BillyJo pulled her car around to the front of the hospital. She was off today and had talked Eddie into going to work. He had not left the hospital till she came in that morning. She would take Janet home and help her get settled. He was reluctant to do so, but BillyJo convinced him that he could work today and start his weekend tomorrow. The nurse wheeled Janet out of the front door and she got into the car. "I'm free. Thank heavens." BillyJo laughed. "You're not one to be locked up in a small room all day." Janet put her seat belt on and smiled. "Yeah, I would not make a good prisoner." Turning onto October Road, BillyJo gave her orders. "Janet, you've got to take it easy the next few days. No going to work, walking on the track, cleaning house, nothing." Janet reluctantly agreed. "I know. I don't want anything to jeopardize this pregnancy." The baby moved and she placed her hand on her belly. "You'll be fine Janet. We just need to get you home. I brought you some new books, and a few groceries. You can relax all day. Did the doctor say when you can go back to work?" They had parked in front of the house and Janet got out of the car. BillyJo was soon beside her walking her to the front door. "He wants to see me Monday morning and will tell me then. He wants me to rest through the weekend."
"Eddie…didn't expect you to be working today. Janet get home from the hospital?" Owen walked through the door looking for a lunch buddy. "She just called. BillyJo was off today and talked me into letting her stay with her so I could work." Eddie looked like he didn't want to be at work at all, but rather at home, taking care of his wife. "Well, that's good. Tomorrow's Friday and you can start the weekend early." Eddie nodded. "I know, it makes sense, but …you know…I…" Owen sized him up. "It's ok Latekka. I understand." Eddie looked at him hoping he would help him understand. "It's ok man. It's natural to be protective of Janet. Each time Alison was pregnant, I was a crazy man. Always hovering. Making sure everything was safe around the house. God help me if it snowed and there was ice on the side walk" Eddie got up from his desk. "Yes, hovering. Hovering! What is that? Sometimes I feel like I must be driving her crazy, and now that this has happened. I can barely function." At this point, Owen was shaking his head with a big grin on his face. "Oh wow, my boy is growing up." Eddie just rolled his eyes at Owen. "Don't worry Eddie. This is the way it has been since the beginning of time. We are warriors. Meant to protect our women. And don't worry, you're not driving her crazy." He patted him on the shoulder and the headed out to door for lunch.
BillyJo sat with Janet in the living room. She had made tea for each of them and the girls were enjoying their time together. Lots of girl talk, and giggles. After unloading the groceries she had brought over, BillyJo decided that she would make dinner for Janet and Eddie. Plenty to eat tonight and leaving leftovers for them to have this weekend. She would have to get started on dinner soon, but decided to sit with Janet for just a minute more. "So, how's baby Latekka doing in there?" Even though Janet had rested in the hospital all night, she could tell that Janet was tired. "Baby Latekka is doing fine. Ready for Daddy to be home." They laughed together at the idea of Eddie being called Daddy. "He will be home soon. I think he was going to drop Ikey by the school to pick up your Jeep and bring it home for you." Janet took a sip of her tea. It was just what she needed. "Look, Eddie will be here in a bit. I'm going to go ahead and cook dinner for you. Why don't you take a nap? I promise to not let you sleep too long." Janet agreed reluctantly "Are you guys staying for dinner?" BillyJo got up and walked with her towards the bedroom. "No, Ikey and I want to spend some time with the kids tonight. Now you go rest and I'll let you know when dinner's ready." She gave Janet a hug and sent her on her way.
Eddie and Ikey walked through to door talking about work. BillyJo met them with a finger over her mouth. "Shhhh. Not so loud. Janet just fell asleep." They both nodded and everyone headed back to the kitchen. "She do ok this afternoon?" Eddie asked with a concerned tone. "Yeah Eddie, she's fine. I just don't think she rested very well last night in the hospital. I know they probably came in all hours of the night checking her vitals and such." Eddie nodded. Looking tired himself. "Man Eddie, you look beat. Come one BillyJo, we should go and let them get some rest." She grabbed her purse and proceeded to give him instructions. "Eddie, I just took the lasagna out of the oven, and there are more groceries in the frig so you should be set for the next couple of days. Go ahead and wake her in the next thirty minutes or so. She didn't eat much for lunch so she needs a good dinner." He gave BillyJo and big hug and thanked her. "You sure you guys don't want to stay for dinner?" Ikey held the door for her. "No man, we have plans with the kids." BillyJo gave Eddie and smirk "Pizza and video games. His favorite." Eddie shut the door behind them and went to the bedroom to check on Janet. She was just waking as he opened the door. "Hey, I didn't wake you when I came in from work did I?" She smiled. Glad to see he was home. "No Eddie, not at all. I just woke up. Is BillyJo still here?" Eddie explained that she and Ikey had already left. They had dinner waiting for them whenever she was ready. She opted for a shower first so Eddie helped her up and made sure she was safe in the shower before he headed to the kitchen for a beer. By the time she was out of the shower, he had the table set and was waiting for her. She came in the kitchen wearing some pajama pants and one of his old shirts. Her hair pulled up and she had no makeup. Beautiful. They ate and chatted for a while. It was late when they finally went to bed. Eddie lay next to her with a protective arm across her belly. Her warrior.
It was two thirty when Janet looked at the clock. She couldn't believe she was thirsty. She had plenty of water that day, but for some reason wanted more. She rose from the bed as gently as she could so as not to wake Eddie. She stood there a minute and watched him sleep. Loving what she saw. Walking slowly to the living room she found her way to the side table and turned on the lamp. She went to the kitchen and retrieved a glass of water. Walking back through the living room, Janet noticed something. It looked like there was someone on the porch. She stood there a moment, not sure if she should call out for Eddie or not. Just then she saw their profile. She was sure. It was Nick. Peeking out the window her suspicions were confirmed. She opened the door, and Nick looked at her with hurt all over his face. "Nick…are you ok? What's wrong?" He didn't know what to say. It was late, and he felt like he shouldn't have come over so late. She put her hand on his arm and motioned for him to come in. "Sit down Nick…Eddie's asleep, but I can get him for you…"He shook his head. "I'm sorry Janet, I shouldn't have come over so late, but I just needed…" She sat next to him on the sofa and put her arm around him. His head was in his hands and he started to cry. All she could do was try and comfort him and held him close. Eddie woke to the sound of voices. He thought he was dreaming at first when he heard Nick's voice.
Nick gained his composure and wiped his eyes. She knew something awful must have happened. She had never seen him like this. He turned and looked at her. "Ikey called me today….he told me that he saw my dad at the clinic yesterday." She listened. Knowing he must have seen him when he went to see BillyJo. "My father's cancer is back. It's back with a vengeance. I called him after I talked with Ikey and he told me everything." Janet was surprised. "Nick, I'm so sorry." Nick was lost. "Janet, I'm afraid I'm gonna lose him." She didn't know what to say, but Janet knew what he was feeling. "Nick, you have to be positive. I know it's hard after losing one parent to not think the worst, but you have to realize what an opportunity this is for you." He looked at her confused. Eddie was standing in the doorway listening to them. When he heard Nick tell her about the Commander. He hurt for him. "Nick, I know it sounds strange, but you have the opportunity most people never receive. You have time…this time to care for him, and tell him everything you ever wanted to say. You can be his hope Nick…and if the worst happens…you can be there, and you can hold his hand. Those are moments you will not trade for the world." He looked at her and gave her a hug. Wiping his eyes he got up from the sofa. "Don't leave Nick. Let me get Eddie for you. I can make you guys some coffee and you can talk. He is why you came over here anyway. You need your friend." He agreed. Janet stood and saw Eddie standing in near the bedroom. He walked over and Nick rose from the sofa. They hugged and Nick wept. Nick didn't know how much more he could take. Losing his mom, the love of his life, now possibly his dad. He did know that no matter what had happened, his friend would be there for him.
Janet retreated to the kitchen and made them some coffee. When she got back to the living room she gave Nick a hug and kissed Eddie good night. Nick and Eddie talked till the morning.