Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

My December	By : Fuelish Category: Individual Celebrities > Josh Groban Views: 2010 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know Josh Groban. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Don’t do this, Karen. Please?” Josh begged. He lay on top of the covers in a hotel in Oklahoma City, he was fully dressed, shoes and all and he felt as though the ceiling was going to crumble and fall down on top of him, crushing him, squeezing the very life out of him.
“I don’t have a choice, Josh. It’s never, ever going to work out. You know it and I know it.” She bit her thumbnail to prevent her from choking on her words.
“It will, give it some time. We’ll work things out with Sam. I promise. I’m on it. He’ll respond to money, everyone does.” She shook her head.
“No, don’t bother. I know him, I know he’ll never give up. And I can’t let him have the kids.”
“Fine, then so be it. Just don’t do this Karen, please.” Karen felt the tears slide down her cheek and into her mouth. She sucked them in and swallowed.
“We can’t continue seeing each other for a weekend here or there. It’s too traumatic.” Josh covered his eyes with his hand and pressed down.
“I can. And I will. If it has to be weekends then okay, weekends it is.” He coughed and sniffled.
“No, I need more. It’s not you, it’s me.” He felt the prick of an old line most guys used to break up with their girls when they were tired of them.
“It is me, can’t you see that? And it hurts. I can’t lose you!” The tears came faster for Karen and now her heart hurt.
“We can still be friends.” He shook his head.
“No, no friends. Karen I love you!”
“I love you too, Josh but the age difference, the distance, your job, my job … it’s a recipe for disaster and it’s time to end it before it gets worse.” She barely squeaked it out before her throat closed up tight and burned like fire. He was silent on the other end. She tried to call his name and found she couldn’t. No sound came out. “Josh?” She whispered. No answer. “Josh?”
“I can’t talk about it now. I … just … can’t.” He said and hung up. She lay her head down on the arm of the couch and cried. She didn’t know any other way to solve the problem then just let Josh go. He was young, he would get over it. There were hundreds of attractive women begging for his attention. What did he want with an old bag anyway? He would be doomed to a life of defending himself for his choice of mate and then when she’s 60 he’ll just be 50 and probably looking for another younger woman anyway. Most older guys do. It wasn’t meant to be and now if she could only convince herself of it then she could perhaps convince Josh. The phone rang and she looked at the caller I.D. It was Josh again. She answered it quietly. He was silent.
“Talk, Josh. Don’t just sit there.”
“I don’t know what to say. You’re breaking up with me and I can’t stand it.” She heard him weeping on the other end, it tore her into pieces.
“It’s for the best.” She whispered.
“For who?” He snapped. “Not for you and certainly not for me! I can’t believe you’re doing this.” She bit her knuckle and prayed for strength.
“It’s the only way. I can’t live there and you can’t live here. What do you want from me, Josh? I’m only one person!”
“I want you to love me as much as I love you.” He whispered softly. She hung her head and cried.
“I can’t.” She forced herself to say and hung up. The phone rang again. She turned off the ringer. She couldn’t bear to speak with him anymore that day. Her head ached, her body cried out, she was dying inside and the sound of his voice dragged her into the grave quickly. She forced herself off the bed and kept herself going by doing the laundry. The kids would be home from her mom’s soon, she had to act normal and cheerful for them. It was going to be a daunting task for sure but she wiped her face dry of tears and approached it head on.

Josh stumbled off the bed and found his way to the liquor cabinet. He didn’t care what was in it, he needed a drink. He grabbed the first bottle he saw, opened it and poured it down his throat. It burned and tasted awful and he shuddered. He didn’t care. He focused on being numb. His mind was thinking random chaotic thoughts and he needed to shut it down and quickly. He took another swig of whiskey and choked it down. Then another and another. He slumped down to the floor and leaned back against the bed to wait for the anesthetic effects of the alcohol to begin. After a while he started to feel tingly all over and just a little drunk. He sighed. “Finally.” He muttered and lay his head back on the bed. He gulped. His throat was on fire. There was no way he was going anywhere tonight and talking much less singing. Just then his phone rang. He scrambled up onto the bed to look for it, his head swimming, his body heavy. He found it and snapped it up to look at who was calling. It was his tour manager. “What?” He slurred into the mouthpiece.
“Josh?” Tony asked, not sure if it was Josh or if he’d dialed the wrong number.
“I said what!” Josh growled.
“We’re going to leave soon.” Josh shook his head.
“No we’re not. I don’t feel good and I’m not going anywhere but home.” There was a loud sigh on the other end.
“What’s wrong?”
“My throat hurts and my head hurts. I need to go home and rest.” Tony had seen it coming. Josh had shown a lot of anger lately, some frustration and he was always on his cell phone with Karen. He knew there was trouble in paradise and now this.
“Josh, you are committed.” Josh felt nauseated and sat up quickly and swallowed.
“Fuck you, I’m not going.” He said, closed the phone and threw it into the wall. It hit with a thud and then fell down onto the dresser below. He had to get out of there, he had to get back home. He needed to sleep. He needed another drink. He picked up the phone beside the bed and called the airport to schedule a flight home. There was a knock on the door. He ignored it until he was finished on the phone then staggered over and opened it. David Romano stood there, hands on hips.
“Whaddayou want?” Josh asked and turned towards where his suitcase stood unopened. He grabbed the handle and tried to pull it towards the door but it was heavy and he almost fell over it instead. David rushed to him and helped him to the bed.
“What’s going on, Josh?” He asked. Josh waved him away.
“Get out of here, I’m going home.” He said groggily.
“It’s her isn’t it?” Josh blinked away the tears and turned away from David.
What it is …” He said quietly. “Is none of yours or anyone else’s fucking business. Do you understand?” Josh got up and went into the bathroom and slammed the door behind him. David shook his head. He had known it was coming, they all had. They thought he would have taken it better then this. He wasn’t even as upset when January dumped him. David went over to the bathroom door and knocked. “Leave me the fuck alone!” Josh shouted from the other side.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that Josh.” David said loudly. “You have a commitment. Now come on out so we can get you sobered up.”
“No.” Josh said quietly. “Leave me.”
“I can’t.” David replied and leaned against the door jamb.
“Leave me!” Josh said louder. “I have a plane to catch.”
“Nope, no planes, you have a contract.” The door swung open quickly and suddenly and Josh was in David’s face.
“Oh yeah? Well you know what you can do with your contract?” He spat and gave David a good shove into the wall. “You can fuck yourself with it. I’m leaving! Now get out of my way or you’ll get hurt.” David composed himself though his back and shoulders were aching.
“You going to fight me now, Josh? It’s worth ruining your career over some dumbass woman?” He said with a sneer. Josh put up his fists and swayed a little. “Women are temporary in your life Josh, this career you have will span centuries! Think about it!” Josh glared at him. All the anger he’d felt for the last few tumultuous months came flooding through him. He wanted to punch something and then beat on it until it wasn’t any resemblance to its former self. If David was that something then so be it. He took a swing and David jumped backwards out of the way. “Josh! Stop it!” He hollered. Josh came at him again and this time when he swung David blocked the punch with his hand then grabbed Josh and twisted his arm around his back and brought him to his knees. Josh sat on his knees and panted, David had his arm pinned backwards and was kneeling onto his back.
“Let me up, David. I have a plane to catch.” Josh seethed.
“No, Josh. We’re going to sort this out and get you back on the right track.” He panted from the workout Josh was giving him and could barely hold him down. “You have a schedule to keep. It doesn’t allow for short vacations right now.” Josh regained his control and yanked his arm free of David’s grasp. Standing up quickly he kicked David over onto the floor, grabbed his suitcase and headed out the door. Instead of waiting for the elevator he sprinted down the stairs nearly losing his balance once or twice and careening into the wall in front of him. He burst out onto the street and into the waiting limo that took him to the airport.

Josh undressed and flopped down onto his bed. He pulled the pillow over his head and relished the dark, coolness it offered. He’d hopped the plane home and was surprised that there was no one at the LA airport to meet him and try to take him back. He took a cab straight to the condo where he now lay, dizzy, nauseated, and in pain. The phone rang, he ignored it. He knew it wasn’t Karen. She hadn’t tried to call since breaking up with him. He knew she wouldn’t either. She was a strong woman and when she made up her mind to do something, it wasn’t done half assed. He lay quiet until the phone stopped ringing and he heard the answering machine go on. “Speak!” was all the message said and then it was Foster. He tuned him out and pulled the pillow down again drowning out the voice that chastised him for what he’d done. Unknowingly Josh fell into slumber and woke up in the dark to a hand on his back. He flipped over quickly and squinted into the room to see who it was.
“It’s me, Josh.” Lindy said softly.
“Mom?” Josh scratched his chin, it was itchy with stubble. “What are you doing here?” She sat down on the bed next to him.
“Everyone was worried about you and I came to see if you were all right.” He sighed.
“Yeah, I’m okay. I just need to be alone for a while.” He flopped back on the bed, his head engulfed in pillow. Lindy touched his arm lightly.
“Want to talk about it?” She offered. He draped his other arm over his eyes and shook his head.
“No.” He said sternly.
“Josh, you have to be a grown man about this. You hurt David, he’s sprained his shoulder. Your reaction to your ‘issue’ is going to cause you much trouble.” He sighed.
“Right now, Mom, I don’t care. My life sucks and I don’t feel like I can go on.”
“You can, honey. Every day you will get stronger. Look what has happened in your life. You have ups and downs, strong times and weak. Whatever this is you will survive and be a stronger person because of it.” He sniffled and was silent. “Is it Karen?” He nodded slowly. “Did you two break up?” Again, he nodded. He heard her sigh. “I’m so sorry honey. I know how much she means to you.” He sniffled again and nodded. “Everyone in relationships have fights, dear. Your dad and I still do. Doesn’t mean it’s over.” She stuffed a tissue into his hand. He sat up eyes still pressed closed, and blew his nose.
“It’s over Mom, trust me.” He said then lay back down and placed his arm back over his eyes. He would loved to have been able to talk to her about it but he didn’t want to hear her response, her admonitions or ‘I told you sos.’ He lay silent.
“Well, that may be but you still have your career to focus on. You’ve worked to hard and come too far to throw it away now.” He sighed.
“Did Foster tell you to say that?” He asked.
“No, Josh. No one did.” She took his hand and kissed it. “You know, there’s an old saying that goes something like, if you love something set it free and if it comes back to you it was meant to be.” He sighed.
“I know, I’ve heard it.”
“Why don’t you give it a shot, honey. Don’t lose contact with her but let her be for a while and see if she doesn’t come back.” He felt a dull ache spread throughout his body as she spoke. “You never know.” He sat up and she pulled her son into her arms where she cradled him as he cried. After a while the tears subsided and he regained composure. She handed him tissue after tissue so he could blow his runny nose.
“Thanks Mom.” He said.
“Now,” She began. “You have to do something about this tour you’re supposed to be on.” He winced at the thought.
“I don’t think I can do it.” He said shaking his head.
“I think you can.” She said confidently. “And it’ll give you something to think about other then …” She hesitated saying it for fear she’d send him into another crying fit. “things.” He nodded. His eyes still had that far off look to them but he was coming around slowly.
“Maybe.” Lindy pulled the covers down on the bed and made Josh climb in between the sheets. She went into the bathroom and came back with two Tylenol PM tablets in one hand and a glass of water in the other. She shoved them at him.
“Take these, get some sleep and we’ll tackle everything again tomorrow … together.” She smiled as he took the pills, downed them with water and pulled the covers up under his chin. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. He grabbed her hand before she could walk away.
“Mom.” He said. She turned and smiled. “Thanks.” She squeezed his hand before letting go.
“You’re welcome. Get some rest.” He rolled over onto his side and curled his legs into the fetal position. He tried to picture nothing but all he could see under his lids was Karen. He loved her so much and yet … He sighed. Before long the pills took control and he slept … finally.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Josh waited several days after resuming his promotional tour before attempting to call Karen’s house. The phone was picked up after a few rings. It was Kelly.
“Josh!” She said excited. “It’s good to talk to you.”
“How’s your mom?” He asked feeling more then just a little choked up.
“She’s really quiet. What’s going on?” Josh sighed. He wasn’t sure if he should tell or not. He didn’t know what Karen may have told them and he didn’t want to screw that up for her.
“What did she tell you?”
“She said you two weren’t dating anymore. She said that we were going to move in with you and that dad screwed that up.” He felt the tears again and willed them away. “I’m not happy about this.” She said. He sighed.
“Me either. I love your mom.”
“I know you do.” She said softly. “Why can’t you still date but just not move in together?” He held a hand over his eyes. They burned with tears but he wouldn’t let them fall, he had too much to do to get depressed again.
“You’ll have to ask her.” He said.
“Oh crap, here she comes. Bye!” Josh listened as the phone went dead. He closed the cover of the phone and sighed heavily. Just then his phone rang and he picked it up quickly.
“Josh?” It was Karen. He smiled at the familiar, sweet sound of her voice.
“Hi Karen.” He said.
“Hi. Kelly said you called.”
“Yeah. I wanted to see how you were doing.” She sounded a little far off, distant.
“I’m fine, you?”
“Not so good.” He decided to be honest with her and see where it got him.
“I’m sorry.” She said quietly. “I really shouldn’t have called.”
“No! Karen, no, you should have, I’m glad you called. I need to hear your voice. I miss you so much.” He felt his nose burn, the precursor to the tears that were now threatening to spill from under his lids. He blinked quickly to ward them away. It was useless.
“I miss you too, but Josh, it’s for the best. It can’t work out this way. He’ll never let them go and neither will I, we’re at an impasse.” He pinched his nose to quell the sting.
“Do you still love me?” He asked, not wanting to hear the answer.
“Of course.” She whispered. “And I always will.” Josh sucked in air.
“Then please be with me.” He pleaded.
“I can’t. You can’t. I’m being the mature one in the relationship Josh. I’m doing what should be done, not what I want or what you want.” He choked back the tears. He’s the one who shouldn’t have called. He thought he could handle it and he realized a little too late that he can’t.
“But Karen …” He begged and then stopped. He was being ridiculous and immature and he knew it. “I’m sorry. I know. It’s just that I love you so much. I wanted to spend every waking moment with you.” On the other end of the phone Karen covered the mouthpiece with her hand and sobbed into her pillow. If she could she would do the same, spend every day, every minute of the day with him. It just wasn’t meant to be and she knew it. She was saving both of them further heartache down the road. She, still covering the mouth piece sniffled and then wiped the tears away with her hand.
“I know, Josh.” She said as best she could. “I know. Umm, how’s the tour going?” He looked up at the ceiling of the limo he was traveling in and sighed.
“It’s okay.” He said, dejected. “I need you.”
“Stop, Josh, just stop. You’re hurting yourself and me.”
“I shouldn’t have called.” He said and blew air he’d been harboring in his lungs out.
“No, it’s okay. I have to go anyway, I have to get Carlie into bed. She misses you.” He felt a stabbing through his heart at the mere mention of it.
“I do too. Will you kiss her for me?” He choked on his own words.
“I will.” She whispered.
“Thanks.” He said softly, not able to speak out.
“Bye.” She said. He didn’t answer, he couldn’t answer, he just hung up. He lay down in the back of the limo and allowed himself to grieve. His mom told him it was part of the healing process and that he should allow himself his moments. He just wished it wasn’t right before he was to do another interview.

Karen lay in her bed, she was wracked with sobs and hadn’t noticed Kelly creeping into the room, watching. She approached the bed slowly.
“Mom …” She said timidly. Karen stifled her cries and snuffled. She dried her tears on her pillow and looked up at Kelly.
“What?” She asked, sitting up.
“Why don’t you want to be with him?” Karen looked away.
“It’s not that I don’t, I just can’t. You won’t understand until you’re older.” Kelly sighed and sat next to her mom on the bed.
“Try me. I understand more then you think I do.” Karen slipped her arm around her daughter and hugged her tightly. And without bad-mouthing their father too much, Karen tried to explain the whole situation to her. “I think that’s stupid, Mom.” She said.
“It is stupid, but Kelly, it would be a lifetime of work.” Kelly got up from the bed and frowned at Karen.
“You know, Mom, we are capable of telling Dad what we want and don’t want. You’re making a mistake and I’m ashamed of you!” She ran out of the room before Karen had a chance to speak. The night ended as the day had begun.

Josh stared out the door of the venue and watched as the fans lined up along the sidewalk hoping for a glimpse of him or better yet a meeting. He wasn’t in the mood. He went back inside and spied his mom talking to David Romano. He was still pissed off at him for kicking him into the wall. He’d broken a few of his ribs and whacked his shoulder out of joint but other then that nothing but his pride was injured. Foster had called in a replacement vocal coach until David could bear to face Josh again and only then when Josh apologized up one side and down the other. It had been two weeks since Karen had broken up with him and he was still as hurt as he was the first day it happened. His mom had convinced him that staying on the road and focusing on the promotion of his upcoming album was good therapy. So far he hadn’t found that to be true. He missed her in everything he did, including taking a piss. He went back to the dressing room and found several people there already. He didn’t feel like being sociable so he wandered off down the hall. He found a small corner and pulled up a chair. He had just sat down when his cell phone went off. Glancing at the caller I.D. he felt a jolt go right through his heart. He answered it quickly. He thought it would be Karen but Kelly greeted him.
“Josh?” She asked.
“Is everything okay, Kel?” He asked anxiously.
“Yeah, I suppose.” She sighed. “Mom really misses you.” He leaned back in the chair.
“Does she?”
“Yeah. You know, she explained everything to me and I’ve been thinking …” Josh smiled half-heartedly.
“Have you?” She sighed.
“Yeah, I have and I’ve come up with something.”
“You have?” He asked, hopeful.
“You know, no one has asked us what we want. Don’t you think that’s important?” He leaned the chair back against the wall.
“Yeah, Kelly, I do. Have you talked about this with your father?”
“No.” She said quietly.
“Why not?”
“Cuz I was afraid to get involved but now …” She trailed off and it worried Josh.
“Now what?” He asked.
“Well, Mom cries all the time, she’s sleeping so much. She hasn’t gone to work in 5 days. She doesn’t even make us dinner.” He sat up quickly.
“Is she okay?”
“I don’t know. It’s just … weird.”
“Is she sick?”
“I don’t know, Josh, can’t you come here and talk to her?” His heart leaped at the suggestion.
“I will do my best!” He could almost hear Kelly smiling over the phone.
“Thank you Josh! I can’t wait to see you!” He hung up and glanced around. He had to get out of there and to Ohio. He frowned. How was he going to do that? He walked around, looking for someone he could trust and decided there wasn’t anyone. He stood by the door and looked out at the fans standing just a short distance away. There was one girl, a short, red-haired girl who stood away from the others. He wondered if she could be trusted. He stopped a stage hand, whispered something to him then took off down the hall. The red-haired girl approached the door nervously if not hesitantly. Josh pushed open the door and met her in the shade. She smiled as he approached.
“So you do drive.” He said anxiously. She nodded. He had told the stage hand to approach the girl, ask her if she drove and had a car and then if the answers were yes, to meet him here. “I need a favor of you and if all works out well then I will give you and a friend backstage passes to my next concert here. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes.” She said breathless. Josh looked at her, her eyes were like saucers and she was breathing shallow through her mouth. He lay his hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“Are you okay?” He asked. He started to wonder if this was a good idea. She blinked a few times and then smiled.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He smiled back at her.
“What is your name?”
“Rachel.” She replied.
“Okay Rachel, here’s the plan. You go get your car. I’m going to wait here. I need you to take me somewhere but no one can know that we’re doing this, right? So no talking to anyone on your way to get the car, are you with me so far?” She nodded. He looked into her eyes, they were sparkling with excitement. “Ready?” He asked. She nodded quickly. “Then go!” He sent her on her way and watched as she headed across the street and down the block. A few minutes later he snuck out the door and was waiting by the curb when Rachel pulled up. He got in, closed the door and instructed her to drive to the nearest airport. He didn’t care where it was or how long it would take. She pulled away and headed towards the highway.

Josh sat slumped against the door as Rachel drove. He was increasingly thankful that she didn’t try to make small talk. His head was full of concern for Karen. He couldn’t have been more grateful that Kelly had called.
“So I’m guessing there won’t be a concert tonight.” Rachel said quietly. He almost didn’t hear her. He turned and looked at her, what she had just said finally registering in his brain.
“Ummm , no. But I want you to write down your name, address, and phone number for me when we get to the airport.” She nodded.
“Okay. Uhhh … Josh?” He turned to her again.
“Yeah?”
“Are you okay?” She asked timidly. He nodded.
“Yeah, I think so. I just have to help someone right now.”
“Karen?” He felt a jolt at the sound of her name spoken by this fan.
“Yeah, Karen.” He said.
“She was wrong to break up with you.” He frowned and sat up straight.
“How did you know about that?”
“It was all over the message board.” He sighed and shook his head disgustedly.
“Good God.” He said.
“I’m sorry.” She said quietly. He touched her arm lightly.
“It’s okay. It’s not your fault. Yeah, it was wrong but she had her reasons.”
“It seems to me, and I may be out of place here but it seems that she’s too proud to give in.” He leaned his head back on the seat and closed his eyes.
“That may be but there’s more to it then that. You’re not married are you?” She shook her head. “So I assume you don’t have kids.” She uttered a small laugh and again shook her head. “You will know what she’s going through when you become a mother.” She nodded.
“Yeah.” She said and again silence filled the car. When they arrived at the airport Josh had Rachel write down her information then he boldly gave her his cell phone number and instructed her to call him if he was heading back into town and he had not yet contacted her. Before running off inside he allowed her to take a few pictures of him and one of them together. He then hugged her tightly and left her standing, staring off at him, her eyes glistening with delight.

Josh went to three airlines before he found one that would take him to the Canton/Akron airport. The flight was to leave in one hour. He paced nervously at the gate until he was called to board. His cell phone went off several times and he ignored it. He knew who it was and didn’t care. All he knew at that point was that Karen was ill and he had to get to her. He boarded the plane and sat anxiously waiting for it to take off, fear igniting sparks that spread throughout his very being. When the plane took off down the runway, Josh leaned back in the seat, closed his eyes and prayed for strength.

****************************************************************************

Josh rented a car and as drove quickly to Karen’ house his mind raced ahead of him, worried about what might be wrong. He had barely knocked on the door when it swung open, Kelly motioned him in. He stepped in and the familiarity engulfed him. He was warmed by it. He missed being here, he missed the kids. Carlie came running up to him and hugged his waist tightly. He knelt down and she slid her small arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
“Where have you been Josh?” She asked. He smiled and pinched her nose.
“I’ve just been busy singing and stuff. I’m here now though.” She smiled. He let go of her and stood. “Where is she?” He asked Kelly. Kelly nodded down the hall.
“In her room. She hasn’t been out since we’ve been home from school.” Josh glanced down at his watch. It was quarter to seven.
“Have you guys eaten?” Carlie shook her head. “Do you want to order a pizza?”
“Yes!” Kelly said. Josh fished out his wallet and pulled out some money and handed it to her. She went on in search of the phone to call in an order. Josh headed down the hallway carefully. Butterflies batted around in his belly. He didn’t know what he was afraid of, it wasn’t as though he didn’t know Karen, hadn’t loved for all this time. He swallowed a lump in his throat and found himself unnerved and as he went to open her bedroom door his hand trembled slightly. He gave it a shove and saw that Karen lay on the bed, she was facing the door, sleeping. He knelt down by the bed and smoothed the stray hairs from her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open. He smiled shyly.
“Hey.” He said softly. She lifted her head slightly and smiled at him.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”
“I came to see how you are doing. I heard you haven’t been well.” She clicked her tongue and closed her eyes.
“Those damn kids.” She muttered. “I’m fine, Josh, really I am.” He rubbed his fingers across her cheek.
“Are you?” He asked in a hushed tone. Her cheeks were pink, he touched them to see if they were warm. One of her cheeks was but it was the one she had been laying on. He sat and stared at her. She looked so peaceful, so lovely. His heart ached to hold her, to kiss her lids and wake her and then when she saw it was him she would rush into his arms and he would hold her. The reality of the situation hit him square in the gut and he choked momentarily and uttered a cough. Her eyes opened again and she watched him as he blinked quickly then looked back at her.
“You didn’t need to come. Why did you come?” He tucked her hair behind her ear and then slid his fingers into her hair and massaged her scalp.
“I came because if I’m anything I’m your friend and I’m concerned about you.”
“Pfft.” She said and then chuckled. He leaned close and smelled her. She wasn’t drunk.
“So what’s going on?” He asked. She shrugged.
“Nothing. I’m just tired.”
“Just tired?” He asked. “What else?”
“Nothing.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead, it was cool. Her eyes watched him carefully.
“Have you seen a doctor?”
“No. I don’t need a doctor.”
“Well something’s wrong and I think you need to see a doctor.” She sighed heavily.
“I don’t need a doctor, honestly, Josh, there’s nothing wrong.” He rolled her over onto her back and lifted her wrist. He let it go and it fell to the bed.
“Yeah, you do, you’re sick.” She chuckled.
“I’m not sick dammit.” She said. He pulled her up by her arms.
“I’m taking you to the hospital.” She pushed against him. He held her tightly, pulling her to his chest. “Let’s go.” He said. She pushed against his chest. He tried to get her to a standing position. She wiggled against him.
“Josh!” She said loudly. “I’m not sick! I’m … pregnant.” He loosened his grip and she pushed herself back on the bed. He stared at her in disbelief and sat backwards, almost falling off the end of the bed but catching himself at the last minute. He scrambled forward and took both of her hands in his.
“Did you just say …” She looked down at her hands. He tipped her chip upwards with his index finger. She raised her eyes slowly to look into his.
“Yes.”

Out in the hallway, Kelly and Ryan stood against the wall, their hands behind their backs, listening. They turned and stared wide-eyed at each other when they heard Karen tell Josh she was pregnant. “Oh my God!” Ryan mouthed. Kelly giggled. When the room suddenly fell silent they listened more intently.

Josh rushed her and pushed her back on the bed. He covered her mouth with his and kissed her with passion then he lay her back down and hovered above her. He stared into her eyes, his brows knitted together.
“Were you going to tell me?” She sighed and looked away.
“Yes. I would never have kept that from you.” He turned her head back to his gaze.
“When? When were you going to tell me?”
“Soon.” She said. He sighed and shook his head.
“Karen, this whole thing is ridiculous. We need to be together. I don’t care where we live, I don’t care if it’s here or California, all I know …” He smoothed her hair back and kissed her forehead. He kissed down her nose to her lips where he kissed them lightly. “Is that I love you and I don’t want to live without you.” Tears pooled on her lower lids, she blinked and they slid down her cheeks. He kissed them away. “Don’t cry.” He said softly. “Don’t cry anymore.” She slid her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. He held her tightly and stroked her hair as she sobbed into his shoulder. “Shhhh … Don’t cry baby, don’t cry. I’m here …” He held her there until the sadness subsided and her tears waned. The he handed her tissue after tissue until she felt like she’d blown a gallon out of her nose. She looked at him, red eyed and laughed. His eyes curled up and then he laughed too. “What the hell were we thinking?” He asked as they giggled together. She shrugged.
“I don’t know and God I’m so happy you’re here.” He put his hands on either side of her head and kissed her. They kissed slowly but purposefully. She arched her body upwards until their torsos were touching. His arms slid around her back and he pulled her close, he closed his hands into fists around her tee shirt and clutched at her. “Don’t let me go, Josh, don’t ever …” He kissed her neck and nibbled at it.
“I won’t.” He breathed. “You can count on it.” He lost himself in her, his hands roamed her body, he delighted in the feel of her under his touch. Her hands were in his hair, she wrapped her fingers in his soft curls as he rubbed his face in her chest. He pulled at her shirt, he wanted it off, he wanted her naked, he wanted … her. She grabbed his hands and held them.
“Josh …” She whispered. He looked up her, his eyes glazed over and distant. “Josh.” She said again. “The door.” He got up and closed the bedroom door and locked it. The kids would be eating their pizza by now, he felt he was safe. On his way back to Karen he pulled his shirt up over his head and dropped it then his pants. By the time he made it back to the bed he was in nothing but his underwear. He slid under the covers next to Karen and pulled her to him. He made love to her, tasting her, drinking her in and as he did he watched her, fell into her eyes, and afterward he held her as she snuggled into him and he knew he was home.

Karen slept peacefully for the first time in weeks. Josh snuck out of bed, dressed and went into the living room where the kids sat eating pizza and watching TV. He grabbed a piece of pizza and flopped down on the couch between Carlie and Kelly.
“How’s mom?” Ryan asked.
“She’s better.” Josh said. “She’s sleeping.”
“Again?” Carlie asked and moved closer to Josh. He slipped an arm around her instinctively and she snuggled into him.
“Yeah, but I think this time she’s going to feel much better when she wakes up.” Kelly stifled a giggle.
“Let’s hope so.” Ryan sighed. “She hasn’t been much of a mom lately.”
“I think things are going to be different from now on.”
“Don’t leave Josh.” Carlie said into his shirt.
“I won’t. Believe me, I won’t.”
“So now will someone tell us what’s going on?” Ryan asked. Josh sighed.
“I would but you know it’s up to your mom to tell you. Just know that I love your mom very much and I don’t intend to let her go like your dad did.”
“My dad’s a jerk.” Kelly said.
“Well I don’t know him well enough to judge but I do know that I love your mom and nothing’s going to come between us again, nothing!” And something in the way he said it made the kids believe that he truly meant it.
- 9
- 10
- 11
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

My December