Chapter 78

“Tyler, the water is bubbling!!” Jon yelled to the living room, feigning panic.

After he had left Melody’s bedroom he went around the house looking for children, he finally found them in the downstairs den and asked them what they wanted for supper. Ryan had told him it was Wednesday, which meant Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Jon couldn’t convince them to have pizza, especially when Faith asked him if he could please make the Mac & Cheese. He just melted away when she asked and told her he would try. Luckily Tyler had offered to help, like Melody had said.

So together with Tyler he went back to the kitchen, where Tyler took 4 boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese from a cupboard and placed them on the counter. Jon watched him get a big pot from a drawer under the stove and gave it to Jon to fill it with water.
“Not that much water.” Tyler had said when Jon returned with a full pot of water. He emptied some of the pot and put it on the stove and turned it on.

Then Tyler picked up one of the boxes and showed it to Jon and told him to read the instructions and do just as it said and nothing else.

Jon was left alone in the kitchen to wait for the water to start boiling.

“That means it boiling! Read the instructions!” Tyler yelled back from the living.
Jon rolled his eyes and smiled at himself. Of course he knew bubbling water meant it was boiling, he wasn’t completely stupid. “Oh my God! One of the bubbles popped and it hit me, it’s hot!” He yelled back to Tyler.

“Are you twelve?” Tyler asked as he walked into the kitchen.
“No, but I could be.” Jon said seriously. He could be a businessman and all serious but he could also be a complete tool when he felt like it and right now he felt like it. Tyler thought he couldn’t cook at all, so he made use of it.
Tyler stood next to Jon and observed the boiling water. “That’s boiling, alright.”

Jon chuckled. He liked Tyler, he was friendly, fun and kind of weird.
Tyler turned to Jon. “So, now what?”
Jon shrugged. “I dunno, read the instructions.” Kind of weird, that was it; Tyler had just told him to do that. Goofy kid. Jon thought.
Tyler picked up one of the boxes and passed it on to Jon, then picked another one to read the instructions himself. “Any twelve year old can do that.” He said when he finished reading it and put the box back down. “Good luck.” He told Jon and went back to the living room.

Jon shook his head and thought of how distractive Jesse could be too, probably a teenage boys thing. He emptied the boxes of macaroni into the pot of boiling water, put the lid back on it and waited.

“Shit.” He muttered to himself when the pot boiled over and the water ran out of the pot. He quickly grabbed the lid off the pot, forgetting it was hot and dropped it on the counter. “Fuck.” He swore louder this time, waving his hand, trying to cool it down. The water had gone back down and he looked around for a spoon to stir the macaroni.

Finally everything settled down again and Faith walked into the kitchen just as Jon was about to rinse the macaroni. “Can I help?” She asked.
Jon held the pot and the lid secure with oven mitts this time and let the water run out a small gap between the lid and the pot into the sink. “Yes.” He tried to remember what the instructions said to add. “I need butter, salt and milk.” He said.

Faith turned to the fridge and placed everything on the counter as Jon put the pot back on the stove. He told Faith how much to add of everything and let her stir it all with a big spoon to make it cheese-y and goo-y.

“Well done.” Jon congratulated her when she finished it. The Mac & Cheese looked goo-y, just like he remembered it used to be. Dorothea never made anything from a pack and he had ordered in food since she left, but he still remembered Kraft’s Mac & Cheese from years ago. “Get some bowls and spoons and we can eat.” He told Faith.

Faith eagerly went to get bowls and scooped the Mac & Cheese into them, bringing them to the living room, serving her brothers. “What about mum?” She asked when she came back to the kitchen. Jon wasn’t sure if Melody was still asleep or not or even wanted dinner.
“I’m not sure, you can check if she’s awake but you have to do it very quietly, so you don’t wake her up if she’s still sleeping.” Jon told her.
Faith nodded and walked to Melody’s room, carefully opening the door.

Melody woke up when the door opened. She smiled at Faith as she quietly walked over to her.
“Do you want supper?” Faith whispered. “I made macaroni and cheese.” She said proud.
Melody smiled again. “You did? Did Jon burn it all?” She asked, her voice hoarse again.
“No, he let me help.” Faith said, still in a whispery voice.

Melody was very proud of both of them to make dinner, without burning anything but she didn’t feel like eating but she also didn’t want to stay in her room by herself while everyone ate. She wanted to be with her boys and her little girl. She got up from the bed and asked Faith to get the cup of soup on the other side.

Jon watched Faith walk back into the kitchen, still trying to be very quiet, with the cup of soup he had bought earlier, followed by Melody. “You’re not allowed out of bed.” Jon said.
“Mum, wants the chicken soup instead.” Faith looked up at him, handing him the cup. Jon gave her her bowl of macaroni and Faith went to join her brothers.
“It’s just a cold; I can sit in the living room.” Melody told Jon as he put the cup in the microwave to heat it up again.

She didn’t wait for an answer from Jon and went to the living room to sit down again. A minute later Jon walked in and handed her the soup. He sat down next to her and ate his dinner. Pretty proud he had made it himself, with help from Faith.



After finishing the rest of her soup Melody gave the cup back to Jon, who put it on the coffee table with all the bowls. Melody cuddled up to him as he leaned back into the couch, her head resting on his shoulder.

They watched tv with the kids with the occasional sneeze, elephant trumpeting of blowing her nose and coughing fits.

Of course everyone thought of something to say while watching tv and they ended up talking about school and the weekend, which gave Melody no peace and quiet, but she wanted to be with her kids. Jon told them more than once to talk more quietly, telling them Melody had a headache but every time the whispery voices went back to normal.
Finally it was getting bed and Faith carefully gave her mum a hug and a kiss before turning to Jon and gave him a hug too. Which made Jon remember her birthday present. He told Faith to wait before going to sleep, that he had something for her.

Melody wondered what he could have for her and asked him when Faith had gone upstairs. Jon told her he brought along her birthday present and was going to give it to her. Melody sat up and lay down on the pillows on the other side of the couch so Jon could get up.

Jon went to his car to get his bag with clothes and the bag he got in the studio. He dropped his bag of clothes in Melody’s room first before going upstairs. He followed the light from a bedroom and found Faith in her bed with a book. “I got you your birthday present.” Jon said as he walked over to her and sat on the edge of her bed. He opened the plastic bag and gave her a piece of paper.

Faith looked at it and her eyes went big, her face turning to a big smile. She couldn’t believe it. “Thank you.” She said amazed and gave Jon another big hug.
“Maybe if you take it along to school tomorrow, your teacher might help you, if not, I’ll help you next week.” He said when Faith let him go.
“Very cool.” Faith said, still amazed, looking at the piece of paper.
Jon took the piece of paper back and placed it on the desk next to her bed. “But now you have to go to sleep.”

Before Jon could leave Faith had asked him to read some from her book and he just couldn’t say no, so sat back down on the bed and took the book from her.



20 minutes later he was back downstairs and took his earlier spot on the couch again. Melody moved back up. “What did you get her?” She asked when she laid her head back on his shoulder and Jon wrapped his arm around her.
“Sheet music from Keep the Faith. I’ve been told it’s her favourite song.” He smiled and pulled Melody a little bit closer. She looked exhausted already, Jon offered her to go to bed but Melody thought it was too early and didn’t move until all 3 boys had gone to bed.

“My head hurts.” Melody said when it was finally quiet. The pressure of her sinuses hurt and the talking of the kids all night, finally it was quiet.
“Let’s go to bed then.” Jon said, carefully getting up and letting Melody get up too. “Are you sure you don’t want any of those painkillers?” He asked when they reached her bedroom. “They help you sleep too.” He understood she didn’t want to take painkillers, he didn’t like taking them either, only when he really had to but he didn’t want her to feel miserable and she needed the sleep.
“Just one.” Melody said, she wanted the pressure gone so she could finally relax.

Melody got back to how they had stayed all afternoon, cuddled close, her head resting on his chest and his arms wrapped around her, stroking her back.
“That was very sweet of you to get for Faith.” Melody was surprised how hoarse and tired her voice sounded. “She’s been wanting that for years.”
Jon hugged her tighter. “She was very happy with it.”
“I love you.” Melody said, how couldn’t she, he had spent his whole day taking care of her and got her daughter the best present.
“I love you too, babe.” Jon whispered and kissed her hair, taking a deep breath, coconut.


Chapter 79

Chapter 77

After driving around town for a little while Jon finally found a drugstore. He quickly went inside, finally deciding just to buy Advil Cold & Sinus. He had used it before and was sure it would good enough. Jon picked up the box after he paid for it and walked back to his car to look for a place that would sell chicken soup.



Half an hour later he walked back in to Melody’s bedroom. He was happy to see her asleep again and a smile formed on his face, she looked so peaceful. Quietly he walked around the bed, setting the soup on her nightstand when she woke up again.
“I got you chicken soup.” Jon said with a gentle smile. He picked the hot mug up again and waited for her to sit up to hand it to her.

Melody carefully sat up and took the cup of soup from him. “Thanks.” She said appreciatively when she was holding the cup, warming her hands with the cup. Melody took a deep breath to smell the soup. “Smells good.” She said and took a sip.

“Eat, you’ll feel better.” Jon said as he rounded the bed and got on the bed on the other side, sitting next to her.



Melody took some more sips of her soup until the cup was half empty, she placed it back on the nightstand next to her bed.
“You didn’t eat all of it.” Jon observed.
“I’m full.” Melody complained, her voice not too hoarse anymore because of the warm drink.
“You gotta eat.”
“I just did.” Melody complained again.

Jon didn’t want to argue although he thought she should eat more than half a cup of soup. “I got you cold medicine too.”
“Jon…” Melody started, she didn’t want to continue. He’d been so nice to go out and get them for her.
“What?” He shifted on the bed closer to Melody.
“I hate taking pills; I’ll be fine without them.” Melody confessed, she thought she was strong enough without pills.
“But they help you sleep.”
“I can sleep without them, even better now you’re here.” Melody smiled sweetly and moved her pillows so she could lie down again. “You’ll stay here right?”
Jon chuckled. “Of course I’ll stay here, just not in jeans.” He said as he got up to take his jeans off.
“Not commando? Again?” Melody joked.
“Nope.” Jon chuckled again. “Gotta put these briefs to use once in a while.” He got under the covers with Melody and let her snuggle up to him.

Jon wrapped his arms Melody, pulling her close as Melody rested her head on his chest. She rested her hand on his chest next to her face. “No getting sick.” Melody told him.
“As long as you’re better by Saturday.” Jon said and softly kissed her hair. He didn't care if he was sick, he just didn't want her to be sick. She deserved the trip to Hawaii and to fully enjoy it.

He whispered sweet words to Melody until she fell asleep and he let himself drift off to sleep for a nap too.



A few hours after noon Jon woke up, Melody still in his arms. He smiled to himself. He missed being able to take care of someone. She looked so peaceful in his arms; he was convinced he never looked that good when he was sick, even sick she looked beautiful. He was glad to have her right there; it mattered to her that he was there, which made it even better for him. Softly he brushed the brown locks of hair out of her face and tucked them behind her ear, and then he softly kissed the top of her head.

Melody stirred and woke up. She blinked her eyes a few times and saw Jon’s black shirt. “Aw,” she sighed, “no fur.”
“Fur? You’re sick and you’re thinking about fur?” Jon asked.
Melody looked up at him with a smile. “Not my fault you’re this sexy.” She softly stroked his chest.
“Babe, you’re sick.” Jon rubbed his hands over her back.

Melody moaned appreciatively to the feeling. “You were more cooperative in my dream.”
“I bet you weren’t sick in your dream.” Jon said. If she wasn’t sick he wouldn’t have said no but she was sick so he had to say no, she needed the rest. It wasn't very romantic after all with all the coughing and sneezing.
“No, I wasn’t.” She said, quickly turning her head when she felt her throat getting itchy and started coughing; Jon continued to stroke her back.

The rest of the afternoon they stayed in bed. Jon wouldn’t let Melody get out of the bed except for using the toilet.

Melody called herself lucky to find him and having him here to take care of her, she was sure he had a lot of other things he could be doing while he was still on his break but he came to her. She was lucky to have him and thanked him for it. Jon sweetly whispered back that he loved her and Melody told him the same.



“I should go make dinner.” Melody said, trying to get out of Jon’s embrace.
“You shouldn’t.” Jon tightened his arms around her again, pulling her back.
Melody complained, she had to make dinner for her kids otherwise they wouldn’t have any food. Jon opted for them to cook for themselves but Melody laughed it off which made her start coughing again. “Teenage boys don’t cook.” She said when she caught her breath.
“I’ll cook.” Jon offered.
Melody tried not to laugh but chuckled. “You can’t cook.”
“We’ll make it work. In the mean time you should sleep some more, you've been up all afternoon.” He said. He gave her a kiss on her cheek and watched her until she gave in and curled back into the sheets.

Jon got up and put his jeans back on, wouldn’t want to scare the kids like that he thought to himself. He turned around to look at Melody before he left and saw her staring at his ass. “Sleep. You’re not getting any till next week.”
“Like you can wait that long.” Melody said hoarse.
“I want you all better first.” He leaned over the bed to give her another kiss. “I’ll blame Tyler if I burn down the house.”
Melody sighed, she wanted to kiss him back, a real kiss but she didn’t want to get him sick too. “Blame J, Tyler would actually help you try.”
“Good to know.” Jon said and walked out to the kitchen, closing Melody’s bedroom door behind him.

Melody moved over a little bit to where Jon had been laying all afternoon, the bed still warm, she snuggled into the sheets, taking a deep breath, trying to smell his scent but her nose was too blocked up to smell anything. Instead she pulled the blankets higher up and took Jon’s advice of sleep; she needed to be better to go to Hawaii.

Chapter 78

Chapter 76

After his run, Jon went to take a quick shower. If Melody wasn’t going to answer his calls he was going to her. She was only a few houses down the street anyway.

He knew Melody started work at 9 and went to the hotel at 8.45am, and then he must see her walk in. He stood in front of the steps to the hotel and waited. When it was past 9am he started pacing instead of standing still.



Inside the hotel employees at the desk had a perfect view of the street and could see Jon pacing in front of the door.

Lori was watching him from inside, wondering what he was doing and why and why right in front of the hotel. One of her colleagues walked up next to her, pointing to the door. “Isn’t that Jon Bon Jovi?” She asked. “And aren’t you a big fan? You should go say hi.”
“Really?” Lori asked, she was working, she couldn’t just leave, but if she did she could ask what he was doing.
“Yeah, go introduce yourself, isn’t he single? I’ll cover for you. Go!”
“He’s not single, he’s dating Melody.” Lori answered; she really should go ask him what was up. Maybe something was wrong.
“Shit, seriously?”
Lori nodded.
“Go say hi anyway.”

Lori gave in, she had to know what was wrong, maybe she could help, he was right there anyway.



Jon turned around when he heard the doors to the hotel open again. The woman walking towards him looked familiar, he was sure he knew her.

“Hey Jon, what are you doing here?” She asked him.
He gave her a confused look; couldn’t she mind her own business?
“I’m Lori, Melody’s friend, we met at your birthday concert, remember?”

Right! He knew, that’s where he knew her from. “I’m waiting for Melody; she’s not answering my phone calls. I had to be there for Faith’s birthday last night but something came up and I couldn’t go. I think she’s really pissed at me.” He confessed.

Lori’s face turned into a smile, that’s why he’s pacing, he’s worried. “I don’t think she means to miss your calls, she called in sick this morning.” Lori explained to him and saw him relax.

She’s not mad, inside he made a hopeful jump. “She’s sick? How sick?” He asked worried about her now.
“Just a cold she said.”
“I should go see her then.” He said making a quick decision, he wanted to be sure she was alright and take care of her if she was sick. “Thanks.” He wanted to turn around and go get his car but Lori stopped him.

She reached into her pocket and got her key chain out, unhooked one of the keys and gave it to him. “So you don’t have to wake her up.”

He took the key from her, thanked her again and went home. In his closet he got a small travel bag and started packing for a few days, in case he was going to stay. 10 minutes later he was outside and on the road to Woodbridge.



He got to the house, left his bag in the cars passenger seat and carefully opened the front door. Once inside he put the key back in his jeans pocket, kicked off his shoes and quietly walked to Melody’s bedroom.

Carefully he opened the door to her bedroom, hoping the hinges wouldn’t creak. Luckily they didn’t and he walked in carefully and saw her lying in her bed. She was on the far side of the bed, but facing him. He could hear her ragged breathing, her lips slightly parted, so she could breathe. The covers of the bed pulled up and held at her chin.

Jon carefully crawled on the bed, he didn’t want to wake her, he just wanted to be close to her even if she was sick. He propped up on his elbow, lying on his side next to her, watching her for a while. Until he thought of that vampire movie he had watched with Stephanie and remembered how creepy he thought that vampire was when he watched his girlfriend sleep all night, every night. He had only been looking at her for a few minutes, not creepy.



Melody slowly woke up and opened her eyes, blinking a few time, getting them into focus, she couldn’t be seeing what she was seeing. She closed her eyes tightly and opened them again. “Jon?” Melody said hoarse, her throat hurt worse than it did the night before.
“Hey sweetie, Lori said you were sick, so I came over to see you.” He whispered and smiled sweetly.
Melody just smiled back.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, crawling a bit closer to her. Reaching out a hand to cover her forehead, hot.
“I’m alright.” She said.
“Alright?” Jon asked surprised. “You’ve got a fever; do you have any cold medicine?”
Melody shook her head but held still and cringed when it hurt.

Melody sat up in bed and sneezed, hard, twice. Jon grabbed the box of Kleenex behind him, passing it to her.

“You need meds.” Jon said when Melody laid down again, pulling the covers up to her chin again.
“I don’t have any.” Melody sighed.
“Superman to the rescue.” Jon said and sat up in the bed, he gently kissed her on the cheek. “You sleep some more and I’ll find you meds and some chicken soup.”



He placed the box of Kleenex next to her on the bed again and carefully got up so the bed wouldn’t shift too much.

Chapter 77

Chapter 75

Melody had a great night, seeing her sister and brother and her nieces and nephew. She hadn’t seen Logan since Christmas at her parent’s house. The little man was growing up too fast she thought, just like her little girl, 9 already. Soon she’d be old enough to think she can do everything on her own, Melody didn’t want to think of that yet.

She loved seeing her kids grow up but it was going too fast. Melody remembered how Faith just learned to walk, talk, she’d grown up too fast, she thought again. But she grew up good, all of them had, perfect kids, she hardly had any trouble with them.

During the party she missed Jon. He had promised to be there but he hadn’t showed up. Her parent’s started complaining he wasn’t there, which made her think he didn’t want to meet her parents and family after all but he had seemed so fine with it. Melody couldn’t think of a reason why he didn’t want to anymore, she could only think there was something that needed him more badly than a birthday party.

Melody promised her parents they would meet him before they got married, which she meant as a joke but they didn’t take it that way, panicking she was already engaged.



After Melody her family left and the kids were in bed her headache kicked back in, worse this time. Her head felt stuffy and her throat was starting to hurt, all she wanted to do was get into her bed and sleep until tomorrow afternoon, preferably evening.

She got undressed in her room and got under the sheets, pulling them high up under her chin and curling up to sleep.



Finally around 10pm Jon turned his laptop off. He sighed the millionth sigh of that day and slumped down in his office chair.

Along with Obie and Richie he had decided on possible replacements, but kept it as a worst case scenario, he didn’t want to think of touring without Richie yet. They had a list of about 10 people but he would still want to hear the play before he hired anyone but that would have to wait until later that week of after Hawaii. If it was up to him, it would be after Hawaii, he would still have 4 days then to figure it out.

Jon shut his laptop and picked up his phone and turned it on as he walked to the kitchen. The phone buzzed when it got reception, delivering 4 texts and 3 missed calls. “Fuck.” He swore aloud when he read it.

He poured another cup of coffee and dialled Melody’s number as he drank from his cup. He held his phone to his ear and waited for her to pick up. After a minute it went to voicemail, he decided to finish his coffee and tried again, but was unsuccessful again and put his phone in his pocket, wondering she might already have gone to bed but he would try again later.

Walking back to the living room he noticed his bag he had brought from the studio on the counter. Then he remembered it was Faith’s birthday today and he was supposed to be there. He felt bad; of course Melody didn’t pick up her phone, if she was still awake that was. He plopped down on the couch and got his phone back out of his pocket and texted her, explaining what happened today, hoping she would understand.

After an hour of watching the news he tried again but again he didn’t get an answered. He sighed and slid down the couch, switched the channel to ESPN and watched SportsCenter, sure Melody was angry with him. He had promised to be there, how could he even forget? He was busy, not an excuse he thought.



The next morning Jon got up too early, he hadn’t slept much during the night, wondering if Melody really was mad at him but he couldn’t help himself of thinking she was, if she was, she had every right to. Also he couldn’t stop thinking about Richie and what he was going to have to do.

He tried to phone Melody again when he knew she would be up but again she didn’t answer him.

It was too early to do anything else so he did his usual morning routine of putting on the coffee machine, and made a detour in the bathroom.

When he got back to the kitchen his coffee was done, he poured himself a cup and got a bowl for cereal. Fully enjoying his first cup of the day as he sat down at the kitchen table with his cereal. He wrapped his hands around the mug, letting his hands warm before he started eating his breakfast.

He couldn’t shake the idea Melody was mad at him, she must be, he had missed her daughter’s birthday party. The party Faith herself had asked if he was coming too. After he even spent a good few days of thinking of a perfect present for her. Now he had it hidden in his office until he would see her and could give her the present.

He was even supposed to meet her parents! And her sister. They must think he was a horrible boyfriend, not showing up like that, not even texting or phoning Melody or answering her when she phoned and texted. He could kick himself in the ass for it, which he was going to do on the treadmill, double the run. Your own fault should have been there, better look damn hot when I see her later.

Once his cereal was eaten and his cup of coffee was empty he got up and put his dishes in the sink. He turned on the sound system again in the living room and went back to his walk-in closet, finding a more appropriate outfit for a workout.

It was still early; not even time Melody would be leaving home for work so Jon tried to phone her again but he still didn’t get an answer.

Finally he got on the treadmill and started running.

Chapter 76

Chapter 74

That Tuesday morning Jon woke up to a phone call.

He stayed at Dave’s house until after dinner and then drove to the studio. It was past 1am when he decided he didn’t want to drive back to New York and walked across the lawn to his house. Not bothering to turn the lights on he went straight upstairs and into his bed, glad with the work he had done.

His ringtone wouldn’t stop, who would phone him this early? He reached over to the night stand and grabbed his phone, pushing the button to answer it.
“Morning.” He said sweetly, guessing only Melody would phone him this early.
“Hey.” A female voice that wasn’t Melody’s said.

Jon frowned, pulled his phone away from his ear and looked at the screen.
“Heather?” He asked, it’s what his screen said, but why would she be phoning him. “Why are you calling so early?”
“It’s 11am for you, Jon.” She said.

Jon turned around to look at his alarm clock, black screen. Everything was still plugged out since he had left in December, but she was probably right.
“Yeah, but it’s early for you.” He said, so he wouldn’t seem like a fool, still asleep at 11am.
“I know, I had to wait for Ava to go to school to talk to you.”

He remembered, he had asked Heather to keep an eye on Richie while he was there. “Shit, did he do something stupid?” He panicked.
“No, but I think you’re right and he needs help.”
Jon sighed. “Fuck.” He sat up in bed. “Do I need a new guitarist?” He didn’t want to tour without his brother but he needed help. His health was more important and there was no way he was cancelling the tour, too much fans would be disappointed.
“You might.”
“Fuck!” He swore again. “I’ll phone him first. Thanks for calling.”
“Good luck convincing him though.”

Jon got out of bed, straight into the bathroom to use the toilet; at least the water was still on. He got dressed in last night’s clothes and went downstairs to get some coffee. He swore when it wouldn’t start and he found it wasn’t plugged in either.

Finally he got his cup of coffee and wondered if he should phone Richie first or Obie. He could phone Obie to ask him to start looking for a replacement for Richie but he should talk to Richie first before he made such a decision. He sighed, sipped his coffee and went through his phone contacts before pushing ‘call’.

“Rich?” He asked when he got a grumbled answer.
“Yeah.” He said like he was concentrating on something else.

Jon didn’t know how to continue, did he just throw it out there or did he do the ‘how are you’ shit first?

“You alright, man?” Richie asked when Jon didn’t say anything.
Jon shook his head. “Yeah I am, are you?”
“Of course I am. What’s up?”
“I should be asking you.” He sighed, he didn’t want to do this but he had to help his friend, so he sucked it up. “Richie, I think you need help.”
“Help with what?” He asked confused.

Of course you don’t know with what. “I talked to Heather about an hour ago, she’s worried you’re drinking too much.”
“I don’t need help with, that I can do on my own.”
“Fuck Rich! You’re not funny! You’re drinking way too fucking much and you know it, you need help. If you don’t sober up, I need to find you a replacement for the tour.” Jon yelled at him.

“You still there?” He asked when Richie didn’t answer him anymore.
“Yeah.”
“I shouldn’t have yelled at you.” Jon apologized, he hadn’t meant to yell, he was just worried about him.
“No, you’re right.” Richie sighed. “I do need help.” He realized.

Jon sighed and started talking to Richie.

Richie promised to try on his own first, but Jon reminded him he already promised that 2 weeks ago too. Then Richie convinced Jon to first help him find a replacement in case he couldn’t do it on his own. Jon relented and decided to wait and re-evaluate it after he got back from Hawaii. Then he would decide to hire someone and sent Richie to rehab, or as he hoped, his brother would be on stage with him.



After they talked Jon had to get back to the city, there was no food around the house and he was getting hungry.

He got his stuff together and got in the car. Backing out of the drive way onto the road he decided to stop at the first fast food drive thru he could find. He needed more coffee and breakfast; well it would be lunch at this hour.

Driving through the city in the middle of the day was never a good idea, traffic everywhere. At this time he just wanted to get home, run a few miles on the treadmill before starting work that he didn’t want to.

Around 2pm he finally got home. He turned on the sound system around the house, changed into workout clothes and went for a long run.

Until he realized he was just running away from what he should be doing, looking for a replacement. He didn’t want to do it, he didn’t even want to think of performing without Richie next to him, he needed him there.

He finally got of the machine and went to shower. First things first. He went to shower and went to his office, got his phone out and phoned Obie first, telling him what needed to be done. Then he phoned Richie back, telling him to get on his laptop so they could do a video call with Obie and figure everything out.

Jon checked his watch, 3.17pm, this was gonna take a long time.

After he got Richie and Obie both on a three way video call, he switched his cell phone off and put it on his desk. Turning his attention to them, they started discussing who they could hire, in the worst case.



Later that night at Melody’s house, after dinner a birthday party started. Melody her family had arrived and as usual with every family visit all the kids were in the basement den and Melody had to call them up to cut the cake.

She had waited to start with the cake until Jon got there but after phoning him 5 times and his phone going straight they voicemail, she sighed and got the kids anyway.
“But not everyone is here yet.” Faith whined.
“I know, but I can’t reach Jon, he’s probably busy with work.”
“Oh.” Faith sighed, disappointed he wasn’t there. She liked her mum’s new boyfriend and really wanted him there too.
“I’m sorry sweetie, but work is important too.” Melody tried.

Faith shrugged, she took a deep breath and blew out the 9 candles on the cake and closed her eyes to make a wish. She opened her eyes again and grabbed a plate for a piece of the cake Melody was cutting.

After everyone had their piece of cake, they got the presents and Faith started opening them.

Chapter 75

Chapter 73

Although she didn’t feel the dizziness anymore, she woke up with a pounding headache. She moaned when she got up, and went straight to the kitchen, finding some painkillers in the high cabinet above the fridge.

Melody realized her car was still in New York, two weeks ago Jon had driven with her to Woodbridge and then she had brought him back and stayed the week there. Yesterday Jon had used his car and they had left Melody’s car in the parking lot of the hotel, where it had been standing for a week now.

She sent Lori a quick text, knowing she had to work the same time. Then she went to wake up the kids and set out bowls on the table along with boxes of cereal.



That morning Jon got up later than he usually did on Mondays, letting the kids have a little longer in bed too. Half an hour before he had to leave to bring them to school, he finally got up and went downstairs to wake everyone up.

Just like Melody did Jon got bowls and cereal to put down at the breakfast table before he got dressed.

He had turned the coffee machine on before he went downstairs and when he returned he got himself a fresh cup of coffee. He took a long drink, letting the hot drink do its work. He sighed appreciatively when he put his cup back down, feeling much more awake.



Her headache had returned, pounding, luckily she had painkillers in her purse and would be able to take them soon.

A few minutes before her lunch break, Melody felt her phone buzz in her jeans pocket, even though she shouldn’t have her phone with her during work. She quickly turned around so nobody would see her and checked the message.


12.07pm: I thought of a great way for you to spend lunch
Melody laughed and quickly typed an answer.12.08pm: Do I smell a quickie?
Remembering sex was so relaxing it would ease a headache.
12.10pm: If you want one I'm sure I can arrange that too

Melody laughed again and put her phone back into her pocket. She turned around again to the desk and helped the last few guests before meeting Lori in the staffroom. The first thing she did was getting painkillers, trying to get the pain to go away again. She didn’t want to get sick now, she had a great trip to look forward to, she didn’t want to spend it sick.
“Where are you going?” Lori asked as Melody got her stuff together and was ready to head out the door again.
Melody turned around and faced her. “Gonna meet Jon for lunch.”
“Oooh, I get it.” Lori teased. “Make sure you’re back on time.”
“You’re hilarious, Lori.”
“I know.” She smiled a huge smile.

Melody just shook her head and made the short walk to Jon’s apartment.

She greeted the doorman and went to the elevator, pushing the button and waiting for it to open. She started wondering what Jon had planned, obviously it wasn’t a quickie. Finally the elevator arrived and Melody got in. Urging it to go up faster than it was going, too slow.

When the doors opened, the room was dark and empty. She looked around the room but didn’t see anything?
“Jon?” She called out. She dropped her bag by the door and took her shoes off before going into the kitchen.

Thinking he’d be in the kitchen, it was lunch after all. Maybe he had tried to cook something but when she walked in the room was empty, she walked around the island and looked over at the living room and noticed the door to the terrace still open.

Realizing he must be out there she walked over and opened the door and there he was adding final touches to the table he had set up. She walked outside, he heard her and looked up.
“I didn’t hear you come in.” He said with a smile and walked over to her. He took her hand, pulled her closer and leaned in for a kiss.

After a long deep kiss, he spoke again. “I got lunch for you.” He smiled, still close to her. “We didn’t have much time during the weekend and probably this week, so I got lunch for you.”

Melody smiled back, how sweet of him, she thought. He lead her to table and set her down on the chair, Jon sat down across her. “Not amazed by the view anymore?” He joked.
She looked into his ocean blue eyes. “Got a better one.” She said sweetly, smiling back at him.



They had lunch on Jon’s terrace, enjoying their togetherness, with the quiet sound of being high above a very busy city.

Finally having some time to themselves, during the weekend they were close too but with kid’s and in-laws around the house they couldn’t be sure of anything.

The hour was over too soon and Melody had to get back to the hotel.

By the elevator door Jon kissed her deeply, his arms around her waist. Melody circled her arms around his neck pulling him down closer. She felt his hands slip down and cup her ass. They finally let go of each other and said goodbye.

Jon would be spending his afternoon at David’s house and a possible trip to the studio he had told her during lunch. Promising he would still be coming over the next day for Faith her birthday.

Melody would just go back to work and phone Jon when she got home, as they always did.
Chapter 74

Hey peeps

Found out a way, so I could work more on my story!

Last Friday, I fell off the attic ladder, yes I'm blond.
Now I got a lovely sprained ankle.
And I have 3 weeks off of college,
yeah couldn't think of a better way to spend that than, well hurting myself.

So I hope I have loads of times for writing now.

At least I get to spend my 3 weeks off in Hawaii,
sort of....

Chapter 72

Jon took a step back, surprised at his reaction, what did he mean with that? He only met her 3 months ago; they on the other hand were married for years. “What?” He asked.

Melody hadn’t heard them; she had introduced them and turned to the kids.

“You heard me.” Rob said still fiercely.
“Yeah, I did. What do you mean with it? You were married to her, you let her go and now she got the one she wanted? I met her 3 months ago!” Jon said.
“You met her 3 months ago, she met you 25 years ago, or at least she saw you 25 years ago, since then you were the one she wanted. You’ve always had her.” Rob explained to him, his tone of voice still unfriendly.

Jon looked nervously around the parking lot, back to the entrance of the arena, hoping the players would come out and they could leave.

Nobody came, Melody was still talking with all 7 kids about the game, and Rob was still staring at him. Jon felt uncomfortable and thought back to when he had met J, he hadn’t known what to say then either.

Rob was still staring at Jon and Jon realized he should say something soon. “Well then, if I always had her, I’m not letting her go.” He said.
“Good for you.” Rob said sarcastically, turned around and walked away.

Jon watched him walk towards Melody and the kids and followed him. He always had her, so he was going to claim her again.

He walked up behind Melody and wrapped his arms around her. Melody tilted her head back against at his shoulder and looked at him. “Hey, did you talk?” She asked.
“Yeah.” He didn’t want to tell her what Rob had said. He reached down and kissed her check. “I love you.” He added quietly.
“I love you too.” She smiled again looking up at him. “I love when you say it out of nowhere.” Melody reached a hand up, pulling his chin down to softly kiss his lips.



Finally they heard the arena doors open and the hockey teams came out. Tyler came over to his family, getting a big hug from his mum and congratulations from everyone. Romeo and Jake high fived him, still excited about the game.

After Tyler told them some about the game and the whole championship, his dad interrupted him. “We should go.” He said, and then turned to Melody. “I have all their bags in the car, I can drop them off at your house.” He said to her.

Melody shrugged. “Sure.”



25 minutes later her living room was crammed. Rob had left without saying goodbye, but Melody couldn’t think of what was bothering so left it the way it was.

Jon had offered to buy pizza, Melody wouldn’t allow him and they settled on paying half each. Jon ordered 5 different pizzas from the pizza place Melody had told him about and half an hour later they were delivered.

He had to beat Melody to the door to pay or she would have paid everything herself. He fished his walled out of his back pocket, pulling out a few bills and handing it to the delivery guy and closed the door. Melody had already taken the pizzas and put them on the table by the door while she searched for money.
“My treat.” Jon said as he picked up the stack of pizzas and garlic bread and brought them over to the living room to put them on the coffee table.



After dinner Faith gave Romeo and Jake a tour of the house and so did Tyler and J. The five oldest kids ended up staying in the downstairs den and the three other ones came back upstairs, obviously been sent away by their older brothers and sister.

They hung around in the living room, talking about all sorts of things while Melody and Jon sat in the couch.
“Now it really seems like we’re living together.” Jon said, the kids had all found their space and he and Melody sort of had a moment to themselves.
“I doubt either of us has enough space for eight children.” Melody said.
“The Rumson house does, clean out some spare rooms, it would work.”
“What about schools, your kids go to private school that’s too far away.” She countered.
Jon shrugged. “Long drive in the morning.”
Melody shook her head, back to what was now. “We’re not living together.” She said, grabbing her head after she shook it.
Jon looked up at her. “You alright babe?” He asked.
“Yeah, the shaking made me dizzy.” Melody waved it off, that’s what happens if you shake your head too hard she thought.

She settled back down, leaning against him.
“Are you sure?” He asked her, still worried about her dizziness.
She lifted her hand to his chin, slowly tracing his jaw line. “Yes I’m sure. I’m fine.” She looked up at him.

They sat there quietly for a while until Romeo left Jake and Faith. He crawled onto Jon’s lap and rested his head against his chest. Jon wrapped his free arm around him and hugged him. He checked his other wrist, which was around Melody, for the time. The second day in a row his children wouldn’t be in bed on time. He just knew he’d get a phone call from Dorothea tomorrow night around supper time.

“I guess we should go.” Jon said reluctantly, but he couldn’t leave his son like that either, he needed his bed.
“You have to listen to a 7 year old.” Melody said. “I guess you should go.” She sat up and Jon pulled his arm back.

Jon looked down at Romeo and noticed he was already asleep but he had to get up.
Melody saw the struggle going on in his mind, he didn’t want to wake him but he had to get up. “Don’t wake him up yet, I’ll get your kids first.” She said and stood up from the couch and went downstairs.

Jon carefully got up from the couch, repositioning Romeo on his arm. He’s getting heavy, too soon. He thought, his youngest was growing up already too, they just never stayed small, he had hoped it for Stephanie but look at her now, going to college in the fall.



A few minutes later he said good night to Melody and her kids. Giving Melody a short kiss, not wanting to hear complaints and not really able to kiss her otherwise as he was still holding Romeo.

Melody watched him get his kids in the car and carefully set Romeo down, buckling his seat belt as Romeo still reached for Jon. Jon kissed him and Melody saw him say something to him and Romeo snuggled against the seat, back asleep.

Jon carefully closed the door, turned around and saw Melody still standing by the door. He smiled at her and waved before walking around the car and getting in himself.

Chapter 73

Chapter 71

The second half of the game there were no goals as both teams still held up good defensive tactics. That didn’t stop the crowd for cheering when either team came close and took a shot. Melody watched the game attentively, hoping Barons would win. They had lost the championship last year by 1 point and worked really hard this season so they could win this year.

Jon noticed her attentive look, focused on the ice field in front of them. Gently reaching for her hand, he wrapped his hand around hers and gave a squeeze. “They’re ahead and playing great.” He said, hoping to ease some of the stress.
Melody let out a deep breath as the second half came to an end.
“I didn’t know you were this much into sports.” Jon said with a smile. He loved sports, especially football and thought it would be great if she did so too.
“I’m not, just when my boys are playing or when I used to take them to games but they go by themselves now.”
“Ah.” Jon said, so she doesn’t like sports. He remembered how she said running couldn’t be relaxing, he had hoped they could share watching sports then.
“I’d go to games with you.” She smiled like she knew he was thinking. He smiled back sweetly.

The third half started better but not for Woodbridge High as their goalie let in a shot from the opponent and scored, making it into a tie.
“Fuck!” Jon swore, Romeo looked up at him, surprised.
“Sorry.” Jon said as he looked down on him.
“No swearing.” Melody told him sternly, waving a finger at him.
Jon grabbed her hand and kissed it. Then looked up at her, “I know, I’m trying, it’s a lot harder than quit smoking.” It was easier to stop smoking, just don’t buy any cigarettes, but getting aggravated was harder to avoid.

“You’re not supposed to swear, mummy says so.” Romeo told him.
“I know.”Jon said.
“Grandma says so too.”
“I know.” Jon repeated.
“Ah, the wisdom of a 7 year old.” Melody laughed. “You just have to listen to him.” Melody said.
“I know that too.” Jon said laughing.

Jon and Melody stopped laughing as Romeo didn’t know what was so funny and put their attention back to the game.



5 minutes to go and the game was still a tie. The Barons got close to scoring but couldn’t.

Jon noticed the attentive look on Melody her face again and took her hand again. He knew how important it was when your own kid was playing, and then they just had to win. Every parent would want to see their child happy instead of sad if they lost their game.

Time was ticking away and they got more nervous, hoping they could still win without overtime but time was getting close.

As the commentator announced they would probably go into overtime Tyler made a pass and his teammate finally scored the winning goal. The whole crowd jumped up, cheering. Melody turned around to hug Jon and he bent his head down to kiss her when the buzzer ended the game. Barons had won the championship.

Melody couldn’t be happier or prouder.

“Daddy they won!” Romeo said excited.
“Yeah they did!” He held out his hand and Romeo high fived him.



As the cheers went down and the teams left the ice Melody felt her phone buzz in her jeans pocket and picked it out.

5.47pm: Dad says we’ll wait by the entrance.

She answered J and told Jon they had to go. Jon gathered his children, pulled his baseball cap lower. He took Romeo’s hand and told Jake to give his sister a hand, so they wouldn’t get lost in the busy crowd.



They found their way out and just like J said they were waiting for them outside, still waiting for Tyler.

“Oh, right, that’s my ex.” Melody told Jon when she saw her boys standing by their father, their little sister closer to them.
“Didn’t think they would be alone.” Jon said, he had expected it, it was Tyler’s father after all, and he would want to watch the last game too. He wasn’t worried about it; Melody had said they ended on good terms. They actually hadn’t really talked about their divorces.

Melody introduced Jon to Rob when they stood in front of them and hugged her kids hello.

Jon and Rob shook hands, being polite but Rob didn’t say anything further.

Faith started talking to Melody, not waiting a minute to tell her how much she missed her, and then she noticed Jake and went to say hi to him. Melody watched her walk over to him and was happy she got along with Jon’s kids just like the others did by now. Exactly a week from today they would be leaving for Hawaii and they would have to spend a whole week together. Good they liked each other or it might have caused difficulties.

Rob kept staring at Jon and finally said something. “I know you.” He said finally remembering it, he pointed at Jon.
“You do?” Jon asked more surprised than he was.
“Yeah, I’ve seen your face everywhere, posters, pictures, mugs and pillows.” Rob said like he was accusing him of something.

Jon thought of the big promo poster in Melody’s hallway and the mug with his picture on. Rob must have recognized him. “I guess you do then.”
“Melody finally got the one she wanted then.” Rob said fiercely.

Chapter 72

Chapter 70

Jon sighed and decided not to say anything, he knew they’d just keep complaining.

Stephanie and Jesse weren’t as difficult and both got up and ready to leave.

By the elevator door they all put on their coats when Romeo started complaining he wanted his other jacket. Jon sighed again and leaned into the coat closet to look for it. He checked all the hangers until the last one on the bar. “It’s not here Romeo.”
“But I want my red jacket.” He protested. “It’s warmer.”
“It’s not there, just put this one on, it’s not cold out.” Jon handed him his jacket again.
Romeo reluctantly took the jacket from him and put it on.
Jon picked out a baseball cap, deciding on a black one so he wouldn't be as recognizable.

Finally in the car, Jon hoped they’d fall asleep, it was almost an hour drive so they would get some sleep and hopefully be less grumpy by the time they get to the game.

Once they were driving it was quiet in the back seat, the kids were all quietly looking out of their windows. The radio was playing softly when Jon got Melody’s attention by putting his hand on her knee. “What are you doing this week?” He asked with a quick look at her and putting his attention back on the road.

Melody thought of her schedule, nothing but work. She would have to pack their bags for next week some time after work this week too. And there was Faith’s birthday on Tuesday too.
“Just work, Faith’s birthday on Tuesday.”
“Right.” Jon said. “We’ll see each other Tuesday then. You’re working Wednesday morning then too?”
“Yes, I am, all week.” She said, waiting to see where he was going.
He looked over at her and raised an eyebrow in question.
Melody laughed at his action, but knew what he meant with it. “I guess you can.”
Jon took his eyes off the road again to smile at her, happy he could stay the night. Putting his attention back to the road he looked in the rear view mirror and noticed Romeo and Jake had both drifted off to sleep.



Jon announced they were almost there and both Stephanie and Jesse reached over the backs of the seats in front of them to wake up their brothers.

Jon parked the car and told Melody to wait, knowing she’d open the door on her own. He walked around the car to open the door for Melody first and then opened the door to the backseat where Romeo and Jake sat. The seat behind the driver’s seat was flipped down so they could get to the extra seats in the back. He lifted Romeo who was still half asleep out of his seat and gave Jake a hand to crawl over the seat.



Inside the arena was almost full, Melody couldn’t spot her children in the crowd and decided to just sit down at the first seats they found but texted J to tell him she was there and they’d have to wait for her after the game.

They found some free seats and Jon could finally put Romeo down. He sat down with Romeo leaning against him and Melody on his other side. The three other kids sat by themselves in the row in front of them.

A few minutes later both teams came on the ice. Tyler stood by the drop and hit the puck to the other side of the ice. The opponents hadn’t expected it that fast, Tyler’s team skated after the puck and Tyler scored the first goal in less than a minute.

The arena broke out in loud screams and Romeo was instantly awake, the game had caught his attention now and he sat up to watch the game now.

“Now that’s a good start.” Jon said excited.
“Told you he’s good.” Melody said proudly.

The other team hadn’t paid enough attention and hadn’t seen the passes which made it easy for Tyler to score.

The rest of the first half both teams took shots at the game but both of them improved their defence and none could score. The other team figured out what they were up to and kept an eye on the best players of Woodbridge high school and stayed close to them, making sure they couldn’t score again.

Finally Romeo got into the game and Jon noticed he was enjoying it anyway, despite what he had said earlier before they left. The buzzer went and the first half of the game was over.



When the game started again, Romeo pulled on Jon’s jacket sleeve. “I have to pee.”
“You couldn’t think of that during intermission?”
Romeo smiled innocently. “But I didn’t have to pee then.”
Melody heard them and knew Jon wanted to watch a full game, without interruptions, whichever sport it was. “Shall I go with him?” She asked.
“No, it’s your kid playing; just tell me where the restrooms are.”
Melody pointed the way for him and said there were signs to make it clear over there too.

Jon stood up and thought of asking Jake too, so he wouldn’t have to get up again later. Jake shook his head no and Jon warned him he wasn’t going again.



“Dad, why are we watching a hockey game? We never go to hockey games.” Romeo asked on the way back to their seats.
“Because Tyler is playing.” Jon explained.
“Just because Tyler is playing?” Romeo asked, not seeing the reason. They never went to hockey games, only football games.
“When you play in a play, I come watch too although we don’t go to plays otherwise. I watch those plays because I want to see you play and because you’re important to me.” Jon tried to explain otherwise.
“Is Tyler important to you too then?” Romeo asked.
“He’s important to Melody so then he’d important to me too. That’s how it works when you’re in love, you care for the things the other cares about too.”
“Am I important for Melody too then?” Romeo asked, finally getting it.
“Of course you are.” Jon said.
“She can’t sleep in my bed though.”
Jon laughed at his comment. Good, she can stay in my bed.

They got back to their seats and sat down with Melody again.
“What did I miss?” Jon asked as he sat down.
Melody shrugged. “Nothing, some shoots but no scores.”


Chapter 71

Chapter 69

When Jon and Melody got back to the living room; Stephanie had turned on a movie for her and her brothers. They took the same seats on the couch again and sat together. Jon’s arm around Melody’s waist they watched Shrek Forever after together.

Melody knew the Shrek movies and of course Jon did too, they had both seen them a dozen times with their children. But they both liked the movies too.
“Oh I love this song.” Melody said excited when the introduction to the movie was over and the Counting Crows song Accidentally in Love started playing.
Jon pulled his arm closer and faced her. “Really? Why do you like it that much?” He asked her with a smile, still listening to the song’s lyrics.
“Because in the song, he wasn’t looking for love but it happened anyway. Then he can’t stop it but he doesn’t want to either, because he loves it even though he wasn’t looking for it and now it’s going really fast for him.” She explained to him.
Jon weighed her words before answering. “Like with us?”
“Yeah!” Melody said excited, a big smile across her face, just like Jon’s face. “We weren’t looking for it either and here we are, next week we’re going on a vacation together.”
When he heard what she said, how she explained it, he pulled her close to kiss. Softly brushing his lips over hers in a lovingly manner.

“Ieuw dad!” Jake complained.
Jon pulled away from Melody. “What? It’s just a short kiss; they did it in the movie too!” He complained back.
“But that’s a cartoon.” Jake said back.
“Then imagine we’re a cartoon.” Jon told him and gave Melody another short kiss.



An hour and a half later, when the movie was over it was just past 2pm.
“Jake, Romeo go shower and get dressed.” Jon told them as he got up to take the dvd out of the machine and back into the case.
“Why?” Romeo complained, not moving an inch on the couch.
“We’re going out.” Jon closed the dvd case
“Why? Where are we going?” Now Jake started complaining too.
“A hockey game.” Jon said, starting to get annoyed now.
“I don’t like hockey.” Romeo complained again.

Jon sat back down with Melody. “You were both watching it last week.”
“We weren’t watching it; there was nothing else on tv.” Jake continued.
“Just go shower and get ready.” He told them more strictly.
“I don’t want to.” Romeo said, sliding down in his seat.
“Just go already.” Jon said annoyed now, trying not to yell.

Jake finally got up from his seat and took Romeo’s hand and pulled him along. “Let’s just go.” He said when he pulled on Romeo’s hand, Romeo followed him downstairs.

“Told ya they’d get cranky.” He told Melody.
Melody laughed when she saw him smiling, like he was happy he had been right they would be cranky today.

10 minutes later Jon got up again. Melody wondered why he got up now again, he’d only just sat down again when he put the dvd away. “Where are you going?” She asked him when he walked further than the opposite couch.
“Have to check if they did it decent, last time Romeo still had shampoo in his hair and if I let him be he’ll wear yesterday’s clothes again.” He explained and continued his way down the stairs.

Melody was left by herself with Jesse and Stephanie that were still watching the tv show Jesse had turned on after the movie. The show looked familiar to Melody, she was sure her kids had watched it before, but she didn’t really know it.
“So,” Melody started hesitantly, she wasn’t sure if they were really paying attention to it or not, “what’s this show about?”
“It’s nothing special, there’s nothing else on.” Jesse answered.
“Give me the remote then.” Stephanie said, sure she would find something better than this.
Jesse threw the remote next to where she was sitting on the couch.

Melody finally had some time alone with them and realized she could ask them anything she wanted to ask them right now but she couldn’t come up with more than small talk. Deciding sports was usually a good question she decided to go for that. “Well, do you guys play any sports at school?” She was nervous, she didn’t really know what to ask them but didn’t like sitting there silently either.
Stephanie had flipped through some channels and finally settled on the fashion channel when Melody asked the question. “Dance team.” She answered her.
Melody turned her head to face Jesse, waiting for his reply. “Football and the dance team.”
“Didn’t get your dad’s dance skills then.” Melody joked. “How about music, did you get that from your dad?”
“Drums.” Jesse said excited.

Melody’s eyes went big, she hadn’t expected that, she thought he’d play guitar like Jon did.
“Piano.” Stephanie answered the question too.
Melody knew that could be a conversation, back in school she had attempted piano too but she couldn’t do it, she was glad her daughter could because she loved the sound of piano music. “My daughter plays piano too.” She said. “What kind of music do you play? Classical?”
“About everything.” Stephanie shrugged. “Does Faith play classical then?”
“No,” Melody said, happy she found something they could, sort of talk about. “She plays what she learns at school and tries to play songs she likes when her brothers find the notes online.”
“So also about everything?”
“Yeah, she wants to play her favourite song but the boys can’t find it online.”
“Which song is that?” Stephanie asked, interested what it would be, maybe she knew it and have to notes to it.
“Keep the Faith.” Melody answered simply.
“Dad’s song?”
Melody nodded. “Yeah.”
“I don’t know the notes to that but I’m sure dad has it.” She said hopeful.

Stephanie turned back to the fashion show on tv, she had heard something that caught her attention.

Melody knew Jesse wouldn’t be interested in the fashion show and talked to him about football, asking what position he played on the team and what his favourite team was. Of course he liked the same team his dad liked, she was almost sure the other 3 would say the same too. Even though Stephanie loved football too, she was more interested in the fashion show right now.



Closer to 3pm, Jon finally came back upstairs with 2 neatly dressed boys. Blow-dried hair and clean clothes, their t-shirts looked like new and might as well have been. “Ready to go watch some hockey?” Jon asked the others in the living room, the boys still standing by his side.
“No.” Jake and Romeo answered gloomy in unison.

Chapter 70

Chapter 68

Jon finally relaxed when his children were all home by 10pm. He knew well enough they needed their sleep or they’d be cranky all day. His parents said goodnight and went to the guest room leaving Jon to put his kids to bed.

Melody helped Jon and by 10.30 both boys were in their own beds. Jesse had gone out with friends again and Stephanie retreated to her room.

“So you wanna go back to sleep now?” Jon asked Melody as he pulled Jake’s bedroom door closed and made his way to the stairs.
Melody nodded. “We haven’t done a thing, but I’m beat.”

Jon took her hand and guided her up the stairs and to his bedroom. Melody took her jeans off and pulled her bra from under her t-shirt as Jon pulled the covers away for her to get into bed.

He stripped off his own clothes and got in bed with her, pulling Melody close to him, he wrapped his arms around her, sliding his hands under her tee, feeling the warm skin of her back under his palms. “Good night.”

She tilted her head to face him. “Good night.” And pressed her lips against his before laying her head against his chest and drifting off to sleep.



The next morning Jon woke up, his hands still under Melody’s t-shirt, on the small of her back and pulled her close again, pressing her against him. “Morning babe.” He whispered and kissed the top of her head.

Melody’s eyes opened, seeing the fur on his chest, she cuddled closer to him. She felt entirely refreshed after a good night’s sleep, even though the day before was calm, she had been very tired.

She stretched out her legs, hearing her ankle crack. “Geez I’m getting old.” She said and continued to stretch her back.
“Just older.” Jon chuckled. “Besides, I’m older than you by a good 5 years.”
“Then you must crack and pop everywhere too when you get up.” Melody said and sat up in bed.
Jon pulled his arms back, rolling to his back and stretched his arms above his head. She watched how his muscles clenched as he stretched them. “Apparently not today. Maybe tomorrow.” He smiled when they heard no cracks or pops from his back or arms.



The smell of fresh waffles crept into the bedroom and they decided to get up for breakfast. Jon pulled on some sweats and Melody picked up her jeans from the day before.

A minute later they sat at the large dining table in the dining room with the all the kids. Carol had made more than enough waffles.

Jon still loved his mum’s waffles, he had had a lot of different ones during the years on the road but the ones his mum made were still the best.



After breakfast Melody and Jon both tried to help clean up but Carol waved them both away, saying she could handle it herself. The kids, except Jesse were in front of the tv. John had joined them there.

“Can I borrow your laptop? I want to check some things.” Melody asked, she wasn’t really interested in what was on tv and would like to check her Facebook and e-mails.
“Sure.” Jon got up and got the laptop that was in the closet at the wall where all his family pictures stood. He picked it up and walked back to give it to her and sat down on the couch with her.

Melody turned it on and waited for it to start up and the internet worked. She opened Facebook and logged in and gasped when she saw it read 6 messages and 99 notifications, she knew 99 was the limit so it could well be over that.

Skipping the messages she went to notifications, she was tagged in more pics than she could think. Usually her friends would tag her in pictures of Jon or the band but not this much. She clicked on one and it popped open. She gasped again, people had recognized her Thursday night, at least her friends had.

“What’s wrong?”
Melody moved the laptop to show him the picture on the screen.
“Oh, they figured out that’s you?” He asked.
“I guess so. Now I have to go explain.” Thinking how people would even believe her, she hadn't told anyone but Lori. She looked through the comments and noticed one saying how well Photoshopped the picture was. She couldn’t resist to comment back there was no Photoshop to it.

“Are you on Facebook?” Stephanie asked, realizing what Melody was doing when she looked over at her. “You have to add me!” She gave Melody a fake name and explained how a lot of her dad’s fans kept adding her so she changed it.

Melody finally answered her messages, luckily only from her best online friends and Lori. She explained to them how she met Jon and how their relation went from that.



After lunch Jon’s parents said goodbye. Jesse had just gotten out of bed and got up to say goodbye too.

Carol apologized to Melody again before they left.
“It’s ok, really. I understand.” She said, one apology was enough she thought and after a while she did understand why Carol acted like that.
“It was rude. I am sorry.” Carol said sincerely. “I really hope things for Jonny and you work out.”
“I hope so too.”
“Have fun on your trip to Hawaii.” Carol said and gone were she and John.

Jon turned back to Melody when the elevator doors closed. “What are we doing today?” He asked her.
“Well, I don’t know what you’re doing but I’m going to a hockey game at 4.” She said stepping closer to him.
“Really? Tyler’s game?” He asked interested. He talked to Tyler about his sport last week and actually wanted to see a game. If he was that good a player he really wanted to see a game.
“Last one of the season, so I have to be there. You can come if you want to.” She saw a smile forming on his lips.
“I’d love to see him play.”
Melody smiled and wrapped her arms around him. She was glad he was interested in her kids their activities too.

Chapter 69

Chapter 67

Carol stuck to her promise and an hour later she and her husband and all four kids left for dinner and so Melody and Jon were left by themselves.

As Melody had thought there was no food to prepare in his kitchen. There were enough ready-made dinners but Melody enjoyed cooking herself. She had expected this and had bought food at the store the day before when she got the pizzas. It wasn’t much, pasta, minced meat and tomato sauce. Good enough to make spaghetti.

Another 20 minutes later Jon had set the table and Melody finished the spaghetti.
“Not home-made but good enough. Melody said as she set the pan of sauce on the kitchen table where Jon had made space for the pan and just like last time he had found candles.
“It’ll do.” He pulled the chair out to let her sit down.

Carol was right; it was nice to be alone for a while. Jon’s kids were great and she was happy they still saw him during the weekends but the two little ones loved spending time with their dad or at least be around him. That way Melody had less time with him, which she liked less.

She caught herself on the thought. They already had such little time with him and she had for himself for the week. Soon he’d be back on the road and wouldn’t see his kids for 3 months. She was lucky she could go with him for two of those months while the children stayed at their mother’s. She realized she should let him spend that time with them. It wasn’t like she was letting him go, that would never happen. There was enough time in the near future that they could spend together.

After dinner Melody longed to see that beautiful, peaceful view on the terrace again. She’d only seen it a few times but it was so beautiful, she never expected the city would look that nice that high up. It wasn’t just the city either, it was the clouds drifting in the sky, forming patterns, and it was very relaxing. The days were getting longer, even though it was only 7 pm it wasn’t dark outside yet.
“But it’s cold; you’ll catch a cold sitting out there.” Jon protested, it was only early April the sun wasn’t very warm yet.
“We’ll grab a blanket.” Melody said as she pulled a blanket that was left on the couch by two little boys this morning that had been watching cartoons in their PJ’s.

He gave up his protest but got an extra blanket from the bedroom closet. He pullet the doors open and pulled out a dark brown blanket. It was the one he always took to bed when he was cold. Like a little child, it was his blanket. “You haven’t seen this view yet.” He called back to the living room looking out of his bedroom window, which should be called a wall. The bedroom had a rectangular shape; the long wall on the outside was completely made out of glass. That way there was even a great view from his bed, which was against the wall opposite of the windows. Outside the glass wall there was a smaller terrace.

Melody walked into the bedroom where he was already holding a glass door, holding his blanket, to go outside.

The terrace wasn’t as big as the one on the other side of the building but it had two lounge chairs which was all they needed.

She sat down in the left one. Jon took his seat on the other chair, placing his feet on the ground, his legs wide open, and he patted the seat between them. “Come sit with me, I’m hot.” He joked
Melody chuckled and got up to sit between his legs like they had done that morning too. She rested back against his chest as he rested back on the back of the chair. He pulled his blanket over them and wrapped his arms around her under the blanket. His hands covered hers as he softly caressed her hands with his thumbs.

Their breathing slowing down as they completely relaxed and felt at ease sitting there, together.
Twilight was setting on their day already, Melody couldn’t wait for summer. Sitting close together she felt the rise and fall of his chest and the distant beating of his heart.

They enjoyed the feeling of each other as they watched the sun starting to set.



The setting sun and the peaceful moment made Melody nod off. Jon felt her weight against him as her body relaxed, he was getting sleepy himself and started wondering what time it would be.

He lifted his hand from Melody, pulling his arm back so he could see his watch on his wrist. Melody stirred and opened her eyes, looking up at him. “I fell asleep.”
“Yes you did.” He looked at his watch. “It’s after 9 and they’re not home yet.”
“Maybe we just didn’t hear them.”
“They would’ve come to say goodnight. Romeo is gonna be cranky tomorrow.”

Melody sat up, pushing herself up to stand, her hands spread on his thighs. Jon got up with a grunt and picked up the blanket, rolling it into a ball. He tossed it by the closet when they walked back inside.

The living room was still dark, nobody there. It was after bed time, he wanted his kids home. Picking out his phone from his pocket he texted Stephanie, knowing his mum wouldn’t be paying attention to her phone while Stephanie was probably talking to friends.

9.19pm: Where are you guys?

Melody was already sitting on the couch and he joined her. She knew he was getting worried when he didn’t get an answer immediately. “They’re just out with their grandparents, relax.”
“I know but they don’t have to be around grumpy kids all day.”

9.25pm: 300 why?

After reading the text he quickly wrote an answer.

9.25pm: Tell grandma its past Jake and Romeo’s bedtime.

“Why don’t you let them have their night?” Melody asked when Jon put his phone back into his pocket.
“Cause I know how grumpy they get when they’re tired.” He put his arms around Melody again and pulled her closer against him.
“Let them sleep in?”
“Oh no grandma will want to spend every minute with them. She’ll wake them at 7 so she can make waffles for breakfast at 8. That way I’ll have cranky boys.” He said with a smile, his mum always made waffles for breakfast when she stayed over.
“I don’t have to make pancakes?” Melody head popped up, facing him.
Jon laughed. “No.” He bent down to kiss her lips.

Chapter 68

Chapter 66

Melody prayed for Jon to get back upstairs faster, what was taking him so long? He was just going to get the kids he had been gone for 20 minutes now and his parents were driving her crazy already. Maybe she should have waited to meet him; he should have told them more about her so his mum wouldn’t yell at her. Melody still felt uncomfortable even though Carol had stopped asking her questions and had turned her attention to the football game too.

“Come boys, your grandparents are waiting for you upstairs.” Jon said as he grunted to stand up. Not a smart idea to sit on the floor. He stretched his legs and urged the boys to go upstairs. At the other side of the room he knocked on both bedroom doors and told the doors to come upstairs to see their grandparents. He heard an agreement behind both doors and followed the other two upstairs again.

“So anyone want drinks?” Jon asked when he walked back into the living room.
“I’ll help.” Melody jumped up from the couch not waiting another minute if she could get out of the room and followed him to the kitchen.
“What’s wrong?” Jon asked her when they were alone. He knew something was up, he had missed 20 minutes, and he already started regretting it.
“Your mum thinks I’ll cheat on you and leave you.”
“Shit, really?” He looked at her and only saw her nod. “I’m sorry. I know you won’t.” He pulled her close and hugged her. She had the time to leave when he was still touring last month, he knew she wouldn’t leave him.
“I’d never do anything to hurt you, maybe spank you.” She smiled.
He raised a finger under her chin and tilted her head so he could kiss those beautiful lips. “There’s nothing wrong with that.” He said when he pulled away from her. “I would never do anything to hurt you either.” He smiled. “Wait,” he thought for a second, “does it count if we ever might, maybe, who knows, have a kid?”
“We’re having kids now? We just started living together.” She knew well enough he was just joking.
“Couldn’t think of a better excuse.” He joked and reached for those lips again.
Nothing wrong with a spanking? He was close enough; she placed her hands on his buttocks and spanked the left one softly, remembering she had already hit the other one.
“Auw!” He called out.
“You’re an idiot.” She said looking up at him, watching his face turn into a smile. She picked up the glasses that were stacked up on the counter and brought them to the living room.

When she placed the glasses on the coffee table, Romeo immediately jumped up to pick out his favourite glass. He showed it to his grandma and put it back on the table before sitting in her lap.

The rest of the day both Melody and Jon waited to see if his parents would say something to Melody but nothing happened. Melody hoped Carol would leave it at that for good. She could sort of understand it, she wouldn’t want to see her kids hurt either, so hopefully it was just Carol being protective of her oldest son.

Melody had been right; when Jon noticed the football game he was absorbed into it too. No conversation came from John, Jon, Stephanie or Jesse. Romeo dragged his grandma downstairs wanting to show her something and made Jake go to with him too.
Jake stopped at the staircase and looked at Melody. “Are you coming too?”
“Yeah, sure honey.” She got up and followed him downstairs.

Romeo was already in his room showing what he wanted to show. Melody couldn’t help but notice the amount of toys again. There was a sitting area with a tv in the same space as it was upstairs, by the wall there was a big dvd and cd rack, next to a closet that had more boxes of toys. Behind the longest couch was the big race track. In the corner of the room was a desk with a computer. It pretty much looked like the den in her house, except for all the children their bedroom.

Jake remembered Melody hadn’t been downstairs yet except for his and Romeo’s bedrooms. He took her to the other part and showed her where the guest room was and where Jesse and Stephanie’s bedrooms were. “We have an emergency exit.” He said excited like only an 8 year old could be to have an emergency exit in their house. He showed it to her along with the downstairs bathroom and laundry room. At last he showed her to the kitchen and told her in a whispery voice that his dad kept cookies, chips, soda’s and other goodies in there but that they actually weren’t allowed to touch it cause they were for when they watched movies together in the den.
“You never take cookies here do you?” Melody said, knowing he probably would.
“Never.” Jake said with a mischievous smile.
Yeah right. She knew kids better than that.
“Do you want to play a game with me?” Jake asked and went back to the den, looking on the shelves for a board game. He set up Monopoly on the coffee table and went to find Romeo and Carol so they could play along too.

Melody thought the game would be too hard for Romeo but she could always help him so he could learn it.
They all sat around the table and Romeo already started complaining the game was too hard. He wanted to go sit with his grandma but Melody was faster. “If you sit next to me, I’ll help you; you’ll see its fun.” Romeo agreed and sat with Melody

The game went better than she had expected, while playing Romeo and Jake talked about things they had done during the week and things longer ago than that. Melody loved hearing them chatter about. She helped Romeo with the counting and collecting rent and he started to like the game, seeing it wasn’t as bad as he thought. Jake had been smart and bought the most expensive streets and won the game in the end. “Can we play again?” He wanted to see if he could win the game again.
Melody looked around for a clock and found one on the dvd player. “I think it’s almost dinner time sweetie.” She had to disappoint him, the football game would be almost over and then it would be time for dinner. “Go watch the last minutes of football with your dad.”
The boys did as she asked and left. Melody started getting the game together to put it away. Carol was still sitting in the couch, watching Melody. “You like those kids, don’t you?”
“Oh they’re great, they’re a lot of fun and they’re all so nice. I hadn’t expected any of them being ok with all of this; I never got this far with a guy and couldn’t have wanted a better reaction from them.” Melody said excited. She did like the kids; they had all been so nice and appreciative of her.
“They’re very sweet kids. They had a hard time, mostly Jake and Stephanie. Romeo is young and Jesse is quiet, so he wouldn’t say anything if it did bother him.”
Melody looked at her worried she wasn’t saying something.
“He’s not bothered, don’t worry. All four of them are over it and seeing those boys play with you, they like you too.”
Melody nodded, good. The kids liked her, she liked them, what could go wrong with that.
“I’m sorry for giving you a hard time earlier.”
“I understand, we haven’t really talked about our divorced but I can guess it was as hard for him as it was for me, I understand you don’t want to see him hurt again.”
“I know you wouldn’t do that. John and I wanted to take the kids out for dinner. So I’ll go tell them that and you can have time with Jon, you probably haven’t seen him all week either.” Carol said, a lot nicer now.
“Actually, I’ve been here all week and Jon stayed at my house last week.”
Carol’s eyes went big, she hadn’t known that.
“We’re going to Hawaii next week, all 10 of us.” Melody said, wondering if Jon had even said anything to her. “Did he at least wish you a happy birthday?”
“That he did.” Carol said. “The other things I didn’t know.”
Melody laughed, she knew he was an idiot but she had at least thought he would tell his mum about his relationship.

Chapter 67