Chapter 2
"Still not talking to me?" JJ asked with a half-smile that was anything but happy. This was the fourth call home, and his father still refused to speak to him.
Helen sighed over the phone. "JJ, it's just . . . you could have told us. It was horrible the way he had to find out. Roxanne's mother was hysterical when she called about the note she found . . ."
She didn't want to ask if *everything* on that short letter was true, and he wasn't ready to tell anyway.
"I'm sorry," JJ winced. He berated himself for going that way.
"He told her she had to be mistaken . . . when he called the University to confirm . . ."
"I just . . . couldn't face him."
"You should have tired."
"I did, a million times," he responded, picking at the threadbare bedspread that belonged to the cheap motel.
"Just come home," his mother said softly. "We miss you."
JJ looked at the blue and pink, square, cotton pattern. "I will. Soon."
"It's been four days."
"Soon," he repeated. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you, sweetie."
"Tell Dad I'm sorry," he finished, setting the phone into its cradle. He heard three decided thunks as the sound of flowing water cut off and he scooted back to lean on the headboard. His eyes were drawn to the bathroom door, open just a crack, letting steam out. A moment later it swung open all the way and Roxanne strode out, a smile fixed on her face, and a towel wrapped tightly around her. His face brightened at her entry and she kneeled on the semi-comfortable mattress, walking on her knees across until she sat next to him.
Her husband.
"How did the call go?"
"Just as well as the last three."
She frowned a little and laid a wet hand on his stomach. He grasped her wrist, holding it as he pulled up the fabric of his undershirt and returned it. He always wanted to feel her skin to skin now, the closer the better. He seemed needy, and she didn't mind taking care of him.
"Now you see why I haven't called my mother," she said quietly. She looked up at him and saw the distress etched in his face. At least *he* was trying, and it was killing him. "I'm sorry."
"Me too."
"Do you regret it?" she asked, looking down at the band that encircled her finger. He reached for it, touching the cheap gold ring that matched his own.
"No."
She smiled and leaned forward, kissing him for the millionth time since he pulled up outside of her building at 3:07 in the morning. She didn't recognize the car at first; it was beaten and rusted. He grinned and told her that he'd gotten a good deal on it. Although it was a 1954 Plymouth Savoy, it looked like it had set somewhere for twenty years, and the 'For Sale' sign was still sitting beside him on the seat. But it ran, and it ran well - Surprisingly. It only sputtered and staled once or twice. They drove all night, heading south. When the sun rose they stopped for a while, pulling behind a restaurant where they made love in the back seat before going inside for breakfast.
They kept going until they stumbled across a small chapel just over the border of Mississippi. It took twenty minutes to get a marriage certificate, seven minutes for the ceremony, and then . . . they were wed. They didn't think much about money until afterwards. It was a fifty-dollar ceremony - with the rings, and witness in the form of the organ player, included. Whether it was the usual fee or Minister Coragee saw them coming a mile away, they didn't know.
Once in the car they figured out what they had left. JJ managed to hold nearly one hundred dollars, most of which his father had given him for necessities. Roxanne added her thirty-two bucks and seventy-two cents - birthday money, and the best she could gather quickly.
Could they start a new life off on $ 125.72?
Sure.
They headed back up back to Philidepha without intentions of stopping. But they felt good, close, happy. They pulled into Jumpin' Jingle Motel and hadn't left since, except for something to eat. Now they were still there, in the room furnished by a bed, a desk, a chair, and two lamps - it was good enough for them.
JJ's hands lifted to cup the back of her head and Roxanne sighed into his mouth, moving to sit on his lap. He sat up, lifting his undershirt off as she pushed it away to rake her nails on his hot flesh. He broke away his fevered kisses, going to her neck, his lips haltingly sliding over her wet skin.
"I love you," he whispered, reaching for the tuck in the hotel towel.
"I love you," she answered breathlessly, feeling the cool air hit bare skin.
**
When the door opened Roxanne saw her mother dissolve into tears. She reached out, pulling her daughter from JJ's side and enveloping her in a tight hug. The older woman shook against her and Roxanne patted her back with one hand, her other was still holding JJ's grip like a vise.
"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" she sobbed. "You didn't have to do THIS!"
"I . . ." Roxanne moved back a little to look into her mother's face. "I'm not pregnant."
"But then why?"
"Because I love him."
Her mother's focus shot to JJ who stood quietly. Her eyes were so much like Roxanne, but JJ had never seen the fire and hate reflected like that. It made them completely unlike Rox's.
"How could you do this to my daughter!" she demanded.
"He didn't do anything!" Roxanne defended, stepping back to her husband.
"Don't you move!" Mrs. Bojarski ordered, tugging Rox back. "You are staying here, YOU ARE LEAVING!"
Her sharp gaze was on JJ, but Rox shook her head and tugged her arm away. "He's my husband, and I'm leaving with him."
"You . . . You did it?" Sally choked. The note was simple; Rox couldn't find another way to say things -
Mom. I'm leaving for a while with JJ. I love him, and he loves me. We're going to get married. I love you, too. Please don't be mad. Rox.
"Yes," Roxanne answered.
"Mrs--"
"NO! DON'T SPEAK TO ME!"
JJ took a breath and tried again, he wanted her to know what he felt. "I love your daughter."
"Until someone else comes along?!" she spat angrily.
"NO!" JJ defended.
"I've been through this!" the older woman said with tears in her eyes. "I know the ending! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HER?! HOW COULD YOU FALL FOR HIS LINES?! YOU'RE ONLY SIXTEEN!"
She was yelling at them both now, shaking her head in disappointment.
"Mom-"
"You are getting an annulment."
"NO!" Roxanne shouted. "I will not!"
Her mother staggered at the strength in her words. She rose a hand to her heart.
"Then get out."
". . . I--"
"OUT!" she screamed so loudly that her voice drew raw. "I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! GET OUT!"
Roxanne broke down, fat tears rolling down her face as she backed through the doorway. She opened her mouth to say something, but snapped it shut again as she stumbled into the hallway with JJ behind her, holding her up.
"DON'T CALL ME, DON'T COME HERE AGAIN!" Sally yelled venomously as she slammed the door shut. Roxanne started to gulp for air as the tears came in a torrent and her mother continued to loudly blast them from inside the apartment.
They made it down to the battered car and Rox climbed inside as JJ went around to climb in the driver's side window since the door recently refused to open. Roxanne collapsed against him as soon as he slid towards her. They stayed there for a long time as he whispered promises of everything being okay, as sobs racked her body.
**
When they pulled up to the Pryor home she just looked over listlessly and breathed out an unsteady sigh. JJ peered at the house carefully, guarded, it was guarded, and he was guarded. He didn't want to go in. He reached across the seat and held Roxanne's hand. He needed her there, but if she couldn't . . .
"You don't have to," he said quietly. "After . . ."
"No," she said firmly, trying to draw strength from within her. "We'll do this together."
He nodded shortly and dropped her hand briefly. He tried to open the door, but it stuck stubbornly. He glanced over at Rox to show his frustration and climbed out. He opened her door when he came round and she stepped out, reaching for him again. They were a united front, they were going to stick together in this, they were married. And they wanted to be.
JJ's legs felt weak, Roxanne was more than a little displaced after her squabble with her mother. Hearing words she never thought she would fly from her mouth. But she wasn't going to budge.
JJ almost faltered. He didn't know if he should knock, or walk in. In the end, he didn't decide.
The door flew open and Patty stood there, her eyes half-shocked, half- accusing. "What are you doing here? Dad's going to kill you!"
The couple didn't have time to react as Helen flew out from the kitchen, rushing them. She threw her arms around her eldest son and squeezed tightly. "Oh, JJ, we were so worried about you. Where have you BEEN?!"
"Down South," he said, clearing his throat slightly. Helen looked to his side, seeing Roxanne, peaked and withdrawn.
"Roxanne? Dear?"
"What were you THINKING?!" Jack's voice exploded through the room as he approached, Patty, Will, and Meg following in quick succession.
"Dad, I-"
"You've RUINED your life," he berated. His eyes scanned Roxanne morosely taking in the situation and shook his head. "The both of you."
"We didn't-"
"Is she pregnant?"
"JACK!" Helen broke in.
"Is she?" the older man questioned.
"No," Roxanne said, finally speaking. "I'm not pregnant."
Jack was visible relived, closing his eyes and exhaling before he opened his piercing eyes again. "Then *why*?"
"We love each other," JJ answered shortly.
"You don't know what love IS!" his father corrected. "You thought you loved Beth! How is this different!?"
Roxanne shrunk back for just a moment as Meg watched, worry etched in her face to the very roots of her blonde hair. Rox seemed to come back though. She would be strong. She just was, and she needed that feeling now more than ever.
"I love Roxanne, it's not infatuation," JJ explained firmly.
"And are you sure she loves you?" Jack asked, turning his questions to Roxanne. "Tell me, how many boys have you be in *love* with?"
"Dad," Meg breathed.
He said it so snidely that no one had ever thought he'd possessed that kind of voice. It was spelling out that she was a slut. Helen put her hand on his arm, she knew he was angry, but she didn't want him to damage his relationship with his eldest son permanently.
"No one else," Roxanne said with such a deep fire in her gaze she could have burned him alive if she saw fit.
"Enough," JJ intervened, pulling Rox close. "We love each other, and . . ."
"Don't say it," Jack ordered, although he'd hinted at it. Helen's eyes darted down and, unintentionally or not, she couldn't see their ring fingers. Jack didn't even glance, he didn't want to know if the note Rox left was true, he didn't want to know that -
"We're married."
"God," his mother said, covering her heart and closing her eyes. Even if this was expected, it seemed like a shock. "Meg, take Patty and Will upstairs."
She did so reluctantly, tugging her siblings by the arms as her eyes locked on the argument until she got upstairs and pushed them off so she could linger at the top step.
"How could you?" Jack said again, much more quietly than before. "You've thrown everything away."
"Like what?!" JJ said, losing his composure. "A bad ankle and an education I couldn't AFFORD?!"
"We could have worked something out!" his father pledged.
"No. There was no way."
"So you get MARRIED?! That's supposed to solve everything!?"
"No. It's supposed to make me HAPPY."
"And everyone else miserable?" Jack countered.
"It's MY life."
"No, son, you're wrong - it's BOTH of your lives now."
"That's right," JJ agreed, holding up their clasped hands briefly.
His father shook his head in disappointment. "You'll get no help here. You wanted to do this, you deal with it. Live with Roxanne and her mother."
"Actually," Rox said in a precariously steady voice, "I've just been thrown out of my house, so I guess we're on our own."
Helen looked at her husband with worry, but he seemed unshaken.
"It seems so." It was his only, simple answer.
The newly joined couple turned, there was nothing left to say.
When they met the car Rox got in, sinking down into the seat. JJ went around and tried his door - still stuck. He grunted, swearing as he kicked it in frustration, the banging in choppy secession. He beat it until his foot ached and then he slumped against it. Rox looked over, worry for JJ drowning her. She reached out, her right hand grabbing his shirt through the open window in an effort of comfort. She stroked the cotton material, then under it on his bare skin, calming him down.
He had Roxanne.
She was all he needed.
**
"What do we do now?" Roxanne asked quietly. They sat in the back of the horrible car that seemed thirty years old rather than ten. Besides three suitcases, the clothes they wore and the things JJ had dumped in the trunk in a mess because the cardboard boxes wouldn't fit, the clunker they sat in was the only other thing they owned. They had driven around for hours, mostly in silence, stopping only for gas until JJ finally pulled over. As soon as the car stopped Rox climbed over the front seat and settled in back. JJ followed.
They touched just barely now, only their arms rested against each other. She felt drained, and JJ could see it on her. Her skin was pale in the wash of the streetlight as it came through the back window. He breathed deeply and turned straight ahead, staring past the front seat and through the windshield.
"I'm not sure what to do yet. Don't worry," he said.
She looked over, her eyes a little dull, she didn't move to put an arm around him or comfort him. She just stared ahead as well. "I'm not worried."
Even though she hadn't moved, her simple statement made him feel better. Stronger. Rox was his wife and, even if his father threw his out, he was going to keep the lessons he learned growing up - take care of your family. He had to get a hotel.
He moved to climb into the front seat again, but she caught his sleeve.
"Don't."
"It's getting late," he told her, watching the shadows fall on her. "We need a room."
"I just need to be here with you." He looked at her, the first soft smile coming out since they met Philly. "If you hadn't noticed, it's been a long day."
He sagged back into the seat and she moved to him, lying against his chest. With Roxanne over him the pain in his heart still stayed, the loss of his father's respect, regard . . . everything, it was still there. But it eased, maybe just a little, but she made everything easier.
She'd lost everything too. He looked down at her and found her staring right back at him. She traced his face with her fingers, every curve under her fingers made her relax against him even more. He was beautiful right now, he was all she had, and, somehow, that was all that mattered. That she had him.
"I'll take care of you," he vowed. He would be strong enough for both of them, he had to, he loved her, and that was his place now. Everything was for Roxanne. He would tell her over and over again so she would feel better. "I'll take care of everything."
Even if all he wanted right now was for someone to take care of him.
"No," she said, making herself comfortable against him, patting his chest. "I'll take care of you."
And she knew what he wanted.
TBC..
"Still not talking to me?" JJ asked with a half-smile that was anything but happy. This was the fourth call home, and his father still refused to speak to him.
Helen sighed over the phone. "JJ, it's just . . . you could have told us. It was horrible the way he had to find out. Roxanne's mother was hysterical when she called about the note she found . . ."
She didn't want to ask if *everything* on that short letter was true, and he wasn't ready to tell anyway.
"I'm sorry," JJ winced. He berated himself for going that way.
"He told her she had to be mistaken . . . when he called the University to confirm . . ."
"I just . . . couldn't face him."
"You should have tired."
"I did, a million times," he responded, picking at the threadbare bedspread that belonged to the cheap motel.
"Just come home," his mother said softly. "We miss you."
JJ looked at the blue and pink, square, cotton pattern. "I will. Soon."
"It's been four days."
"Soon," he repeated. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you, sweetie."
"Tell Dad I'm sorry," he finished, setting the phone into its cradle. He heard three decided thunks as the sound of flowing water cut off and he scooted back to lean on the headboard. His eyes were drawn to the bathroom door, open just a crack, letting steam out. A moment later it swung open all the way and Roxanne strode out, a smile fixed on her face, and a towel wrapped tightly around her. His face brightened at her entry and she kneeled on the semi-comfortable mattress, walking on her knees across until she sat next to him.
Her husband.
"How did the call go?"
"Just as well as the last three."
She frowned a little and laid a wet hand on his stomach. He grasped her wrist, holding it as he pulled up the fabric of his undershirt and returned it. He always wanted to feel her skin to skin now, the closer the better. He seemed needy, and she didn't mind taking care of him.
"Now you see why I haven't called my mother," she said quietly. She looked up at him and saw the distress etched in his face. At least *he* was trying, and it was killing him. "I'm sorry."
"Me too."
"Do you regret it?" she asked, looking down at the band that encircled her finger. He reached for it, touching the cheap gold ring that matched his own.
"No."
She smiled and leaned forward, kissing him for the millionth time since he pulled up outside of her building at 3:07 in the morning. She didn't recognize the car at first; it was beaten and rusted. He grinned and told her that he'd gotten a good deal on it. Although it was a 1954 Plymouth Savoy, it looked like it had set somewhere for twenty years, and the 'For Sale' sign was still sitting beside him on the seat. But it ran, and it ran well - Surprisingly. It only sputtered and staled once or twice. They drove all night, heading south. When the sun rose they stopped for a while, pulling behind a restaurant where they made love in the back seat before going inside for breakfast.
They kept going until they stumbled across a small chapel just over the border of Mississippi. It took twenty minutes to get a marriage certificate, seven minutes for the ceremony, and then . . . they were wed. They didn't think much about money until afterwards. It was a fifty-dollar ceremony - with the rings, and witness in the form of the organ player, included. Whether it was the usual fee or Minister Coragee saw them coming a mile away, they didn't know.
Once in the car they figured out what they had left. JJ managed to hold nearly one hundred dollars, most of which his father had given him for necessities. Roxanne added her thirty-two bucks and seventy-two cents - birthday money, and the best she could gather quickly.
Could they start a new life off on $ 125.72?
Sure.
They headed back up back to Philidepha without intentions of stopping. But they felt good, close, happy. They pulled into Jumpin' Jingle Motel and hadn't left since, except for something to eat. Now they were still there, in the room furnished by a bed, a desk, a chair, and two lamps - it was good enough for them.
JJ's hands lifted to cup the back of her head and Roxanne sighed into his mouth, moving to sit on his lap. He sat up, lifting his undershirt off as she pushed it away to rake her nails on his hot flesh. He broke away his fevered kisses, going to her neck, his lips haltingly sliding over her wet skin.
"I love you," he whispered, reaching for the tuck in the hotel towel.
"I love you," she answered breathlessly, feeling the cool air hit bare skin.
**
When the door opened Roxanne saw her mother dissolve into tears. She reached out, pulling her daughter from JJ's side and enveloping her in a tight hug. The older woman shook against her and Roxanne patted her back with one hand, her other was still holding JJ's grip like a vise.
"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" she sobbed. "You didn't have to do THIS!"
"I . . ." Roxanne moved back a little to look into her mother's face. "I'm not pregnant."
"But then why?"
"Because I love him."
Her mother's focus shot to JJ who stood quietly. Her eyes were so much like Roxanne, but JJ had never seen the fire and hate reflected like that. It made them completely unlike Rox's.
"How could you do this to my daughter!" she demanded.
"He didn't do anything!" Roxanne defended, stepping back to her husband.
"Don't you move!" Mrs. Bojarski ordered, tugging Rox back. "You are staying here, YOU ARE LEAVING!"
Her sharp gaze was on JJ, but Rox shook her head and tugged her arm away. "He's my husband, and I'm leaving with him."
"You . . . You did it?" Sally choked. The note was simple; Rox couldn't find another way to say things -
Mom. I'm leaving for a while with JJ. I love him, and he loves me. We're going to get married. I love you, too. Please don't be mad. Rox.
"Yes," Roxanne answered.
"Mrs--"
"NO! DON'T SPEAK TO ME!"
JJ took a breath and tried again, he wanted her to know what he felt. "I love your daughter."
"Until someone else comes along?!" she spat angrily.
"NO!" JJ defended.
"I've been through this!" the older woman said with tears in her eyes. "I know the ending! HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO HER?! HOW COULD YOU FALL FOR HIS LINES?! YOU'RE ONLY SIXTEEN!"
She was yelling at them both now, shaking her head in disappointment.
"Mom-"
"You are getting an annulment."
"NO!" Roxanne shouted. "I will not!"
Her mother staggered at the strength in her words. She rose a hand to her heart.
"Then get out."
". . . I--"
"OUT!" she screamed so loudly that her voice drew raw. "I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN! GET OUT!"
Roxanne broke down, fat tears rolling down her face as she backed through the doorway. She opened her mouth to say something, but snapped it shut again as she stumbled into the hallway with JJ behind her, holding her up.
"DON'T CALL ME, DON'T COME HERE AGAIN!" Sally yelled venomously as she slammed the door shut. Roxanne started to gulp for air as the tears came in a torrent and her mother continued to loudly blast them from inside the apartment.
They made it down to the battered car and Rox climbed inside as JJ went around to climb in the driver's side window since the door recently refused to open. Roxanne collapsed against him as soon as he slid towards her. They stayed there for a long time as he whispered promises of everything being okay, as sobs racked her body.
**
When they pulled up to the Pryor home she just looked over listlessly and breathed out an unsteady sigh. JJ peered at the house carefully, guarded, it was guarded, and he was guarded. He didn't want to go in. He reached across the seat and held Roxanne's hand. He needed her there, but if she couldn't . . .
"You don't have to," he said quietly. "After . . ."
"No," she said firmly, trying to draw strength from within her. "We'll do this together."
He nodded shortly and dropped her hand briefly. He tried to open the door, but it stuck stubbornly. He glanced over at Rox to show his frustration and climbed out. He opened her door when he came round and she stepped out, reaching for him again. They were a united front, they were going to stick together in this, they were married. And they wanted to be.
JJ's legs felt weak, Roxanne was more than a little displaced after her squabble with her mother. Hearing words she never thought she would fly from her mouth. But she wasn't going to budge.
JJ almost faltered. He didn't know if he should knock, or walk in. In the end, he didn't decide.
The door flew open and Patty stood there, her eyes half-shocked, half- accusing. "What are you doing here? Dad's going to kill you!"
The couple didn't have time to react as Helen flew out from the kitchen, rushing them. She threw her arms around her eldest son and squeezed tightly. "Oh, JJ, we were so worried about you. Where have you BEEN?!"
"Down South," he said, clearing his throat slightly. Helen looked to his side, seeing Roxanne, peaked and withdrawn.
"Roxanne? Dear?"
"What were you THINKING?!" Jack's voice exploded through the room as he approached, Patty, Will, and Meg following in quick succession.
"Dad, I-"
"You've RUINED your life," he berated. His eyes scanned Roxanne morosely taking in the situation and shook his head. "The both of you."
"We didn't-"
"Is she pregnant?"
"JACK!" Helen broke in.
"Is she?" the older man questioned.
"No," Roxanne said, finally speaking. "I'm not pregnant."
Jack was visible relived, closing his eyes and exhaling before he opened his piercing eyes again. "Then *why*?"
"We love each other," JJ answered shortly.
"You don't know what love IS!" his father corrected. "You thought you loved Beth! How is this different!?"
Roxanne shrunk back for just a moment as Meg watched, worry etched in her face to the very roots of her blonde hair. Rox seemed to come back though. She would be strong. She just was, and she needed that feeling now more than ever.
"I love Roxanne, it's not infatuation," JJ explained firmly.
"And are you sure she loves you?" Jack asked, turning his questions to Roxanne. "Tell me, how many boys have you be in *love* with?"
"Dad," Meg breathed.
He said it so snidely that no one had ever thought he'd possessed that kind of voice. It was spelling out that she was a slut. Helen put her hand on his arm, she knew he was angry, but she didn't want him to damage his relationship with his eldest son permanently.
"No one else," Roxanne said with such a deep fire in her gaze she could have burned him alive if she saw fit.
"Enough," JJ intervened, pulling Rox close. "We love each other, and . . ."
"Don't say it," Jack ordered, although he'd hinted at it. Helen's eyes darted down and, unintentionally or not, she couldn't see their ring fingers. Jack didn't even glance, he didn't want to know if the note Rox left was true, he didn't want to know that -
"We're married."
"God," his mother said, covering her heart and closing her eyes. Even if this was expected, it seemed like a shock. "Meg, take Patty and Will upstairs."
She did so reluctantly, tugging her siblings by the arms as her eyes locked on the argument until she got upstairs and pushed them off so she could linger at the top step.
"How could you?" Jack said again, much more quietly than before. "You've thrown everything away."
"Like what?!" JJ said, losing his composure. "A bad ankle and an education I couldn't AFFORD?!"
"We could have worked something out!" his father pledged.
"No. There was no way."
"So you get MARRIED?! That's supposed to solve everything!?"
"No. It's supposed to make me HAPPY."
"And everyone else miserable?" Jack countered.
"It's MY life."
"No, son, you're wrong - it's BOTH of your lives now."
"That's right," JJ agreed, holding up their clasped hands briefly.
His father shook his head in disappointment. "You'll get no help here. You wanted to do this, you deal with it. Live with Roxanne and her mother."
"Actually," Rox said in a precariously steady voice, "I've just been thrown out of my house, so I guess we're on our own."
Helen looked at her husband with worry, but he seemed unshaken.
"It seems so." It was his only, simple answer.
The newly joined couple turned, there was nothing left to say.
When they met the car Rox got in, sinking down into the seat. JJ went around and tried his door - still stuck. He grunted, swearing as he kicked it in frustration, the banging in choppy secession. He beat it until his foot ached and then he slumped against it. Rox looked over, worry for JJ drowning her. She reached out, her right hand grabbing his shirt through the open window in an effort of comfort. She stroked the cotton material, then under it on his bare skin, calming him down.
He had Roxanne.
She was all he needed.
**
"What do we do now?" Roxanne asked quietly. They sat in the back of the horrible car that seemed thirty years old rather than ten. Besides three suitcases, the clothes they wore and the things JJ had dumped in the trunk in a mess because the cardboard boxes wouldn't fit, the clunker they sat in was the only other thing they owned. They had driven around for hours, mostly in silence, stopping only for gas until JJ finally pulled over. As soon as the car stopped Rox climbed over the front seat and settled in back. JJ followed.
They touched just barely now, only their arms rested against each other. She felt drained, and JJ could see it on her. Her skin was pale in the wash of the streetlight as it came through the back window. He breathed deeply and turned straight ahead, staring past the front seat and through the windshield.
"I'm not sure what to do yet. Don't worry," he said.
She looked over, her eyes a little dull, she didn't move to put an arm around him or comfort him. She just stared ahead as well. "I'm not worried."
Even though she hadn't moved, her simple statement made him feel better. Stronger. Rox was his wife and, even if his father threw his out, he was going to keep the lessons he learned growing up - take care of your family. He had to get a hotel.
He moved to climb into the front seat again, but she caught his sleeve.
"Don't."
"It's getting late," he told her, watching the shadows fall on her. "We need a room."
"I just need to be here with you." He looked at her, the first soft smile coming out since they met Philly. "If you hadn't noticed, it's been a long day."
He sagged back into the seat and she moved to him, lying against his chest. With Roxanne over him the pain in his heart still stayed, the loss of his father's respect, regard . . . everything, it was still there. But it eased, maybe just a little, but she made everything easier.
She'd lost everything too. He looked down at her and found her staring right back at him. She traced his face with her fingers, every curve under her fingers made her relax against him even more. He was beautiful right now, he was all she had, and, somehow, that was all that mattered. That she had him.
"I'll take care of you," he vowed. He would be strong enough for both of them, he had to, he loved her, and that was his place now. Everything was for Roxanne. He would tell her over and over again so she would feel better. "I'll take care of everything."
Even if all he wanted right now was for someone to take care of him.
"No," she said, making herself comfortable against him, patting his chest. "I'll take care of you."
And she knew what he wanted.
TBC..