Please see the end of the chapter for important notes, thank you :) x
THIRTY - HOMEBOUND
Jack woke up the following morning, he turned his head to see Rose and Teddy still asleep, Teddy clinging to Rose as he slept. He peered in to the crib to see Eliza still asleep. He would have normally left her, but after yesterday, he couldn't. He lifted her up carefully and kissed her head before holding her close to his chest. She squirmed a little as she slept but stayed asleep. He just lay there, staring right ahead. Wondering what he would do if Mary did end up taking him to court. He had savings, but could he afford a good lawyer? He had no idea- he had no idea how much lawyers cost. Around 15 minutes later, Rose woke up, not moving Teddy from his position "Morning…" she forced a gentle smile "is she awake?" She asked, referring to Eliza "no" he shook his head "what are we going to do Rose? If she does take this to court?" He sighed "we fight, is what we do Jack… but do you think James will manage to talk her out of it?" Jack shrugged "I honestly don't know…" "speaking of James, did he come back here last night? I didn't hear him come in…" "I'll go check in a minute, see if his shoes are by the front door" he said "OK" she just lay there quietly for a moment and he kissed her head "we'll be alright" he sighed, she nodded.
Teddy began to wake up and rubbed his eyes "morning buddy" Jack whispered and bent down to kiss his head "morning darling" Rose said as she moved some hair from his eyes "morning mummy, morning daddy" he yawned "Teddy, why were you asleep on the floor in Eliza's bedroom last night?" Jack asked "I woke up after mummy had me put me back to bed, but didn't want to come and find you incase Grandma was still there so I went to Liza" he continued. Jack didn't know whether to be furious that Mary had made Teddy feel he couldn't find his parents in his own home, or happy that he found so much comfort in his little sister. "Next time, you come and find me or Mummy, no matter who is at the house, OK? This is your home, and you're allowed to come to me or mummy anytime, do you understand?" Teddy nodded "is she still here?" Teddy asked "No, she's gone home, Grandad might still be here though" "OK" Teddy smiled.
Eliza began to squirm in Jack's arms and opened her eyes "oh, good morning" he smiled at her and stroked her cheek. "Morning Liza!" Teddy grinned at her, to which Eliza smiled back- obviously. "Can we go and get breakfast?" Teddy asked "course we can, come on" Rose lifted Teddy off the bed. The 4 of them walked downstairs and in to the kitchen, where there was a note on the table;
Jack & Rose,
Thank you for having me stay last night. I've left early to go and see Mary. Hopefully I can talk her round. I'll be back soon to update you.
Give my love to the children.
- James
Jack passed the note to Rose after seeing it, to which she nodded, acknowledging it "right, what would you like for breakfast?" She looked at Teddy "toast please"
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The four of them ate breakfast then moved to the living room. Teddy and Jack played on the floor with Teddy's toys whilst Rose sat on the sofa, showing Eliza a picture book. There was a knock at the door. "I'll be back in a second buddy, OK?" Teddy nodded then carried on playing as Jack went to answer the door.
"Oh, hello" Jack said. "Jack" Mary nodded and replied in a firm tone. Teddy heard Mary's voice and ran over to Rose, climbing on to the sofa and sitting on the other side of her, clinging to her, almost afraid "hey, you're alright. Me and Daddy are here, OK?" Teddy nodded.
"Come on in" he moved out the way, Mary walked in to the living room where Rose had continued to read the book to Teddy and Eliza. "I actually meant come in to the kitchen, Mary" Jack said as he followed her. Mary stood there for a moment, Rose realised she would have to say hello "oh, hello Mary… Teddy, say hello" Teddy looked at Mary "hi." He replied, no emotion in his voice "can I have a hug?" Mary asked and held her arms out from across the room. Teddy shook his head "no… I want to stay with Mummy" "very well" she nodded. Rose was surprised there was no snide comment followed from Mary. "shall we talk in the kitchen?" James said, breaking the ice. Jack nodded and led them to the kitchen where the 3 of them sat down "I've decided I'm not taking you to court" Mary said, matter of fact "what made you change your mind?" Jack said, relief filled him, but he wouldn't let Mary see that. "You're right, moving them to New York would do nothing but upset them" Jack nodded "and I'm sorry" Mary said, to which Jack's head shot up "you're sorry?" "For the way I behaved towards Rose. It's obvious she loves yourself and the children. I thought you were trying to replace Elizabeth. I see that's not the case now. She seems like a nice person, and if she's good to Teddy and Eliza, then you're right, Elizabeth would be happy" she nodded
"Thank you" Jack replied "we're heading back to New York tonight, James sister has been taken unwell, but would we be allowed to say goodbye to the children?" She asked "of course, I'm sorry to hear about your sister James" Jack said and led them to the living room.
Mary just gave Rose a soft smiles, much to her surprise. "Grandma and Granddad are going back to New York now Teddy. Can you give them a hug and say goodbye?" Jack asked from the door way, Teddy looked up at Rose "go on" she smiled reassuringly and also stood up, Eliza on her hip. Teddy hugged Mary and James quickly then stood beside Jack "can I try and hold her again?" Mary asked Rose, Rose looked unsure but nodded, trying to hand Eliza over but Eliza just lent in to Rose more "that's OK" Mary smiled faintly and stroked Eliza's hair "bye Eliza… bye Rose… and sorry again" Rose nodded, accepting the apology "hopefully we'll see you again soon?" She asked. Mary was surprised she was being asked back "oh, erm- yes, thank you" she replied.
Jack showed them out and went back in to the living room & wrapped his arms around Rose from behind who was watching Teddy play on the floor, Eliza trying to crawl around following him.
"Are you OK?" He replied and kissed her neck, she nodded "no court then?" She asked "no… she agrees they're best here with us… she also agreed Elizabeth would be pleased we have you" Rose turned in Jack's arms to face him and kissed him gently, to which Teddy replied "YUCK!" Making both Rose and Jack burst out laughing.
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Now the James & Mary thing is more or less done, please send a few ideas on things that can keep the story going! I've got a few chapters on a vaccination to Santa Monica but nothing after that yet, so please send across some suggestions! Thank you :) xx