Chapter 105

Neither Jon nor Megan had a good night’s sleep. She checked on Jaden but he seemed to be sleeping soundly through the night.

Jaden didn’t say much to his mother he barely acknowledged her when she greeted him.

Sighing heavily, she turned away.

Maybe he just needed some time. She destroyed their closeness last night. Will they ever get it back, will he forgive her eventually or did she scar him for life? She wanted so much to hug him but she wouldn’t be able to stand his rejection again.

With a heavy heart did they go down for breakfast.

~~

“Mornin’ bro and what does your son say?”

“It was a fucking disaster.”

“Oh shit.” Tico pocketed his cigars as they sat down to eat.

“So he didn’t take it too well huh?” Dave looked worriedly at Jon.

Leaning on the table as he sat down, he folded his hands, pressing them together.

“Nope. I can understand it but Megan is taking it very personal. She was in such a state last night.”

Richie clucked sympathetically.

“She’s been a bundle of nerves since her father’s heartattack. I don’t know how much that poor girl is going to take before she has a breakdown.”

Tico’s words hit home.

“As long as you promise me you will stand by her side and help her and Jaden get over this.”

“That I’ll do Tic, that I’ll do. I just hope my son will love me and accept me after all these years.”

Richie saw the pain in his brother’s eyes and it ate at his insides.

“He will bro’. It will take time and I know you’ll have the patience to give him what he needs..time.”

David cleared his throat.

“They are on their way to the table guys..”

Everyone turned to look at the pair making their way to them.

Megan looked horribly pale, her eyes swollen from the previous night’s crying. Jaden didn’t have his usual springy step, his shoulders were somewhat slumped. The moment he saw Richie a smile broke over his features.

Richie stood up, everyone saw the visible change in the boy as his eyes rested on Richie.

The boy ran into Richie’s frame and clung to him for dear life. A steel fist threatened to rip Jon’s heart out of his chest, but he willed the demon aside, taking a deep breath.

Megan looked bewildered at Jon and saw the raw pain shining in them. Her heart went out to him.

Jaden sat next to Richie.  He peeked towards Jon.

“Morning …Jon.”

“Hey buddy. Did you sleep ok?”

He nodded.

Megan sat down next to Jaden.

“So I guess its in order to welcome you two to the Bon Jovi family huh?”

David winked at the boy, hoping he could get a smile from him.

Jaden smiled.

Jon’s eyes rested on Megan, she was withdrawn and so fucking pale.

“I hope you are all packed and ready for the flight back to Jersey.”

“Jersey?”

“We are going to stay with Jon now sweetie.”

“Oh, does Richie stay there as well?”

“Yep, I do. We are all going to have so much fun! Did your mom tell you how big the place is, its next to a river too.”

Jaden listened intently to Richie’s explanation of his new home, a tiny smile played over his face and his eyes sparkled excitedly.

Jon and Megan’s eyes locked over the breakfast table.  His smiled and she returned the favor.  How she would have loved to feel his arms wrapped around her, her face buried in his chest, hearing his heartbeat…

Was it longing he saw in her eyes?

The conversation steered towards the successful tour. Everyone was ready to go home to their families. Jon had his right here but it was going to take some hard work to get and keep it together but he was ready for whatever it would take.