A Second Chance

Give him a chance

"Jessica, I think he likes you."

"I don't think so."

"Um Jess! He bought you this huge cake, we're in a party room, he got the whole team to sing happy birthday, AND he bought you those earrings you're wearing!"

Jessica touches her ears and says, "My son bought me these."

"Okay but he gave him the money."

Jessica rolls her eyes and eats her cake.

"I'm not trying to be annoying, but I just think that if he does like you.. You should give him a chance."

"Oh Sarah no!  Nothing against Daniel, but my husband passed away and there's no one that can replace him!  I don't want to replace him."

"Jessica, I understand but.. Sam has been gone two years.  Going out on a date wouldn't be bad.  Besides, wasn't Sam the one that told you he wanted you to find someone?"

Jessica didn't say a word.

"Just remember what he said.."

***

Everyone was starting to leave, and Michael was still taking with some of the other boys."

"Michael, your brother's getting fussy, we have to go."

"Just a second, mom!"

Jessica hears a chuckle followed by a deep voice.

"That teen attitude will get you, huh?"

"Hm?  Oh yeah!" She chuckles.

Jessica clears her throat and says, "Thank you so much for.. Everything!"

"Oh no problem!  You're a very nice woman, and even though I've only known you for a short time.. Well I can see that you deserve being surprised every once in a while." He smiles softly.

"Oh.. Well that's very kind." Jessica looks down and smiles.

"Michael honey!  Let's go." She says bouncing Grayson as he fusses.

"It was nice seeing you." Daniel says.

"Yeah!  Yeah, it was nice seeing you too!" Jessica smiles brightly.

***

The drive home was unusually quiet.

"Mom, are you okay?

Mom?"

"Hm?  Oh yeah!  Yeah, I'm fine.."

"Are you sure?  You seem like you have a lot on your mind."

"Oh no, I'm just sleepy."

"Oh okay.."

Grayson fell asleep on the way home so once they got to the house, Michael went up and took a shower and Jessica laid Grayson in his crib.

She went to her room, took her shoes off and sat down on her bed.

She looked over to hers and Sam's wedding picture and sighed as she slowly slid her body down onto the bed.

"Oh Sammy.. Is this you?  Are you putting someone in my path?  That's the only way I'll be okay with.. With having these feelings.

*Takes a deep breath*

Samuel, no one could replace you!  And no one Will replace you!  He's just a nice guy, and he just wants to be a good friend, that's all!

Right?" She says that last part in a small and unsure voice.

Jessica's phone started ringing and she looked to her nightstand.

Her phone lit up Sam's picture with the caller id, Michael's Coach.

Jessica's eyes widened and she hesitated answering.

"What could he be calling for?

Should I answer it?  It's probably not even a big deal!"

"..Hello?" She answered in a quiet voice.

"Mrs. Shepard?"

"Daniel, call me Jessica." She chuckles.

"Oh!  Okay.. Uhm.. Jessica.

I was wondering uh.. Well, would you like to maybe have dinner with me tomorrow night?

.. Just the two of us?"

Jessica was taken back and froze.

"Jessica?"

"Uh.. Daniel, I don't know what to say.."

"Yes would be great!" He chuckles nervously.

"I'm sorry Daniel.. I'm just not ready yet.."

"Oh!  Well I understand."

"I'm so sorry."

"No!  No, don't be sorry.. I um.. I've always been a little too far forward.. Hey, you have a nice day and uh.. I'll see you at the game on Saturday." Danny suddenly started to speak like he was embarrassed.

"Dan--" Jessica says as when she hears the phone cut off.

"Dammit!  Was that right? 

That was the right decision...

Wasn't it?

Of course it was! 

Jessica, your husband is gone.. It's just you.. That's how it's supposed to be.. That's how it Always will be."

***
What should she do?  I want to know your thoughts! :)