A Second Chance

One year

March 9th.

It was Thursday afternoon, the boys were home, and Jessica had cooked dinner for them.

Grayson was being whiny and wanted to be held while Jessica was eating.

"You're being a mess, do you know that?"

He smiles and Jessica laughs, "You do?

Grayson, one year ago today daddy put you in my tummy!" Jessica smiles at him.

"Mom, we're eating!" Sam says.

"Heh! Well it's special! Daddy wanted you so bad, baby boy.."

The boys get quiet and Jessica rocks Grayson.

She takes a deep breath and looks to the boys.

"I have to get back to work."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I don't want to, but I have to."

"What are you gonna do with Grayson?"

"Either my mom or your father's mom.  I hate leaving him, I really really don't want to, but I have no choice." She pouts and looks down at his smiling face.

***

The next day Jessica felt a sadness no matter what she did.

It had been a year since Sam was diagnosed with cancer, and was told he only had two weeks to live.

"Mom, can I get you anything?  Are you hungry?" James asks.

"No baby, I'm fine.  Thanks."

"You haven't eaten all day, are you okay?"

"Mhm." She nods.

"Okay.. Well Sarah's coming over.."

"I remember."

"Alright.. Well.. Do you want me to take the baby?"

"He's fine in his bouncer, thanks."

"Sure."

James goes over to Sam and says, "Mom doesn't look too good, Sam.. She seems really upset."

"Yeah, I know.  I mean, it's a bad day for all of us, but she does seem really bad."

"What do we do?"

"Maybe give her some space?"

"Maybe."

"Sarah's coming over, I'm sure she'll make her feel better."

"Yeah."

***

"Hey honey, how are you?"

"Okay." Jessica answers with sadness in her eyes.

Grayson starts crying loudly and Jessica sighs.

"He's been so fussy today."

"Babies can sense when their mommy's are upset, and that effects their mood."