie got along with Melody’s oldest kids, even though she hadn’t liked the idea of another three boys at first.

Melody had everything ready just as the first guests started arriving. Soon enough the entire family was in the back yard.

Jon hoped that was everyone, he wasn’t sure how many more times his back could take it to stand up to shake hands and sit down again.

Melody’s family wasn’t as big as his, just her sister, brother and parents. Robert’s parents were there too but no brothers or sisters of his.

Jon saw Robert sitting at the far end of the table but they hadn’t said more than a hello. He thought back to yesterday, would Robert mind he was here?

Melody’s sister sat down opposite of Jon. “Those kids are exhausting.” She pointed to the corner of the garden where six little children were playing. Jon’s boys and Melody’s girl were playing with Daniel’s two daughters, Amber and Zoey, and Samantha’s son Logan.

Jon leaned back in his chair to see them but he couldn’t move.

“Why did I get pregnant again?”

Jon snapped back to the conversation, sitting up too fast, why did he keep doing that? When he realized it was Sam that had said it, he relaxed again.

It was the first thing Melody noticed about her sister. She knew Samantha and Jason were trying for a second child and by the looks of it they were successful, Sam was almost three months along.

It also made her think about herself, Jon shared the same thought but Melody was sure it was just stress and that she’d have her period next week.

After thinking a little more about getting up and talking to Robert, Jon finally stood up and walked over to Robert.

“Hi,” he started and Robert looked up at him, “we didn’t get off to a good start last time. Wanna start over?” He asked, hoping he would agree.
Robert simply nodded.
Jon extended his hand. “Hi, I’m Jon.”
Robert took his hand. “Rob.”
“Nice to meet you.” Jon sat down next to him and they started talking.

Much better, simple as that, Jon thought with a little disbelief that it was that easy.

At the other end of the table Melody sat with Sam, talking about her new nephew or niece. She saw Jon sitting in his chair, uncomfortable. He was trying to twist and turn, it seemed like he could stay seated much longer.

Then Melody got an idea. “Sam, you think you could give Jon a massage if I convince him? His back his killing him but he won’t admit it.”
Samantha got a big smile on her face.

Melody knew even though Sam was a very professional masseuse she’d love to help Jon. She was just as much a fan as Melody was. Melody was just a fan in a different way now.

“Of course I would, it’s only my second biggest dream about him.” She said.
“What’s the first?” Melody asked interested.
“I’m not telling you.”
Melody chuckled, she knew what she meant.

Jon returned from his conversation with Rob and started a short conversation with Melody’s parents before talking with Daniel about Steve Jobs ruining the record business.

Melody liked the evening; at least there hadn’t been any fights.

An hour later Jon and Rob were both standing at the barbecues.

Lori had showed up with her husband and children through the back yard gate and joined their party.

Jon kept stretching his back every few minutes, balancing on one foot but nothing helped, he just hoped Melody didn’t notice it.

“See.” Melody pointed at Jon.
Samantha nodded. “If you convince him, I will.”

Just like at Stephanie’s party, J left after dinner to meet up with some friends but invited Stephanie with him. Both Jon and Melody weren’t sure what to think of it.

Also after dinner Melody’s parents left, saying they had a long drive back home. Jon got up with Melody to lead them to the door.
“It was very nice to meet you.” Jon said, he had meant to meet them last month at Faith’s birthday but couldn’t make it then, today he could finally explain that.
“It’s nice to meet you in real too. I’m glad you two found each other.” Melody’s mum, Ruth said with a smile.

They hugged goodbye and watched them go. Only when they left the street did Melody and Jon go back inside. Melody hoped now that she was alone with him for a little while, she could convince him.

“You know my sister is a masseuse, she knows some chiropracting tricks too.”
“I’m fine. It’s not that bad.” He insisted.
“You’re very bad at hiding your pain.” Melody told him. “Just stop being so proud and let my sister help you.” Melody pushed him.
Jon groaned. “But I like being proud.”
Melody rolled her eyes, she knew he was joking now.
“Alright.” He said, he still preferred Dean to do it but maybe it would help for now.

Melody went to get Samantha and a few minutes later they met Jon in her bedroom. “Now be good and let Sammy help you.” Melody said almost strictly. She left the room and closed the door behind her.

“I hope you don’t want me all naked for this.” He knew Sam was a fan too, he was only kidding.
“Alright then.” Samantha sighed dramatically.
Jon chuckled, Melody did that too.
“Just you’re shirt and unfasten your pants.” Samantha said.

Jon did as he was told and lied down on the bed.

Seconds later he felt Sam’s hands on his back, travelling over his spine. “Geez Jon, what did you do?” Sam asked, feeling all the knots of tight muscles.
“I picked up my son.”
“And?” Sam asked, that couldn’t be all he did.
“And put up a tent, carried a barbecue, filled both of them with coal, sat too long, stood too long.” Jon made his list.
“Anything else?” Samantha joked with his long list she started massaging him.
“Nothing that I want to tell you.” He smiled, looking over his shoulder at her.
“I know enough, now relax.” She ordered.

Jon dropped his head on his pillow. Sam’s hands on his back did feel good. He could feel his back relaxing already. The pain started going away the longer she smoothed out the knots.

When Samantha finished, his back felt much better and relaxed, he felt better all over. “Thanks.” He said as he got up from the bed. He stretched and nothing hurt, what a relief.
“You should still see a chiropractor though.” Samantha advised him.

They rejoined the party outside. It was a little darker than before.

At 9 Jon had to say goodbye and so did everyone else, so he stuck around until everyone was gone. Daniel and Samantha both had little kids that needed their beds.

Rob was the first to leave with his parents. Sam followed along with Jason and little Logan then Daniel with his wife Paige and their two little girls.

After saying goodbye it was only Jon and Melody by the front door.
“What are we doing this week?” Jon asked her when they closed the door. “I only leave Wednesday night.” He said, hoping to still see her this week.
“I’m working all week, I guess if you want you can stay.”
That’s exactly what he wanted, a big smile on his face.

They got the kids together and kissed goodbye at the door before putting everyone in the car. Jon was sure Stephanie would make it home on her own; she had a day off anyway.

Jon closed the back seat door of the car and turned around to kiss Melody again.

Melody waved to the car as it drove away.