Can't Do It Without You

The Move

*for those who are wondering/confused what month it is, it's about January 2003. Linda's four months pregnant*

"Mama, when Daddy come?" Jack wondered as Linda fastened him in his seatbelt.
She sighed, he'd been asking that more and more lately. Being three, he just didn't understand that Daddy wouldn't be home for awhile. "Jack. Do you know how long a year is?"
The little boy shook his head. He had no concept of time. He only knew Christmas was in the winter, his birthday was the same month as Halloween, and Thanksgiving was in fall.
"It's twelve months. And that's a long time." She wiped her eye, banishing the tears daring to fall. She had to be strong for Jack, "and daddy's gonna be gone for another year."
Jack tilted his head, looking confused.
"Lookit, when we get to Pops' house, I'll show you, okay?"
Jack nodded, still very confused. If Daddy could just come home, why didn't he? And why didn't he stay when he did come home? Why was he avoiding him and Mommy? Jack only came to one conclusion: Daddy didn't like them anymore.
**********
"You can stay in Danny's old room," Mary smiled, toting a suitcase up the stairs, "Jack can stay in Joe's room."
"I really do appreciate this, Mary. You really didn't have to-"
"Linda, you're staying here. What kinda mother would I be if I didn't let my son's wife and child stay here in their time of need?"
She smiled a little, "it's been a while since I stayed in Danny's room. Couple of years at least."
"It'll be nice having you two around. Frank says I'm experiencing empty-nest syndrome. That's nonsense!"
Linda held back her chuckle as Mary placed the suitcase in the bedroom. "Thank you. I think I'll hang out up here for a bit."
"Yes, of course, dear. Take all the time you need. I'll take Jack." Mary held out her arms for the toddler.
The mom handed him to her mother-in-law. "I'll be down in a bit."
"Take your time, dear!" She left with Jack, leaving Linda alone.
The Mom shrugged, and looked at the room. She smiled, the memories coming back. She and Danny had spent many a night in the NYPD blue room when they were newlyweds looking for a place to stay. Her eyes grazed the walls, posters of classic cars, the Rangers, and the NYPD adorned the walls. A desk sat in the corner, with a small light and phone. The phone was long since disconnected, but it had been the communication center for the teenagers for years.
Linda grinned softly when she saw the picture on the desk. It was of her grinning widely, the sun hitting her then-brown locks shining under the sunlight. She remembered when she decided to go natural that Danny had loved her hair that way, too. She pulled out a piece of paper and a pencil, deciding to write Danny.
My dearest Danny,
We're all doing well, but Jack and I have been kicked out of the apartment. I can't make it all by myself, while taking care of Jack and the added pleasure of Baby Reagan. Your mother has offered the entire house to us.... which I just realized I already told you... anyhoo... that was really the whole point of this letter...
Linda frowned and crumpled up the piece of paper. She decided to write Danny a few days later, because she had a doctor's appointment coming up.