The Perfect Family

Chapter 21: Jack

I finally go back to work after a long battle with writer's block. The past month at home has really opened my eyes and inspired some fresh ideas for Sincerely, Nolan.

"Are you sure you have everything?" Emilie asks as she leads the girls down the stairs so I can take them to school.

"Well I can think of one thing you're forgetting" I say as I grab my car keys.

"Really? We've gotta find it. The bus is going to be there before you know it" Emilie says as she starts to panic and frantically searches the house for whatever she thinks I'm referring to.

"I meant this" I say as I lean over and kiss her cheek.

"Oh" Emilie blushes as she looks down from slight embarassment.

"Bye, mama!" the twins say as we make our way out the door.

"Bye, girls. Have fun and be good" Emilie says as she closes the door and is alerted by Kyson beginning to wake up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dropping Julia and Lucy off at school, I call Sean to tell him that I am on my way to work. I haven't thought to tell him in advanced that I'm coming back, so this ought to be one hell of a wake up call. 

"Hello?" Sean answers as I leave the phone on the side and put it on speaker.

"Hey man, its me" I say.

"Jack! Haven't heard from you in a while. How goes it?" Sean asks.

"Its been great" I answer.

"We've really missed you back here. Business has been as slower than molasses" Sean says.

"I'm sorry. But I can guarantee that I can make up for it" I reply.

"Where are you going with this?" Sean asks.

"I think you know" I answer.

"Really? Are you seriously coming back?" Sean asks. 

"Yes sir. Yes I am" I respond.

"This is a great great day. See you when you get here then" Sean says.

"Alright" I respond as we hang up.

As I continue to make my way to the office, I get another phone call. This one actually coincides with a thought that entered my mind this morning.

"Hello?" I answered just as I turn into my parking spot.

"Hey, honey" Emilie answers.

"Hey, I just got to work. What's up?" I ask.

"Well, someone woke up this morning in a panic because he realized that papa was gone" Emilie answers. Such a fact was confirmed by the ear-splittingly high volumne of crying in the background. There is no doubt in my mind which of my son's that is.

"Let me talk to him" I say.

"Okay,  Maddox. Papa's on the phone, here you go" Emilie says as she hands him the phone.

"Hey, buddy" I say as I make my way into the building and am greeted by the receptionist.

"Papa!!!" Maddox cries. I can just feel the disappointment and pain in his voice as screams for me.

"Hey, its okay, bud. I'll be home later and we can play all night" I assure him as the screams turn into hiccupped sobs.

"See Maddox? Everything is going to be okay" Emilie says as she rubs the toddler' back.

"Listen to mama. Maddox Lincoln, everything is going to be okay. You can watch Curious George or The Jungle Book until I get home, okay?" I say.

This discussion goes on for a couple more minutes before I can make my way to the office, but eventually Maddox calms down.