5 months later
"And then we went to watch this movie about a girl getting a lobotomy. It was super weird," said Carol, holding onto the cheeseburger for dear life. Slowly the poor thing was falling apart in her hand, the tomato, lettuce, and onion already lay in a heap on the plate. Jess laughed as she spared no waiting moment to talk about her movie.
"So, the date went, okay?" dared Jess with a wicked smile of her friend's most recent adventurous date with the hottest guy in campus. He was senior and was from northern California pursuing Education same as Carol.
"Well yes! He even asked for another date!"
The two girls laughed loudly until the loud giggle of the little boy beside them alerted them to the mess he made on the table. Looking down at her son, Jess smiled seeing just how far this little boy had come.
Jack was now eighteen months old, and it had warmed up enough to exploring the local park. After the last several months, he had begun learning everyone's names and could speak Doug (Ugg!), Stu (Stttt), Tracy (Trey), Phil (Pilly), Grandma and Grandpa Garner (Gammy and Pop Pop), and Alan (Al). He spent a lot of reading with his aunt and mother, and often Phil took to reading to him as well. She would spend time with Phil in the company of others to avoid the temptation to lay in his arms, which were still always open. She remained committed but it was waning as the months passed. His behaviors to his friends caused them to corner him and force him to admit the problem. He claimed he was really stressed about his divorce which was nearly finalized and this they understood knowing Phil. In the dinner, his eyes lingered on Jess longer than he intended and his glaze was noticed by Doug and Stu.
"You never told me if you and Jason ever became a real thing?" asked Carol catching her attention and finally throwing the destroyed food back on the plate. "He sent a weird text to me asking about Mr. Wenneck. I ignored it though because I don't know."
"Probably asking things that he shouldn't be asking," mumbled Jess pushing a stray hair behind her ear. "He's still shaken up about Phil."
"Can you blame him? You never said if you two were ever a real couple, but everyone assumes you are because you share a son and live together. I mean, being in love with someone else while living together is really shitty."
Looking down, Jess blushed realizing that it did sound rather terrible when she put it like that.
"I wish they could get along since he is important to me, but Phil and I still talk. Besides we aren't together," replied Jess standing up. She turned to throw away their trash when her phone rang out.
"Then do you really want to be with him?" dared Carol leaning back against her chair. "Seems like the choice is frecking obvious—"
"Shit, I forgot about getting my paycheck today!" said Jess loudly, after reading the text message from Stu. "Thank God it's Friday!"
"Jess, you're a mother! You forget things!" smiled Carol as she took Jack from his highchair. "Besides, he'll be okay with holding it, right?"
"It's Stu so probably. Jack's got a doctor's appointment this afternoon anyway! Weight and all that." Jess picked up Jack's bag and the boy as Carol stood up too with her coffee in hand.
"Don't you have to work tomorrow?" asked Carol opening the door for her.
"Yeah. Just tomorrow though. Stu is giving me the next week off, since I'm a bridesmaid. I am still shocked that Lauren asked me to be one!"
"Lauren so pretty! She is too lucky!" she exclaimed pulling her shades over her eyes.
Jess and Carol walked out to her car and laughed about how her college classes were going to change the subject. She was now nearly halfway done with pursing her education degree, hoping to teacher Elementary students. She really loved the little kids but didn't have a clue on how to babysit her best friend's son, so watching him would be a test of any kind. Jess, after placing Jack in his car seat, drove to drop Carol off on the UCLA campus for a study session.
"Hey, I've been meaning to say; Jack has been misbehaving the few times I've watched him. Did you notice that?" she asked innocently with her arm on the door still.
"No, I hadn't," she lied.
"Maybe just the tension between you and Jason. I don't know but get it settled girl because that cutie is amazing! Well take care my dear! NO more babies from you!"
Jess laughed and waved at Carol as she walked away. While their lunch date had been fun, the unsettling fact that Jack was becoming more aggressive with everyone was bothersome. People often told her that and she knew it bugged Jason too. Jack was very peaceful but seemed to be happiest with Phil.
Her phone began ringing loudly in her purse as she turned on the highway. Checking the caller, she saw Jason's name appear. Worried, she answered to his sharp annoyed voice.
"Can you come get me from the shop?" he growled into the phone. "These motherfuckers fucked my Vette up and I'm need to get the fuck out of here!"
"What? It was an oil change?!"
"Yeah I know! These assholes forgot to put the damn oil in! No, you are fucking fixing this! I brought my Vette for a goddamn oil change! Not for my car's engine to seize because your techs can figure out a simple goddamn job! I want your fucking manager, right fucking now—"
Jason must have lowered the phone from his mouth because everything became muffled and, clearly, he was still cussing at them. Shaking her head, she drove the short distance there and could see him pacing outside, his fists clenched. She didn't know the exact financial situation that Jason had but she knew he had money, plenty of it. Enough at least to easily pay for anything he wanted. Today's visit was a simple oil change, which should be a straightforward job, and was, but when she walked in with Jack on her hip, he explained he had driven twenty miles away and the entire engine began seizing. It was here she heard the manager apologizing repeatedly for the error.
"Do you understand what risks you just put my damn family in? My Vette seized because your tech fucked up! What if I had my son or her was with me while that happened causing me to wreck? Your ass would be on the line for possibly killing us!"
The manager apologized again and promised to make it right all before Jason demanded they install a brand-new engine at their expense. The damages were severe, and he was still extremely pissed because the car could be totaled due to the engine damage alone, and that sometimes that Jason would fight against. He cared deeply for the Corvette.
"Sir—" started the manager.
"You make this right now because I cannot trust that engine now! I know everything about my cars! And I know I can not trust that. New engine now!"
It took everything in her power to calm him down and apologize to the staff at the dealership as Jason continued to scream at them as they left. In his case, the dealership was taking full responsibility for the car's repair after Jason made several calls to his lawyers. That prompted them into action and start the claim for a new engine. This was one time that Jason ever really lost his cool, but it was understandable.
"My fucking car!" he muttered loudly throwing himself into the passenger seat as Jess strapped Jack in. Sitting down beside him, she looked at crossly. "I'm not apologizing to them."
"You overreacted about your car. That's all I'm saying—"
"The engine seized!—"
"I know that! Stop yelling at me," she said starting up the RAV4 and driving away, Jason still fuming beside her. "We have Jack's appointment in a little over an hour. Wanna get a snack?"
Nodding, they stopped at a fast-food place then pulled into the medical office building parking lot. Jason was busy looking at something on his phone as she pulled out their food and handed over Jack's who was gleefully ready for his chicken nuggets.
"Papa!" called out Jack to Jason. However, he didn't look up, apparently deep in thought. Casually nudging his arm, he still didn't look up.
"What?" he asked without looked from his phone. While waiting for him to lookup, Jess could see the texts on his phone as he strolled through more recent ones with Betty Martinez, Jason's ex and Darcy's mother.
FEB282011: I know you and her had the baby! You think I'm stupid about that. You don't have time for another child. We had Darcy first. Screw you Jay!
FEB282011: I don't remember asking you for permission to have relations with other women… You clearly think you are excluded. My son is a year old now.
FEB282011: You're an ass! You know I'm moving out there, and I'll need somewhere to stay temporary.
FEB282011: And it won't be with me or my family. You have friends out here too.
FEB282011: Please Jay!
FEB282011: Fuck No
MAR032011: You found out about my son because you snooped like the bitch you are. I never intended to tell you about my business in California. Why are you moving out here anyway? Some plan to get back with or at me?
MAR032011: Why? Are you involved or got a girl pregnant then disappeared into the night. I have need to be out there for business.
MAR032011: Whatever. If we can arrange something where I can see my daughter, then we can talk. Otherwise leave me the fuck alone. I already have problems with people lately.
MAR032011: Yah because your baby mama been fucking someone else behind your back!
MAR032011: She's not!
MAR032011: She fucking is Jay. Maybe ask her or find out yourself!
MAR142011: JAY! We need to talk. Something came up with Darcy's allergies. Berries right?
MAR142011: Yes. Strawberries but I have minor problems with other berries too. I avoid them.
MAR142011: Could you get a full allergy test done, or get your results to her doctor?
MAR142011: Not all allergies are genetic. Please get the full test done for her and sent me a copy.
APR052011: Hey, did you get the test done for Darcy? I never got an email. Also we did it for Jack. Please let her doctor know that her brother doesn't appear to have allergies like mine.
APR052011: You mean her HALF brother….
APR052011: You really are a bitch….
APR052011: …. Jay….
MAY052011: Remember, I'll be at a wedding out of the country. Do you need anything while I am gone before you arrive to LA? It's in a few weeks.
MAY052011: I haven't gotten her a bed yet. Can you get one delivered please at the address I sent. It would be very helpful.
MAY052011: I'll see what I can do.
Jess felt Jason sit up as he snapped his phone shut clearly upset at the bed request. They exited the SUV and walked in together toward the elevator, waiting as it came down. Jack was kicking his leg back and forth as he pulled on his father's pant leg.
"Papa!" he called looking up at him and then softly let go as he could see the scowl present. He inched over to Jess and reached up for her.
"Jason!" she said nudging his arm. Finally, he looked over seeing the saddened toddler's face.
"I'm sorry," he replied ruffling his darkening blond hair. "I was distracted. Here!"
He opened his arms and offered to carry Jack which the boy cheered at it. Adjusting the boy, a bit on his arm, they rode up to the floor for the appointment. They entered the office and checked Jack in even getting a high five from the receptionist. After sitting the boy down, his phone began ringing again making Jack grab for it.
"No, no, that's mine," he said holding it out of his reach. "That's my phone. I need that. It's not for you." The young boy eyed him closely before trying again. Somehow Jason managed to see who was texting him and chose to ignore it saying it was Betty.
"Don't you think that sometimes she will be more understanding?" offered Jess holding Jack so he could return it to his back pocket.
"Believe me, my life is hell when she's involved," he said curtly.
"Have you been paying for things she asked?" asked Jess with concern.
"Yes, I have," he admitted softly with a bit of guilt in his eyes. "It's just easier this way. A mutual friend of mine keeps tabs on her for me. So, it sorta works out. Probably why she wants to move closer to me now."
"Why does she want to? I thought you both hated each other."
Jason laughed and held Jack's chin under his finger. "Betty and I have a – complicated past you can say. We come from wealthy families back home. Our fathers expect us to run the family business one day so it's important we get along together to keep up the charade."
"So, you don't hate each other?" asked Jess hearing Jack's name being called, concern gripping her thoughts loudly and with force. Who and what were her intentions with Jason?
"Oh, I hate her, but can't publicly do so," he grinned shifting the boy on his arm. Jack began playing with his hair and seemed to realize theirs were different colors. The small boy would pull on his blond strands then giggle after it brought Jason's head down.
"No! Stop! It tickles!" laughed Jason as the boy laughed back.
Following the nurse, Jack was let go to ran to the weight station and waited patiently as the adults walked up. They stopped for moment to get his height and weight at the nurse's station before going to the patient room. Jason and Jess smiled as Jack held the nurse's hand.
"Okay, please take a seat and doctor will be in a few minutes," she said smiling. For a moment, her eyes lingered on Jason. Jess sat down too as he leaned against the wall.
The boy at his last check-up was nineteen pounds, and twenty inches long, but Jack had always been the smaller than average. His little tuff of hair was ever the same, even slicked up slightly by Phil's doing, and cute cherubic cheeks showing off rounded cheeks. He wore a pair of sandals, paired with a pair of gray shorts that had a dark spot on the inner leg. On his small torso, he wore a loose white button up collared shirt. A toddler's baseball cap sat on his head as best it could. Jason rubbed the little one's head as Jack jumped around the room like a frog.
"How much you think?" asked Jason getting Jack to underwear only.
"Dinner on twenty-two pounds," said Jess sitting as he turned to face her.
"Sex, if over twenty-five," Jason mumbled.
"He's not over twenty-five. There is no way in hell," she smirked as Jack was unclothed. A few minutes passed and the door opened. They went over a general exam and made sure all parts were fine. The visit finished and they went home to their new house. There was no coffee table in the middle of the living room as there was once. Instead, a range of children toys lay scattered around the floor. Mostly the second bedroom was for Jack since the boy had recently begun to sleep in his own bed again. A third bedroom was being set up for Darcy's arrival when he and Betty could decide a coparenting schedule. Jason slipped into a pair of shorts and let Jack roam around the living room while Jess laid down on the couch.
She never would have imagined a few months ago at the start of the year, he was called to return to Kansas City for the first of many custody hearings. Jason had arrived with the clear intention of having joint custody with Betty, if she chose to move out to Los Angeles, and to remain neutral involving Darcy into his private live after not spending any time ever with her. The young girl was petite with medium brown hair and hazel eyes. The four-year-old stood beside her mother as Jason and Betty discussed what the arrangement would look like in California, which was something that Jess frowned about.
Jess learned that Darcy had been born shortly after Jason's senior year in November, making him nineteen at the time. Betty had been weeks from turning nineteen herself, but she had kept the information from him for a long time before it was revealed that he was the father. Standing behind them made her realize that Phil must be going through this same thing, but it was at least better here since Jason was trying to make it work, whereas Phil and Stephanie were making it difficult for most involved. Looking over, she observed the young woman standing opposite Jason.
Betty was a little shorter with long black hair and dark brown eyes. She spoke in such an upper-class tone that demeaned Jason's every action. It was here that he did reveal that at one point he wasn't even sure that Darcy was his due to her multiple partners. This, Jess remembered, was why he had hesitated so openly to claim her and Jack. In the courtroom, he was dressed in a professional suit, a dark blue tie pinned to his shirt as he spoke clearly and confidently. During an earlier testimony, he spoken about Jess and their family, even having to bring the paternity results to prove Jack as his. Darcy turned to see Jack and frowned at her parents, knowing that little boy was the cause of everything, or at least that's what her facial expression told Jess. The small girl kept looking at Jason.
After leaving Kansas City, Jason and Betty agreed to meet in Los Angeles to help get her settle because it was ordered as such. Jess remembered that long flight. It had unsettled her when really, she wanted to be left alone for once. Looking over, Jack was beginning to slow down his pace and he fell asleep laying on a small cushion near his toy chest. She did see that the boy had tried to bring his toys to the chest but only got about three over. Picking him up, she heard her name being called from the kitchen.
"Come on," he offered pulling out Jess' seat after she went to lay him down for bed. The day had been long for him. In between their salads, garlic bread, and spaghetti, Jason smiled seeing his efforts paid off.
"This is really good. Did you really read the cookbook?"
"Yeah," he grinned.
The small family, though stressed and tired, enjoying the laughter of one another. Around eight, Jason began to get very tired, so he went to shower and returned wearing a loose towel around his hips. Jess had sat, or rather plopped, down on the three-person couch turning on the television waiting for his return.
"He's out," clapped Jason sitting beside her, commenting on the sleeping form of Jack. A sly grin spread across his face, but he controlled himself. His eyes settled on the family photo they took about a month earlier. There he was with Jess in his arm and Jack on his lap. They were all smiles, but Jason looked back down at Jess for a moment seeing her playing with her phone. There across the top of the screen read Phil's name. Pushing the vermin back down, he changed the show on the television before going to bed. He wasn't suggesting that she follow but it would have been nice. That evening, Jason said he had business with his father and would be gone until Tuesday, which was four days away.
*dot*
Saturday morning
Jess quickly made sure Jack had some oatmeal before leaving. The highway could be so crowded so knowing the quickest route was easiest. Arriving to Stu's clinic, she saw she was the only one there. Unlocking the door, she sighed in relief getting to work so early, even if it were only for a few hours. It was one perk that she had come up with to help patients who had difficulties in getting in during the week. Stu hired another dentist for the clinic and as his business and dental assistant, she petitioned for the change to happen on the second Saturday of every month by appointment only. It had been very successful since starting in March.
Taking her jacket off, she put it in Stu's office, before beginning rounds to prep each station, and looking over the schedule.
"Hey Jess," he called sluggishly toward his office.
"Morning Stu! Alright," she said slowly pulling up her loose ponytail. Jess rubbed the tip of her nose and stood to welcome the first client an hour later. Several people came in with their kids who adored seeing Jess for their appointments. Some of the father's enjoyed seeing Jess too, she discovered long ago. In her ear she heard that Stu wanted to speak to her. It wasn't until near eleven when she found a chance.
"What's up?" she asked at the door seeing him sitting at his desk writing some paperwork out. Stu looked up and handed her a thin file. Jess took it and laughed.
"You are joking? You want me to check his teeth? Phil might bite me."
Stu and Jess shared a laugh as he stood up fist bumping her on the way out. "Hey, how are you?"
"I'm fine, just a little shocked about something," she answered as she set out the cleaning tools for Phil's appointment. "Jason stuff."
"What about?" he asked quietly looking behind him at the others. "Is he forcing himself on you?"
"Stu," she whispered looking at him like a parent. "No. We got into a little argument is all."
"I mean I will knock his butt down," puffed up Stu sitting straight in the chair.
"There's a lot going on. His kid and her mom are moving to LA, and he is slowly losing his mind about it. It sucks all the way around."
Stu noticed that Jess was eyeing Phil's chart closely before looking back clearing her throat.
"Besides it would get out anyway. Jason deserved to know what had been going on with me and–"
But Jess felt her throat close. Could she admit to Stu? Did she have to courage to do so!?
"Between you and—" he started up again.
"Yes, between me and—" She started to stutter.
"Phil."
Jess froze in her seat as Stu's clear word came out. "How did you know?"
Stu let out a sigh and reached for her hands. "I've known it for years. How you both look at each other, it's only a matter of time before others figure it out too. Your choices are catching up to you but if you never told Jason about Phil and you then you have to really think about what future you need and deserve." He watched the fearful look cross her pale face. "Jess, Phil is dangerous. He was your teacher. You can't be caged by someone like him. He will hurt you."
Jess listened and heard Stu's words while trying to keep her tears at ease. Somehow the last words didn't feel they apply.
"Phil said he loved me," she whispered. Underneath the young woman's expression was a sadness that he had seen when she was much younger. Memories of their time in New York played before his eyes a moment and he mentally tossed the images away. No, she was here in his office, a business and dental assistant who worked hard to have their patients had the best experience at his clinic.
"I'm not debating whether he loves you or not. I love you too but in a very different way. He desires you like he should his wife. Phil is an animal, and you are—" Stu stopped himself suddenly knowing he was overstepping somewhere and frankly her confused expression worried him. "Jess, please, just listen to me. Don't confuse Phil's love for something else. Jason loves you but he can't handle the Phil stuff. It cuts him raw."
"Jason went to see you?" asked Jess pausing at the station with him to gather a kit. Stu nodded as they reached the waiting lobby.
"Why?"
"To ask about Phil." The man heard his name and stood up with a smile at them both. Jess looked at Stu with more confusion before he handed her the chart. "Alright, be nice to him. He's a bit of an asshole."
"Yes, I know too well," she said quietly as Phil joined them at the door.
Stu smiled as they walked back to the cleaning station. While Stu reviewing his x-rays, Phil was quietly listening to her hum as she cleaned his teeth for the exam. As she used the water tool to clean out the extra toothpaste, Jess smiled wide.
"So did you eat a salad for lunch?"
"How do you know?" he said sitting up with a smile.
"I can smell the Italian dressing and you had a small piece of food on your molar. Alright we just must wait for Stu," she said with a smile while finishing up her notes on Phil's teeth. For the part most he remained quiet as Jess typed away. He sat up as they waited, and he lightly touched her arm, and it caused Jess look at him oddly.
"What's wrong?" he asked kindly.
"Nothing," she lied. She hated that Stu wanted her to help with the cleaning, but it seemed that Phil had asked him beforehand. Surely to spend time with her, she assumed.
"Bullshit, I know you," he said swinging his legs to her side of the seat. "Is it the boy again?"
"PHIL!" she snapped turned to him. "What do you have against Jason?"
Phil grabbed her hands and rubbed them for good measure. Jess shook his hands away as the man huffed in front of her. "Because Jason," he mocked, "Wants to take something that is rightfully mine!"
"I'm not a piece of land you can claim. I am a human like anyone else."
"Yah but I was there first," he said sitting on the end of the chair. "I love you."
"I know that but are we being foolish—" stated Jess firmly trying to back away.
"Jess is this—" he began to say but Stu walked in at that moment.
"Hey bud," said Stu taking the extra seat in the exam room.
"Hey man," answered Phil swinging his legs to lay down again. His eyes never left Jess as they went through the exam. After about ten minutes, Stu held the dental probe and sighed in relief.
"Hmm mmm. You really need to floss more," said Stu unhappily. He saw a lot of people who never flossed, as did Jess.
"Fuck that. That's why I come here," replied Phil as he sat up again.
"Then you should come more than once every two years." Stu turned to write something down as Phil let out a sigh.
"Why? So you can bleed me of all my money," asked Phil giving Jess another look before handing the fibro-paper to her to throw away.
"I never charge you a dime Phil," said Stu, as a second thought, continuing to write something down.
"Hey how do you work the nitrous?" asked Phil reaching and getting the mask in his hands before Jess could stop him.
"You don't actually." Jess tried to get it, but Phil backed away in his childish ways.
"Come on," he insisted. "Just one hit."
"Phil come on, stop being stupid," said Jess as she grabbed from him.
"Here you do it!"
"No," Jess smiled. "I like my job!"
"You do others much better," he whispered with a wink aimed at her. Please Lord let Stu have not heard that!
"Fillings look pretty good. Any other problems?" asked Stu finally turning around to face Phil and Jess. Phil had the nerve to give a look like he was asking for permission to open his mouth at her.
"Yeah actually," he said turning to Stu. "You're getting married in Thailand. For starters you invited Jason and me, that's shitty and we will fight. My former in-laws are watching the kids and—" Stu tried to interrupt but Phil held his hand up to stop him, "— is holding a whole new thing over my head. And it takes five days to get there."
"It's a 16-hour flight, and it's beautiful when you get there. Jess asked me to include Jason since they are dating," answered Stu, a bit insulted at Phil's assumptions. "Besides you never told us that you were getting a divorce so there was an extra ticket."
"Whatever he's a dick!" answered Phil. "And Jack is coming with us too! He will fuss on the five-day flight!"
"He's a toddler," said Jess smartly standing up to clean their station.
"It is kinda far," admitted Stu. "Lauren's been there a week and is still jetlagged. But it's where her parents are from and it means a lot to her."
"Who gives a shit about her parents? Her dad hates you," commented Phil with annoyance that Jess was used to.
"He doesn't hate me. He's just never spoken to me. I think it's a cultural thing."
"Jesus why don't you just get married in Vegas like you did last time. So much easier," Phil exasperated as he stood up and leaned on the wall.
"Why does it matter to you so much?" asked Jess giving Phil a look over. The man threw his hands up in defiance.
"Why can't you just be excited for me? This is my wedding." Stu was giving a look like shut up and be happy for me which was hard for Phil to process. Hell, he was dealing with all sorts of things in secret involving the female in the room. From what he could see he had to lose this battle.
"You're really happy huh?" Phil finally said after brushing the image of Jess that morning from his mind.
"Yes. I am," Stu said with a wide smile.
"Alright. I'm happy too." But it didn't sound normal for Phil to say such things.
"Thank you," thanked Stu as Phil walked up to him.
"It's going to be fun," said Phil patting Stu's shoulder and waving goodbye to Jess. Just as he got down the hall a bit, Stu called out to him.
"Phil, put the prescription pad back," asked Stu loudly. It stopped him and his slow steps returned beside them. Jess was standing beside Stu as Phil reached down his pants and withdrew the pad. Jess covered her mouth as a laugh formed in her throat, but she pushed it down quickly, a small grin crossing her face. Her lips were pressed together but Stu just smiled and took his prescription pad back.
"Thank you. You know that's a felony right," he said at Phil.
"Fuck you man," Phil said dead serious. As he turned to leave, Stu leaned into the hall and called to Phil again.
"Was this right up against your scrotum?"
"Yep," he answered loudly. Jess finally let out her laugh and tears leaked from her eyes.
*dot*