Tuesday midday, he waited patiently at the airport in Kansas City, ready to be home finally go back to Los Angeles. He had left a few items with Betty to bring that were left over from his apartment, but when she dropped him off, she had gone in for a quick kiss that he refuted. Stepping backwards, she frowned and pulled his arm.
"I don't want to," he said grabbing his things, then turning toward check in. Standing there waiting he smiled as the agent checked his large luggage and gave him a paper copy of his flight ticket. Picking up his backpack, he realized he didn't have his tennis shoes in there and sighed realizing he would have to walk barefoot through TSA. Removing his laptop, he carried it until placing it and his other items in the buckets. Standing, his arms up in the scanner, the agent called him over asking him to resume the position.
"Sir, I'm going to pat you down. Is here okay or would you prefer someone private," he was asked. Raising his arms, Jason felt the agent's hands on his chest and legs before being told he was clear. Gathering his items near the end of the conveyor belt, he slipped his flip flops on, threw on his hoodies, and put his wallet in his pocket. Stuffing his laptop back into the backpack, he walked through the terminal finding somewhere to buy water and to wait. It wasn't too long, and he boarded the flight with ease, leaving Kansas City once more thinking of how he hated leaving but a better place was waiting. The women seated beside him in first class was rather busty and he noticed no ring on her hand. The looked up seeing he was watching her.
Blushing, Jason shifted in his seat and felt her hand land on his. Looking over, she had a smirk on her face, and he knew his good looks would be the damn excuse like every other. Smiling, he said he had a girlfriend. The woman laughed and said she had a husband. Blinking, he sat there thinking of a reason to refuse her kindly. If she was in first class like him, then she must have money. After a few moments of her holding his hand, she seemed to understand the blank expression he wore.
"I will admit, I'm taking a nap though. Could you wake me before we land?" he asked her after putting his backpack in the overhead bin. The woman nodded and patted his arm.
"Sure. You look tired young man," she said picking up her book again. "Your girlfriend must keep you up to look this tired and yet so handsome."
"I do my best Ma'am," he laughed and reclined the seat slightly. As sleep overtook him, suddenly, the image of blonde woman came to mind and he fell into a vivid dream not expecting anything in his tired state, nor beside a person who reminded him of someone from his youth.
*dot*
Mission Hills, Kansas; May 2001
It was truly a beautiful day and he wished so much to be done with schooling so he could go and play with his friends. Mother had promised that as soon as he was out, but it hardly happened if Father had a say.
"JAY!" someone called behind him as he strolled down the hallway. "Hey man wait up!"
There was a pair of boys hurrying after him, their bags waving behind them, as others watched them running down the polished floor of their middle school.
"Hey," he replied as they stopped before him clearly out of breath.
"Were you going to try out for soccer next year at East?" Jason shook his head.
"I'm a bit too skinny. I'd make a horrible player. Besides we need you next year for football!"
His friends laughed and walked out the doors seeing their mothers in the pickup line for them. Waving at his mother, her blonde hair flowed in the wind a moment before she called his name again.
"Jason, we have a dinner to attend this evening around seven. You must get your schoolwork done though beforehand."
He nodded and off they went toward the second family residence nestled in Mission Hills. Just across the state line in Sunset Hill West was where the main residence was but his mother had been determined to not have him attend school on the Missouri side. It was also where most of his friends lived. Getting home he hurried to study and busied himself with reading before they were to leave. The sweet scent of watermelon and cantaloupe filled the room, and it drew him out of his seat. Seeing his mother preparing the dish was a sight to be behold. Tonight though, he knew they were expected for a function on Father's behalf and Mom wasn't too thrilled.
Behind her cheery smile, he worried often about her. Jason, who was an eighth grader and aged thirteen for only few weeks more, knew something was off about his mother. She was looking thinner in her arms and her appetite was less and less with every passing day. Internally, Jason knew something had to be terribly wrong but each time he asked he received the same answer.
"Don't worry honey. I am fine," she would answer but behind doors he knew she was seeing a specialist for her constant headaches and weakened grip. One of his father's associates came to collect him from school last year and did so for several months before his mother began to do so again.
"Mama, are we really going to that thing tonight?" he asked munching on the fruit.
"Yes. We are expected to be there. I hope we aren't too long. I mustn't be out too late."
Jason nodded and went to pick up the item she had dropped. "Here mama! Let me help!"
"I have it," she said with a smile. But before he could be stopped, Jason gripped the ladle once more and stirred the dish a few more times. They worked from then on to prepare the dish in a casserole dish and then went to change into formal eveningwear. Jason had gone to his room, getting the suit that had been hanging up. He waited for his mother by the front door with their driver, Malcolm. After a few minutes, the Marshalls left toward the function, and it caused Jason to begin to shake.
"Don't worry dear," offered his mother. "When we get there, find some of the other children to mingle with. I think I heard Mr. Martinez was bringing Miss Betty." Instantly, Jason shot a sideway glaze at her. "Oh, were you thinking she wouldn't be there?"
"No…. Just… ummm…. It'll be nice to see Betty again. She was telling me during passing period how she was worried about a certain class. She said she was going with her father," he said shifting in his seat eyeing his mother closely. "Mom, are you sure she'll be there?"
She nodded as they arrived. Holding out the door for them, Malcolm nodded that he would return when they were ready to leave. Jason with his mother walked up the stone steps and greeted the butler of the home. Entering Jason quickened his step toward his mother before catching sight of the brunette beauty that was Elizabeth Martinez. Her hair was French braided as she stood beside her father who was talking with another man. She turned seeing him and waved. Her father took notice of this and excused himself.
"Ahh, a beauty among us all! Pleasure to see you Mrs. Marshall," he said tenderly kissing her hand. "My Jason, have you grown!" He smiled and waved at the taller Hispanic man.
"Daddy, can Jay and I go play?" asked Betty quietly holding herself as still as possible. Her eyes kept trying to pout at her father but didn't seem to work this time. Jason and Betty's parents talked a bit more as they did about their school. It seemed a few minutes had passed before they were led with the other children to a spare room. There were about seven total children all in different ages. It seemed that as the eldest, they were to set to watch the others as they talked about their summer plans.
"So, are you ready for high school?" asked Betty quietly. Her brown eyes stared at him gauntly with determination. "I still have another year till I go up."
"You're little younger than me so yeah you're academically a year behind" he laughed. "I know Mother wants me to attend East, but Father wants me to attend school in Missouri. Better schools, he claims."
"I'm being transferred over for high school. I know Daddy told me if I wasn't good then I would be shipped off to a Catholic nunnery!"
"My Father is always gone, and it seems like one of his associates always got me from school. Your Father got me once. Last March it was I think."
"Yah, our fathers are close. I would hope we are too," she said flashing a grin his way.
Betty and Jason laughed as two of the younger children began to argue about a shared toy. They were attempting to separate the younger two when Malcolm came in through the door asking for Jason.
"Jason, we need to leave," he said quietly reaching for his hands.
"Why? I was talking with Betty—"
"I know that, but she needs to stay. You come with me."
Looking back, he pouted but followed his driver out the room. There were loud shouts coming from the main hall and he swore he saw a flash of blonde hair. Malcolm was right in front of him and seemed to be trying to block the sight from him.
"Malcolm? What's going on?" he asked quietly pushing in front of him. He stopped dead in his tracks as the woman became clear. She was being wheeled away on a stretcher and it was her who Jason recognized. Malcolm had to hold him back as Jason watched his mother being taken by the EMS. Others around him grew quiet as they stared at him. Unaware he was screaming to be released, Malcolm kept a firm grasp on the teenager. The older man was quite strong and, only once the ambulance left, did they leave too. They followed closely behind, and they rushed to park the car at the hospital. Jason nearly was running, as Malcolm kept a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, we are here with Mrs. Lillian Marshall. I am her driver and guardian of her son when her husband is away on business. Yes, he is returning tonight. Not home yet, no Ma'am. Please I need to know so I can let Mr. Marshall know," spoke Malcolm in rapid succession to the nurse's questions.
Jason waited in the emergency room until he was cleared to see his mother. Following Malcolm, he entered the door seeing his mother laying there apparently asleep. He stepped in and looked over his still mother's body.
"Mom," he asked softly reaching for her hand.
Her eyes fluttered to him, and she smiled as big as she could. "Sweetie, did Malcolm bring you here?"
"Mama what's going on?"
"Don't worry honey. I'll be fine. Took a fall that's all," she said reaching up and wiping the tears from his face. But Jason was unconvinced. Begging to stay with his mother, he knew he had to return home for school in the morning. Promising her, he left and slept horribly.
This began his summer break that year. He would come in each day to read with his mother and try to get her to draw with him. Anything to spend those hours with her. It carried on until August when Jason could no longer spend each day with her. He was due to start high school the following week at Shawnee Mission East, but he hadn't felt the urge to be anywhere but beside his mother. It was something that no one really argued with him, nor did his father question it. He spent more time with Betty and her father as his mother's health continued to deteriorate though. Mr. Martinez had offered to have him stay with them so he wouldn't be alone in the mansion. It was September 1st, a Saturday, when he walked in with a DVD player he brought from home. A DVD of her favorite movie tucked under his arm.
"Mama, I brought Mary Poppins today! I love the songs like you do!"
The nurse helped him put it together and Jason took the seat beside her on the bed. Nestled in her arms, he felt more relaxed completely enthralled by her closeness. He suspected the inner demons that were causing his mother harm and he prayed they would go away so she would come back home. Jason hated seeing her like this and not doing anything, he felt weak. His father had acknowledged his wife's health and cancelled a good majority of his summer trips in June and half of July, but he had returned home from then on. In September though, Mr. Marshall said he had to resume business including an overseas trip.
"Jason," she quietly said reaching for his hand.
"Yes Mama," he answered looking up at her. He saw tears in her eyes. She gave him a soft kiss before asking him to go get Malcolm.
"Wasn't he in the café?"
"I think so sweetie," she said nodding. "Oh, and Jason?" He stopped in his tracks and turned back to her. "I love you baby."
"I love you too Mama. I'll be right back!"
His feet carried to the elevator, and he pushed the call button. Waiting patiently, he stepped into it and waited for the doors to close. Just as they nearly closed fully, a monitor began to blare at the nurse's station. Unaware of the alerts, Jason went to find Malcolm sitting in the café enjoying a coffee and working on his computer. He looked up when he heard him approaching.
"Sir," he said. "Need something to eat?"
"No, but my mom wanted to see you."
"Oh? Well let's head up then. Grab a sandwich though. You've hardly eaten today."
Jason nodded and went to grab the sandwich. As they rode up, several things happened once they walked onto the floor. Nurses were speaking in code as they made calls and many more hurried down the hall. Malcolm turned toward his mother's room and after a few steps, they were both stopped by the resident doctor.
"Mr. Marshall?" he asked of Jason.
"Can I help you Sir," asked Malcolm grabbing for his shoulder.
"Yes, Mrs. Marshall sent for you. Would you please come with me?"
Jason followed but everything became surreal as the doctor spoke his next words. Everything hit him as the words sunk in…. But Jason had just been in the room…. She was laying there next to him and then sent him away…. The words of the doctor hit him and he screamed out and ran to his mother's room. There several nurses were in the room as he entered. He stared with tears pouring out of his eyes as nurses tried to prevent him from entering fully. His screams filled the hall as Malcolm and the doctor ran behind him and had to forcefully remove him, he struggling against their grip.
"MAMA! NO! MAMA! MAMA PLEASE NO! MAMA, I LOVE YOU, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! MAMA!"
It took everything to hold the boy back and finally he collapsed against Malcolm's chest. The man was crying too as he tried to comfort him. The boy was terrified, frightened really, but once the nurses had fully removed IVs from her, Jason rushed in and stopped before his mother. Jason continued to sob as he hugged his mother closely for what he knew was the last time.
"Sir?" a voice called to him. Jason's eyes busted open as someone was shaking his shoulder. Confusion hit him as he gathered his surroundings. Those around him, including the blond woman and the flight attendant right in front of him, were looked at him with concern. Realizing he had fallen into a deep sleep, the concern of the flight attendant meant he must have been shifting in his seat more than he expected.
"Are you okay?" she asked kindly holding a handkerchief in her hands patting his face. "You are quite pale looking. Would you like some water?"
The flight attendant returned with a water bottle and nodded seeing he was better now. Thanking the woman beside him, he answered her question of how his mother passed which he replied had been an aggressive form of brain cancer. Shaking her head, she held her chest as they landed in LAX. Standing to gather his items, he got down her bag and handed it to her with a smile. Walking out together, Jason and the woman chatted a bit more before he found his way to the baggage claim.
*dot*
It was Monday and Jason was supposed to be back later tomorrow evening from his time away giving Jess plenty time occupy her time. The blueberry muffin on the counter meant a delicious breakfast and since Jack was with Doug, it meant she double check everything was ready for the wedding. Nibbling on the muffin and pouring herself a full cup of coffee, her phone went off loudly from the bedroom. Running to get it, she answered without reading the name.
"Hey, it's Phil. Did you wanna meet up?" Jess felt her eyes rolling. True she hadn't seen Phil in few days and hopefully it would be somewhere public were he would mind himself.
"Sure," she summoned after chewing down the food in her mouth. "I got a hair appointment at ten though."
"How long will that take?" he asked quickly laughing in the background. "I can come get you."
"You don't have to. Just getting a cut!" she said impatiently.
"Sure," teased Phil with a laugh. "Can I bring anything for you princess?"
"You don't have to. I mean I'm fine with seeing you."
"You know me. I like to buy you gifts," he said most likely with a smirk.
Laughing she agreed and they hung up. It would be interesting with Phil after their tiff on Saturday night. She hadn't liked the manner they fought lately but hopefully it would stop while they were gone for Stu's wedding. About thirty minutes later, a light knock came to the door, and it revealed a dashing looking Phil wearing jeans and a dark heather gray fitted shirt. His pilot glasses covered his eyes but even here Jess could read the lust he could show through them.
"You couldn't take your time, could you?" she asked pulling the pilot glasses down his nose. Bringing him in, he sat down to wait as Jess went to get dressed. Pulling off her pajama bottoms, they a little smaller than she wanted, she tossed him in the hamper before grabbing a pair of black leggings, a billowing olive-green spaghetti strap top, and paired them with a black pair of flats. Since she wasn't too busty, she was able to wear her ensemble with no bra earning a smirk from Phil.
"I swear I could just—" he began.
"You will not! It's already ten!" she laughed pointing her watch. "I need to get going or you'll make me late!"
Spraying a quick spritz of perfume, she walked out holding Phil's hand as they left. Sunglasses covering her eyes, she pulled her long hair into a loose ponytail, thinking of the cut she had wanted. Her hair was below her mid back and too long for her liking. Shortly before ten, they pulled into the parking lot. Before getting out, Phil parked and leaned over pulling her head to him. Pressing his lips on hers, his tongue wanted entrance, but it was the giggle from Jess prevented him. Finally opening her mouth, he smirked knowing it was making her hot and bothered inside and out.
"Hey Jess!" called the receptionist as they entered. "Who is this handsome man, you bring us old women?!"
"This is a friend of mine," she said pointing at her name on the appointment book. "Is Molly ready?"
"She's waiting for you!"
Jess and Phil sat down a moment, before she was called back to Molly, the hairstylist, for the appointment.
"You never mentioned him before? Is he your dad?"
"OH God no!" she giggled with her longtime favorite person. "His name is Phil. You know the teacher from Rochester."
Molly's eyes rose. "You mean the teacher that Carol and you talked about all the time? The English teacher?"
"That's the one. Carol didn't always talk about him?" questioned Jess. Molly nodded with a smile.
"Oh, she did everything here without you. Even recently. She kept saying you were going to Thailand and was very jealous. But she was happy for you all the same."
Jess listened as Molly began working including washing her hair. She was a notorious for creating works of art with hair and Jess was ready for a change considering her long mane. She held up a photo of a woman with locks down to her shoulders. The layers were short and tuck into the head in back and there were longer pieces framing the face. The honey blonde color was the color she wanted, and the subtle highlighting provided a little more dimension. Deeply parted side swept bangs made the style softer and sweeter in Jess' opinion.
"Not the coloring, okay, let's get you this style dear!" Molly said happily as she pulled out her scissors and began cropping her hair down several inches. After about an hour, it styled and cut exact as the photo, Jess withdrew a fifty from her clutch and handed it to Molly.
"As always a wonderful style," smiled Jess running her hand through her new hair. Her dark locks were beautiful, and she was so happy for it being shorter to her neck. It felt better knowing that it could be manageable. Pulling her credit card out, she handed it over as Molly smiled back.
"Who's the blond man with you all the time?"
"The blond? Oh, that's Jason. Jack's dad," she replied blushing.
"Oh?" she questioned. "He is quite the handsome man. And thank you dear, and please come again. I know Jack needs his cut soon!"
"That took forever," Phil sighed heavily starting up the car hearing his phone going off. Jess had buckled herself in, also hearing hers go off. "Stu wants to meet us for lunch. Why a fucking IHop?"
Shrugging her shoulders, she searched up the location and they listened to the radio noticing it was all the way across town. Her hand was dangling over the center console when Phil reached over holding it and rubbing her knuckles.
"You know it's weird that we are going to another wedding, and still have our secrets," she said looking at him closely.
"Yeah. I'm nearly out of my marriage." He smiled at her as the stopped at a red light. "It will be finalized Thursday. Thank God my lawyer is handling everything."
"Sorta funny, yours is ending and Stu's is beginning!" Laughing at the idea, Phil agreed though.
"I never thought I'd enjoy life without her, but I never really did with her."
"Do you feel bad about any of it?" asked Jess turning in the seat to view his expression more.
"I did at first, but I don't anymore," he admitted changing lanes. "I only really care about you."
Flushed by the words, she nodded giving his hand a kiss. "I think I'm just overly stressed about everything with everyone that my brain is fucking with me. I'll make a choice at the wedding about who."
Phil stiffened at the words, and she could tell by his body language he was angered by her words. His brow furrowed together, and he took several glances at her in disbelief.
"What?" she asked confused.
"Are you fucking serious? The choice should be easy as fuck to answer. It's me, Jess."
Blindsided, Jess frozen in place and realized the words she had said, and his immediate response was typical given recent events.
"I'm sorry," she said as turned away from him. The sunshine rays shown through the window as they prepared turned down the street leading to IHop.
"Sorry about what?" he asked pushing his hair back.
Arriving to the place, he threw the car into park, turned off the engine and went in for a kiss, pulling her against his chest. This made Jess flinch backwards but his grip on her wasn't loosening. They felt everything happen and again they melted into the other's arms. Holding his face to try to stop him, Jess stared into his blue eyes seeing the excitement and tenderness. As they sat there tangled in their seatbelts, they each unbuckled and attacked the other feverishly. Her nails scratched at his neck as his tongue played with hers. In response, he pulled one of her spaghetti straps off her shoulder.
Suddenly a loud thud came from the front of the car, and they snapped apart staring at the people standing outside the car. Staring at them was Doug, who had his hands slammed down on the hood and face twisted in fury, and Stu who was carrying Jack. Feeling her face redden, Jess wanted to disappear but had nowhere to go. Phil straightened his collar and exited the door, motioning for her to follow. Pulling the strap back up, she got out and reached for Jack, avoiding all communications with her bother. Doug and Phil were left outside to talk as she and Stu went inside to get their table. She thought she heard Phil scream that she's an adult and make decisions for herself at Doug, who replied that's my sister!
Looking outside after being seated, Jess peaked over the window seeing Doug pointing fingers at Phil, which he responded with throwing his arms in the air. Jess and Stu couldn't make out the words, but they could tell it about her.
"I didn't think Doug would ever have to see Phil's hands on you like that," said Stu accepting their drinks and setting them out for their group.
"I hope he doesn't kill Phil."
"Yes. I hope not either." After ten minutes, they entered, a redness to both their faces.
Jack kept calling for Stu to hand him another crayon and the joy on the boy's face seemed to ease the tension they had experienced outside. His cherub face beamed at his mother and uncle knowing them well. He colored with content as the adults ordered food. Jess heard Phil say a stack of pancakes as Jack began to complain he couldn't reach his cup.
"Here ya go," she said trying to get him to laugh. An older couple was looking at them with a smile and she noticed this as the older woman patted her companion's hand.
Phil was sitting nearest the window and having nowhere else to put his arm, put it behind Jess. They got their food and watched as the smallest boy prompted placed all his food on the table and then restacked the dollar-coin sizes pancakes. Curiously, Jack was watching everyone around the table and tried to mimic as Jess ate nimbly. Doug nervously sat up straight and let out a sigh.
"So, Stu I was wondering if you might consider having Alan come with us for the wedding?"
"No fucking way," he said quickly. "Absolutely not."
"Come on Stu. It's killing him," stated Doug for Alan's desire to attend.
"I don't care. Honestly you two were barely invited," spoke Stu as a matter of fact pointing at Doug and Phil. "And Jess and Jack are coming because Lauren asked for them to come."
"Oooh!" whispered Phil beside Jess. Doug again sighed and looked at Stu firmly.
"Okay, look, I get it. You know what Alan considers you to be one of his best friends—"
"I consider Alan to be insane," he stated looking at Jess for support.
"He is insane," muttered Jess taking a sip of her orange juice. Phil nodded as he munched on his food.
"You're not helping," mumbled Doug at her.
"Stu throw him a bone," offered Phil after wiping his mouth. "He already has his dad paying for everything he eats and breaks. We should see if we can squeeze the old man to cover the bachelor party." Doug seemingly agreed and nodded his head.
"That's good," agreed Doug.
"I'm glad you brought that up," piped up Stu abruptly. "Because this is the bachelor party."
"What?" asked Doug as Jess looked at him, her fork in midair between her mouth and the plate.
"What are you talking about?" questioned Phil.
"Yeah! It's my bachelor brunch! Go crazy! Get some chocolate chip pancakes; A lap dance from the waitress."
"Are you fucking Stuart?" Jess said throwing her fork down loudly and pointing at Jack. "A toddler at your 'bachelor brunch'?"
Phil threw down his fork in retort too. "That's bullshit. You can't just skip out on a bachelor party Stu."
"You see that?" Stu pointed down to his glass which Jess hasn't noticed was covered. "That's orange juice with a napkin on top. You know why? So, no one roofies me."
"Well, you know I refuse to get cantaloupe at a fucking bachelor party!" snapped Phil picking up the cup of fruit and throwing it back down, the small bowl making a clinch on the wooden table.
"Come on Stu don't you think you're overreacting?" asked Doug looking at his friend closely. Stu didn't budge beside him at all. In fact, the man's curled lip was a clear sign of defiance.
"No, I don't. I'm still putting the broken pieces of my psyche back together. And you know what the glue is? Lauren. And I'm not doing anything to screw that up." Jess sat back in her seat and waited for this to continued.
"Oh please. You wouldn't even be with her if it wasn't for us!" said Phil pulling his sunglasses off his face.
"Oh, this will be good," muttered Stu as Phil began.
"Stu think about it. You ended up ditching Melissa, then two years later you met your true soul mate. You take Vegas out of that equation; you would've married a cunt." Jess blushed and looked around as the older couple looked at them. They gave him a dirty look. "Oh no it's okay because I'm at a bachelor party. Drink up everybody, oh wait there's no alcohol. I forgot we're at a fucking IHop!"
"Well, it's my decision and that's final. So, I say a toast," said Stu as he took his orange juice and raised it.
"This sucks. I'm leaving. Get up!" he ordered to Jess.
"Phil why are you doing this," asked Jess as he practically pushed her out of the booth. "Really?" she asked again they stood up.
"Phil, where are you going?" asked Doug. He looked up and let out a short snap of frustration aimed at Stu and Doug.
"No, Doug, I just don't get it. He's getting married in Thailand. That's great for him but what about us? He's just selfish! Shame on you. I'll be in the car," he spoke the last to Stu and then Jess. "Come on."
Before Jess knew it, Phil had grabbed her arm which she shook off. Annoyance showing off, Phil departed for his car. Jess stood rooted a moment before rubbing her arm.
"Damn him," she muttered grabbing her purse. She reached in and withdrew twenty dollars for hers and Phil's meals. Stu grabbed for her arm with a concerned look on his face.
"Jess, don't. Not you too," begged Stu seeing he had upset her tremendously.
"Stu, I get you wanted me at your wedding, but saying that Phil and Doug were barely invited is a fucking lie." Doug and Stu stared at her in shock. They had never heard her curse before. "They are your best friends! You don't treat your friends like pieces of shit, even when one is most of the time—"
"That would be Phil," muttered Doug as Stu only nodded at Jess seeing her point.
"— and Stu, I just can't underst— I need to go," she said walking away her purse. "Are you keeping Jack?"
Doug nodded as Stu took her twenty that she threw down on the table and watched her walk away in a huff like Phil had.