The next day-
Jessica was a nervous wreck after her call with Matthew. Out of all her children, Matthew always had her on edge when he was away. After what happened with him failing classes and partying Jessica couldn't imagine what was going on with him now. He was never good with emotions. After the loss of his father she thought about is well being a lot more.
"I'm calling him again. He better be in line or I swear I'm taking the first ticket out to Pitt!" Jessica says as she quickly dials his number
Danny just sat their as Jessica called Matthew. He didn't want to interfere.
"Mom, I'm so-"
"Matthew! What the hell was wrong with you last night?" Jessica yells
"Mom-"
"No, Matthew! No, no, no! No excuses. I heard you, What are you taking? What are you drinking?" Jessica yells even louder
"I was at a party and I got a little tipsy. I was with the team... I'm sorry. I swear I didn't take anything!"
Jessica sighs "I don't want you drinking. You're too young."
"I know... I'm sorry."
"You'll stop, right now. If you don't I'll fly your ass back home! I know you're an adult but Matthew, I don't want you going down some bad path and throwing it all away."
"You're over thinking all of this. It was a harmless party. I'm fine, please, stop worrying."
"Are you okay?" Jessica asks softly
It takes a moment for him to answer. "I'll be fine."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm fine."
"Matthew, I miss you. Just come home for Thanksgiving."
"Okay, Mom."
"I love you, baby."
"I love you too. I'm sorry."
...
"See, it was a party." Danny says
Jessica scuffs "He still didn't sound fine. He said he'd be fine, it was the weirdest think. Not I'm fine. He said I'll be fine."
"Jessie, you're a wonderful mother. It's a curse sometimes because you get very worried."
Danny wraps his arms around Jessica and kisses her lips.
"I know." She says
"Trust the boy."
//-//
November 19th-
It was a Monday and the kids were getting ready for school. Mornings were always slow since no one in the family really was a morning person. Thankfully for Jessica, Marlowe was still asleep.
"Mom, I don't want to go to school today. I feel sick." Brandon says
Jessica sighs and puts her hand on his forehead. "You seem normal." Jessica says
Danny then steps in and does the same. "I'd say ninety-eight. No fever kid and we are doctors." Danny chuckles
Brandon stomps his foot. "Stop! I don't feel good!" He yells
"Hey, watch it. Don't give us attitude." Jessica snaps
"I don't want to go to school. My head hurts." He whines
