One Time Only

Chapter 27

Anne steps out onto the front porch of Jerica's new home and just looks out at the view in front of her for a few seconds. Taking a deep breath she looks down at her phone, debating on if she should make this call or not. Walking over to the lake end of the porch, Anne hears Jerica crying, that makes her mind up for her. Punching in Harry's number, Anne walks toward the lake, waiting for him to answer.

"Hello?" A female voice says.

Anne is pissed. "Excuse me, but what are you doing answering my son's phone?" Anne snaps.

"Because he's busy right now. Who is this? I'll have him call you back when he's free." The lady says.

"What the fuck?" Anne hears before she could reply. "Who gave you the right to go through my jacket and answer my phone? Give me that, Nancy will hear about this. Hello?" Harry snaps.

"Just because you're pissed at whoever that was doesn't give you the right to snap at the person on the phone." Anne snaps back. "Get your shit together son."

"Sorry mom, that was Nancy's receptionist. I left my jacket in the room with her while I was talking to her." Harry says as he rubs his eyes.

"Nancy? As in Jake's Nancy?" Anne asks.

"Yes mom. She's a therapist, I'm trying to "get my shit together", as you call it." Harry says as he makes his way to his car. "Mom, I have to figure out why I'm doing the shit I'm doing to Jeri, if it is because of all the bullshit from the past, I need to fix it. Jeri doesn't deserve to pay for those girls fucking me over." He says. "Now, is there a reason for this call?"

"There is. Jeri needs help, yes Gem and I are here and we're not leaving. But Harry, I honestly believe she needs you." Anne says. "She may not think so right now, but I believe once you two talk, she'll realize she needs you to survive."

Harry swollows. "Where you at?" He asks.

"Her new home, the one she had built." Anne says, surprising Harry. "The lake."

"I'm on my way." Harry whispers. When Harry gets to the lake entrance he's shocked to see a driveway where there was once was a pathway, driving toward the lake, he parks next to his mom's car and gets out. Looking around, Harry is surprised, the changes made since the last time he was here are unbelievable. Everything looks as if it's been here forever, even though he knew it's all new. Walking to the gorgeous house, Harry steps up onto the porch and softly knocks on the front door.

Anne opens the door to see her pale, sleep deprived son standing on the other side. "Come on in." She says, holding the door open wider.

Harry steps in, kicks his shoes off by the door, takes his jacket off, and looks around. "Whoever built this place was quick." He whispers, seeing Gemma sleeping on one of the sofas. "Jeri and I was here just months ago and none of this was here."

"Jake did it." Anne says. "He went off that painting." She points to the fireplace. "Jeri wanted it done before the baby was born, Jake said he could do that."

"Hmm, Nancy never said a word, but then she wouldn't." Harry says. "I had to beg her to see me, I don't think she likes me very much right now."

Anne shrugs. "Jeri has a lot of people who care for her. You've hurt her very deeply, made some enemies for doing that." She says.

"I'm trying to fix that mom." Harry whispers. "Where is she?"

"In her room, supposed to be resting, last time I checked she was still crying." Anne says.

Harry closes his eyes and sighs. "Where?"

"Last room on the right. And Harry, please don't hurt her again, she's not well." Anne says with tears in her eyes.

Harry nods as he makes his way down the hallway, when he reaches Jerica's door he slowly opens it. Peeking in he sees her sitting up in the bed, she's holding their son, breastfeeding him. Harry just stands there staring at the most beautiful sight he's ever seen for several seconds, shaking his head he walks the rest of way into the room.
"Don't be mad at mom." Harry whispers quickly, as soon as he sees Jerica look up. "She thought you could use my help."

Jerica will never get used to seeing, her son feeding this way. It's truly beautiful, and something she'd love to get on canvas. But the the feeling of being stared at has her raising her head, when she sees Harry walking toward them she's surprised, but hearing the words come out of his mouth makes her cry. Putting her head down Jerica just sobs.
"You can stay." She stutters out.

Harry rush the rest of the way across the room, drops to his knees beside the bed. "Oh babe, please don't cry." He says as he places his hand on their child's head. "I promise I'm here to help, I won't leave except for my appointments."

Jerica raises her head at hearing that. "Appointments?"

"Yes, I'm seeing Nancy hun. I'm trying to work through why I'm the way I am." Harry says. "I want us to be a couple again, but I know I have to fix me before that can happen. I just need you to know I love you." He says as he lays his head on the bed beside her.

"Harry, I never quit loving you, there were time I didn't like you very much, hated you a few times even. But I always loved you." Jerica whispers as she runs her fingers through Harry's longer, curly hair. "Would you like to hold your son?" She asks him.

"Oh God, can I?" Harry asks with tears in his eyes.

Jerica nods as she carefully hands Tim to Harry after he gets comfortable on the bed beside her. That's how Anne finds them both minutes later, sound asleep, with their child cradled between them.