Together ~ A Joshifer Story

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Jen's POV

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"Come down here, baby." I call upstairs.

Soon little feet toddle down the stairs. As soon as her feet hit the bottom of the steps she takes off running as fast as she can go, towards me.

"We've got to get you dressed." I tickle her belly

"Don't do dat again!" She pouts her lips, and then giggles.

 She runs off into the kitchen

"Ellie Anne Hutcherson! You get back in here..." I say in my mom voice.

She slowly toddles back in and lets me put her clothes on her. I pull her up into my lap.

"Guess what

What?"

"Daddy's going to be home tomorrow."

"Really?!"

 Her eyes light up like a million candles have just been lit in her pupils.

"Yeah. Are you excited? I know mommy is."

She nods her head vigorously

"Do you want to spend the night with Nana tonight? And then when you get home tomorrow daddy will be waiting for you."

"Sure." she contends

After her stuff is packed, I drive her to my mom's house. I chat with my parents for a little bit, kiss Ellie Ann on her forehead, and then I get back in my car. My parents agreed to watch Ellie Ann because they knew I'd want to have Josh to myself tonight when he got in. When I pull into the garage my phone vibrates.

Joshy: Facetime me.

Me: "Alright...?"

I walk inside and facetime Josh.

"Hey" I say when his face appears on the screen

"Hey, Baby Girl." He gives a sad smile.

"What's wrong?"

"I won't be able to come back tonight. Actually, I won't be able to come back for another month. They have added 3 more scenes, and they've got me really busy here."

All I do is stare for a minute, trying to figure out if I'm angry, disappointed, or both.

"Well, I don't know what to say, Josh. All I know is that you've got a three year old at home who really misses you, and I'm not going to break the news to her. You know, you're not the same person I married 4 years ago... The one who would find a way to be back home. 3 more scenes or not. And I really don't know what to say right now. You're missing watching Ellie Ann grow up... and I have a feeling, later on down the road, you'll regret that."

He looks at me, shocked. His eyes are watery and he just keeps staring. Then, he runs his fingers through his neatly placed hair, making it a mess.

"I'll call Ellie Ann and tell her." He says softly, almost inaudibly. "I love you, Jennifer."

"I love you too, Josh." I blink slowly before he ends the call.

I walk upstairs and turn on the shower. I get in and let the water run down my back and shoulders. I finish washing my body and my hair in around 20 minutes and then step out. I get dressed in one of Josh's sweatshirts and some sweatpants. When I walk downstairs I see mom hugging Ellie Ann on the couch. Ellie Ann lifts her head out of the crook of Mom's neck and turns to me, tears maing a steady stream down her cheeks.

"Mommy...?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Do you know bout Daddy?"

"I know, baby. But it'll be okay. He'll be back before you know it." I give a half smile and pick her up from the couch.

"He promise he'd be here."

"I know. I'm sorry, baby." Is all I get out before I begin to cry too. I don't cry about Josh, however. I cry because for the first time ever, disappointment appears on Ellie Ann's face.