Might as Well Face it, You're Addicted to Love (Joe Perry/Nikki Sixx)

Chapter 182: An Evening with the Perry Family Part 1 (Nikki Perry-Sixx)

The night that Josephine spent with the Mercury's was something that she & Hunter both needed & as it turned out where really, they began to fall in love with one another. It would still take them time to realize, but oh was it there. It was as Josephine told us after Hunter had walked her to the door: epic. Of course she was blushing the whole time, but she was animated in a way that she hadn't been in so long. She was up half the night talking to him, and though she didn't tell Joe & I, and I didn't tell her.... She was dreaming, I'd woken up because Storm needed us. Once Joe followed me & Storm was settled & ok, we checked on each of our children & when we came to Josephine.... she was dreaming, saying Hunter's name in her sleep. Joe whispered to her & I heard, "You will come to see sweet bee that your heart knows already, but I promise your heart & mind will one day soon become one." He was right. He was right, those words still ringing true all these years later....

Oh, before I forget! As you know, Josephine invited Hunter over to our house, and it was his first time meeting, his then unknown to him or Josephine....future brother & sister-in laws. But things happened, Josephine got busy with rehearsals with Alice for Some Christmas shows that he still does annually ......and so two weeks would pass until Hunter came over to visit us or to be more exact: December 20, 2004 & those shows would come two days before Hunter's visit or around the time. Josephine was also throwing herself into more than just her performances, but it was hard on her because of the memories of the previous year. Still, she was her, taking care of everyone & everything telling us family came first & Hunter she'd been afraid would be mad but of course he wasn't. He was very supportive, he UNDERSTOOD and calmed Josephine down. He was nervous about meeting the whole family, but as you are about to see.... Well, you'll find out what I mean. I will say that Josephine was still very much depressed & wanted time to herself...so we gave her space on that night of December 20, 2004, checking in but anyway on with the show....

I feel tears spring to my eyes, wishing I could take away the pain my oldest daughter is in, those memories of spending Christmas in the hospital after her coma last year are very much fucking haunting her.

Joe caresses my face with a free hand, as he is holding Storm on his other hip.... The rest of the kids are in the kitchen with us as we get started on dinner, watching & listening.

"I know, Nikki.... i feel the same way." He whispers, "And too I think she feels like she's already ruining things because Hunter is coming any time now."

I sigh heavily, "It just sucks so much Joe & babe I do believe you are right."

"He m'ke (make) Josey peppy!" Storm pipes up, referring to Hunter. Her adorable, sweet way of saying Hunter could make Josephine happy, cheer her up. And she is SO right.

"He can sweet rainbow." Joe replies, tears in his eyes. Storm insists on Joe kissing me first & it calms me.... centers me before she gets her little kissies. And about that time the doorbell rings & Joe & I share a look with our other children.

"I'll go get him & take him up to her.... something tells me that I need to."

"Ok Nikki, I've got this.... We've got this. I love you."

"I love you all too, so much." I reply, quickly stealing a kiss from him before answering the door, to find Hunter there who immediately senses there is something wrong & he knows WHOM it's about.

"Josephine's having a rough go, isn't she? Because of last year?"

"She is...."

He cuts me off apologizing his look concerned & THAT look FOR her that he doesn't realize, "I need to talk with her Mr. Perry. I can help."

"Nikki please, your family & I know you can.... you have; you are." I State ushering him inside & before I know it, we arrive outside Josephine's bedroom door. "Honey?" Cautiously, my heart breaking from her sob's. "Hunter's here, he wants to talk to you."

"I'm ruining things!" She wails, panicking, I can tell.

Hunter answers before I can, his tone urgent & tender. "Josephine, I know it feels like you are darling. You are bloody well NOT, its OK. It's more than ok to be sad, you don't have to be happy or put on a brave face. You could never ruin things. I'm here, ok? Right now, you need to breathe, ok?"

"It's h-hurts!"

"Shh, I can only imagine it does. Especially with what you went thru this time last year.... The pain is a part of you; it doesn't define you. You can make new memories; it won't take the bad ones away but you're not alone in this......is the door open?"

Some moments of silence before a small 'yes' sounds out as he opens the door, me following & getting as close to Josephine as I can get, as Hunter sits on the bed as Josephine has her knees drawn up to her chest, rocking back & forth.

Watching them, the way Hunter looks at her....and the way Josephine calmed just enough to utter a quiet 'yes'.... They are falling in love, reminding me so very much of the way Joe & I were & are.

"Josephine, I am here, ok? Please look at me." Hunter asks her, Josephine hangs her head. "That's ok too, all you really need to do is breathe & listen. Your mum is here......I know its damn well not the same, but I honestly had a panic attack before I came here. I was scared that your brothers & sisters wouldn't like me. I bet they do, because YOU.... The most amazing person told them about me. I remembered that I would have you with me here & that you & your family have already welcomed me. Still, I DO know what it's like darling.... getting sucked into that void, especially during holidays, bloody well hurts...... I promise you; it will be ok. You will be, I will be." At those words she looks up at him, eyes wide & face tear streaked.

"THANK YOU." She whispers & the way she says it, Hunter gets the message. He is perfect for Josephine; they are truly meant for each other.... I know & they will come to see. And she turns to me, as I hug her. "I feel a little better now momma.... he's really the best person, the best."

"I am so glad you feel a little better sweetheart. And he is.... he is." I whisper to her. I turn feeling SO beyond grateful to Hunter, "Thank you for helping her, being the friend, she needs & deserves. And remember this: you became part of our family last month when you helped Josephine then, my husband & I are forever grateful.... now, I can also tell you her brother's & sisters like you.... trust me on that."

"Least I could do.... Nikki." He replies before his eyes land on Josephine once more & he smiles, which makes Josephine smile. "So, what's for dinner?" He asks her, lightening the mood.

"Um...." She blushes, though her answering smile is still present on her face. "I believe Garlic Chicken, Roasted Artichokes & cucumber salad with Balsamic. It's a Perry family favorite."

"Sounds divine darling.... could I perhaps have the recipes?"

"There you go being charming again." She teases.

"Is that a, yes?" He teases her back. They are flirting with each other; they don't see it...but they are & God I am so proud of my daughter. And it hits me hard in a good way, just how MUCH she's grown up & that she is falling in love.... I fully believe she found her soulmate. And at this moment.... i feel that MINE, is thinking the same thing......

We do soon head downstairs, after Josephine washes her face.... i let them walk downstairs first together, me following them behind & I hear Josephine tell Hunter....

"Remember you got this."

"So do you."

"You're right....and thank you so much for calming me down & I hope that you are ok too ya know?"

"Your welcome & thank you darling.... i am & I look forward to this."

Hunter relaxes; I can tell he was a bit nervous still but now.... Now he is calm & it seems we've arrived in the kitchen & all eyes turn on us. Joe & I share a look, a knowing look & a loving glance at one another as the greetings begin......

"Everyone this is Hunter...." Josephine begins, "And I am gonna be ok. I'm not alone....and neither is he."

A/N: Part 1 of an Evening with the Perry Family & Hunter meeting them all for the first time. More to come soon!