Storm and Grace

This Place Feels...

Johnny's POV

"I'm glad you got her to eat," Jen's mom smiled at me.

"I think if anyone would get her to eat, it'd be Johnny," Vanessa smiled.

Hearing them say that, warmed my heart. I nodded at them and smiled.

Jen had fallen asleep. She was due to be released in two days and I began to make arrangements so that my house would be spotless. I wanted every single room in my house to be clean, spotless, and comfortable for her. I wanted her to feel right at home. But most importantly, I wanted her to feel safe. Protected.

I quietly sipped on my coffee as I heard Vanessa, Jen's mother and grandmother talk about Jen's release. My mind wondered off. I was exhausted. Both emotionally and physically. I had gone through hell for months. I was relieved that Jen had survived and that she would eventually, be okay. But our baby...

"I think maybe we should hire a nurse so that Jen is taken care of," Vanessa suggested.

"That's a good idea," Jen's mom nodded in agreement.

"No," I interrupted them.

They all looked at me as if I was crazy.

"Johnny," Vanessa sighed. "You can't take care of Jen yourself. You're gonna need help."

"I can take care of her," I frowned.

"I'm sure you can," Jen's grandmother smiled at me. She sat next to me and gave me a side hug. "But she needs professional help. She needs someone to bathe her and check on her vitals until she is cleared by the doctors."

I looked at her and sighed. She was right. But I didn't trust anyone around Jen.

"If we hire a nurse," I began. "I want to be in charge. I want them to go through an extensive and very detailed background check before allowing anyone near Jen."

They all looked at me and said nothing.

"I don't want to risk it." I continued. "I want them to be cleared. And I also want everyone near Jen to sign an NDA. I want don't want anything to be leaked. I want Jen to keep her privacy. We owe her that much."

I looked at Vanessa and she gave me a genuine smile.

"I'm not saying, Lin doesn't love me," she began. "But I'm starting to get jealous of what Jen has."

Everyone broke out in laughter.

It felt so good to laugh.

"Thank you, son," Jen's mom smiled. "You're in charge. We trust your judgement."

"Thank you," I smiled at her.

Two Days Later

"Everything is good to go," Sean smiled at me. "The house is ready for Ms. Jennifer."

"Thank you," I smiled at him.

I turned to Jen. Her entire family was there.

"Ready?" I smiled at her.

She nodded.

She was placed in a wheelchair as Sean wheeled her out of the room. We all followed. Mark and Malcolm eyeing the surroundings to make sure we had our privacy.

"We'll see you at home," Jen's mom kissed her forehead.

Jen smiled at her.

"Let's get you in the car," Sean nodded. He gently lifted Jen from the wheelchair and placed her in the back of the car. I walked towards the other side and got in. Sitting next to her.

"Hi, baby," I smiled at her. I leaned towards her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "How are you feeling?"

"A little overwhelmed," she smiled.

"Understandable," I nodded. "But it's gonna be okay. You're with me."

"I know," she nodded. "That's how I know I'm eventually gonna be okay."

I grabbed her hand and kissed it.

"Te amo," I smiled.

"Y yo a ti," she smiled back at me.

It took a couple of minutes before we finally reached my home. Sean grabbed Jen and placed her in a wheelchair.

We walked into my home. Jen kept looking around. Almost taking it all in. I knew this whole thing had to be overwhelming for her. I was determined to make her feel right at home.

"You want me to take her up to her room?" Sean asked me.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"My room?" Jen asked me. She looked at me and looked panicked.

I kneeled in front of her. "What's the matter, baby?"

"I have my own room?" she frowned. "Am I not staying with you?"

"Of course, you are," I smiled at her. "Did you want your own room?"

"No," she shook her head. "I want to stay with you."

My heart melted.

"You're gonna stay with me," I whispered and caressed her cheek. "I'm not leaving your side."

"Okay," she nodded.

I smiled at her and stood up. I nodded at Sean who proceeded to carry her upstairs as I followed behind.

The bed had been prepped for her. Sean placed her on side of the bed.

"Johnny," she looked around. "This all belongs to me. This my bed. These are my things."

I nodded and sat next to her.

"They are," I smiled. "I wanted to make sure this room was perfect. I want you to feel safe. Protected. Happy. I want you to be at peace."

She looked at me with tears in her eyes.

"What about your stuff?"

"Well," I began. "When I first met you, I practically moved in with you. Without asking or paying rent."

She giggled. Making my heart soar with happiness.

"I remember how comfortable I felt in that house," I continued. "How I felt at peace. Almost as if no one could touch us. It was our sanctuary from the beginning. I haven't been in my own house for so long, it didn't feel right not to include your belongings. Your bed. Your table stands. Your scent. I needed this for me too."

"I love you so much," she smiled at me.

"I love you, too," I smiled and kissed her.

She looked around the room and smiled.

"You're gonna sell this house?" she asked.

"I am," I nodded. "I'm working on that now. I want houses to be available so that we can both look at them. Together."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"I've never been so sure in my life," I smiled at her. "This house is a reminder of my past. But all I care about is my future. Our future."

I wanted to write this quick update. Hope you guys like it.
Happy Mother's day to everyone!