The Love of Jury Duty

Thanksgiving

"Mommy?"

I stirred and took a deep breath as I stretched and half smiled

"Yeah? What's wrong?" I whispered sleepily

"Why do you sleep on the couch?"

"Because it's comfortable."

I didn't want to tell him I was sleeping here because it still smelled like Nick. I sat up and ran my hands over my face and smiled

"Did you have a bad dream?"

"Yeah. I miss Nick." He frowned looking down

"I do too buddy."

"He used to scare the monsters away. And lay with me until I went back to sleep."

"He did?"

"Yeah."

I had no idea any of that ever happened. My heart broke for Jake. I hated that this was happening to him again. The only difference was that Nick still came around. I pulled Jake to me and picked him up. He snuggled against me as I carried him back to his bed and laid him down. I handed him a small flashlight and smiled

"Here, scoot over. I'll lay with you and if you see any monsters zap 'em with the light."

Jake smiled and scoot over so I could lie down next to him. He snuggled against me and I smiled holding him close closing my eyes.

"Lilly?"

I yawned slightly and squinted at the clock on Jacob's nightstand.

"Why are you in my house Gabe?" I muttered half asleep

"Because I rang the doorbell a million times and you didn't answer. Imagine my surprise to find you both still asleep."

"You wake him up. I'll pack his bag." I yawned

I didn't mean to sleep the whole night in here with Jake. I packed his bag and got everything together for him while Gabe got him dressed and ready for Thanksgiving.

"So, spending the holiday with the boyfriend?"

"Nick doesn't come here anymore." Jake said sadly walking out

"This one left too? Jesus you really know how to pick 'em don't ya?"

"He comes over. Just...rarely. It's complicated."

"Yeah. You said the same thing about Kevin right before he skipped town" he smirked taking Jake's bag. "Well, at least you've got your mom."

"No, she's in Texas spending the holiday on base with my brother and his wife's family."

"Megan?"

"No, she has her own family. I'm fine Gabe. It's not a big deal. Enjoy your holiday."

I sighed holding open the front door. Gabe walked out watching me like he was concerned I was going to be alone. It didn't matter. I was used to being alone and Thanksgiving was just another day.

"You're OK?"

"Yes. I have a French bread pizza in the freezer. I'm fine. Have fun."

I closed the door and locked it putting on the chain with a deep sigh

I miss you. Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving Lil. I love you so much. I wish I was with you.

I wish that too. Enjoy your family. I love you more.

Since I was alone I didn't have to really worry about getting dressed or doing anything exciting. Grabbing my soft, fluffy white blanket I snuggled under it and laid on the couch and sighed. Honestly, I hated being alone. And lately all I've been able to do is lay around and wonder what was so wrong with me that made everyone leave or back off.