Chapter Six: Happy Birthday, Jack!
It was 7:35 p.m. when Jack arrived at the restaurant. His wife had organized the perfect party for Jack's 40th birthday. Little did Maria know that this was the last place Jack wanted to be. Maria had invited his father, their friends and even all his team. Danny had other plans and Jack knew that Samantha would not be there.
"Happy Birthday, Daddy!" Kate exclaimed while jumping into his arms. Hanna followed her sister, but she didn't share Kate's enthusiasm.
"Thank you, girls!" Jack kissed his daughters' cheeks.
Hanna is still so angry. She is old enough to understand that things are not good between her mother and me. And at the mention of my job, she turns that cold shoulder to me. What can I do?
…On Tuesday, I was scheduled to pick up my daughters from school. I was wrapped up in a case and I arrived late. They were in the principal's office waiting for me. When I walked in Kate was crying and Hanna was sitting next to Kate and holding her hand. Then when she saw me, her face turned to anger. She turned her back to me, picked up her backpack and headed for the exit…
"Dad, where's Danny? Is he coming?" Kate's excited voice made Jack's thoughts return to the party.
"Sorry, Katie, he is not coming, he had other plans for tonight. But he said to say 'hi' to you and to give you these." Jack searched in his pocket and found two lollipops for his daughters. "One is for you and one for Hanna."
Hanna took the sucker and put it in her pocket without showing any emotions.
I have to reassure her that I am here for her and for her sister.
While Kate was happily unwrapping her lollipop, Jack squeezed Hanna's shoulder, keeping her near him and asked her, "Where is Mom?"
"She is over there," Hanna answered him, indicating a table in the corner.
As they approached Maria, she was pouring herself a drink.
"Thanks for doing this, Maria. It's a great party."
"You're late. And I did this only because the girls wanted it. Anyway, where are your co-workers? Kate was looking forward to seeing Danny. Where is the blond? Are they tired of looking at you? If you spent as much time with your children as you do with them…," her voice was ice cold.
"Maria, could we just enjoy the party? There will be plenty of time later."
What happened on Wednesday was still fresh on my mind.
… Maria had stormed into my office during the lunch break. I didn't pick up the girls from school in time the day before and Hanna and Kate were very upset with me. Hanna hadn't said a word to me since. They were children, I could understand. But why was my wife so mad? I was only a bit late and I had a good reason. I could not help that the interview was so long. I've been late before and she never reacted that way. My wife told me I had to choose – my work or my family. I had to set my priorities once and for all. She was tired of my absences and of finding excuses for me.
"You have to change, Jack! Decide what you want, or I will decide for you."
After she left, I sat at my desk and her words raced through my mind. What did she mean she would decide? Was she thinking of leaving me? Was I close to losing my family? I can't let that happen. Why can't she understand me like Sam does? Sam… what if Maria found out about her? How could I explain to my wife that Sam provided what she no longer did? Maria is asking too much of me. Or, is she right? What happened to us? We've become strangers living in the same house. Are our children the only thing we have in common? Has it been my fault? I love my family. Am I pushing them away?...
Jack was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't see Vivian approaching.
"Happy birthday, boss!" Vivian approached with a gift-wrapped bottle of scotch. "I was elected to buy your gift and I knew I couldn't go wrong with this!"
"Thanks, Viv! You know me too well, and you know I will put it to good use!"
"Where is Sam? I thought she was coming," asked Vivian, scanning the restaurant.
"I don't know exactly, she said something about not feeling well… the line was blurred …"
"Jack! Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you were busy. I'll talk to you later."
" No, Dad, come here! This is Vivian Johnson. We have worked together for years. Vivian, this is my father, Frank Malone."
"Glad to meet you, Agent Johnson. I hope he is not as grumpy at work as he is with me." Vivian smiled and greeted Mr. Malone.
Jack could read a 'you have to give me a better explanation' expression on Vivian's face.
Maria will question Vivian, and I respect Viv too much to put her in a position where she has to lie for me. If she doesn't know anything, she will not have to cover up for me.
"Could you excuse me? I'm sure you both have a lot to say about me. I'm sure my ears will be ringing."
Jack left them to their conversation and headed toward the bathroom. He washed his hands and threw cold water on his face. He looked up at his reflection and his mind went to the night before
…By the time I reached Sam's apartment, what I had to say was clear in my mind. How would she react? I stood outside her door dreading what was to come. I knew she would be hurt. Maybe she would try to change my mind. I had to think about my family. It was the right thing to do. Sam would be hurt and angry, but I know she will understand as time goes on. And, her career was on the line. Van Doren had been clear,--Sam would be transferred to another unit. She loves her job, and I cannot let that happen. I should never have allowed the affair to begin. It was the wrong thing to do, but I needed her…
Now what I need is my family. And they need me. I have to make this work.
Jack went back to the party room. He searched for Hanna and went to sit near her. She was swinging her legs to the beat of the music that only she could hear.
"Hanna, honey, you know I love you, right? You and your sister are the most precious things in my life."
"And Mom?" Hanna's eyes, full of hope, turned toward her father.
"I love her too, sweetheart." Jack took his daughter in a tight embrace and kissed her head.
Hanna put her arms around Jack's neck and bent her head against his chest. Then, looking up at him, she asked, "Dad, will you come with us tomorrow? Mom said that she would take Kate and me ice-skating. Please?"
"Sure, but now let's go or Kate will eat all the cake!" Jack held out his hand and Hanna took it. And for the first time in days, Hanna's face was smiling at her father.
