Broken family

"I'm home!" Jonathan yells as he comes through the front door as he slams it shut.

"Watch it you little twerp!" Sam scoffs as she walks right behind him.

"Sorry." He excitingly says.

"Watch your words, young lady." Tony berates her as he walks in from the kitchen. "Snacks and drinks are in the kitchen." He points towards the door behind him. "And because it's the end of the school year.. I brought out the good snacks." He winks.

"YES!" Both kids say in unison dropping their bags and trying to get passed Tony.

"Hold up!" He stops both of them. "Please put your bags away, wash up and then come into the kitchen." Sam rolls her eyes but turns and does as asked.

"But Tonyyyyy!" Jonathan tries. Tony looks down at the preteen and smiles.

"You know the rules by now Jonathan." Tony tussles his hair. "Go do as I asked. Oh and both of yous, bring your rapport card down when you're done."

"Yes dad." Sam is already halfway up the stairs.

"Okay Tony." Jonathan smiles up at him and then quickly turns on his heels. Angela is just in time to see Jonathan fly by.

"The kids are home I hear." She gives Tony a warm smile. He nods towards the stairs.

"They're putting away their stuff and freshening up for their snacks." He points back to the kitchen. "You also feel like brownies?" Angela raises her eyebrow in curiosity.

"Brownies? Really? As an after school snack?" She can't disguise the surprise.

"Ay oh.. oh ay.. not just any after school snack!" He takes a step towards her as he leans in. "THE last day of the school year after school snack!"

~He is so endearing.~ She smiles at him. "You are the sweetest father ever." She leans in and pecks him on his cheek. He looks up at her in surprise.

"Thanks." He blushes as he massages the back of his neck. Angela can't help but smile after making him blush.

"It's true you know?" She means every word.

"What is?" He feels confused.

"You are the sweetest father a child could ever ask for." He raises an eyebrow as he looks at her, questioning what she means by it. "You are so sweet, loving and mostly patient with your daughter…" She waits a second. "and also my son. You treat him like he is your own son." Tony's confusion turns into a big grin.

"He feels like my boy. You know.. and well you.. treat Sam as if she is your own daughter." He gives her a loving smile.

"She does feel like she is my little girl." She matches his loving smile. "I mean no disrespect to Marie."

"I know you don't. I know Marie would be happy to know such an amazing woman stepped up to the plate to take care of her little girl." He sighs. "I guess she is our little girl.. of the three of us." They smile at each other.

"I would have loved to have known her." She smiles.

"She would have liked Jonathan and you very much. I do think she would have to get used to your mother." He winks. Angela chuckles.
"Tony?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for being a father to Jonathan. You'll never know how much I appreciate it. He needed a male role model. I mean, we both know.. Michael.. You know." She shrugs.

"I know. Come on." He walks her towards the kitchen.

"After Michael left it was hard.." She starts. "Dealing with a little boy, a career, a house and a mother." She gave him a weak smile. "And you know how mother gets." Tony laughs. "But the one thing mother got right.." She looks him straight in his eyes. "Was you. I will forever be grateful to her. I.. I am so sorry that I doubted you." Tony gives a small chuckle.

"I don't blame you one bit. Honestly Angela, especially now that I have gotten to know Mona pretty well.." He chuckles again. "I understand why you doubted her and me." His demeanour turns serious. "I mean here I was a scruffy looking guy from Brooklyn with his kid who had a shiner at that time. It's a miracle you took a chance on us. I will forever be grateful for the chance you gave us, Angela." He licks his lips.

~Oh please don't do that..~ she thinks as she can't keep her eyes off of him. He obviously knows how she feels about him. Not too long ago she said it in her sleep, the entire family heard her express her love for him. She cringes at the thought. Not because she doesn't love him, she knows she loves him more than any man she ever loved before. She loves him so much, it scares her.

"You want some coffee with that brownie?" His voice brings her back to the kitchen.

"I guess we both needed each other. And we came into each other's lives at the right time. No need to thank me Tony. You've helped me as much as anyone. I am forever in your debt. I am so happy Jonathan still had a father figure after Michael bailed on us." She looks at him again. "You have been such an amazing father to him and I cannot stress that enough. It's been 2,5 years Tony.. since Jonathan last saw Michael and.."

"MOM!" Jonathan comes in and hugs his mother.

"Surprise! I was working from home." She sits on the chair closes to her and hugs her little boy. "How was the last day of school?"

"Boring! Ugh we weren't doing anything." Jonathan complains.

"I put away everything dad. Where is the snack?" Samantha comes into the kitchen. "Hi Angela!" She says with a big smile.

"Hi honey." Angela gives her a warm smile. Tony loves the little interactions between Angela and Sam, that's when he can also see how much his daughter loves Angela. "How was your last day of school?"

"IT WAS AWESOME!" Sam enthusiastically yells. "We didn't have to do anything. Bonnie, Marci and I were just hanging around, talking all day." She giggles. Angela smiles as she looks between her son and her daughter. Even though she knows she isn't Sam's mother and Sam doesn't see her as her mother, she can't help but love her like her own.

"Hey buddy. Why don't you come here and help me make some drinks for the ladies?" Tony nods for Jonathan to come over.

"Awhhh.. do I have to?" He complains.

"Come on buddy, that's what gentlemen do!" Tony motions again as Jonathan does what he ask.
"Gentleman? HA!" Sam scoffs. "He's not even half a man." She starts laughing.
"Hey!" Jonathan turns around. Then turns to Tony. "You're making her drink."

"Samantha, be kind to your.." Angela starts but is shocked by her own words. "Euh.. well you know be kind to Jonathan." Both Sam and Jonathan side-eye her but don't say a word. The four of them knew what she meant and they all feel like a family, but the kids will never admit that they live and act like a brother and a sister.

"You kids can take your milk and brownie into the living room. Go watch some TV." Tony says.

"TV and brownies after school?" Sam chuckles again. "I am so happy summer break started."

"Watch it young lady or you can sit outside." Tony teases. She sticks out her tongue before disappearing behind the door. Angela softly laughs.

"Teens!" Tony can't help but laugh.

"Mom?" Jonathan sets his brownie and milk down.
"Yes sweetheart?" She caresses his face. He plumps into the chair next to hers.

"Can I talk to Tony for a second?" She feels a pinch of hurt and disappointment but smiles.

"Of course sweetheart. I will take my coffee and brownie and sit in the living room with Sam." Jonathan doesn't notice the hurt in her eyes, but Tony does. She kisses the top of his head and leaves. Just before exiting, she looks at Tony. He gives her a knowing nod.

"So what do you want to talk about buddy?" Tony turns the chair and rests his arms on the backrest. Jonathan just stares at his brownie and milk. "Hey.. Jonathan.." He softly touches his shoulder. "You okay buddy?" Jonathan softly starts to shake his head. "You want to talk about it?" Jonathan softly nods. "But just not with your mom?" He softly presses as Jonathan's head shoots up.

"No!" He nearly screams.

"Whoa, whoa.. relax Jonathan." Tony squeezes his shoulder. "I'm here for ya." Jonathan looks up at Tony, he sees the same hurt in his eyes as he just saw in Angela's. "You can tell me anything, you know that don't you." He pushes forward. "What is it about?" Jonathan shrugs. "You have to tell me buddy, I can't keep on guessing." Jonathan slumps in his chair.

"Tony.." His voice is a mere whisper as he sighs.

"Yeah buddy?"

"Are you ever afraid?" Jonathan looks up at him. Tony can't hide his surprise.

"If I ever get scared?" He asks in surprise, Jonathan just nods. "Of course I do!" Jonathan heads snaps back as he looks at Tony in surprise.

"Really? You? You get scared?" Tony hears the relief in the little boy's voice. "I mean as an adult.."

"I understood and yes I do get scared."

"About what?" Jonathan is curious, he needs to know what scares Tony.

"Remember recently when your mom disappeared on her birthday? After she.. well you know, said what she said in her sleep.." Jonathan giggles and nods. "Remember when I went out looking for her?" Jonathan nods again. "I was scared then." Jonathan narrows his eyes.

"Me too." He just says. "But I knew if anyone could find her, it'd be you." He gives him a smile. "You haven't let me down so far."

"Thanks buddy. But I couldn't find her in the beginning. It took me a while to find her. And the more I searched.. You know I had to hit a couple of places before I found her. I was scared I couldn't find her and had to come home alone. I didn't want to disappoint you." Jonathan gives him a look of confusion. "I see this seems strange to you. But I don't ever want to disappoint our family. That is also something that scares me. Fear isn't just about insects, animals, heights or any other know fears. It goes deeper. Can I safely assume you're afraid of something?" Jonathan looks at his brownie again and nods. "About travelling?" Jonathan shakes his head. "About seeing your dad again?" Jonathan looks up at Tony, trying to suppress the tears he feels welling and just nods. "That's perfectly normal Jonathan." Tony gives him a big, reassuring smile.
"It is?" Jonathan feels so confused by their interaction.

"Of course it is, it's been over 2,5 years since you last saw him." Again he sees pain in Jonathan's eyes and waits a moment.

"I also hardly spoke to him." His little voice full of hurt.

"I know buddy. But you have to understand that your dad is a busy man. And he is making awesome documentaries." Tony tries to stay positive.

"Why doesn't he want me?" Jonathan's directness takes him off guard.

"It's not that your dad doesn't want you buddy. But can you imagine Heather and your dad taking you through jungles, deserts or even icy lands?"

"You know I'd love that, discovering animals."

"I know and so does your dad, that's why he sends you the packages. But what if you did go with him to say the Sahara desert. You wouldn't be able to see your mom or talk to her for months on end. How would that make you feel?"

"I don't want to be without mom." He quickly says, making Tony smile.

"I know. But can you imagine your mom in the desert?" Tony chuckles as Jonathan laughs. "I see you can't either. I know you love critters and all. But you and I.. well and Sam, your mom and grandmother.. we aren't the type of people that do well in those type of atmospheres."

"Does my dad love me?"

"What?" Tony feels shocked. "Of course he does. He sends you packages and calls you form time to time, doesn't he?" Jonathan nods at his words.

"Yes but he never comes by, he never picks me up, I don't think I've ever celebrated my birthday or Christmas with him…" He thinks for a moment. "No.. I can't remember ever celebrating either with him." He slumps back into his chair. "But you're always here." Tony is at a loss for words. "I wish you were my dad." His voice soft but clear. Tony gets up and pulls his chair closer to Jonathan.
"I know it's not the same, but you do feel like…" Tony massages the back of his neck before looking Jonathan into his eyes. "my boy." He smiles as Jonathan's eyes light up. "I hope you know that." Jonathan shrugs. "I don't know what to say to convince you Jonathan, I just hope you know that I am speaking the truth.. scratch that I hope I make you feel it." Jonathan cocks his head.

"I don't know." Tony doesn't know why but his words hurt. "No, no Tony." Jonathan immediately feels guilty. "I know you love me. It's just.." Jonathan gets up and starts pacing.
~This kid was born grown up.~ Tony thinks to himself. "Complicated?" Tony asks.

"Complicated." Jonathan confirms with a slight smile. "It's like I know I have my dad. But I also have you. And I love my dad, but then there is you." Jonathan starts pacing again. "You have been more like a dad than my actual dad." His last words sound incredibly sad. "But I know my dad loves me." He quickly adds.

"Of course he does!" Tony gives him a big grin. "He loves you just as much as I do." Jonathan narrows his eyes again, knowing Tony is lying.

"I guess." He shrugs.

"Are you nervous for your dad's visit?" Tony gets up and turns the chair. "You can be honest." Jonathan slowly nods again. "It's perfectly fine buddy. It's been too long. But your dad is going to have the best stories when he arrives. He probably has a ton of stories about down under, mate." Tony says the last part in a horrible Australian accent. Jonathan giggles. "And you don't have to chose between your dad and me. You can love us both equally." Tony caresses his hair. "I'm always here for you buddy."

"Thanks Tony."

"Don't mention it buddy!"

"I.." Jonathan looks at him. "I love you." Tony's face lights up like a Christmas tree.

"I love you too Jonathan. Com'ere!" As he pulls Jonathan into an embrace.

"Now you better eat that brownie or my feelings will get hurt." Tony teases as Jonathan digs in. Tony just watches him devour the brownie.

====XXXX====

When Angela walks into the living room, Samantha turns her head.

"Hey." She smiles. "I wasn't expecting you."

"Disappointed?" Angela snickers.

"You instead of the little twerp." Samantha winks at Angela. "Is a gift." She laughs at her own joke.

~She is so much like her dad. Same sense of humour!~ Angela just shakes her head and is about to open her mouth.

"Yeah, yeah.. I know. We act like brother and sister." Angela smiles.

"You do. And as I never had a brother or a sister, I love seeing it. May I?" Samantha nods as Angela takes her place next to her on the couch. "How's the brownie?" Angela looks at the empty plate in front of Samantha.

"Too small." She laughs. "Do you mind if I watch some MTV? I want to check out the latest music videos."

"Of course honey. Maybe I can learn what you kids like nowadays." Angela says as she elbows Samantha.

They sit in silence for a while when 'Tomorrow People' by Ziggy Marley comes on. "Oh this one is new!" Samantha enthusiastically says. "It is such a good son with such a great, mellow beat." Angela enjoys the little moment with Samantha.

"I have to say, this is a pretty good song." As Angela moves her head to the beat.

"You like it?" Samantha says in surprise.
"Yes.. why?" Angela raises her eyebrow.
"I just thought.. you know.. you people like big bands and Sinatra and stuff." She shrugs.

"You people?" Angela fakes hurt. "You mean us old folks?" Samantha snaps her head to look at Angela and turns red.

"No, no.. that's not what I meant." She can't hide the panic in her voice.

"Yes you do!" Angela laughs. "Ands it's okay kiddo. Yes us old people like this kind of music too."

"Sorry." Samantha's voice is a mere whisper.

"For what?" Angela looks at her. Samantha doesn't really know how to respond to her. "It's okay honey. I like this." Angela puts her hand over Samantha's. "We don't have many of these moments together. I kinda like spending time with you." Angela gives a shy smile.

"Me too." Samantha moves closer to her. "It's nice to do normal family things." As she leans into Angela. She immediately puts her arm over the young girl's shoulder and starts caressing her hair. Both knowing what Samantha meant, but Angela knows Samantha isn't ready to say it. They sit like that as they watch other music videos. Angela likes most of the 80s music except for all the Rock bands.

"Jonathan and your dad are taking their time, aren't they?" Angela holds on to Samantha but looks towards the kitchen door.

"Talking men business." Samantha cynically says, making Angela laugh.

"Yeah probably." She can't help but chuckle.

About 15 minutes later Tony and Jonathan walk in. Tony looks at Angela and Samantha and smiles. It seems like such an intimate, personal moment, he almost feels like he is invading their privacy.

"Ladies!" He says as 'Wishing Well' by Terence Trent D'Arby comes on.

"Ssshhhh." Angela and Samantha both shush him.

"Ouch." He grabs his heart. Jonathan laughs.

"The ladies really love this song." Jonathan says.

"Not only the song." Angela laughs and Samantha joins her. "The singer is quite handsome."

~Why is she looking at other men?~ Tony feels a sting of jealousy come over him. "He isn't that handsome." He grumps.

"Someone sounds jealous.." Samantha side-eyes her father as he shoots her a look. "Well you do!" she snaps at him.

"Samantha, don't tease your father like that. He isn't jealous." Angela caresses Samantha's hair again. "Maybe a little intimidated." Now Angela teasingly looks at him, her look takes him off guard.

~God she is beautiful. Why is she taunting me?~ All he can think about is taking her in his arm and whisking her away.

"Cat got your tongue Tony?" Angela interrupts his train of thoughts. "That doesn't very often."

"I know right." He says with a cocky attitude.

"You two are good?" Angela looks from Jonathan to Tony and back.

"Yeah we are, aren't we buddy?" Tony puts his arm around him.

"More than good." Jonathan looks up at Tony. "Thanks Tony." As he gives him a side hug. "Mom, is it okay if I head towards Steven's house?"

"Sure sweetheart. Be back in time for dinner okay?"

"Will do mom." As he speeds towards the door.

"Dad, can I hang at the mall with Bonnie?" Samantha sees the doubt in his face. "Pleasssseeee dad."

"Fine. Be back in time for dinner just like Jonathan okay?"

"Will do dad! See you later Angela." As she gives her a quick side hug.

"Whoa whoa.. no hug for your dad?" Tony's words make her turn.

"How could I forget! Silly me!" She quickly hugs Tony and runs out the door.

Angela gets up and starts piling the plates.

"Let me." Tony wants to take the plates from her, but she pulls back.

"No, I can do this." She gets up and walks towards the kitchen. She is wearing a flowing skirt. He watches as her calf muscles flex as she walks. He truly loves her legs. He follows her into the kitchen.

"I thought I was the housekeeper here." He jokes. Angela turns around and shoots him a hurt look.

"I can bring in some dishes. It's no big deal. I thought we run this house as a family. He immediately realises he's hurt her feelings.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean anything by it." He stands next to her.

"I know." She turns and rinses the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. "So what did Jonathan and you talk about? Oh I'm sorry it might be private."

"it kinda was, but the gist of it is that he is nervous Michael is coming to visit him. I think he is even more nervous to be going with them to LA for 2 weeks." Angela looks at him. He sees her sadness. "I know it makes you sad, but it'll be good for him to spend some time with his dad. He is so confused." Angela looks at him in surprise.

"Confused?" she asks.

"About his dad and me."

"What? Why about Michael and you?"

"Simple, he loves his dad, he has always idolised him. But then there is me. I'm here every day, I've taken on the .. eehh.. male role model and he loves me like a dad." He starts.

"You are not like a dad, Tony you are his dad. He hasn't seen Michael in 2,5 years. I get it is confusing. His feelings between his father and his dad." Tony feels his heart melt as she calls him Jonathan's dad. "I hope he'll open up to me. But I'm happy he has opened up to you."