When the light began to sting my eyes I woke up, slowly sitting up and moving John aside, bruises ran down my arm and I looked at the little indentations. Jack wasn't here to confirm or deny how this happened so I just looked at my son and watched as he tried to grab onto me again, his fingers pressing so firmly into my skin that I almost let out a yelp in I used my own strength to pry them off me and get out of bed. I dug around for a brush and clothes and things before tiptoeing out of the room and nearly colliding with Jack. He swooped down to pick up the items I dropped and placed them back into my hands. But he paused when he noticed the purple bruises down my arm.
" don't worry about it, I'm sure I just bumped it" I said as I skirted by him down the hall.
In the bathroom lighting it showed little healed cuts from tiny little nails. This is something else to study and note on... I slowly changed trying not to overlook the injuries that still we're staying on me despite months of being away. I don't understand but I figure it will make sense hair was a tangled mess that took longer than I anticipated to brush through. Each knot is more entangled than the last I emerged to see a tear stained John looking at me.
" what is wrong!" I asked as I scooped him up.
" You left" he whimpered.
" Darling, I had to change and tidy up" I said before kissing his wet cheek.
" you left!" He said a little bit louder.
" I didn't leave, I'm still here" I said as I carried him down the hall. Jack looked up from his phone and his brows furrowed once he realized the situation.
" John, your mother needs time alone, not much but she's still here" Jack said.
" for now!" John grumbled as he wiggled his way out of my arms. I took the time to put away my clothes and straighten up our bags.
" We are leaving today with you" Jack said as he looked at John.
" but what about Ingrid?" He whispered.
" she will be available to call and talk to" Jack reassures him.
John doesn't seem thrilled until Jack starts helping him pack and talking about the ducks and chickens on the little farm.I wandered to the kitchen to retrieve coffee and see if I could help with anything but Ingrid just smiled and waved me was nearly done packing up John's things when I handed him his cup. I am completely absorbed in watching Jack's face, finally able to see it on a regular basis was thrilling.I love every single part of him, the sweet way he is working with John and the way he smiles over at me occasionally.
" good job John! " Jack said as they finished, I gave him a hug as well, and Jack showed us our little tiny orca.
It was so small but able to fit all of us and our gear into it. John seemed hesitant about everything but eventually liked the idea of flying with dad again, so the goodbyes weren't too horrible. I had ingrid's book and notes tucked under my arm as she piled containers of food into any free space on the orca that we had. She even gave us some recipes that John enjoyed could see the tears lining her eyelids as she spoke to Jack and I. Her eyes kept going to John and then she'd look away. I feel horrible doing this to her but we all know that he is our son. I just can't help but feel bad. Especially when John cries as he hugs her goodbye. We thanked her profusely again and took off, John was sitting up front with his dad and I was surrounded by pastries and snacks. I spent the hours pouring over the medical notes we've all been taking on him and every single sign is I have to put it down and just try to enjoy watching Jack and John communicate upfront. They have some banter going on and Jack is telling him all about flying and learning to fly. John is smiling up at him with his sparkling blue eyes absorbing all the knowledge and repeating it back to him.
" your parents do know we are coming right?" I asked Jack.
He turned and looked at me with a mock face of being offended.
" I'm just making sure" I said.
But I saw the flash of his mischievous grin.
" It's a surprise" Jack said.
" oh darling I don't—" I began to say but he interrupted quickly with " They know we went on trial and stuff. The news "
" Oh you cannot tell me that you have been letting them get updates from the news about you" I said in disbelief.
" maybe " Jack replied.
" are you serious?" I said with an almost shrill tone.
He looked back and laughed, sparkling eyes and all.
" It's better this way" he says with a grin.
" Sometimes you disappoint me" I said with a huff as I leaned back in my seat.
" And you better get ready because we land in an hour" Jack said.
" Do I look so horrid that I need an hour?" I asked as I dug around for a mirror.
" I was just letting you know the time" Jack said.
" Well it sounded like I look terrible" I replied.
" does mommy look terrible?" Asked Jack.
" no" John giggles.
" see? The kid says you look fine" Jack proclaimed.
" and you?" I asked with a quirked brow.
" you are the most stunning creature I have ever laid my eyes on, a vision of perfection. A statue of a goddess, an angel... a divine being! " Jack was laughing and smiling as he declared his love.
" If you weren't flying I'd—" I started with a giggle.
" ah! Not in front of the kid" Jack said with a full bodied laugh.
" what!?" John asked.
" Your mother doesn't appreciate my compliments" Jack answered.
" yes she does!" John replies.
" oh stop it you two" I called up to them.
Jack poked his tongue out of his mouth for a moment before turning to John and bursting into laughter with him.I tried twisting up my hair into a bun but I didn't like that, then braids but that felt too childish, so I ended up with my old ponytail. My hair is longer than usual but it still works. I don't really have any makeup besides the eyeliner and chapstick that Jack accidentally packed probably after my lips are so rosy right now anyways due to anxiety and chewing on them so much. I lightly lined my eyes with the brown pencil. Smoothed out the stray hairs that kept dropping into my eyes.I smoothed out the shirt and pants I was wearing. I just look relaxed, I wish I had something nicer but that was the least of our worries and honestly I want to burn the court wear.I took a few deep inhales as I noticed the pretty scenery below us. I started to get butterflies in my stomach.
" almost there! John, are you excited to play with chickens?" Asked Jack.
" yes yes yes yes!" He was shrieking excitedly.
I felt the decline of the orca and gripped the side of my seat, trying to avoid the tingling all through my body.
We landed and after a minute let the engine turn off before Jack wiggled his way out of the orca and helped get me out of the prison of food I was surrounded in.
John was squirming in his seat, and bouncing. So Jack helped him next and then I heard a booming voice behind me.
" well look who it is!" Jack's father said.
His jaw nearly dropped when Jack turned around with John.
" You left for a few years and had this little guy?!" His dad nearly yelled.
John was squirming and panicking and Jack dropped him to his feet but gripped his hand.
" Hey dad" Jack said.
" Hey son" his dad said with a wry grin.
" hello again" I said as I stood there awkwardly. His dad pulled me into a tight hug.
" no calls! No visits! You had this little one" his dad said to his son as he let me go from the hug.
" your mother is going to be furious and excited!" He added once he pulled back.
Jack shut the door to the orca and looked at his dad " well let's get that over with then" as he squinted with his beautiful smile.
We walked up to the front door and his father yelled out " sunshine".His mother came walking down to the door, her eyes brightened when she saw Jack and noticed me. But as she swung the door open she saw John and nearly fell down.
" oh my god" was all she kept saying over and were running down her face and Jack whispered at John to go hug her and her face was frozen in happiness.
" is he—- is he?" She was struggling with her words.
" Good job son, you broke your mother" his dad said as he slapped Jack's back.
" my grandson!" She wailed once her voice returned.
" hey what about me and my lovely w—" he cut himself off but his parents were looking at him and Jack was furiously pantomiming that John doesn't know.
But Jack is terrible as charades, so he looked like he was hopping around.
" of course I love you my son! " she said as she let go of John finally who ran back to my legs to hold onto them.
Jack hugged his Mother and chats with her as they head towards the door.
I'm struggling to walk with John strapped to my legs. But Jack's father steps in and holds his hand.
Nothing changed inside the house, it looked the same as when I last visited it. His mother led us immediately into the living room to sit down on their couches. The Afghan nearly falls with Jack putting it onto my lap. Jack sits next to me and John while his mother takes the recliner but sits on the edge of it studying all of us. Her eyes just keep filling with tears that eventually fall down her happy rosy cheeks.
" I didn't know!" She squealed.
" I am so sorry that I didn't tell you. I—" I started to say but her kind eyes threw me for a complete shutdown. My mouth couldn't form any words.
" she had to put him into protective custody" Jack said as he rubbed my arm.
" you are here now. Let me feed you! Jack! I can't believe I didn't notice. I have nothing prepared" she said excitedly.
" Torbjorn's wife Ingrid packed us a feast, don't worry" Jack assured her.
" how long are you here for?" Asked his dad abruptly.
" uh I don't know? Tonight if that's okay?" Jack asked.
" just tonight?" His mother exclaimed.
" You can stay as long as you like" his dad reassured us.
" I don't think you could handle that" Jack says.
" We raised you, this kid is half Angela so that probably helps" his dad says with a laugh.
" You are right" Jack replies laughing as well.
" mommy, dad talked about chickens and I want to see the chickens" John whispered to me as Jack talked to his parents.
" I will ask him in a minute" I reassured him.
" are you two sharing secrets?" His mother asked.
" John was asking about the chickens" I said as John began to wiggle.
" we have quite a few chickens! Would you like to help feed them later?" Asked Jack's father.
" yes!" John shouted with glee.
Everyone looks so happy and content! And I'm over here worrying my entire existence is being a bother. They invited John over to talk some more and I wanted to melt into the furniture, I know somehow I belong here but this is so new and awkward for me that I feel panicked.
" would you like the official tour?" Jack asked with his happy smile.
" yes" I answered already knowing it would be surreal. Years ago I never thought this would happen. I was crying in his room thinking about how we would never have this opportunity.
" going to steal this one from you" Jack said as he scooped up John.
" already?" His mother asked.
" I wanted to give Angela the tour and figured why not include our kid?" Jack said as he spun John around.
John let out a long happy laugh as he squeezed Jack tightly.
" I'll get started on dinner... Angela you still don't eat meat right?" She asked as she walked towards the kitchen.
" I don't but don't worry about me I—"
" Of course I will" his mother said with a pleasant smile. His dad just relaxed back into his chair and turned on the news.
Jack first took us upstairs to his room, John was thrilled with looking at all the trophies Jack had, John also was interested in sports but we haven't discussed any public plans for him he led us up the rickety ladder into the attic. A window overlooked the farm, and Jack pointed out the woods surrounding the property as well.
" they really downsized— " he sucked in some air while looking guilty.
" it happens I assume?" I said reassuring him that it's not his fault.
" yeah well... coulda woulda shoulda I guess" he said with a sigh.
" chickens?" John asked.
" yes chickens" Jack replied as he led us back downstairs.
We went out the back door into the slightly chilly air—- the sun was still up but you could feel that sunset was lurking. I tucked myself closer to Jack as we walked along the grass eventually leading to a wired off area where some chickens happened to be roosting inside a house. Jack leaned John against the fence to peer in.
" CHIIIIICKENS!" John almost shouted but Jack quickly covered his mouth.
" Trust me son, you don't want to wake them right now" Jack says as he lets John down. He looks upset but then hears a faint moo.
" Cow!" John got so excited he started pulling on Jack's arm so tightly.
" Sorry angel" Jack said as he scooped me up and John in the other arm.
" you shouldn't be lifting us both!" I said as John let out a complete fit of giggles.
Jack gently set me down at the barn, but kept John securely in his arms to avoid him running up to anything.
" it smells!" John said as Jack slowly pushed open the door.
" yeah well you can help clean some of the smells out later!" Jack said as he swooped John over what I can only decipher to be a shit shovel.
" do you want to pet the cow?" Asked Jack.
" yes!" Squeaked John.
I carefully made my way over with them trying to avoid stepping in anything.
Jack was holding John out to pet the cow, he was so excited and happy. I love their little faces and try to hold myself back from petting as well, until it walks over to me.
" mommy pet the cow!" John says excitedly. I looked at Jack who motioned for me to go ahead.
My hand made contact with its smooth fur? Skin? What do cows even have? Either way it's super soft until it licks my arm and the painful sandpaper runs across it.
" awwww" Jack says with a sentimental grin. He adjusts John on his hip and I can see the tears pricking in his blue eyes.
" Jack?" I softly asked as I patted the cows head before checking on Jack.
" yeah!?" He said almost gruffly as he walked over to the old looking horse.
" what is it?" I asked and he shook his head as John gently touched the horse's nose.
The horse sneezed causing John to shriek and laugh at the same time.
" definitely gonna need a bath before dinner" Jack says.
I can still see the mist in his eyes, horses, I do like them. I've seen a few in person and always have stroked their velvet coats. I cautiously stuck my hand out before petting the horse. I honestly want to bury my face in it's black mane and stay there.
" She likes you" Jack said softly.
" I'll bet you say that to all the— uh. Horses" I said.
Jack shifts John yet again and leads us back outside, we missed the sun setting, it was now a murky color before complete night would take over.
Jack took full advantage of the darkness to finally let the tears fall, he thought he wiped them before I noticed but it was too late. I saw them.
" can we see more?" John asked, unaware.
" tomorrow kid, I have to get up early to help with chores, would you like to help?" Jack asked.
" chores..." John said with a little face.
" Being on a farm means helping out" Jack says.
" It will be fun John" I said as I forced a smile. John's eyes darted from both of us, before wiggling to be let down. Jack took one hand and I took the other as we walked back to the house, the sky was getting darker and I wanted to look at the stars but Jack seemed to suddenly be in a we got to the door we removed our shoes and washed our hands thoroughly. I helped John wash off his face too and saw Jack disappear.
'Curious'
He's just emotional, it's got to be a lot to handle. I walked into the kitchen with John to see his mom glowing at us.
I could see Jack talking to his dad out of the corner of my eye, but John helping set the table distracted me.
I tried to help his mother but she insisted that I'm the guest and should sit with John. We did and watched her flirt around the kitchen, moving things on and off the stove as she went, John was watching her with curiosity as was I.
" Hey darling" Jack said as he leaned over and kissed my cheek.
" why hello stranger" I replied as he went over to help his mother only to get immediately shooed away. He took the seat across from me and then laughed saying something about habit. But I could the ache in his eyes, the pain that was bubbling to the surface yet again.
I tilted my head at him inquisitively as he shook his head and waved his hand. His dad walked in the moment he heard a bowl being put on the table. He sat at the head of the table next to me and smiled at me and at Jack and John. He really did just look like an old version of Jack. That strong jawline, he got his mother's nose, and the rest was all his fathers genes working overtime. John was snuggling his face into my shoulder as more food was placed on the table. Jack helped serve and John glanced over when I didn't have any meat.
" you don't—" he started and I shook my head.
I know at some point he knew but it never made a good dinner conversation. Ever. The conversation was light, mostly John asking about the animals. I was mostly quiet observing everything. The family dynamic was overwhelmingly warm. The ache was there and I know Jack was feeling it too.
" We can clear these once we get him to bed" Jack said as he looked at the time, it was already so late.
" I can do this and you can put him to bed" I said to Jack as his parents watched our back and forth. But John started howling at the thought of both of us not being there so we both took him up to Jack's room to sleep. With all the crying and fussing he was asleep within five minutes of tucking him into the bed. Jack's hands slide down my side as he helps me up. His hands rested on the hips as he held me against him.
" I love you" he whispered hoarsely.
" I love you too" I replied as I patted his back trying to get out of this so we could go help his parents but he held back. His posture was bent and dejected.
" you have to talk to me" I said whispering but emphasizing each word as I dragged a finger up his chest.
" I will, but not yet" he said.
I nodded and crept towards the door, he slowly followed me and we avoided most loud floorboards before closing the door being us. That bed was too small for the three of us and John will hopefully be okay. I went down the wooden stairs and as we entered the kitchen we saw that they had already finished for the most part. But a bottle of champagne was on the table.
" Normally we save this for our anniversary. But—- congratulations you two" his mother said as she approached with hugs. My chin rested on her shoulder for a moment as I hugged her back. I almost burst into tears but somehow managed to control it. And turned off to the side for a moment to catch any stray tears.
" we just signed the paperwork. I want an actual wedding for her" Jack said.
" He's the one that wants the fancy wedding. I'm fine with anything" I said.
" Nothing wrong with that, " his mother said as her husband poured the flutes.
" I know it's a bit strange seeing this on a farm isn't it?" She added as she saw me looking.
" no, actually. Ironically my parents had the same flutes" I said softly.
" oh— oh we can find something—"
" Please don't, it makes me smile" I said as I lied. The awful truth was when they died I broke them. Shattering them onto the floor and letting the shards work their way into my skin. It's so weird to think about. I don't feel that I've come a long way but considering I haven't self-destructed... I'm doing okay.
" Well that's wonderful" she said as she handed Jack and I glasses.
" to Jack and Angela" his father said as he raised his glass.
" and John" his mother added as we clinked.
The bubbles felt so good in my mouth, we joined them at the table and had ours refilled before we got comfortable.
" Still a shame we had to find out on tv" his dad scolded him.
" didn't have much choice, or anyway to safely communicate anything to you... it has been rough" Jack explains.
" I'll bet, what a mess. All those years you both gave to them" His father said with a low growl.
" can... I know this isn't my place to ask but—- " his mother was stumbling over her words.
" mom, don't. She doesn't have to explain herself" Jack said.
" Of course she doesn't! I just wanted to know where she kept him when she visited. Where has he been?"
" Mom, you could all ask the same question about me" Jack insists.
" it's fine, he was with ... Ana and her family. I mentally couldn't handle it. I was going to tell you—"
" Angela you don't owe an explanation" Jack states.
" I don't mind, honestly. I'm tired of not talking about it. So he stayed with them for security. I couldn't protect him. So I gave him to someone who could. You saw me at nearly my lowest point and I was followed around incessantly, so it wasn't a good idea to take him about with me" I said as I sipped what his mom refilled my glass with.
She nodded and smiled before patting my hand.
" you are a brave woman you know?" She said.
" You don't know half of it" Jack said.
" Well she can't be all that smart if she married you" his dad said with a mood brightening laugh. His mother looked horrified but Jack and I laughed with him.
" anyways kids. We are heading to bed. We have the guest room but it's a mess. So the fold couch works?" His father asked.
" yeah it's fine. I'll just grab a few extra blankets" Jack says as he disappeared to get some. I was suddenly alone with his parents.
" I hope I didn't come off harsh with you. I wanted to know what happened to him. I can see you love him, I don't doubt the difficulty of that decision. It's wonderful to have you as my daughter" she said.
The last word punched me in the gut. I just said a soft thank you to her as she hugged me before leaving the kitchen and called out a little " goodnight" as the stairs squeaked. His dad put a finger to his lips and poured me another glass before putting away the bottle.
" she can be far too curious sometimes, I'm sorry" he said as his calloused hand patted my shoulder.
" Goodnight kid" he said to me. And my throat burned with tears desperately trying to escape.
My " goodnight" back to him was probably impossible to hear. I downed the glass and went over to my bag looking for anything to help numb this wave of emotion.
" angel" Jack said as he returned to the living room to find me.
" yes?" I squeaked.
" oh darling. What happened?" He asked as he held my hand and held me against him.
" we just talked"
" You don't seem like that was just a talk" he replied.
" Your mom called me her daughter" I said quietly.
" fuck" he said under his breath.
" it's been decades i am fine"
" you sure?" His nose bumped into mine.
" I'll be fine, it was nice... unexpected but nice" I replied before kissing his cheek.
He looked distant, nodding but trying to stay focused on things he had to do to keep him tethered in the moment. He gently nudged me out of the way when he was pulling out the mattress.
" I can't believe this thing still works" he said as he locked it in place.
" really?" I asked.
" Yeah, I slept on this sometimes as a kid and teen" Jack said.
" awwww baby Jack, twice as mischievous and —-"
" angel!" He said as he started to arrange blankets and pillows.
" yes?" I said.
" it's not like you were any better—- oh actually you were" He said as he pressed his hands onto the mattress and shuddered.
" oh it can't be that—" and I pushed my hands down and felt the foams feeble attempt to protect against the framework.
" I wonder if it can even support us—" he mused as he pressed down a little harder and shook his head with a quiet laugh.
" new plan" he said as he stripped the bed, placing the sheets and blankets on top before collapsing it back into the couch.
" and that is!?" I asked.
" We are going to sleep on the couch as a couch" Jack said.
" there's hardly—" I started to say but he pressed his lips to mine and for a minute I got lost in him. The way he held me in his arms and the passionate almost overwhelming energy he was giving off with his kiss before he pulled back and smiled at me. His eyes sparkled with tears in the faint light as he quickly put down a blanket or two and changed into sweatpants and a tshirt. I found my way over to the bathroom because their son was changing in the open? Fine. Me! Not so much. I had one of his shirts to change into and some more comfortable pants than the current ones I had on. We completed our nightly routine and he laid down on the couch and pulled me on top of him.
" this cannot be comfortable for you... the chair probably reclines" I said as I glanced around the room.
" You could get away with sleeping in his chair, I on the other hand—- could not, but I want you here, you are like my little little blanket" he said before kissing me again.
He had tears in his eyes again and this time he was trapped under me and had to talk about it. At first he tried distracting me with more kisses which would have worked but I got this weird anxious energy happening.
"'I just never thought this would happen. When— when the building collapsed. As it collapsed. I thought I was dead. Never able to bring you home or do anything like this— but here I am with you and our son—- it's a lot to process" he said as I watched his facial expressions shift from all forms of sadness and happiness.
I kissed him to try and help, sounds ridiculous but he was incredibly receptive. His hands sneaking into my shirt and holding my waist with his cold hands made me almost let out a shriek but I just flinched and let out a quiet squeal as I wiggled to get out of that hold.
I softly laughed into his chest and told him to behave himself.
" it's hard when it's you" he whispered into my ear before nipping at the lobe and kissing my neck.
" I'm sure that's been said a lot on this couch before" I joked. And he stopped and made a face.
" Angel, I REALLY don't want to think about my parents like that" he said.
" oh goodness I meant you! But your parents made you so obviously they had—" I started to say.
" me!? Did you know me in high school ? Because I promise you the only girl I brought home was—"
I arched a brow and waited for it.
" you" he said.
" oh— that is surprising" I said as I glanced at the photos of him plastered around on the walls.
" You knew this" he said softly as he pulled me back down.
" honestly it's been so long, I always figured—"
" Everyone always assumed that about me so I never bothered to set that record right" he said.
" yeah well-" I paused and didn't know what else to say. There's nothing much more to say because I'm out of childhood questions. And I don't feel like making him feel bad.
" come here" he said as he wiggles to make a little space that I can lay into between him and the back of the couch. I feel so secure and protected in the tiniest space. Pressed against him as I pulled my leg up to rest on his hip.
" if you keep moving we will have to find somewhere else to—" he paused and kissed my lips before helping me get even more secure. Our bodies fit together like little puzzle pieces.
" I'm sorry you are so sad" I whispered.
" and I'm sorry you are so sad" he replied kissing my forehead and tucking my head under his chin. His chest is flinching, it does that when he cries. I stroked his back until he fell asleep. A few droplets made their way down my bangs and in between us.
I could hear the soft sounds outside of quiet mooing, and it relaxed me enough to sleep.
—-
He woke up early, I could hear the house moving with the morning routine but Jack insisted I stay there and get some more rest to talk with his mom.
The thought of that gives me anxiety, so I know that is what I should actually do. I forced myself to change and get ready for the day. My eyes glanced out the window at Jack helping his dad, I don't know how he managed alone actually.
" It's been getting harder for him" his mother said to me when she came into the kitchen and turned on the lights not to startle me.
" I do have medicine that would help with—" I started but she shook her head slowly.
" He's not too big into that sort of stuff but thank you" she said as she brushed by me to start making a fresh pot of coffee.
My reaction must have been visible.
" oh you like old coffee?" She asked as she chided herself.
" i love all coffee, and you get used to cold or over brewed or whatever you can get when—"
" when you're a soldier I know" she said with a grin but then stopped herself.
" I know you aren't weren't a soldier" she corrected herself.
" I basically was" I replied to her with the warmest smile I could muster.
" speaking of—- John has very restless sleep, I don't know if you heard him last night but—"
" I am so sorry! I had no idea" I replied as i began going through a mental catalogue of things I could do to remedy that.
" it's not a problem! I didn't know if you knew"
" He's had them before and I don't know why I didn't think about that before letting him sleep in the opposite side of the house" I replied apologetically.
" it's truly fine—- he's at least sleeping now" she said.
I didn't even check on him! I'm completely useless.
" He's going to be so mad he missed helping" I said instead.
" ha! Until he has to muck the stalls he won't feel that missing feeling" his mom stated.
She poured me and her a fresh cup and motioned for me to sit down.
" do you want anything special for breakfast or?" She asked.
" I'm fine with toast but I can make it myself" I said.
She shooed her hand at me and shook her head.
" That's alright, we also have fruit and things, they already ate as I can see but usually he eats again afterwards and Jack has a bottomless pit inside of him" she said as she rummaged around.
I hid my soft laughter into my mug of deliciousness.
" I'm not much of a cook, I can follow recipes and I can cut things but beyond that, I'm terrible, well. Not very good, it wasn't something I learned so—" I said.
" and Jack hasn't tried to help you?" She said with an arched eyebrow as she went about her business.
" He's tried but I'm helpless in that category" I replied.
" pssssht. There's no such thing, Jack wasn't always the chef he is today" she said with a wink.
And with that the door flew open with Jack and his dad.
" must have heard us talking about you" his mom said.
" what was being said!" Asked Jack.
" I told her you weren't always good at cooking"
" mom" Jack said with an offended look.
" what? You weren't! So I'm going to show her a few things tomorrow or whenever! You don't need to be putting her down about it" she scolded.
" oh he doesn't put me down! Everyone does really. Honestly it's bad" I said with a wave of my hand.
" Well I can fix that" his mom said before turning back to the bacon she was cooking.
" John still not up?" Jack asked as he walked towards the bathroom to get all the mud off.
" not yet " his mother replied before I could.
" He had a rough night apparently" I said.
" probably all those trophies. Used to creep me out too" Jack said.
" oooh noooo fear of accomplishments. So scary" I said sarcastically.
" No! Nooooo! You missed the golfing one. Absolutely terrifying. It has eyes. Statues shouldn't have eyes like that" Jack said with raised brows.
" then why did you keep it in your room?" I asked.
" It was the right place for it to be" his father said as Jack shuddered.
" I cannot believe you are scared of a gold statue" I said.
" Once I'm done in the shower and if he's awake I'll prove it " Jack says before disappearing into the bathroom.
When the water started his mother burst into laughter.
" what?" I asked.
" He never told us that" she said with a laugh.
" I should probably go check on John" I said softly as I exited the kitchen. For whatever reason my anxiety peaked and I began to climb the stairs only to find John sobbing softly at the top of them. A wave of relief and then a wave of anxiety crashed again.
" hey... what's wrong?" I said to him as I sat next to him.
" Nobody woke me up" he said with a sniffle.
I couldn't remember the instructions Ingrid gave us. Fuck the fact that we also needed instructions on childcare.
" I am sorry, it was a mistake" I said as I scooted closer to him.
He was still crying and I'm panicking.
" do you want to come down and eat?" I asked him.
" I'm still in my pajamas" he grumbled.
" Okay, that's fine you can get dressed and it will be fine" I said.
" I don't know what— " he started to sob hysterically.
" to wear? That's okay baby. Come with me and we will look at what you have my darling" I said as I tried to get him off the steps.
But he wasn't budging.
" John, I need you to come with me" I said and when he still refused I tried to use a more firm voice but it felt so unnatural. He just ignored me and I just went into the room.
I looked into his little suitcase and found some clothes for him and laid them out and tried coaxing him into the room but he's still crying and sitting there despite my pleas.
Lucky for me that Jack strolled around the corner and saw him which made John run into the room quickly.
I exited to give him privacy and probably gave Jack the message that I was frustrated solely through my body language.
" what happened?" Jack asked.
" I didn't read the Manuel— book" I said as I ran my hands through my hair before redoing my ponytail.
" what did you mess up?" He asked.
" mess up?" I said arching a brow and Jack shook his head.
" sorry, what didn't we do" he rephrased.
" wake him up and pick out his clothes. I'm an idiot honestly. But your mom said that he was waking up a lot" I said.
" okay, so now we know and this crisis apparently can be averted in the future" Jack said.
" you think so?" I asked.
" I know, now come see the creepy trophy" Jack said as he gently knocked on the door, John timidly opened it, he had changed and was standing there his his tear streaked face being covered by his shaggy blond locks.
" hey kid, want to go and get some breakfast?" He asked him and John slowly nodded. As jack took his hand he quickly pointed to a trophy near the back. I barely got a closer look when I nearly shrieked with laughter.
" told you!" Jack shouted as he went downstairs with John. It has almost googly eyes on a plastic gold figure of a man swinging a club. It was more comedic than anything and the fact that teenage John was so horrified by it is making me nearly hysterical with laughter. But I somehow manage to control it before joining them in the kitchen.
I just sipped coffee while they ate. Jack was going to play outside with John and his parents were actually going to relax by the tv so I took the time to bring out my notes about John and sit on the floor of the attic while I scribbled down everything I could think of on theories about his system.
I wish I had something better than the current small devices that we salvaged. I could at least run basic labs and compare his old ones.
At some point I managed to grab a quick stick of blood from John who took it surprisingly well. I took Jack's beforehand to calm him down. But I know Jack hates bloodwork. The levels in his blood were so different. Cracking into it was frustrating me.
A/N: I figured some more fluff was in order! Thank you for reading this! : Trokxy, Kirabeta,Chaosdynasty, ayumiiishinozakiii, dragontear365, jfm76, TheMdogs, robot584, CyborgNinja777 and L0rdOfThEMemes