Description: In this chapter Hotch asks Jack if he wants him to go back to work or not.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in this chapter.
"Everything is something you decide to do, and there is nothing you have to do." ~Dennis Waitley
It's early Saturday morning and Jack is sitting at the kitchen table in his dad's apartment, looking at a picture of himself and Haley. He is still in his Captain America pajamas. Ever since George Foyet had murdered Haley two weeks ago, Jack hasn't been able to sleep very well. Even though he was hiding and didn't see anything, he had heard everything that day. Jack hasn't cried for his mom, yet and because of that, he believes it's his fault that she's dead.
"Hey buddy, what are you doing up so early? It's five thirty in the morning." A tired Hotch said as he walked into the kitchen and sat in the chair next to Jack.
"Hi daddy. I couldn't sleep. Did I wake you up? If I did, I'm sorry." Jack said.
"It's okay. How long have you been up?"
"I think since three."
Hotch notices the picture in front of Jack.
"What are you doing with that?" He asked.
"Do you think mommy is mad at me?" Jack asked, not answering Hotch's questioned.
"No, of course not. Why would you ask that?" Hotch asked, shocked.
"Jack, if you hadn't have been hiding that day, you would have died too. You were the most important thing in your mommy's life and you still are. She loved more than anything in this world. If she had to go through that day again, I don't think she would change anything. She died, protecting you. Not everybody cries when someone they love dies, but that doesn't mean they're bad people. And there is nothing you could do that would make me or your mommy mad at you. Do you understand?"
"Yes daddy, I understand. Can I keep this picture in my room? It's my favorite one."
"Sure. Do you want me to fix you something for breakfast?" Hotch asked.
Jack thought for a few seconds.
"Can I have some chocolate chip waffles, please?"
"If that's what you want, then that's what I'll cook for you."
"Thanks daddy. I'm going to put this picture in my room." Jack said as he stood up.
"Okay the waffles should be done in about five minutes." Hotch said.
"Okay I'll be right back." Jack said as he walked toward his room with the picture. When he got to his room, he placed the picture on the dresser next to his bed.
Fifteen minutes later…
It's still dark outside. The sun probably won't rise until at least another hour. Hotch and Jack are at the kitchen table, eating chocolate chip waffles. Hotch has just finished his fifth one and Jack is working on his third one. They are both still in their pajamas.
"Are you going to eat anymore waffles?" Jack asked.
"No, five waffles are enough for me. Do you want anymore?" Hotch asked.
"Can I have three more, please?"
"Are you sure you can eat that much?"
"I don't know. I have never eaten six waffles before. I guess I'll just have to try it."
Hotch smiled at his son.
"Okay if you want three more waffles, then you can have three more waffles." Hotch said.
"Thank you, daddy." Jack said.
Three hours later…
Jack has finally gotten dressed. He is wearing blue jeans, a green sweater and blue socks. He is sitting on the living room couch, watching cartoons. Hotch walks into the room and sits down next to him. He is also dressed. He is wearing blue jeans and a red sweater.
"What are you watching?" Hotch asked.
"Cartoons." Jack simply answered. "Are you ever going to go back to work?"
"I don't know. What do you think I should do?"
Jack thought for a few seconds.
"I think you should go back."
"Why do you think I should go back?'
"Because you always win and if you don't go back, then the bad guys will win and nobody will be safe." Jack explained.
"Jack, I think it's very nice of you to think of other's besides yourself. But you do realize that if I go back to work, we won't see each other very often, don't you?" Hotch asked.
"Yes I know that and I'll be okay. So will you daddy. We'll still get to see each other. I just don't want the bad guys to win."
"Is that what you really want me to do? Do you really want me to go back to work? Because Mrs. Strauss said I didn't have to go back and that I could retire."
"Yes that is what I want. You have to go back. You have to keep everyone safe. You just have to go back. Don't let the bad guys win." Jack begged.
"Alright Jack, calm down. I'll go back to work. I just need to find a place for you to stay because you can't stay here by yourself." Hotch explained.
"Don't worry daddy. We'll find someone. Can we go to the park today?"
"Sure, when do you want to go?"
Jack thought for a few seconds.
"I want to go after lunch." Jack answered.
"Okay then."
Hotch steps out of the room and makes a quick phone call.
"Hey it's me, Aaron. Do you think you can meet me at the park around 12:30 or 1:-00 today? I really need to talk to you. Okay thank you. I'll see you there."
End of chapter one. Please tell me what you thought. Chapter two will be up soon.