The Perfect Family

Chapter 25: Jack

I only have to go to work for half the day today. I just can't shake this feeling that the think tank is only half full. I just finished dropping Lucy off at school. Emilie and I checked on Julia this morning and she's still pretty upset. Emilie is working on arranging a meeting with Kaden's parents. When I arrive at the office, Sean is already at my door as per usual.

"Hey, Harrison, what's new?" I ask as I turn the key in the lock and open the door.

"Hopefully your ideas. How's Julia?" Sean responds, seeing as I told him about what happened a while ago.

"Oh, she's getting better. But she hasn't gone back to school yet. Emilie is attempting to set up a meeting with the kid's parents" I reply.

"Awe, poor girl. I hope things work out" Sean says.

"Thanks" I respond.

"So, onto business. What do you have for me today?" Sean asks.

"I don't know. But if my ideas are anything like a moth to a flame, it'll just come to me" I answer.

"This is why I love working with you man. You've got the greatest outlook on life" Sean says.

"Thanks" I respond as I take a seat at my desk.

Our conversation continues as we move on to a topic that has completely slipped my mind.

"So, almost another year of your life has gone by. A new leaf is beginning to turn. Are you starting to feel any different?" Sean says. 

"What are you talking about?" I ask as I take a sip of my coffee.

"Don't think you can play dumb with me, boss. You know exactly what I'm talking about" Sean replies as he playfully slaps my shoulder.

"No, I really don't" I laugh, hoping the charade ends so that I can get some work done.

"Your birthday. Got any plans?" Sean asks as he takes a seat next to me.

"Oh, crap. That's right. Not really. It'll just be another day, no big deal" I respond.

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After Sean leaves, I don't much work done. I just continue talking about how Nolan helps his sister realize that she was never at fault. She hears his favourite song being played in the mall when she goes out with her boyfriend. This makes her realize that her little brother's spirit is with them. As I am working, I get a call on my cell phone. I look at the caller ID and Emilie's picture comes up.

"Hey, babe" I answer.

"Papa?" A little voice weeps. Oh my gosh, its not Emilie. I did not see that coming.

"Jules. Hi, honey, what's wrong?" I ask.

"Are you coming home soon?" Julia replies.

"Very soon, sweetheart. I promise" I answer.

"Okay" Julia sniffles.

"But, um, where's mama?" I ask, realizing that Emilie and I need to have a serious conversation.

"Oh, upstairs with Maddox and Kyson" Julia answers as she proceeds to find Emilie and give her the phone.

"Julia, can I please have my phone back?" Emilie asks as Julia approaches our bedroom.

"Here, papa wants to talk to you" Julia says as she hands Emilie her cell phone.

"Thanks, baby. Hello?" Emilie answers.

"Hey, babe. How's Jules doing it?" I ask.

"She's doing better. What time are you coming home?" Emilie replies.