A Second Chance

It's dad

August 15th.

The boys were leaving for OU in the morning to start their junior year of college.

Things between Michael and Jessica have been a bit rocky the past couple of weeks.
He was still upset with her forcing him to go back to school, and Jessica was still heartbroken over the fact that he never said he was sorry for saying he hated her.

Jessica tried to push everything to the side and just enjoy this last night out as a family before they boys  fly out in the morning.

"Boys, where do you two want to eat tonight?  It's both of your birthday dinners!"

"Ooh!  Well how about-" Zachary starts but Michael cuts him off.

"We have plans."

"No we don't."

"Michael honey, I really want to spend tonight as a family.  You two can invite your girlfriends if you want." She chuckles.

"Thanks mom." Zachary smiles.

"She and I have plans. Alone."

"Mikey, please don't do this!  I'm only doing this for your own good.  Daddy would want you to stay in school, baby!"

"Why do you always have to bring him up!" Michael raises his voice.

"I'm sorry, I just.. Michael please cut this attitude out.  It's school.  It's just something you have to do."

"You don't understand, mom."

"Oh yes I do.  I do, Michael."

"No because you got knocked up at fourteen and never had a life!"

"Michael!"

"Man don't go there." Zachary tries calming him down.

"Shut up, Zach!  This is between me and MY mother!"

"Don't talk to him that way!" Jessica raises her voice.

"Oh poor Zachary!  You always treat him like he's so special!  Just cause his mom didn't want to be with him anymore that doesn't mean you have to baby him!"

"MICHAEL SHEPARD!"

*Scoffs* "Whatever." Michael walks out leaving Jessica in tears.

"Zachary, I'm so sorry!  I-I don't know what's gotten into him!"

"No, don't be sorry.  I'm sorry!  He shouldn't speak to you that way!"

"I know.. I do love you son.. Don't listen to what he said about your mother."

"Mom, please don't worry about it.  It's okay.  I love you."

"I love you more." Jessica hugs him tightly and lays her head on his chest.

**

Jessica went to Danny and explained everything.

"Danny I don't know what I did!  Maybe I don't show him enough attention.. I don't know!"

"He's about to be twenty years old, it's not like he's a baby, Jess."

"I'm worried about him, Danny.  What if something else is wrong?"

"I'll talk to him.  You just go get ready."

Danny called him a few times, and Jessica called him many many times and never got an answer.  She finally just texted him and told him when and where they were going to have dinner.