Chapter 101

“SHIT!”

Megan muttered as she tried for the second time to apply her make up without smudging it.  Her hands were shaking so badly and some very energetic entity played rough tumble in her tummy, making her so nauseous she was ready to have a chat with the toilet bowl.

“Mom! You are making us late!”

“No I’m not! Hold you horses young man, I’m coming!” She stared at him from the mirror, hoping that he wont hate her after tonight. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and never let go, hoping it will make it all go away. But she knew it wouldn’t, she owed him and Jon the truth. Jon wanted so much to be in his life that he even turned the lawyers loose on her. Jaden needed his father and Megan knew Jon would be a wonderful father to him. Just a pity she left it so long. She sighed and turned around, smiling as a tall, darkhaired hunk leaned against the doorframe, fully dressed and oh so damn sexy.

“Well, hello there you beautiful little thing.” His voice was like a balm to her tortured soul.

He’d been watching her unnoticed for a few minutes, watching as the demons darkened her beautiful features, leaving their tracks around her mouth.

“You don’t know how good it is to see you.”

“C’mere sweetheart.”

He opened himself and she walked into the safe haven that was his huge chest and warm arms. The warmth of his naked skin seeped into her and she closed her eyes, her arms tightening around his bulk. She smelled his unique scent, her weary bones drawing his strength into her. There was no need for words. He knew she needed someone to carry her burden for a few minutes and he took it from her. He felt the first heartwrenching tear roll down his chest and he lowered his head on hers.

“You are gonna be alright. Everyone is going to be ok.”

She sniffed softly, rubbing her cheek over the patch of fur covering his nipples. This man was her rock. Will she ever survive without him?

“Mom? You ok?”

She was thankful for Richie frame covering the door. She looked up at Richie. A calloused finger wiped the lonely tear from her cheek. He nodded slightly to her. His eyes spoke to her.

You look fine. Now lets face this.

“I’m great sweetie. I just missed Richie. Soooo are you ready to rock with the boys from New Jersey?”

“Woooooohoooooo! “

He jiggled around, his face lit, his eyes sparkling.

“Giddy up J.  I might not be as fast as Blaze but I can gallop just like him!”

Richie swung him gently onto his back, careful not to harm his shoulder and galloped out the door. Jaden’s hysterical laughter could be heard down the hallway.

~~

Jon was in his dressing room accompanied by Dave and Tic when they heard the child’s laughter.

“This is it guys. You are going to meet my son.” The nervous tuck at the corner of his mouth, showed his vulnerability.

He received a hearty slap from them. Their eyes were trained on the door, their breaths caught in their throats.

The door crashed opened and in came Richie, a fine film of sweat covering his forehead, the dark hair framing his face already wet from the exercise. All they could see was a little arm holding onto his neck and legs entwined around his waist.

“J is in the house!!!!”

He swung around, letting the boy slip slowly from his back.

Dave and Tico stared in anticipation to see the fruit of Jon’s loins. Megan walked in as quiet as a mouse. Her complexion was somewhat pale and the strain visible around her mouth.

Jaden turned around and the room went completely silent. Tico blinked a few times, his brain telling him that he was staring at Mrs. B’s photos displayed in her house. Dave’s mouth sagged open. This was incredible! There was no denying, who this kid’s dad was!

Suddenly everyone came to life as they realized the boy was flushing a bright red at everyone staring at him as if he just grown a horn in the middle of his forehead.

Tic’s growly voice disrupted the silence.

“So this is Jaden, huh? Welcome son, I’m Ti..”

“Tico Torres, the drummer. Yeah I know.”

Jaden stood proudly, holding his hand out so he can greet the man. Tico took the small hand, pressing lightly.

“Oh what the hell! You are family, your mom is like our sister! Cheeky little thing, but still.”

He pulled him closer for a quick hug while flashing Megan a quick wink.

“I know I‘m not as popular as the other boys around here but I guess I dont have to introduce myself?”

“Naaw, I know you are David Bryan.”

Dave rolled his eyes dramatically.

“Pheeewww, thank God. I thought you might burst my ego bubble there for a moment!”

With the innocence only childhood could bring, he pulled out of his embrace, staring him dead centre in the eye.

“You know if you change the way you dress, you might be more popular, you know.”

Richie’s, Jon and Tico’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets, trying to suppress the hysterical laughter building up, but they lost the battle and the room burst as they all cracked. Richie laughed so hard he doubled over, Jon slapped his knee and Tico shook uncontrollably.

Megan stifled a giggle, stepping towards Dave.

“Now that wasn’t nice peanut. Dave likes the way he dresses.”

Dave being known as the Joker, lived up to his reputation and snickered.

“You and I need to talk buddy. You give me some pointers on how to catch girls with a new wardrobe and I’ll be thankful to you forever. Deal?”

Jaden smiled , relieved that Dave wasn’t too upset. He was just trying to help him, he wasn’t trying to be mean!

“Deal!”

“I like this boy already. He has a future in Bon Jovi.”

“Fuck I tried for years to tell him he dresses like a damn clown and all it took was an eight year old to convince him.” Tico mumbled.

The room rumbled…again.