Stef put the key into the front door, unlocking it for everyone. Lena and the kids followed her into the house before she shut the door and locked in, joining the family in the living room. Everyone sat down around the couch and recliners, waiting.
"OK," Stef began, sighing. "I know we all just went through something that was pretty horrible, so if anyone is having any bad feelings at all, I want you to tell Lena or myself, all right?" The kids all nodded. "That goes for you, too, Connor," she added.
"I'm fine," Connor replied, nodding.
"Is everyone else good?" Stef asked. The kids nodded again.
"If any of you start feeling anxious or upset, or anything like that, please come to one of us immediately," Lena added. "I don't want to see any closed doors at all. I want us to spend time with each other after what happened."
"And I know you're all probably curious about what happened in the library, but I don't want any of you asking John about it until he's ready to talk," said Stef. She glanced at John. "Would that be all right with you?"
John nodded. "I'd rather not talk about it just yet, but when I'm ready, I will."
"Good," Stef said. "And I also don't want any of you on social media tonight."
"Wait, why?" Mariana asked.
"There will be a lot of rumors, a lot of talking about what happened," Lena explained. "None of you have to see any of that."
"I'll be turning off the Wi-Fi in just a moment until tomorrow morning," Stef added. "And I'm going to take all of your phones for the night."
"And what are we supposed to do in the mean time?" Jesus asked.
"Uh, read a book?" Lena suggested.
"We can read a book on our phones," Jesus replied.
"Easy, Jesus," Stef said in a warning tone. Jesus nodded and pulled out his phone, offering it to Stef. She took it and the other kids gave up their phones, too. "Thanks, everyone," she said. "I'll take these and put them away. You can have them back first thing tomorrow morning. Connor, you can have yours back when you leave."
"What do we do now?" asked Brandon.
"Whatever you want, but Mama's right. You should all spend some time together," replied Stef. "After what happened today, we all need to be with each other. I'm gonna go put these away."
"John, can we see you in the kitchen, please?" asked Lena. John nodded and stood up with her and they walked into the kitchen. Stef locked up the phones before she looked up at them.
"I'll make some tea," she said, getting their water heater ready and grabbing some mugs. John and Lena waited until the tea was ready before all three of them sat down at the table.
"How are you doing, John?" Stef asked.
"Considering everything that happened today, I'm all right," John replied.
"Any flashbacks or any anxious feelings?" Lena chimed in.
John shook his head. "Nothing like that at all. I think I'm just relieved that it all went down without anyone getting hurt too badly."
"Are you sure?" Stef asked, sounding concerned.
"I'm good, Mom," John replied. "I promise. I know everyone's safe. Jack is back at the hotel with his parents. We're all here and we're together, that's what matters the most to me — I'm just happy to be home with everyone."
Stef and Lena nodded at him. "You let us know if there's any change in your mood and we can talk it out," Lena said.
"I will, I promise," John replied, standing up and kissing both his Moms on the cheek. "Can I go back and talk with Jude and Connor?"
"Of course, Love," Stef replied. "Just know that you don't have to talk to them about what happened today if you're not ready."
"I know," John said, taking one last swig of his tea. "One step at a time." He stood up and left the kitchen.
"Are you sure it's a good idea for him to talk about what happened?" Stef asked.
Lena nodded. "Bottling it all up inside won't do him any good," she said. "It's best if he talks about what happened, but only when he's ready."
"How about you?" asked Stef, standing up and pulling Lena into a hug. "Are you OK?"
"I'm fine," Lena replied. "I'm a little shaken up, but I'll be OK. Like John said, I'm just glad we're all together."
John entered the living room and walked over to the couch, where Jude and Connor were talking quietly.
"Hey guys," he said. "Do you mind if I join you?"
"Of course," Jude said, scrambling to make room for John on the couch. John sat down next to him and smiled.
"You guys OK?" he asked.
"We're fine," Jude replied. "What about you?"
John sighed before he answered. "It's not the first time I've had a gun on me," he said, as he thought about the last time. He grimaced at the memory. "But, it's in the past, and we're all here together, now. That's what matters."
There was an awkward silence between them for a moment. "I met Jack today," Connor said nervously, breaking the silence.
"Yeah?" John asked, smiling at him. "What'd you think of him?"
"Well, I could see how worried he was about you. That tells me he cares about you. I already like him because of that."
They all chuckled before John replied. "He's a good guy," he said. "I'm lucky to have him in my circle. And the both of you," he added, grabbing Jude and Connor's hands. "Together," he whispered.
"Together," Jude and Connor echoed.
That night, the family gathered in front of the TV after Connor left for home. Stef and Lena occupied the rocking chairs, while Jesus, Brandon and Callie sat on the floor in front of the table with a blanket. John, Jude and Mariana sat together on the couch. Once everyone was settled, Stef hit play and they were taken to the DVD menu for Finding Nemo.
"Finding Nemo, really?" Jesus asked, exasperated.
"Yes," Lena replied. "We needed to watch something without any violence, sex, or drugs."
"Besides, it's a great film," John added, causing everyone else to giggle.
Jesus rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say," he said.
"Fair warning," John interjected as Stef hit the play button. "I'm known for quoting this whole movie as we watch it."
Everyone made a fake groaning noise and then laughed as the movie began. John turned to Jude and smiled at him, throwing an arm around Jude and pulling him closer.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too," Jude replied.
