A Second Chance

Walk

"Mom I-"

"Save it!  Go to your room."

"But I-"

"Go!"

Sam goes to his room and James stands there awkwardly.

Jessica sighs and runs her hands through her hair.

"I think you need to sit down.. Do you need some water?"

"No, I'm fine thanks.

Oh God, I don't know what to do with that boy!"

"Don't get yourself worked up, mom.  It's not healthy for you and the baby."

"I know.. Thanks, baby." Jessica tells him rubbing the top of her stomach.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, just.. Ugh!  He stresses me out!"

"Mom, you really need to relax.  Go get some rest and I'll clean up down here."

"No honey, I made a mess, I'll do it."

"Mom please go."

Jessica looks at him and gives him a small smile.

"Thank you, James."

"You're welcome." He holds his hand out and helps her up.

The next morning.

Jessica got up and made breakfast for her and the boys.

She had just sat down to eat, when Sam called from the top of the stairs.

"Mom, can you come up here for a second?"

She sighs and looks down at her food as her stomach growls.

"Yeah.. Hang on, I'll be there in a second."

Jessica goes into his room and sits in the chair across from his bed where he was sitting.

"What's up?" She asks.

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have talked to you that way.

I've been so stupid lately.... I've been a jerk."

"Yeah." Jessica nods.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that last night.

I appreciate all that you sacrificed. Your childhood was gone when you found out about James and I.

You could have just thought of yourself and you didn't.

You weren't selfish, and even being such a young mom, you were the best mom we could have ever asked for.

You and dad were always there for us.

I remember being like three years old and you'd do everything for us. You didn't rely on anyone else.

Even pregnant with Michael, you didn't let that stop you. You're so so great and I've been treating you horrible.

Going out every night... Sneaking out.."

"Samuel!" Jessica says surprised.

"I'm sorry! But I promise I won't do it again!

... Mom, I have one more thing I have to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I met this girl and... We had sex."

Jessica stands up and slaps him hard.

"Samuel Shepard! I told you No sex in high school!!

That was my rule and that was your father's rule!"