It had been three months since the awful dinner date. Joyce had lost weight and hadn't been sleeping well. Her nightmares had returned.
Jonathan decided to leave her sleeping one morning. He had heard her awake crying most of the night so when he realised she was falling asleep he left her a note and covered her shift for her.
Jonathan had been in for over an hour when Donald arrived. He explained his mom was sick and as it was his day off thought he'd do her shift. Donald was very grateful to him.
Later in the morning Hopper walked in hoping to find Joyce. He was shocked to see Jonathan in her place.
"Hey kid" Hopper said "wheres your mom?".
"Oh hi Dad..I...I...sorry...Hopper". Hopper looked like he'd been punched.
"Its ok kid, really, I'm the one that should be sorry. Give me some cigarettes would you?".
Hopper went to leave but hesitated.
"Jonathan? Can I buy you lunch? What time do you finish?"
"Umm...12?" he replied.
"Do me a favour and meet me at the cabin...say 12.30?"
Jonathan nodded "sure".
When Jonathan arrived at the cabin, Hopper had made lunch for them. They sat together feeling slightly awkward.
Jonathan broke the silence. "What's all this about Hopper? I wanted to get home and check on mom".
Hopper looked up "is she really that bad?".
"Look, I know you had your reasons, I respect that I really do but yeah...you really hurt her. She doesn't sleep, she hardly eats. She's just....really sad".
Hopper got up from his seat, rubbed his head and paced around.
"I really fucked up, I...I...miss her...so much....how do I get her back?".
"You're asking me? How should I know? And I need to say this, as much as I respect you Hop. If you get back with her and upset her again I will make you pay".
"Whoa whoa...OK, slow down kid. If I'm lucky enough to win your mom back, I promise you, hand on heart, I will never hurt her again".
Jonathan smiled. They talked ideas...Hopper remembered what El had said and told Jonathan "I need something big".
They hatched a plan and made some phone calls. Jonathan was convinced his Mom wouldn't pick up on any of it...until Hopper wanted her to.
They shook hands "so I'll see you tomorrow?" Hop asked. "Absolutely, Dad" Jonathan replied. Hoppers smile grew hearing "Dad".
The following morning Joyce was better rested and was preparing breakfast for the boys. After eating, they kissed her goodbye and Jonathan drove Will to school. In the car, Jonathan told his little brother about what was happening today. Will waved goodbye with a huge smile on his face.
When Joyce arrived at work there were flowers waiting for her. The card simply read 'I'm stupid but I'm sorry'. She smiled and put them in water out in the back room. She hung up her coat and found chocolates again with a note that said 'I'm sorry I was really stupid'.
She took the chocolates back to her till and put them under the counter. As the morning went on people who came in were smiling at her more than usual. She checked herself over in a mirror...nothing out of the ordinary...what was wrong with these people?
Then Flo came in "Morning Joyce sweetheart, how you doing today?".
"Umm ok, I think Hop is trying to apologise" she smiled holding the chocolates.
"He's doing more than that darlin'...you've not been outside have you?".
Joyce looked confused, Flo took her by the hand and led her outside. They stood in front of the store. Instead of banners advertising the latest offer, a huge banner said:
'JOYCE BYERS WILL YOU MARRY ME?PLEASE MEET ME AT THE COURTHOUSE AT 5 TODAY.'
Flo continued, "he wanted me to tell you that he's sorted the kids out, they will all be waiting for you. Karen and Nancy have you a dress and they really hope you'll be there".
Joyce could hardly believe what she was seeing and hearing.
Donald came out of the shop holding her bag and flowers and smiled..."your shift is over Joyce and I don't want you back for two weeks...enjoy yourself, you deserve to be happy" he kissed her cheek and went back inside.
