by Ancelli
“It was the happiest day of my life too,” she agreed.
“And when you told me you were pregnant,” Jesse’s lips curled to a small smile. “Girl,” he cupped her face with his strong hands. “I was afraid and excited all at the same time. We were having a baby,” he whispered. “That was another milestone in our life together. I was beyond happy.”
She said a silent prayer, because he was now talking about Jesse Jr without pain in his voice. Jesse was smiling, remembering those happy moments. Yes, his healing process had begun. Maya lovingly listened to him talk.
“The guys were getting tired of hearing me talk about you and the baby,” he chuckled. “Our sweet baby boy.”
“He was an angel,” Maya covered his hands with hers. “God decided he needed him more than us.”
Jesse smiled and lifted her up again. He carried her into the bathroom, closed the door behind them, and they made love one more time in the shower, with Maya against the wall as Jesse slammed deep into her. “Here’s to the rest of our lives together,” he said against her neck.
Chapter Twelve
“Daddy home, Mommy!” Bella jumped up and down looking out the window. Jesse had just parked in the driveway. Bella got excited every time she saw her father, it seemed like they were never apart. She ran to the door and twisted the door knob open. “Daddy!” She ran right into his open arms, he picked her up and kissed her cheek.
“Hey, princess,” he tickled her tummy. “I love the way you welcome me.”
“I miss you,” she wrapped her small hands around his neck.
“Aww… sweetie, I missed you too,” he hugged her tight.
Maya watched them from the kitchen, her heart swelled when she saw them together. It was the first time Jesse wore basketball shorts outside their home, as he usually covered his prosthetic, not wanting anyone to see it. She smiled seeing it as one more step in his recovery. He was little by little coming out of his shell.
Jesse limped over to Maya. Why was he limping? He’d been going to physical therapy, and he was finally walking without a limp. Did he hurt himself? Maya was worried, but kept it to herself. Jesse gave her a kiss on her lips. “Mmm…” he chuckled. “How was your day?”
“Good,” she watched him closely as he put Bella down. “How was yours?”
“Great,” he said, grabbing an apple off the counter.
“How did the interview go?” He had an interview early that morning, and then he had to go to physical therapy.
“Babe, I think I got the job,” Jesse grinned. “I just have a feeling.”
“Really!” Maya squealed. She was beyond happy for him. This was his fifth interview since he’d been back, and so far he’d had no luck.
“I think I nailed it,” he sat down on the chair and started massaging his leg. “The lady seemed optimistic. I had all the qualifications and credentials for the position. The pay isn’t what I wanted, but it’s working in a pharmacy.”
Jesse was so excited as he talked about the interview and the job.
“Let’s have an early celebration,” Maya picked up a bottle of wine.
He gave her a naughty smile, “I know a way we can celebrate later tonight.”
“Stop it,” she blushed, looking at their daughter. Jesse and Maya had been making love every night for about a week straight since Thanksgiving, making up for all the lost times.
“Bella, what time are you going to sleep?” He joked, messing with her curls.
“I no sleepy,” Bella scrunched her face.
“Daddy was kidding,” he said, while rubbing his leg.
“I help you, Daddy,” Bella went down on her knees and rubbed her palms on his calf. “Lego hurt?”
“Jesse,” Maya called his name. “Did you hurt your foot?”
“No, love,” he leaned back in the chair letting Bella think she was helping him. “Thank you, princess.”
“Welcome…” Bella giggled. “All done,” she got up. “Daddy, chair?” Bella waited for Jesse to pull out her chair, and then she climbed up and sat.
“Good girl,” he pushed in her chair. “A real man will always treat you like a queen, okay?”
“Yes, Daddy,” she grabbed her sippy cup, and started drinking her juice.
“Why are you limping?” Maya started cutting up pieces of chicken for dinner on the cutting board.
“I twisted it playing basketball,” he took a bite of the apple, and chewed.
“You were playing ball?” She didn’t mean for her voice to sound so loud. “Jesse, should you be playing ball?”
“Yes, mom,” he chuckled. “I went to physical therapy and then he asked me if I wanted to shoot some hoops.” Jesse gazed at her. “It was like old times, but you were missing. Love, I’m okay.”
Maya didn’t know what she was feeling at the moment. She needed to let him be, but she was so afraid of something happening to him, to them. She was happy, happier than she has ever been, and now she was afraid it would be taken from her. Jesse promised he would never leave them again, so why was she feeling this way? Maya curled her lips into a small smile, “I know,” she whispered and continued getting dinner prepared.
“Maybe next time we can play together,” he continued to eat the fruit.
“I would love to beat you again.” She winked, acting like she was throwing a basketball in a hoop.
“When did you ever,” he chuckled, “beat me?”
“It was on our third date if I recall correctly,” she now laughed and then his phone rang.
“When your friend sucker punched me,” he said, and his smile disappeared when he saw the number on the screen, and stood. “Hello,” he answered, and wandered out of the kitchen. “I understand,” the joy in his voice from earlier was gone. “Have a good night, too.” Maya heard him gasp, “Fuck.” Jesse walked to the living room and grabbed his keys, “Maya, I’ll be back,” he yelled and he walked out of the front door.
She washed her hands, and rushed over to the window, and peeking out of the curtains. “What happened?” Maya asked herself.
“Daddy okay, Mommy?” Bella looked up at her. “Daddy no say bye.”
Maya bent and picked her up, “I know, baby,” she kissed her forehead. “Daddy promised he’ll be back.”
***
“Fuck!” Jesse banged on the steering wheel frustrated. He glanced at the window, and Maya and his baby girl were peeking through the curtains. He didn’t get the fucking job. What else could he do? He had everything they were looking for and more. All he wanted to do was provide for his family. The monthly checks weren’t enough for him. Jesse was a man, and he was supposed to provide for Maya and Bella. Sitting at home wasn’t what he wanted to do, even though he knew his wife didn’t care, but he did. How could he teach his daughter what a man was supposed to do for his family if he wasn’t leading by example? He placed the key in the ignition, and backed out the driveway, headed downtown. Jesse knew he should call Maya, but he was too disappointed in himself at the moment. He would talk to her later, right now he needed to be by himself.
Jesse drove downtown, parking in a dark parking lot. He reared back in his seat looking at the corner where Maya saved him in more ways than one. He picked up his cell phone, and listened to his voicemails. “We can handle anything together, see you when you get home,” Jesse sighed, hearing sadness in his wife’s voice. He tugged his wallet out of his front pocket, and pulled out a paper his uncle handed him before leaving after Thanksgiving.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.
A single tear ran down his flushed cheek. after everything that happened to him and his family they were standing tall. He wouldn’t give up.
He drove off toward their home, soon coming to a stoplight. Jesse glanced to his left and saw Pete sitting on the corner. He lowered the passenger window, “Pete!” he yelled trying to get the old man’s attentio
n, but he didn’t acknowledge him. Jesse waited for the light to change, and made a left turn instead of continuing straight toward home. He parked further down the road, got out of the car, and walked toward Pete.
The old man’s head was resting on the light pole. “Buddy,” Jesse called out getting closer, he still didn’t answer or move. “Pete,” he bent down patting his shoulder, Pete reeked of liquor. The old man still didn’t respond. “No, no, no… don’t you dare do this…” Jesse panted thinking the worst. This wasn’t how his friend was supposed to end up. Not alone on the streets. Why didn’t he try harder to get him some help? Because Buddy was where he felt safest. “Pete, open your eyes,” Jesse said before feeling his wrist for a pulse, and he let out a deep breath once he found one. In a sudden move, Pete pulled his hand away.
“Who are you?” He shouted, and then he ducked lower. “Get down!”
Jesse ducked a little, but glanced around the area. He didn’t see anyone or anything that would cause them harm. “Buddy,” he stared at the man. “Why are we ducking?”
“Who the fuck is Buddy? I’m Sergeant First Class Williams,” he sat back up. “And you will address me as such, Private!” and then Pete pointed up, “The bullets, fool. Stay down, I don’t want to send you home in a body bag like the rest of them.”
Now he understood what was happening. Jesse slowly sat down next to him. Pete was stuck in his past at the moment. Buddy needed help, he had to come up with a way to get him to the hospital. “Sergeant First Class Williams.” The car passing by slowed down, and the passengers were looking at them sitting on the corner. But Jesse could care less, he wasn’t leaving his friend alone again. This time he was taking him to get help, something he should’ve done a long time ago.
“What, Private?”
“I think we’re safe now,” Jesse stretched his legs out. “Do you hear that?” He placed his palm over his ear.
“I don’t hear shit.”
“Exactly, it’s over.” Jesse reared back. “They’re coming to take us home.”
Pete’s lips curled into a grin, and he shook his head. “I don’t need this anymore,” he acted like he threw something to the ground. “I’m finally going home to my Ruth.”
“Ruth, is she your wife?” Jesse never saw this side of the old man. He didn’t like talking about his family and he respected that. Pete would disappear for days, sometimes weeks, but always found his way to Jesse. Now he wondered, was he having these episodes when he disappeared? He sighed, realizing his old buddy suffered from PTSD, and maybe Alzheimer's disease.
“No,” he chuckled. “She’s just my girl. When I get back I’m going to propose to her. Annie Mae promised she’ll have everything ready for me.” Pete had a spark in his eyes as he talked about his family, and Jesse got an idea he prayed would work.
“Sergeant First Class Williams, your sister is waiting for you,” Jesse watched him closely.
“Where?” Pete jumped up knocking over his bottle of rum. “I don’t see her,” he paced back and forth searching the area.
Jesse bent his legs and pushed himself up. “I’ll take you to her.”
“Private, you’re lying to me,” Pete got in his face. His breath almost knocked the wind out of Jesse. “You don’t know my sister!”
He needed to think fast, “Fine!” He yelled back, making Pete take a step back. “I guess I’ll just tell Annie Mae and Ruth you don’t want to see them,” he turned and started to walk away. “Please let this work,” he said under his breath as he reached his car. Jesse looked back and Pete was still in the same spot.
“Wait!” Pete yelled with his hand in the air, trying to stop him. He jogged as fast as his old legs could let him. “Take me to her,” he said out of breath. “I need to see Ruth.”
Jesse opened the passenger car door without saying a word, and Pete hopped in. He closed the door and walked around the vehicle to the driver’s side. He had no idea how this sickness worked. One minute the old man thought he was at war, and the next he thought Jesse was taking him to see his sister. At least his plan worked, now it was time for him to take care of the only person who looked out for him when he was on the streets, and never asked for anything in return. He got in the car, and drove to the nearest VA hospital.
***
“How is he doing?” Jesse asked the nurse as she came out of Pete’s room. He’d been waiting for over three hours, and he wanted to make sure he was okay before going home.
“Sir,” she closed the door. “I’m not supposed to give you any information, because you’re not family,” she mentioned.
“I’m the closet thing he has to one at the moment.” Jesse wasn’t mad at the woman, he understood, but he was the one that brought him in. “I just want to know if he’s going to be okay?”
She stared at him for a few seconds, “At the moment he’s okay. Mr. Williams has signs of Alzheimer's, and he was dehydrated.” She opened a file in her hand, “He was seen for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder years ago. I’ve shared too much information with you, I can get fired for this,” she rapidly closed the file.
“Thank you,” Jesse turned and walked toward the elevators.
“Sir,” the nurse called out, making him look back. “No one will be in to see Mr. Williams for a while, so if you want to pay him a visit, I won’t say a word.” She walked off down the hall.
He slowly pushed in the door to Pete’s room. The older man watched him through narrowed eyes. “What am I doing here, boy?”
Jesse smirked, the old man he knew was back. He walked further in to the room.
“Boy, what did you do?” His voice was harsh.
“You don’t remember?” Jesse knew the answer. “Buddy, you needed help.”
“I don’t need nobody’s fucking help,” he shouted, trying to lift his arms, but they were tied down in restraints. “I’m not an animal. I was fine right where I was.”
“They’re trying to help you, and you weren’t fine living on the streets,” Jesse fired back. “You have people who want to help you, let them.”
“Not everybody gets the happily ever after you got,” Pete looked away from him.
Jesse glared at the old man, and all his pent up emotions came to the surface. “You think I’m living a fairytale?” He cracked his neck. “I wake up every fucking day wondering if I will be able to make it through a day without wondering if I,” he pointed at his chest, “deserved this second chance that was given to me. Am I enough for my family? Do I have what it takes to be the man, husband, and father they deserve?”
Pete’s eyes softened. “And?”
“Everyday I have to remind myself that I am enough,” Jesse said with conviction, and sat in a chair close to the small bed. “Pete, we both need help,” he lowered his voice. “I’m getting better, and you can too. That doesn’t make us weak, it makes us smarter than most,” he snickered. “It takes time, no healing is done overnight, but you have to want it for it to be achieved. Yes, I took the first steps in helping you, but you have to follow through. I can’t do it for you.”
Pete didn’t say a word.
“You’re not getting any younger, Pete. Do you want to die alone?” He sadly stared at him. “The streets aren’t safe for someone your age.”
“What are you saying, I’m old?” His lips thinned.
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying. You’re old, Buddy,” Jesse laughed. “How long have you been in the streets?” He’d asked him that question before, but he always evaded it.
“Over eighteen years.”
“Eighteen years!” Jesse raised his eyebrow in shock.
“The streets became my home. I didn’t have to answer to anyone,” he looked away. “And I didn’t hurt my loved ones. I was tired of seeing the look in their eyes when I woke up from one of my episodes. I didn’t want them to have to decide what they were going to do about me and my condition. I made the decision for them when I walked away from everything.”
Jesse stared at him, Pete knew he was m
entally sick, that’s why he left his love ones.
“Don’t you think it’s time to let your family know you’re okay?”
Pete coughed, “I don’t think they care.”
“I beg to differ,” Jesse leaned on his elbows. “I bet Annie Mae is wondering how her big brother is doing.”
“How do you know my sister’s name?”
“You told me,” he smirked. “You let me talk about my life, and you kept pieces of yours hidden, but you told me enough.”
“What did you do?” Pete whispered.
“If you say yes, all you have to do is place a call,” Jesse stated. He’d searched online on his phone, and with one of the nurse’s help, he ended up finding his next of kin. Looking into old records that were scanned in the VA’s system, they succeeded in finding an Annie Mae Williams in Chicago.
“Yes to what?”
“Calling your family,” he stood, digging in his front pocket, and handed him a piece of paper. “Here, I think this might be your sister’s phone number.”
Pete grabbed the piece of paper and stared at it. “Annie Mae.”
“Yes,” Jesse glanced at his watch, it was after two am. Maya must be worried about him. He went to get his phone.
“Sir,” a tall African-American man said coming in through the door. “Visitation hours have been over a long time ago. Are you even family?”
Before Jesse could answer, Pete did. “Yes, he is family.”
He glared at Jesse, “Family or not, you need to leave.”
Jesse glared at the man, wanting to say something, but held his tongue. The man was here to help Pete, and he needed to get home to his family. He took Pete’s hand in his, and squeezed, “It gets better, Buddy. If you need me, the nurses have my number,” he said. Jesse nodded at the rude guy and walked to the door.
“J, thank you.” Pete said.
“No thanks necessary,” he opened the door.