Chapter 8

She was still fast asleep. He didn’t want to wake her so he went down stairs to get some coffee. As he went into the kitchen there was a note on the kitchen table for her from her mom. It read:

Mary

Helen called me early this morning and needs my help. I left food in the frig. I’m not sure when I’ll be back and I called the boys to let them know and to leave the two of you alone.

Love,

         Mom

He smiled knowing that they now had the day to themselves. He made himself a cup of coffee and her a cup of tea. When he entered the bedroom she was already awake. “Hey beautiful, I see your awake. I hope I didn’t wake you?”

“Um No you didn’t” she said still a little sleepy. “You made me tea?” she said a little surprised.

“Hey I do know how to do a few things.” He said feigning a little hurt.

“I know I was just teasing you silly!”

 “Well you keep doing that and I’m going to punish you.” He told her with a wicked grin.

“Oh you can try baby you can try,” she said defiantly.

“Oh I love a challenge baby.” he said wriggly his eyes.

 She just shook her head. “If mom wasn’t here I’d have you prove that!” she said wriggly her eyes right back at him. He put down the drinks and slowly walked over to her and bending down gently and started kissing her.

Then he started too passionately kiss her but she stopped him. “Oh God am I hurting you. I didn’t mean too…”he was trying to apologize but she stopped him.

“Jon no I’m fine, well no my lip still hurts, doesn’t yours? Wait I’m getting side tracked. Jon my mother is here. We can’t…” But before she could finish she could see that he had a shit eating grin on his face. “What the hell’s gotten into you and why are you smiling like you just ate the mouse.”

“Oh, because I know something you don’t.” he said.

“Oh, and what’s that Mister Smarty Pants!” she said shaking her head. He sat down beside her and started to rub her thigh. “Oh when I was down stairs you’re mom left you a little note saying she’s gone for the day, and she told you’re brothers not to bother us.”

 As his hand started to move up her thigh. “Oh really, so you read my letter did you?”

“Why yes I did. It was just out there in the open.” His eyes wide and his smile even wider now. 

“What I’m I going to do with you?” she said as she giggled.

“Oh I have a few ideas.” He said as he leaned down to kiss her again. This time she didn’t refuse. He slowly pulled her down the bed as she lay flat and pulled her t-shirt off then his. “You know you really are beautiful.” He whispered to her.

“Boy, he really did hit you hard in the head didn’t he?” she told him as she felt that she was blushing from ear to ear.

“Why can’t you just take a compliment? I only say what I mean, plus you’re kind of ruining the mood. I’m trying to be romantic here.” He said a little annoyed.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m just not used to getting compliments, especially when they’re for me.” She said blushing.

“Well get used to it, because I’m going to do it more and more.” He said as he started to kiss her passionately again. They had made love all morning long. Carefully.

It was nearing noon time and finally they started to get hungry. Jon looked at the clock. “Hey what time is it?” Mary asked.

“It’s twenty past twelve, why?” he replied.

“Well I don’t know about you but I’m getting hungry.” She said.

“Hungry? Baby I need some time to recharge. You’re going to kill me, honestly.” he said as he reached over and pulled her to him.  She slapped at him but he grabbed her hand.

“Hey! I didn’t mean that, I meant food you silly.” She told him giggling.

“I know what you meant Silly! I just don’t feel like getting up or you getting dressed that’s all.” He said as he started to kiss her shoulder.

 “Stop that! I thought you said you needed some time?”

 “Time’s up, and more than that.” He chuckled.

“You really are bad. But I’m hungry and I get cranky when I’m hungry.”

 “Okay okay. I’ll feed you. What would you like to eat baby?”

 “Oh I don’t know, I can make some sandwiches if you want me to or a really, really late breakfast.” She said trying to get up but Jon still held her tight.

“Sandwiches sound good, but I’m still not wanting to let you go.” He said making a pouty face.  

“Well I can’t make them if you don’t let me go.” She giggled.

“How about we just get some snacks, bring them back here and then order a nice diner. Would that be ok? Because I really, really don’t want you to be gone too long. I just want to stay here for as long as we can before I have to leave. Okay.” Kissing her softly.

“Okay. I won’t be more than five minutes, okay?”

 “Okay but hurry because I’m going to time you and if you’re not back by the sixth minute I’m coming to get you, got it.” He said excitedly.

She didn’t take long with the snacks and they made love again the rest of the afternoon. She realized to herself that she had never felt this way about anyone before and didn’t want it to end. But she knew it would. He was leaving tomorrow afternoon and be gone for over a month. Now the question was did she want to go with him or stay here. She really didn’t know but also he hasn’t asked either so she wasn’t sure what she would do. Night fell fast unfortunately and still he hadn’t asked her. They called for diner so she didn’t have to cook and they ate quietly together.

“So you’ve been quiet tonight? What’s up?” Jon asked a little concerned.

“Nothing why?” she asked.

“Because you’ve been fiddling with your potatoes now for five minutes and haven’t eaten them.” He said staring at her intently.

 “Really it’s nothing; I guess I just ate too much this afternoon.” She said looking down at her plate.

“We only ate cheese and crackers then made love the rest of the time. You said you were starving just before the food came. So what’s up, don’t lie to me.” He said more aggressively.

“Jon! Leave it alone, Okay. I said it was nothing and it’s nothing. Jesus!” she yelled getting up and taking her plate to the kitchen. Jon just sat there for a minute trying to figure out what the hell just happened. One minute they we’re blissfully happy and the next she’s screaming at him. Women! He got up, took his plate and followed her into the kitchen where she was, standing by the boarded up door her brothers had fix the following night.

He walked up behind her and put his arms around her. “Hey, will you please tell me what’s wrong. I can’t read your mind.” He said as he kissed the side of her head. She didn’t want to tell him the truth. That she was afraid that she would never see him again once he left. She didn’t want him to think that she was that insecure. She didn’t want to think that she was that insecure.

“It’s nothing really.” She said sighed.

“Well it must be something because you’re all key up and snapping at me.” He said concerned.

“I’m sorry; I really don’t mean to snap at you. It’s just…” she just shook her head and tried to break free from his grip but he wouldn’t let her go.

“It’s just what Baby?”

 “I blew it, okay. I blew it.” She said trying to get away and not to let him realize what the real reason was.

“Blew what?” he said confused.

“I was trying to protect you and I blew it. I’m the one who needed protection. Not you! I got beat up and almost killed. My brothers will have a field day with this once you leave.” she said partially knowing she was right.  

“Hey, wait just one minute ‘he turned her around to face him’ If it wasn’t for you I would probably be dead right now. And god only knows who else. If I was with someone else they could have been hurt as well. So don’t put yourself down! Do you hear what I’m saying!” he argued.

“You do know how to make a girl feel better about herself don’t you. But it still there Jon, I didn’t protect you the way I should have. And Rick and A.J. are going to call me on it as soon as I feel better. Trust me.” She said.

“Well if they do, then they won’t get their bonus I was going to give them for giving me that extra special gift.” He said smiling at her.

“What gift would that be? And do I get part of that bonus?” she asked.

“No you don’t get part of that bonus.” He said shaking his head with a smirk on his face.

“What! Why not scrooge!” she asked shocked.

“Because the gift I got was you ding-a-ling. And I was hoping your bonus was me.” He replied with a pouty face.

“Oh, I see now. Sorry. I guess now I’m the lame one. You really are a bonus baby. But I could have gotten you killed. And I’m sorry for that.” 

He pulled her in for a kiss but she pulled back. “What?” he said annoyed.

“If I tell you that I have one hell of a migraine would you believe me?” she asked.

He looked at her confused “Of course I would. Why? You’re not feeling well?”

“I think worrying and everything, well I didn’t want to say anything but my head has been killing me the last few days since, well you know.” She said.

“You should have told me. We wouldn’t have made love like that. Did I hurt you?”

“Oh God no sweet heart you didn’t, really. I’d taken some pain killers beforehand. But right now I can feel it coming on real strong. Can we just go and sit please.” She asked him.

“Sure, sure let’s go into the living room.” He said as he escorted her into the living room. He settled her on the couch and asked “Is there anything you want me to get you?”

“No, no I’m fine but would you just sit here with me, please”

“Sure, anything you want.” He said as he scooted next to her. “Mary, do you want me to get you your medication?” he asked.

“That would be nice.” She said “It’s upstairs on my night table.” Jon found it and brought it down to her and brought her a glass of water.

“Here you go sweetie”

“Thanks.”

“Maybe I should get you back to bed. Come on.” He said trying to pick her up but she wouldn’t let him.

“Jon I can walk. Bedsides’ it’s too early to go to sleep. I would hate to lay there with this blasted headache. Why don’t we just try and watch a movie, okay.” She said.

 “You sure.”

“I’m sure. We can cuddle on the couch if you don’t mind?”

“Oh I don’t mind. Come here, and I’ll show you how much I don’t mind.” They cuddle up together on the couch with Jon very carefully settling Mary between his legs so she could rest her head on his chest. Gently he had his arms around her as to not to aggravate her wound on her stomach. As they watched a movie on TV, he noticed her breathing became very slow and steady so he looked down on her to see that she had fallen asleep. He slowly tilted her upward so he could slip out from under her and then picked her up to take her upstairs. Once there he gently put her down on the bed but she slowly opened her eyes.

“Jon?”

 “Hey there sleepy head. Did I wake you?”

 “I guess.” She said groggily.

“I’m sorry sweetie, I didn’t mean to wake you.” he said sitting on the side of the bed.

“It’s ok. When did I fall asleep?”

 “I don’t know somewhere in the middle of the movie I guess. How do you feel now?” he asked hoping to get the answer he was looking for.

“Oh much better, I guess that’s what I needed. Why?” She asked with a sly smile.

 “Oh nothing I was worried about your headache. You were feeling really bad there for a while and you’re still not looking that great.” He said concern.

  “No, no I feel fine really.” She said trying hard not to show how she was really feeling.

“Look, I’m around guys who drink themselves silly and myself at times. So don’t tell me you’re feeling fine.” He said standing now besides the bed with his hands on his hips.

“And what the hell does that mean?” she asked annoyed.

“It means you’re still not feeling well and trying to hide it from me. That’s what that means babe.”

“So now you’re a mind reader. Well read this!” she exclaimed.

“Not funny babe, not funny.” He replied.

“I’m sorry, really. I just get cranky when I’m not feeling good.” She said as she apologized.

“It’s okay babe, really. I’m just concerned that’s all.  That bastard really knocked you around and we really don’t know the extent of what he did to your head. We won’t get back the MRI results back for a few days, oh and I better get a call!” he said sternly.

“Don’t worry I call right away and let you know, okay?” She said as she got up and put her arms around him into a hug.

“Okay, that’s better. But you still need to rest. You’re still not up to par yet.”

She went to reply but he put one of his fingers up to her mouth to keep her quiet. “No you’re not going to fight with me on this one babe. You had a migraine earlier and fell fast asleep. So you’re going to take it easy whether you like it or not. The faster you get better the faster you and I can be together.” He stated.

“Well we were together earlier or do I have to remind you of that.” She said wriggling her body into him.

“No you don’t have to remind me of that and stop that will you before you excite a part of me that I can’t control. I think the reason you got that migraine is because of us making love earlier and I won’t do that to you again til I know it’s safe. Okay babe.” He explains.

“Okay, party pooper.” She said poking him in the stomach. He looked at her sternly but with a little smile on his lips.

“Ok bedtime you.”

“Fine, but you’re sleeping with me, right?” she asked. “

I’ll be right beside you. I don’t have to leave until one o’clock tomorrow afternoon. So don’t worry. But I think there’s something else that’s bothering you. What is it babe?” he asked.

“No, no everything‘s fine. Like you said I’m just not feeling great, that’s all.”

“Don’t give me that. What is it, tell me. Please.”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?” she said.

 “No I’m not. There’s something the matter and I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me what it is. So spill it.” He was demanding now.

She really didn’t want to tell him what was wrong. She didn’t want to seem needy. But he was being persistent. “Alright I’ll tell you okay. Just stop nagging will you.” she said irritated.

“I’m not being irritating.” He shot back looking a little hurt.

“Yes you are. But I’ll overlook it.  I’m upset because you’re leaving tomorrow okay.” She said.

 “Oh sweetie, I thought that might be it. Look it will be alright. When you feel better you can come out and spend as much time as you want with me, okay.” He said trying to convince her that things will be alright.

“That’s nice Jon but that’s not what’s really bothering me.” She said. “

Then what is it?” he question her. Not understanding what could have upset her.

“Urgh! You okay it’s you.” she said loudly and a little upset.

“Me! What did I do?” Jon asked now more confused than ever.

 “See you’re upset.”

“I’m not because you haven’t told me anything yet sweetie. Now start from the beginning okay.” He said as he sat on the bed. She took a deep breath and let it out.

“You’re going to think it’s stupid.” She said sitting down next to him on the bed and staring at the floor.

Taking her chin with his hand and lifting it up to meet his eyes he said “First would you please look at me when you’re taking to me. And second I promise I won’t think it’s stupid.”

“Fine…I’m just afraid when you go back to your life style you’ll forget me or worst I won’t fit in.” she said sadly.

Jon trying very hard to hide the smile that was coming to his face and the chuckle in his voice that he was trying very hard to be supportive.  “Ah baby, it’s going to be okay I promise. I’m not going to forget you. And as for fitting in you already do. The guys love you. They already approve of you. So please don’t be like this, you’ll worry yourself sick ok.” He kissed her gently and hoped that was enough to reassure her. “Okay let’s get you back to bed baby. You still don’t look that great. You still look pale.”

“Gee thanks. But your right I still feel lousy, sorry”

“There’s nothing to feel sorry about. We have all the time in the world together once you’re with me on tour.”  They went to bed with Jon cradling Mary in his arms the entire night. Before they knew the sun was coming through the windows. Jon was an early bird so he was the one to rise first, slowly opening his eyes to the light shining into the room. Rubbing his hands through his eyes he was slowly waking up. He looked at the clock which read seven forty five am and was wondering if he should try waking Mary up too seeing that he was  really really awake now.

Pulling back the hair from her neck he started to nuzzle it hoping it would stir her. When that didn’t seem to work he started to tickle her lightly under the arm and she moved forwarded with a little yelp. “Hey what the…” that startled her, but before she could say anything he hushed her by putting his hand over her mouth.

“Shhh not to loud you’ll wake your mother. Jeepers!” he said trying to keep things quiet.

“What the hell are you doing? What time is it anyway?”

“Quarter to eight.”

 “In the morning! Are you crazy!”

 “No. I’m just horny.” He said matter of factly.

 “You are crazy aren’t you?” she said with a chuckle.

As he reached around to pull her closer he said “I’m just crazy about you, okay.” He said as he pulled her in and kissed her. As his hand was sliding down her stomach to her panties there was a knock on the bedroom door. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” Jon said in shock.

Mary just shook her head and said “Who is it?!”

 “Mom honey, I got in at six this morning and I just heard you guys up. I’m going to make breakfast would you guys like to join me?” Cecelia asked. Jon just looked at Mary disgusted and shook his head yes of having breakfast with her mother.

Mary wanted to scream herself. “Sure Mom why not. We’ll be down in a moment.”

“Okay honey”

“Don’t say it. Just don’t say it okay.”

 “Say what?” he asked.

“That I should have my own place.”

“Oh that. Well that would be nice having all the privacy that is.”

“Yeah it would but I’d be here anyway because I had gotten hurt. Do you think for a minute my mother would let me stay alone in an empty apartment if I was hurt? Are you nuts!”

“Yeah you’re probably right. She’s like my mom; she doesn’t let you out of her site especially if you’re sick.”

“Well you better put something on because I don’t think Mom would appreciate you going downstairs dressed in nothing.” She said with a slight grin on her face.

“No, you don’t think she’d like this look.” He said trying to get a rise out of her.

“No I don’t. But I would very very much baby. And I don’t share very well either.” She said leaning over and kissing him passionately. They got dressed and went down downstairs to join Mama Simon in the kitchen. Cecilia had cooked them a big breakfast and told them she was leaving to go to the Woman’s Club for most of the day. So she said her goodbye’s to Jon before she left. It was about nine am now and Mary was just finishing putting the morning dishes away when Jon came up behind her and put his arms around her waist.

“Hey beautiful, you almost done there?”

“Yeah, why?”

 “Well seeing we were interrupted earlier and if you think you’re up to it, I was wondering if you would like to go upstairs with me.” He said as he rubbed himself against her. She smiled back at him. She loved it as he was being very playful with her but also cautious, he didn’t want a repeat of yesterday and for her to have one of her migraine attacks.

“But don’t you have to pack?”

“I called Richie. He’s going to pack up my stuff for me, he knows what to do. He’s done it before so we have at least a couple of hours to our selves before they come and get me. I’m just worried about you.”

“Me why?”

“Because after yesterday we made love for about half the afternoon then all of a sudden you weren’t feeling good. Or did you forget about that” he said with a smirk on his face. 

“Noo I didn’t forget about that.” She said quietly.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Don’t tell me you’re still worried?” he asked.

“Jon we have to talk.” She said concerned.

“Well that doesn’t sound good. I thought we were doing good?” he replied a little upset.

“No we are. It’s just that I think I just need to talk to you about all this again that’s all. Can we go into the living room please?” she asked him nervously.

 “Sure why not.” He said sarcastically as he followed Mary into the living room, he sat in the lounge chair as she sat on the sofa. She could tell he was a little upset as he seemed tensed and very quiet all of a sudden. 

Chapter 7

As Rick and A.J. left their mothers house they decided to head to the auditorium to talk to Doc. They wanted to know if he had heard from Potter. When they got there he was in his office. It was about sixty thirty at night but it seemed Doc never stop when it came to his boys.

They knocked on his door. “Hey guys, what’s up? Is Jon okay?”

“Yeah he’s fine. “Rick replied. “We just came by to tell you that Potter was able to get bail.” Rick said.

“WHAT! How the hell did he do that! They had set bail high so he couldn’t make it. Don’t tell me he got some bail bonds men to stake him?”

“No apparently his uncle put up his bail. Doc we need to know who this guy is.” A.J. said.

“Sure, sit down. I’ll tell you what you need to know.” He told the brothers.

 “Well who is this guy for one?” A.J. asked.

“Well he’s from Jersey and he’s an up and comer. He’ll do anything for anybody to make his name known. That’s how I met him and I’m not proud of it either.” Doc stated.  

“What do you mean by that? “Rick asked.

“Well I like my pot. And someone mentioned to me that I could get a good deal from this Danny Potter. They were right. But what I didn’t realize when the guys started to hit it big, they start their own tour next month, was that he wanted an inside man to sell the stuff. And maybe other things too.” He explained.

“Why would you let him do that when you know the guys don’t do drugs and hate them?” A.J. stated.

“He said he would tell them what I did and go public with it. I can’t let him soil their name over me.” Doc just hung his head.

“Well that’s nice and all but is that why you signed Potter on?” A.J. asked.

 “Yeah that’s one of the reasons. Danny asked me to and I did. I wasn’t going to make waves, you know.” Doc explained.

“Well that makes more sense. “Rick said.

 “So now what are you guys doing to protect Jonny from Potter? He’ll want to get revenge for getting arrested and all.” Doc said worried.

 “We have a police car stationed at our mother’s house and the police force is on watch for him. It pays to have friends on the force.” Rick said.

Added A.J. “Especially when one thinks of our little sister as his.”

 As they were talking Richie and David walked in. “Hey what’s up guys” Doc said.

Richie started “Um, we just thought we come in and let you know we thought we saw Potter snooping around the stage area.”

Rick and A.J. jumped up. “When!” they both shouted.

“It was about an hour ago.” Richie said.

“Rich, why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” Doc asked.

“Well we weren’t sure until Sarah said she made him twenty minutes ago.” Rich explained.

 Rick looked at A.J. “Do you think he’s still here?” Rick asked.

“Well there’s only one way to find out. Let’s go.” A.J. said as they darted out of Doc’s office. As they got to the stage area they split up and started looking around. About a half hour later both came up with nothing.

“Well I think he’s gone. But who knows what he found out.” Rick said.

 A. J. replied “I think it’s time we called this Danny Potter.”

It was now nearing nine o’clock at night and Mary started to come around. He could feel her move around him. “Hey beautiful, finally waking up.” He asked smiling and giving her a soft kiss on her lips.

“Yeah, must have been more tired than I thought.” She said.

“You think, I was talking to you and when I looked down you were sound asleep.” He said laughing. He then asked “Are you hungry? I can heat something up.”

“Yeah, that would be nice. But we can eat down stairs, Okay. I need to sit up and eat. Maybe we can watch a movie or something.” She told him.

“Sure, anything you want.” He said smiling at her.

“Are you always this accommodating?” she asked.

“No so don’t get used to this. I don’t know when this will happen again. Okay!” he chuckled.

 “Okay, okay!” she said as she smiled at him. They went downstairs together, she in the living room curled up on the couch and he went into the kitchen to see what Cecilia had left them. She turned on the TV to see what was on when the lights went out in the entire house.

Jon yelled to her from the kitchen “Hey babe? Are you okay?”

“Yeah I fine.” She yelled back.

“Do you have any flash lights or candles?” he yelled to her from the kitchen as he was opening one of the drawers.

  “Yeah there should be a flashlight in the drawer next to the frig with the matches. And we have some candles in here.” She yelled again.

 “Found them!” He yelled back.

As he walked in with the flashlight and matches there was a loud crash that came from the kitchen. “What the hell was that! “ Jon asked as he bent down towards Mary.

 She grabbed his arm and whispered “Call 911 now. That was the glass window on the kitchen door.”  He didn’t even questioned her he just grabbed the phone next to the couch but when he picked it up there was no dial tone.

“Can’t sweetie, the phone’s dead.” He told her.

“Shit. Okay.” She said as she started to crawl towards the end table where she knew her gun was stashed.

Jon turned to her and said “Its Potter isn’t it?”

“Pretty sure.” They could hear movement in the kitchen then out in the hallway.

“Hey Bon Jovi! I know you can hear me. Did you think that stunt back at the auditorium was funny?! Do you know what they do to you while they process you, it’s not fun. But I’m going to do that to you and a lot worst to your girlfriend there.” he screamed. Jon grabbed Mary and held her tight. But she looked at him and shook her head no. She knew she still had to protect him whether he liked it or not.

“You stay here. I’m going to go around and see if I can get behind him.” She said.

“Like hell you will! He wants you dead. Can’t you just stay here and get the drop on him or whatever it is from here?” he asked nervously.

 She went to answer him when Potter yelled out again “BON JOVI! Answer me!”

 “Go ahead, answer him. But stay down, okay.” She said as she aimed her gun in his direction.

“What the hell do you want Potter?” He asked annoyed.

“You’re kidding right? I thought you and I were best friends and then you just ignore me like I’m nothing. Then all of a sudden this bitch walks into your life and you’re all over her like a dog in heat!” Potter screamed. Mary started to move around the couch for a better look. The moon light coming in from the window she could see his silhouette. What she didn’t know was Potter could see Jon as well.

 Jon replied back “I never said or implied that we were best friends. My best friends are the guys. They have my back. Not like you who tried to scare me with those stupid dolls then trying to kill Mary.”

“So you liked my little gifts huh? I thought you would get the point with them. But like most self-involved people you only saw what you wanted.” He started to move closer to the couch but realized he couldn’t see Mary. So he screamed out “Where the hell is she Bon Jovi!”

“What, Where’s who?” Jon yelled out hoping to stall for time and that he wouldn’t see Mary.

 “You know damn well who! Simon!” he yelled back pissed.

 “She’s here with me. On the floor, I’m not going to let you hurt her again.” he said trying to give her time to get where she wanted. But just as she was about to get settle to get the drop on him, he lunged himself over the couch at Jon.

Landing on Jon he found that Mary wasn’t there. But he couldn’t worry about that right now. He just started beating Jon senseless. Luckily Jon was raised in Jersey so he knew how to fight back. They were rolling on the floor, fist flying as Mary came around as fast as she could. But it was hard to make out who was who, seeing that Potter tried very much to look like Jon. She couldn’t shoot fearing she’d hit Jon or try to jump Potter for fear of ripping out her stitches. Besides she knew she was no help to him in the condition she was in. She felt so helpless, this was so not her. She’d helped her brothers more times than she could remember jumping right in there but knew if she did now she wouldn’t come out of it all that well. She watched as they tumbled around on the floor. She was waiting for an in so she could do something. Anything! Then the front door was slammed open and she saw her brothers come flying in.

“Rick! A.J.! Potter’s fighting with Jon! I think he might have a knife or something!” They ran over to them and tore them off each other.

“Get the Fuck off me! I’m going to kill that Son-of-a-Bitch!” Jon screamed. A.J. held on tight to him while Rick grabbed Potter who came up swinging and Rick knocked him out with a punch to his face.

 “Calm down!” A.J yelled to Jon. “We’ve got him. We’ve got him.” A.J. said reassuringly.

“I’ll go down and get the lights back on. Someone call Town to come pick up this trash.” Rick said.

 “Can’t, phones don’t work.” Mary said making her way over to Jon. They just looked at each other and he grabbed her in a bear hug.

Rick said making his way down stairs “Great no phone. A.J. go next door and call Town while the love birds here can have a few minutes.”

The two of them couldn’t hear him. They were too busy with each other to care about anything else. “Baby are you okay?” Jon asked.

“Me! I should be asking you.” She said. And right then the lights came on. Mary could now see the damage to Jon. He had a bloody nose and lip and his shirt was ripped at the collar.  “Oh baby, look what he did to you.” she said as she tried to wipe the blood from his lip. But he stopped her and looked loving at her.

 “I don’t care about me as long as you’re alright. You didn’t rip your stitches did you?” he asked.

“No I don’t think so. I just hurt something like a bitch, that’s all.” She said as he kissed her gently on her lips still not wanting to hurt her. Her mouth was still a little swollen from the other day.

Rick came back up the stairs “Hey is it safe now to come back in?” he laughed.

 “Very funny Rick! Of course it is. And you better hurry up because Potter is starting to move.” Mary yelled back.

Rick hurriedly came into the room and put his cuffs on Potter. “Just stay still you creep. The police are on their way.” He spat.

Potter was wriggling underneath him now. “Get the fuck off me you asshole!” Potter screamed!

“Now, now language.” Rick said as he put his foot into the back of his head.

A.J. finally came back from next door. He asked “Are you two okay?”

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.” Jon said wiping some more blood from his face.

“Yeah you look fine. But thanks for protecting our sister. You did a great job.” He said walking over to them to access the damage to them.

“Dude, I’ll be fine. As long as Mary’s okay then I’m fine.” Jon stated.

Mary just wrapped her arms around him stronger. “What’s Mom going to say about the house? The back door is wrecked.”

 A.J. spoke up “She’ll be okay as long as the two of you are. And we’ll take care of the back door.”

Just then a squad car drove up and Town walked up to the house. Town just looked around and shook his head. “Is everyone okay?’ he asked.

“Yeah just fine but what about the squad car you had parked outside.” Rick demanded.

Nixon had just walked in, “I radioed for an ambulance. Office Parker’s out cold. It looks like Potter bashed him in the head pretty good but he’ll live.”  Nixon said.

“Well that answers my question.” Rick said.

“Nixon, get this piece of shit the hell out of here.” Town commanded.

“Yes sir, gladly.” Nixon said bending down and pulling Potter up to his feet. But Potter wasn’t about to go that easily.  He lunged at Mary kicking and swearing obscenities at her. Jon twirled her around to get her out of his reach.

Rick again punched him but this time in the stomach “I don’t think you want to EVER CALL HER THAT AGAIN!” he shouted.

 “Hey, you all saw that he attacked me! Well do something! Arrest him!” Potter shouted.

Town looked at him dead in his eyes and said” No one saw a damn thing. Nixon, get him out to the car and to the station. I’ll wait here for the ambulance and go with Parker to the hospital.” Nixon did what he said.

But as he was escorting Potter to the car, Cecilia had driven up. She was freaked when she saw the ambulance drive in behind her so she ran into the house not knowing what she was going to find. “Oh my God! What happened here?” she asked scared to death.

A.J. ran to his mother to try and calm her. “It’s okay now Mom. Potter’s been arrested and Officer Parker needs to go to the hospital. But we’re fine.” A.J. explained.

“Well thank God for that.” She said but then she saw Jon’s face and asked “What happened to your face! Did he attack the two of you?”

 “I fine Mrs. Simon. I’m sure I’ll feel it in the morning. But there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to make sure that Mary wasn’t safe.” He said holding her in his arms.

Mary added “Well let’s get you cleaned up. Huh. Come on and don’t try to resist you won’t win.”

“I won’t.” was all he said as they headed upstairs to the bathroom.

“Oh um Mom, Sorry about the house but A.J. and I will fix the backdoor right now. The son-of-a-bitch broke the window to come in. Tomorrow we’ll get you a new solid door.” Rick said.

“That’s fine sweetheart.” she said just looking around her living room and shaking her head.

“Mom, are you okay?” A.J. asked.

“What if he..” she started to say but A.J. cut her off.

“Mom she’s okay. So is Jon. We were lucky he was with her. But she had her gun but didn’t use it because she was afraid she’d hit Jon. At least now we definitely know how he feels about her. He wouldn’t of attacked Potter back if he didn’t love her. He was trying to protect her.” A.J. stated.

Rick added “Yeah and he beat the crap out of him in the process. I didn’t think he had it in him.” Rick said surprisingly.

“Well let’s get that door window fixed. Mom why don’t you go upstairs and try to relax.” Rick said gently stroking her arm.

“I’m fine. I think I’ll go make some coffee for you and whoever wants some.” She said as she headed to the kitchen with her boys.

Back upstairs Jon and Mary were in the bathroom while she was trying to take care of Jon’s cuts. “Will you sit still, I can’t help you if you keep fidgeting.” She said annoyed.

“I’m not fidgeting. It hurts, OK!” he said pouting.

“Okay, okay I’ll try and be more gentle you big baby! Why are men such babies.” She stated.

“Because we like being taken care of. Now finish what your doing so I can do this.” He said friskily, while trying to put his arms around her waist.

“Stop that! I can’t do this if you’re..” then she let out a yelp.

“Jon! My family is down stairs. Now stop that!” she said. He was laughing now because he grabbed her ass and was making her nervous. He liked making her nervous. “The last time I did that you almost belted me.” He said with a wicked grin.

“Well I didn’t feel that way about you as I do now.” she said softly and finishing up.

“I know, and I’m sorry for being such a jerk to you then.” As he slowly and gently placed a kiss to her lips. The kiss then turned passionate and his hands started to rome her body. It took a few minutes to get her wits about her.

“Jon, really my family is downstairs.” She said sadly.

Pulling away from her unwillingly he said “Okay. I’ll stop but I’m not happy about it. Do you think they’ll still let me stay here tonight? I mean it’s only eleven thirty and Potters in jail hopefully for good now. But you’re still not up to par right?” he asked hopefully.

“No, you’re right I think I still need someone to watch over me tonight. And I think Mom would feel better if there was a man in the house. I know I would.” She said still feeling her aches and pains.

Cecilia made the coffee while Rick and A.J. finished with the door. As they finished it they asked her, “Mom, are you still going to let Jon spend the night?” Rick asked innocently.

“Well I don’t see why not. It’s really too late to send him back to his hotel and I think your sister would kill me if I did.” She said as she chuckled.

“Well they’ve been upstairs now for quite a while. Should I go look and see if they’re alright?” he asked questionably.

“Only if you want to get killed. Rick she’s a big girl now. And as much as I want to watch her twenty four seven to make sure nothing happens to her I know I have to let her go as I do you two. I had to do it to the both of you. Well to a point anyway. But she’s in love right now, so let her be.” Cecilia told both of her boys. As much as they knew that their mother was right, Rick always played the father role to her and it was very hard to let that go. “Now why don’t you both go home and get some sleep. I’ll take it from here. I’m exhausted and we all had a pretty bad night.” said Cecilia and said good night to her boys and went upstairs to bed. As much as they knew it was now safe in the house they still felt funny about leaving. But they did. Making her way upstairs she ran into Jon and Mary as they came out of the bathroom.

 “Oh, hi Mom.” She said feeling a little guilty even though she didn’t do anything with Jon that was inappropriate.

“Hi sweetheart. I see you cleaned Jon up just fine.” Cecilia said to her.

 “Yeah well I did but you know how men are.” She said.

 “Hello, I’m standing right here. I can hear you, you know.” Jon said feigning being hurt.

“Oh shush.” Mary said slapping him on his arm.

“Oh, by the way Mom, it’s okay that Jon stays the rest of the night and tomorrow right.” She asked hoping.

“Well of course he can. You don’t have to ask permission but I’m glad you did.” she said as she chuckled to herself remembering the conversation she just had with her sons. “The boys fix the kitchen door so if you want anything to eat there still food in the frig. I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” And she headed off to bed.

 “See I told you she would be okay with you staying over.” She said to Jon kissing him on the cheek. Then added “Do you want anything to eat or do you mind if we go to sleep, I’m kind of exhausted.”

“No I think I should get you into bed. Wait that didn’t come out right.” He said.

“No, I know what you mean.” She told him smiling.

 “Are you in pain?” he asked.

“Well if I say a little are you going to freak on me?” she asked making a face.

“Maybe?”

 “Then no, I feel fine. I just need to get some sleep.” She said as she tried to give him puppy dog eyes.

“You don’t lie that well.” Jon told her standing there with his hands on his hips.

 “Wait til you know me a little better.” She chuckled, and led them to her bedroom. As they entered she seemed a little uncomfortable all of a sudden. Jon could tell something was up.

“Hey baby, what’s wrong. You seem weird all of a sudden.” He asked a little concerned.

“Um, Oh I’m fine” she said not sure what she should do next. It’s been a long time since she’s been with a man especially in her room. He walked up to her and put his arms around her and gently kissed her forehead.

“Hey. It’s getting late and I know you’re exhausted. So why don’t we just try and get some sleep. Okay. So let me get you into bed. We’ll just cuddle nothing else okay, sweetie.”

“Okay, but you’re sure you don’t mind.” She asked.

“Of course not. Why would I mind? As long as I get to hold you and hear you breathe I’m fine.” And he kissed her again this time on her lips as gently as he could. They got into bed and he held her most of the night until she had to move to get more comfortable. The night went by fast and before Jon knew the sun was coming in from her window waking him up.

Chapter 6

Jon went back to the auditorium unwilling but he knew he couldn’t do or say anything to her right now. Plus he had a show to do and responsibilities that he had to keep. But he had tomorrow off which was good seeing she was going to be discharged from the hospital and hopefully he would have time alone with her so he could talk to her. After his talk with her mother he was feeling a little bit more hopeful now. After her talk with Jon, Cecilia went to check on her daughter and get her side of the story. Hopefully she would tell her the truth where it came to Jon. Cecilia walked into her daughter’s room. Mary was just lying there staring into space. “Hi sweet heart. Do we feel any better?”

 “We feel just fine. I on the other hand I feel like crap.” She said sarcastically.

 “I’m going to let that go because you don’t feel well young lady.” Mary just looked at her mother.

 “Mom is there anything you wanted. Because I really just need to be alone right now.” She told her Mom.

 “Well I can see you’re not the only one feeling sorry for themselves.” Cecilia said.

“What does that mean?” she asked curiously.

 “Well Jon seems to be feeling the same way you are. Miserable.” Her Mom explained to her.

“Really? You talked to him!” she asked her Mom.

 “You seem happy about that.” Cecilia asked.

“No! Why? Do I seem happy about this?” she asked her mother.

 “I don’t know. The way you just seemed a little happy that he seemed a little down himself.” her Mom was trying to get her ticked off enough for her to defend Jon to her.

“Mom! I’m not happy if he’s miserable. Oh God Mom! I don’t know what to do.” She said confused.

“Oh sweetheart, there’s only one question you have to answer. Do you love him?”

Rubbing her hands over her head, “Oh Mom. Yes.”

 “Then what’s the problem sweetie?” she needed to know what was stopping her daughter from taking that step but she was so afraid it was because of Michael.

“Oh I don’t know. Maybe because he’s an up and coming rock star. That he’s got beautiful women falling all over him. Oh then there’s my brothers who I believe don’t like him. How’s that!” she told her getting herself worked up.

“You didn’t add that you’re scared.” Her Mom told her.

 “Scared! Yeah okay I’m scared. Are you happy now?” she asks sarcastically.

“Very!” her mother said smiling.

“MOM!” she yelled not very happy with her.

 “I’m sorry. But you have this very nice young man who seems to love you and is scared also that you’re going to tell him to take a hike.” Her mother told her.

 “You like him?” Mary asked surprisingly.

“Yes. Very much. He’s a very nice young man. And as your brothers are concerned I’ll take care of them. I’ve never seen someone like Jon look at you like your father looked at me.”

“Oh my God, Mom. Really.” Mary almost started to cry.

“Oh sweetheart. Don’t cry. I talked to Jon earlier and I know for a fact he feels the same way about you.” She told her daughter as she fidgeted with her blankets.

 “You did what!!” she cried. “Mom! How could you. He probably thinks I’m this, this…” she couldn’t finish her sentence she was beside herself.

“He doesn’t think anything like that. So just stop.” Her Mom told her.

 “Really? But I sent him away Mom.” She said getting all upset again.

 “Oh don’t be too sure about that. Now just try and get some rest and I’ll be here in the morning to check you out of here. Okay.” She bent down and gave her daughter a kiss.

 “Okay Mom. I’ll try. I Love You.”

“Love you too dear.”

 It was the next morning the Simon's were on their way to pick up Mary. Just before they reached her room Cecilia gave her sons the riot act about Jon and not to tease their sister either. Rick wasn’t so sure it was a good idea that he should date they’re sister but agreed not to say anything. At least while she was still laid up. Cecilia went to go sign her out while the boys went inside. As they entered her room “Whose ready to ditch this place?” Rick asked cheerily. 

“Oh God I am! When can we leave?” she asked almost jumping out of the bed.

 “Whoa there. Mom has to sign you out. OK. So let’s get you packed up and by that time when she gets back we can go.” A.J. said. Cecilia got all the paperwork set and they got Mary ready to leave.

Mary had kept looking at the clock to see if Jon was going to call or come visit but realizing that her family has now come to bring her home he wasn’t going to show. She tried very hard to hide her disappointment. It was about one o’clock in the afternoon by the time they got back to their mother’s home.

“Here we are sweetie. Boys help your sister into the house please.” Cecilia asked. “Mother! I’m not an invalid. I can walk you know!” Mary replied annoyed.

The brothers gave each other amused looks. But they knew that the real surprise was just inside. And they weren’t sure how she was going to take it. As they walked in the door Cecilia went first just smiling as the boys were backing up their sister. But when they entered she stopped dead in her tracks. Standing before her was Jon. And he was holding a bouquet of red roses. “Hey beautiful.” Was all he said smiling.

“Oh my God, Jon?” she asked with tears in her eyes.

“Boys I need help in the kitchen.” Cecilia said gesturing. The brothers followed their mother out of the room giving their sister some privacy.

 “What…What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Do you really need to ask me that?” he said as he slowly walked over, taking her slowly and wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her gently on her lips, taking her breathe away.

 Letting out a low gasp she said as she whispered to him “I’m glad you’re here. But don’t you have things to do?”

“I have today off. So I can be with you with all day. And night if you want me too?” he asked.

Smiling she said, “Very much.”

“Come, sit with me.” He said as he led her to the couch. He put down the flowers on the table and gently put his arms around her as they cuddle on the couch. “How are you feeling?” he said as he softly rubbed the side of his face into her hair.

“Much better now.” She sighed.

“No really.”  He softly ask.

 “I do mean it. I couldn’t feel any better than I do right now that you’re here.” She said trying to look up at him but she let out a little gasp as she tried to move her head.

“Yeah, you’re really doing just great. Maybe when no one’s around I’ll try to do something about that later.” He said wriggly his eyes. She just smiled but mostly blushed at him. “You’re cute when you blush.”

“Oh God!” she said as she put her head in her hands embarrassed. He kissed her again on her head not wanting to turn her head. He started to chuckle when there came a knock at the door. Mary yelled into the kitchen. “GUYS! SOMEONES AT THE DOOR!” as she held her side.

“Why didn’t you just let me get the door? You hurt yourself yelling.” Jon stated annoyed with her.

But before she could answer A.J. came from the kitchen to answer it. As he did he found that it was Town. “Hey Town. What brings you by?”

“The hospital said Mary was released about forty five minutes ago. And I need to talk to all of you.” Town said not looking to happy.

“Ok. RICK, MOM COULD YOU COME IN HERE FOR A MOMENT.” A.J. yelled as they entered the room.”

“Andrew! Couldn’t you have just come in and have gotten us. Hello Town, how are you?” Cecilia asked.

“Sorry Mom” A. J. answered.

“Hello Cecilia.” Rick looked at Town and knew something was up.

“Ok Town, what’s up?” he asked.

“Well I have some very disturbing news for you all. It seems that Potter was able to get bail.”

They all sat there in shock and Jon spoke up. “How the hell did that happen? I thought because of the situation he wasn’t allowed bail.” He said angrily.

 “No, bail wasn’t denied. It was just very high.  And apparently he has friends in high places. It seems his uncle is a lawyer. That was his one phone call. He was allowed one you know.” Town explained.

“Well isn’t that just great!” Rick said shaking his head disgustingly. Mary just sat there looking into space while Jon held her tight.

Cecilia spoke up “Well now what do we do?”

 “There is a trial date. So if he skips bail his lawyers lose they’re bail money. And then I wouldn’t want to be him. Those guys play rough.”

 “Not as rough if he shows he face around here.” Rick said.  

“Well there’s a good chance he won’t show up. He knows  he’s in enough trouble as it is. And if he skips bail, he’s a dead man. So either way he knows he’s dead.”
Town said.

Jon spoke up “But he’s crazy! We don’t know that he won’t come here.”

A.J. turned to Town. “Jon has a point Town. Can you put a car on the house? He may want to get even with them for getting arrested.”

“Sure, no problem. I need to get back to the station. Be careful.” Town said as he left.  Jon got up and started pacing. Mary just looked at her brothers. She was concerned over Jon because he wasn’t use to these circumstances.

A.J. walked over to him and tried to say something that would make some sense of this situation for him. “Look we’ll go and find out where Potter’s staying and more about his uncle.”

“But A.J., Rick I have that dinner tonight. Who’s going to stay with the kids tonight?” Cecilia questioned.

 “Mom, we are perfectly able to take care of ourselves.” She said annoyed with her mother. Rick and A.J just looked at themselves for a minute.

Then A.J. spoke up. “They should be alright Mom. Like Mary said, Town’s going to have a car stationed outside. They should be fine.”

“Well alright.” She said regrettably. The guys left for the office to see what they could find on Potter while Cecilia got ready for her dinner.

“If your hungry Jon, Mom left food for us in the kitchen.” Mary told him.

 “Um? Oh that’s fine.” He said staring off.

“Are you okay?” she asked concerned.

 “Yeah. I’m fine. I just don’t like the idea of Potter running around out there free as a bird.” He told her concerned.

“Well I wouldn’t say having the whole San Diego Police Department watching and Rick and A.J. free as a bird. But Okay.” She told him smiling.

“You know what I mean. He was right under our nose and he beat the living crap out of you, didn’t he?” he shot back sternly.

“Hey Jon we didn’t know it was Potter then. Now please come and sit with me, you’re making me nervous.” She said as she gestured with her hand for him to sit next to her.

 He put his arms around her. “Well the only good thing is that we’ll have the house all to our selves. We can find something on TV and heat something up your mom made. How does that sound?” he asked looking down at her but she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. He kissed her head and smiled. He knew it was a long day for her and the medication she was taking had taken its toll. Fifteen minutes had gone by when Cecilia had come down stairs. She noticed Jon was watching TV and that her daughter was fast asleep. She walked over to Jon and gently tapped him on his shoulder.

“Oh Mrs. Simon. Don’t you look beautiful?”

“Why thank you Jon. I see Mary pooped out on you.”

 “Yes she did. It’s been a long day for her.”

“Yes it has. Would you mind bringing her to her room for me? She’d be more comfortable in her own bed.”

“No ma’am I wouldn’t.  Which room is hers?” He asked.

“It’s the second bedroom on the right. Oh and there’s precooked food in the frig so all you have to do is reheat it in the oven if you get hungry. OK.” 

Chuckling, “Yes ma’am.”

“Oh I know what I sound like…”

 Jon cut her off. “Mrs. Simon all you sound like is a concerned Mother. Mine would be the same way. Now go. I’ll take care of her. I promise.” Jon said as he gave Mary’s mother a kiss on the cheek.

 “Ok, Ok. Here’s the number of the restaurant if there is anything you need from me. Oh and here’s the boys number to the office. I wasn’t sure if you knew it.”

“No I don’t. Doc is the one who called them in the first place.” He told her.

“Ok then I’ll leave them by the phone then. I shouldn’t be too late then. You have a good one then.”

“You too Mrs. Simon.”  With that she left for her dinner. He turned off the TV and walked over to the couch and picked Mary up and brought her to her bedroom. He gently laid her on her bed trying not to wake her.

She was already in sweats so he thought that should be fine. Besides he didn’t want to hurt her trying to change her clothes.  He quietly climbed in beside her and gently put his arms around her cradling her in his arms. She curled into him like she had done it her whole life not realizing it. Secretly he loved it. He loved being able to smell her hair, it smelled like apples, and feeling her breathe against him.