Chapter 34 - Dorothea

Two months had passed, in that time, Mara had had her 3^rd skin graft and was healing really well, The detective had Dorothea’s mom in custody with no bail, and I still had the kids and Dorothea seemed resigned to the fact and had ceased all communication. Deep down inside though, I knew the calm would not last and it was rising ready for a storm. I was just not prepared for the storm when it eventually arrived....

 I was sitting with Mara, my Mom and Ruth chatting about nothing, when one of the Drs’s looking after Mara walked in.

"Ah, Jon, Mara," he nodded acknowledgement to my mom and Ruth.

"I am glad you’re all here together.”

 Standing at the foot of Mara's bed, he had a smile etched across his face as he spoke...

"Well young lady your third skin graft has gone exceptionally well, and your body has healed at a tremendous pace, we are delighted with your progress. So much in fact, we are discharging you from our care on Friday. There is just one more graft to have but that’s it. What do you say to that?”

Mara smiled, and tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, “really?” she beckoned for the Dr to move forward and as he lent forward she pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you, thank you so much..."

"Dr, the final skin graft, will that be by an outpatient appointment?"

The Dr pulled back from the hug and addressed my question,

"Yes Mr Bongiovi it will, I just need to finalise a few things but I will return with all those details before Mara is discharged. ...She will have to come back in for the graft and stay for a short spell to recover once it is in place, but no more than a week or so.

We won’t be looking at doing the final graft for about 6 months or maybe more. We will write you when it is to be.

Given how well Mara has recovered we have decided the next part of her recovery needs to take place at home. “he smiled as he turned back to face Mara.

“When can I return to work Dr?”

“Not for some time I’m afraid, your skin is very delicate and could tear very easily.

I’m afraid you need to give yourself at least 12 months maybe more to heal fully before resuming your work.”

“twelve months? But I am a fitness instructor... I can’t not work Dr?”

From a high, Mara hit a low, her career was her life, and she loved helping people.”

“Well from now on, it will be standing and watching only.... and desk work....” seeing the disappointment on her face, he softened a little...”  look; we will access your progress as we move on, ok? If you’re ready before we will tell you. Deal?”

Mara smiled weakly and nodded her head.

So, are there anymore questions?” silence, as we just shook our heads...

“ No? Ok, I'll leave you all too it then, but if you need anything else just ask” 

“Thank you Doc. “

Acknowledging us he turned and left the room.

Ruth spoke first,

"Oh Mara sweetheart, that’s fantastic news, you can come home..."

"But I don't have a home anymore mom, it was burnt down, all my personal belongings gone forever, things I can never replace.

Mara put her head down and tears of sadness began to fall onto her cheeks.

“I know sweetheart, but your alive, material things are trivial against your life, right?”

“I guess so, but the pictures I had, mom, my graduation certificates, pictures of Brian, my school projects, those things are priceless and no against my life they are worthless, but they were like pure gold to me... and now they are gone...” she continued to sob......

“Honey, I have some of those things you mention, especially Brian’s pictures, and some of your reports and exam grades, and your graduation things, we had copies done remember? I can get copies for you, not everything is lost.” Touching her daughters arm and rubbing gently she waited for Mara’s reply.

It never came, Mara just raised her head, and touching Ruth’s hand she smiled. Mother and daughter sharing a moment, as only mother and daughter can.

I felt guilt in my heart, guilt not because I had caused the fire and Mara’s home to burn down, but because of me, my mom in law for whatever reason decided to take revenge by trying to kill my girlfriend. That was something I was living with daily. I knew what I had to do and what I really wanted so I spoke next...

"You have a home Mara, with me, if you want too? “

I waited for Mara to reply; when she did I was not expecting what came out of her mouth....

Looking up at me, and wiping her tears from her face, her eye's held my gaze as she spat her reply...

"Live with you Jon? are you sure you want that, I am no beauty anymore, well I never was, but I'm even less so now.... do you really want this...." she gestured over her features and body as she spoke....

I was stunned and shocked...

“How can you say that? I thought you knew me, I thought you understood me? I love you Mara. Nothing on earth could ever stop that, nothing... yes, I do want to be with you, I want to be with you forever.... but do you want to be with me? ”

“I don’t know Jon, I think I just need time to think...  her voice had softened but not much, “it has been a big day, and I guess I just need to take it all in.”

“Do you want me to go?”

“Yes, please, I do”

Rising to my feet I headed to the door, “Just a minute Jon.... “

“Mara, what has come over you? Don’t treat Jon like that, he has been nothing but kindnesses to you.... what an earth are you thinking? Take it back and apologise at once”

“Leave it mom, please,” rolling on to her side facing away from us, “can you all leave... just leave me alone... I need time, time to think.... I have lost a lot and I just need to re-adjust to it all in my head, 24 hours that’s all... please....”

We all left Mara’s room; outside her door we just stood in silence, all of us unsure what had just taken place.

I looked at my Mom, and Ruth held her head in shame.

“I am so sorry Jon; I have never seen Mara behave like that before. That was totally out of character for her. I know she didn’t mean it. You won’t hold it against her will you?”

I shook my head, “Never in a million years, I love Mara, I want to make her happy as she has me... God Damn it, if I could turn back the clock and make it all right I would... but I can’t Ruth, I can’t... I am so sorry.... sorry that Mara is a victim in all of this..... “

“Stop Jon, you did not light the match and do those awful things, you saved Mara, you have covered her medical bills. I know you love my daughter. Just hang in there ok? She will come good, you will see.”

As we stood not knowing what to do, I was aware of my cell ringing in my pocket, reaching in I took the phone and answered the call....

"Jesse, what’s up buddy?"

"It's mom dad, she is on her way to the hospital, she is drunk Dad and raging.... she came here looking for you..... Dad, I'm sorry I had to tell... she got so mad.... I didn't want to but I had too...."

"calm down son, it's ok, when was this?"

"she left here 10 minutes ago..."

" was she driving?"

"Yeah, I think so..."

"which car did she have?"

" Erm... I don't know "

"ok, don’t worry, are you and Jake and Steph ok?, she didn't hurt you did she?"

"No pop, it was just me, the others are out back in the yard by the lake, I don't think they knew she was here, I'm just shaken ... but I’m ok?"

"So, what happened?"

“I was fixing some food for us in the kitchen, we were going to eat out back by the lakes, and the doorbell rang.  I opened it and Mom just walked right in, she spat in anger asking me to go get my low life cheating son of bitch father ;I told her you weren't home and she flipped, she started smashing things, then she picked up a letter opener off the kitchen side and held it to my throat, she demanded to know where you were, that's when I told her where you are... I'm sorry pop..."

"Jesus Jesse, are you ok?”

“Yes, I’m ok pop, just shook up? Mom scared me; I have never seen her like that before”

“But you’re ok? No cuts or anything? You sure?”

 “Yeah, I’m fine, honest, no cuts nothing... as soon as I told her where you were she dropped the letter opener and left....will you be ok? She looked like she could kill dad?”

“Yes, I will be fine, listen Jesse, you guys just stay safe ok, lock the doors and don’t let anyone in till I get back ok?

“Ok pop, will you be long?”

“Not too long I’ll ring when I leave Ok?”

“Ok”

Hanging up from the call, I spoke to Ruth and my Mom,

“Its Dot Mom, she is on her way here to the hospital, I know Mara wants to be alone but we can’t leave just yet. Can you sit outside her room, I’m gonna go call Detective Ross, shit to all hell, I knew something like this would happen.”

My mom and Ruth agreed to go sit outside Mara’s room and make sure that Dot did not get in; I made the Dr’s aware and then stepped outside to call the Detective.

It went straight to answer phone, I tried twice more same thing. In total frustration I left a message asking him to call me as soon as possible.

I paced up and down outside the hospital waiting for the Detective to call me back. My patience was all but worn out.

Eventually Detective Ross called; he apologised that he missed my calls and after me telling him about what happened to Jesse, he was sending a squad car to watch out for Dorothea and arrest her. He told me it was being despatched with the utmost urgency. I told him I would wait outside the hospital for the officers.

I stood waiting, watching everyone coming and going to and from the hospital, all the time watching for the cops and for any sign of Dorothea.

Soon enough the police arrived. They said their presence outside the hospital would deter Dorothea from coming so they were going to move their car out of view and sit and wait.

I was not comfortable that they were going to be out of view so agreed I would stand guard. The police confirmed they could see me and when I raised my hand they would move in and arrest my ex wife.

I stood waiting for over an hour when finally I saw her walking towards the hospital, she saw me outside and started to run towards me shouting as she ran.

“Jon, you low down lying cheating son of a bitch, I want a word with you, where is the tart that has destroyed my marriage, eh where is she?”

“What are you going on about?”

“The bitch, where is she?, eh? You can’t protect her? How could you do this to me?”

“Do what to you?”

“Cheat on me again eh? I keep forgiving you and you keep on cheating why? Tell me why?”

“I aint cheating on you,  cause we aint married anymore remember,”

“Yeah I remember cause of that bitch....how could you? Eh and in our marital bed?”

“Dot? What are you taking?”

“I’m taking nothing you fucking assole...”

Her words were slurred and her breath stank of alcohol. I managed to raise my hand and summon the cops, but they did not respond.  With each word Dot tried to get nearer to the hospital and through the doors to head to Mara’s room.

“Dot, your drunk, let me call you a cab eh, go home”

“who the fuck are you to tell me what to do? You left me for that bitch... and .... and you have taken my kids away from me... are you poisoning them against me too, eh are ya?”

“Dot, I have not left you, I did not sleep with Mara in our Marital bed, I am not married to you and haven’t been for seven years, as for the kids they have chose to live with me cause they are sick of your drinking. I want our kids to be normal and happy.  Dot and that is something you have not provided for them for a long time. Now I will call you a cab and I want you to go home.”

I went to get my cell from my pocket as she lunged forward and stuck something into me. I looked down and saw blood oozing from my shoulder, dropping the phone I looked at Dot, she had her hands to her mouth and total shock on her face at what she had done, as she was backing away to run the police grabbed her and cuffed her, putting her in the back of the car, the other officer walked me back into the hospital to get treated. In my shoulder was a long 9 inch kitchen knife. I was in shock as I was led to emergency for treatment.

“What the fuck just happened? How the hell am I now sitting here in hospital with a knife in my shoulder?, I raised my hand where the fuck where you guys?”

“I’m sorry Mr Bongiovi, we could not make a move until you ex wife tried something.”

“Right, so you wait until she stabs me eh? Did Detective not tell you about this case?”

“No sir, we were just sent to prevent an incident occurring in the hospital, the sketch we were given was brief.”

“No fucking shit, it was brief...”

Chapter 33 - In it for Love

Mara smiled sweetly at me, and with a nudge and a turn of her head she indicated I speak to my Mom. I knew I had overstepped the line and rose from Mara's side and went across to my Mom.
"Coffee?"
she looked up at me, tears in her eye's and hurt written across her face. Taking her hand I pulled her gently for her to get up from her seat. She rose and I walked with her hand still in mine to the door. Opening the door I said "come with me Ma, lets have a coffee together. I want to talk to you and most importantly apologise." raising her hand to my face she stroked my cheek and smiled. We both exited the room, Mara and her mom waved us to go, I guess they were going to talk too, after all it was not everyday your boyfriend had connections with deranged ex wife's and mother in law's who were would be assigns.

Walking down the corridor to the hospital coffee shop I spoke to my mom.
"Ma, I am really sorry, jeez sometimes I'm a real dumbass. the Bongiovi temper always gets the better of me."
"Umm it does and your stink eye."
"I didn't give you a stink eye? did I"
"Well if you didn't you gave a good impression of one. Son, I am not out to control you in anyway, but, the way you spoke to that Detective was awful. disrespectful. on top of which it was embarrassing to listen and watch in front of Mara and her Mom. I understand your reason's for being angry, but that man was doing his job, I dunno sometimes I just don't recognise who you are anymore.... and well that saddens me in a way."
"I am a disappointment to you?"
"I didn't say that, I said sometimes I don't know who you are anymore."
I stopped my mom in her tracks and made her look at me.
"Why? what have I done to change? "
"the outbursts Jon, you have always had the Bongiovi temper, and that's not a bad thing when its needed, but behaving as you have the last few weeks, the aggression, well... it's not who you are.... and it saddens me."
I listened taking in what my ma said, a deep sadness filling my heart.
I had behaved out of character, but with good reason I thought, with Dot, the fire and the attempted murder, how else could I handle this?
"I'm sorry, I guess with everything that has happened I just lost it for a second..."
"It's not a second, its been with everyone.... the only person to escape your outburst has been Ruth. what is going on, there is more to this than what has happened to Mara. I can see hurt and pain in your eye's. I'm your mom I know you better than anyone, so what gives."
"I will explain ma I promise, but not here in the hallway of the hospital and not in front of Mara ok, there is more to this and I really don't want her to know what happened at Dots. When I take you home we can talk then ok?"
" Dot's? you are in contact with Dot?... and home? I'm not going home....Mara..."
"Mom, Mara is ok, and Ruth is with her, you have been an angel coming to my rescue and Mara's when I no we needed you...... but now I am telling, no asking you to go home and get some rest... please... for me.."
"I'll talk to Ruth first, we are on shifts ya know... if she is ok with it I will go home..... I promise ok. Mara is a really lovely girl...... and just so you know I would welcome her as a daughter" my ma turned her head slightly to look up at me with a smile spread across her face."
laughing I answered.... "Don't push it..."


Reaching the Coffee shop we got four take out coffee's, one for ma and me and one each for Ruth and Mara, then began the walk back. Clearing the air had been good so far, and I wanted to continue....
"Thank you"
"For what?"
"For everything... from helping me overcome my depression and bringing me up right, for introducing me to Mara... well I guess just everything.... you are the best mom in the world and I am truly blessed to have you.... I love you mom."
Stopping again, my ma looked up at me then pulled me close  for a warm hug, a warm smile filled her lips spreading across her face. It was god to see her smile.
"Thank you, that means the world to me. but then so do you" then linking her arm through mine, that's how we walked back to Mara's room.

Back inside, Mara and her Mom were talking, both stopping and turned to look at us as we re entered.
"Sorry to interrupt ladies, I've bought you both a drink, passing a coffee to Ruth, I put Mara's on her side cabinet, and I continued with my apology's.
"Ruth I am so sorry for my outburst earlier, I hope you will believe me when I tell you, I was not keeping anything from Mara, I was shocked at what I had learnt and just wanted to protect her for a long as possible...... I am really sorry."
"It's ok, Jon, really, no apology needed. I am grateful to you for looking out for my daughter. but as you are finding out; she is a force to be controlled in her own right. You two are so right together, you are each others yin and yang. I know your intentions and I know you don't have a bad bone in your body. So please don't' apologise to me really its not needed. as a mom though I do  think you should apologise to the detective. he was stunned and shocked when you gave him the stink eye... " Ruth said the last sentence with a grin and laughter in her voice.

I kept hearing about the stink eye, had I used it on the detective and my mom?, if I had I really had no idea I was doing it.... gotta work on that one. the guys in the band always used to refer to my giving them the stink eye when they hot wrong notes and stuff.......but hey that was needed.... but to a Detective and my mom no then was not the time.... I was definitely gonna work on that.

Chapter 32 - I did it for you......

"So Jon, how goes it man? what can I do for ya?"
"Fine yeah just fine Phil, listen I have a job for you, if you available to work for me?"
"Depends, what is it?"
"Are you free to meet me for a couple of hours tomorrow morning? I don't really wanna talk on the phone? lets meet up and Ill tell ya  over a coffee in Browns coffee shop on Hilmorton Boulevard"
"What time?"
"10am ok?"
" should be, I'll have to re schedule a couple of things but ... yeah I can meet ya there. will be good to catch up,... so see ya tomorrow bud."
"Tomorrow."

Hanging up the call I felt calmer and retuning my phone to my pocket I walked back round to Mara's room.
As I re entered the room the questions started. my ma could always be relied on to say her piece... sure enough she was the first...

" Jon, why were you so rude to that Detective, I did not bring you up to be like that. I was ashamed to say you are my son..... why? Jon he was doing his job... what has got into you... "

"Look Ma, I met with the Detective a few days ago, given what Mara has gone through he agreed to only go through me. I didn't want Mara anymore stressed than she is already. with her injures,
I wanted her out of hospital and on the road to recovery first that's all...... I am so pissed......  He had no right to come to the hospital and do what he's done... "

I could feel my anger rising again before I could hold back... I spat at my mom,

" so just leave it ok ma, I aint your little boy anymore, I don't need you telling me what I can and can't say... sometimes things aint all sugar candy and sweet like in your perfect world...." 

I stared at my mom and watched her reaction, immediately seeing her crumple under my words I knew I had hurt her again.... I was about to apologise again which is something that was becoming second nature to me now ; when Mara's sweet voice spoke, immediately breaking the tension in the room and between my ma and me.

"Jon,"

I looked at across at her from the doorway, as she spoke.....

"Jon, come sit with me...".
 I walked across the room from the doorway and sat on Mara's bed, and gently leaned in and kissed her lips, pulling back I looked into her eye's that always pulled me in and seemed to let me see right to her soul.......

"Jon,..... don't blame your mom, when you shouted at the Detective, I guess we all felt uncomfortable....  my mom and your mom listened as I was told... .... I know you were trying to protect me.....  and I thank you for that,..... but I am not made of glass, I wont break.... I am made of much stronger stuff than that. when the Detective arrived and said that someone had been arrested and was being charged with Arson and attempted murder.  I was shocked, until then I thought it was an accident, hell I did not even know the police were involved...... Jon, I was taking in the news and my character has always been what I know I can face and handle.... I don't like being in the dark and getting surprises and nasty shocks...... Jon if you had told me from the start about the stalking well we could have handled it together, maybe then we could have stopped it before it got to the stage we are facing now.... and don't think I am blaming you, I not ok?, I'm just  saying that if I had known we could have handled it together.....that's all.... we are a couple .....  I am the one that pushed to know who it was,  Detective Ross did not want to share the information. can you understand that?,  I could not understand who hated me so much that they would want to do this too me. I had to know for my own piece of mind"

Listening to Mara I knew she was right but I had to explain why I had made the arrangements with Detective Ross.

"I know you are more than capable Mara, but I did not want you to know just yet, I wanted you to be recovered and out of hospital before you had to handle all of this. I know your not made of glass, but given what's happened I wanted to shield you for as long as possible... simply because I love you baby"

"I know... but life is hard and a real bitch sometimes,  at least I know.... what I do not understand is.... why your ex wife's mom would hate me so much.... I have never met her or even new she existed. You have never spoke about her ever during our time together....."

"I never spoke about her because she was no longer part of my life. she was only part of my life when I was married to her daughter, or so I thought....  when Dot and I parted and divorced I cut all communication with her. She never liked me anyway and never wanted Dot to marry a rock star. she told Dot, he will break your heart mark my words.... I guess in a way, Dot and I marrying was her daughter giving her the finger..... then when our marriage failed and I of course broke Dot's  heart and  she vowed to pay me back... I thought it was hot air and words only......
Mara I am so sorry...."

I looked down holding my head in shame.... everything I touch or love I break.....

Mara put her hand on mine,

"Jon, please look at me..... Jon......"

I raised my head and tried to blink back the tears pricking my eye's.....and looked at Mara....

"Jon, stop blaming yourself, your ex mom in law is not your concern, you could not have known what she was planning. she is a sick person, ....... but as long as I still have you, everything will be fine, together we can face anything... right?  and Jon as much as you are there for me, I am here for you too.... I love you Jon Bon Jovi warts and all..."

fighting back the tears, my heart aching with hurt and love for the women I had been blessed to meet and fall in love with.... I leant forward and gave her a long and gentle lingering kiss.....

Chapter 31 - Little Things Mean Alot

Chapter 31

Pulling out of the drive turning left, checking my rear view I could see four sets of arms waving at me as I drove off the drive to go see Mara in hospital.

The drive was uneventful and I was grateful; as more than once my mind wandered thinking over all of the events that had taken place over the last few days.

Pulling on to the parking lot, I found a space, stopped my car and got out. my mind was thinking over and over, how the hell could I explain this to Mara. Should I explain about the detective and my former mom-in law?, I knew I could not tell her about what Dot had done, hell even I was struggling with that one... no keeping quiet was the best solution. Mara's safety was my everything, she had suffered enough. I would tell her about having the kids, at least a bit of good news for her, but that's it, until she was fitter and well on the road to recovery. My mind at last content with my decision.

Walking into the hospital I wound my way round the corridors on the way to Mara's room.
As I reached the door, from the outside I was aware of voices talking, opening the door and walking in I saw Detective Ross and his colleague, my mom and Mara's; sat by the side of her bed, with Mara's hand being comforted by her mom.

"Hey, what's going on? Mom? Mara? tell me please?" I walked over to Mara and gently kissed her forehead and waited for an answer, keeping eye contact with the Detective the whole time.

"Oh baby, they have called to tell us they have charged someone with arson.... and attempted murder...... Jon, sweetheart,.... it's Dorothea's mom."
"You have charged her Detective?"
"Yes Mr Bongiovi, that is correct."
"What the fuck are you doing coming here then?"
"Miss Goodward is the main victim and legally has a right to know Mr Bongiovi, this is all related to her recovery and well being."
"What the fuck? are you a Dr?"
"No Mr Bongiovi I am doing my job."
"Your job, your job was to go through me, I was the one that would explain, not you." I was so pissed but I had to continue....
"Detective, I thought we had agreed you were going to keep me informed, what has changed from that discussion?"
"Mr Bongiovi, as much as I understand your concerns for your girlfriend, I have a responsibility to do my job. if that upsets you I am sorry."
"your sorry? fuck, why didn't you just drive a god damn fucking truck through here and roll it right over her eh? it would be less painful than what you have done. Detective can I speak with you outside. There are things I need to discuss with you that I do not want to say in front of my family, please"

The detective looked at me, but granted my request, he said good bye to Mara with acknowledgement to Mara's mom and mine. Stepping into the corridor outside of Mara's room I lead the Detective  to the entrance of the hospital far away from  Mara's room.

"Detective, I am worried for Mara's safety."
"Mr Bongiovi, your Mom in law is behind bars and will be for some time..."
"no, detective, it's not my mom-in law I am worried about. it's.... my ex wife Dorothea, Detective I have my children staying with me at home, Detective my ex wife is unstable and I cannot guarantee what she will or will not do right now. I am afraid she will try and make her way to the hospital here in Arlington and harm Mara."
"What makes you think this Mr Bongiovi?"
"Detective, I can't explain now, but please trust me, she is behaving oddly and doing things far from normal. My kids have told me about her excessive drinking, they have told me she is obsessed with getting me back. Detective, I cannot say she will do anything but I am honest to god scared right now."  
"what are you asking Mr Bongiovi?"
"Fuck, do I have to spell it out for ya? I want an officer or guard on the hospital door 24 hours a day until Mara is discharged, no one to go in or out without I.D, with just me my mom and Mara's mom as visitors, would you do that for me Detective?"
"Mr Bongiovi, I feel you are extremely anxious, but this is a main hospital, you cannot just walk in and out and commit a crime against a patient, this is not the movies..."
I felt my frustration building, and that the Detective was ridiculing me."
"Detective, don't fucking patronise me, can you arrange that or not?"
"Mr Bongiovi, I do not have the power to offer that service for you, and we do not have the man power available to spare an experienced officer to sit outside someone's hospital door. I am sorry. Please excuse me, we will be in touch again"

Detective Ross left leaving me standing fuming with just my frustration for company. I needed a cigarette, something I hadn't done for four years, I searched for a vending machine to calm my need, I was out of luck, there were none. I found a coffee machine so purchased a coffee instead. I paced around the door of the hospital thinking. Grabbing my cell I made a call...
"Pop, yeah, listen.. do you still have Phil Bowdrys number? great can I have it?"
"What's this about Jon?"
"Can I have the number Pop I'll explain later."
"Ok,"
My pa gave me the number and I rang it immediately,
"Yo Phil, it's Jon... Jon Bon Jovi...

Chapter 30 - The Price of Love

Back behind the doors of my home, despite having my kids and Richie with me solitude hit me hard. my mind was a total bag of clutter and chaos, to put it into pictures, think of the messiest room in the house with papers everywhere and a force nine wind blowing through lifting it all up and you trying to stand in the middle of it and sort it out. Yep that's how my mind was for me right now. I had come through my depression meeting Mara, gained my self respect and own esteem, regained my wonderful kids, and then bang, the women I was married to along with her mom try to kill my new girlfriend by setting fire to her house and stalking us.... shit this could be a movie right?  god damn it!!!
"Whats up bro?"
"Aw nothing Rich, nothin, so kids; you're all ok with me going to see Mara tonight and staying with Richie till I get home? tomorrow we can do whatever you want."
Jesse spoke, "Dad, we are fine, honest and yeah go see Mara, tell her we are thinking of her and look forward to meeting her soon, we want to thank her too."
"Thank her? for what Jess?"
"For giving us back our dad." I know it wasn't seen as cool but I did not care and pulled my son in for a hug, swallowing hard at the lump forming in my throat. Jesse hugged me real tight too.
"That's a really nice thing to say Jess, thank you, do you want me to tell her or would you guy's like to do that yourselves when you meet her?"
"we will tell her dad, you aint getting all the glory there are three more Bongiovi's she has to get to know now."
I laughed, my eldest son was definitely a Bongiovi, he had the charm and wit that just fell from his lips.
"Ok son, no worries." 
Jake and Jessie went off off with Richie to get a drink and something to snack on, Steph was still pouting and looking out of the lobby window.
"Steph, you ok honey?"
Total silence, "Steph, C'mon, I was messing around, sweetheart look at me?"
She turned around, tears filling her pretty blue eye's, "How could you dad, how can I stay with Richie now you have told him that. It's just a joke to you, but the feelings I have are real to me and you showing me up like that, you have really broke my heart."
"Sweetheart, Richie is your uncle, ok I admit I was wrong to blurt it out as I did, but I was only having a giggle, you can always smooth it over and say my dad is an ass unc he don't know what he's talking about, mention another kid you have a crush on, play it down. Steph, I love you more than life it's self, I am sorry for hurting you really I am, can you forgive your ol man?"
She looked at me, still with watery eye's but a smile broke on her lips and she hugged me tight and told me she loved me.
"Dad, will we ever have to go back and live with Mom?"
I wanted to immediately say no never, but until I had spoken with my lawyer and taken legal advice I was sitting on shaky ground.
"I hope not sweetheart, but I need to speak to my Lawyer and get things sorted, rest assured though I will do everything in my power to not let you guys have to go back to Mom's ok?"
"Ok"
"Steph?"
"Yeah,"
"Will you tell me everything and explain, cos right now I am getting the picture in parts, and I need the whole picture to help fight our case."
"Sure, we will all tell you anything you want to know Dad, when do you want to talk about it."
"tomorrow sweetheart, you, me , Jess and Jake, we can have a picnic and make it as relaxing as possible no distractions so you guys can all tell me everything, that ok with you?"
"Sure, Ill let the boys know, what time are you going to see Mara pop?"
"soon, really soon, it's quite a trip fifty minutes to the hospital, grandma is with Mara, and her Mom."
"How bad is she?"
"pretty bad Steph, it's gonna take some time for her to recover fully."
"How long?"
"No one knows sweetheart, we just have to take each day as it comes."
"Where will Mara live when she comes out of hospital?"
That was a question that I had not thought about and it stunned me for a moment before I could answer.
"That will be Mara's decision honey, she has her mom so I guess she will want to stay with her, but if Mara wants too she can stay in my guest house by the lake."
I didn't want the kids to think I was gonna move Mara straight in, for fear that they thought I was trying to replace their Mom.
"Guest house?, dad, why the guest house? Mara is your girlfriend aint she?"
"Yeah, she is, but I thought you guy's being here, I don't wanna upset you by moving Mara straight in, especially with things as they are, and with your Mom."
Jesse, Jake and Richie walked back into the room just as Steph threw back her reply,
"Oh jeez dad, seriously please? are you for real? man you are so crap at relationships, Dad, we are all fine with you seeing Mara and if her moving in makes her and you happy we are all fine with it.Ok?"
"Yeah, no fight from me pop?"
"Why the fight?"
"Jake it's a turn of phrase, grow up"
"Jessie James, hold your tongue with Jakey, he's younger than you and sometimes doesn't always understand."
Grabbing Jake, I explained what we had been talking about, true to his brother and sister, he was cool with things too.
I felt so lucky to have three wonderful kids, and a beautiful girlfriend in my life, now  I needed to get my ass moving and go see her and let her know the events that have come to light.

Chapter twenty Nine - Misunderstood!

I could not believe what Detective Ross had told me, Dots Mom was the stalker and had possibly committed attempted murder too! "Hey Jon? man are you ok?" breaking back to reality I looked at Richie who had nothing but concern on his face.
"Yeah bud I'm good. just letting what I've been told to sink in. fuck, Richie, part of me wants to go over there and slap her silly, another part of me just wants to know why?, Jeez I provided for Dot and the kids, I know I screwed up but Dot killed my heart first or I never would have done the things I did. If I hadn't I would still be happily married to Dot I guess.... shit I just don't know. This is like a movie, a god damn horror movie at that. What do I do Rich? I can't tell my Mom and Mara about this?"
"Jon, there is nothing you can do, and stop beating yourself up already. This aint your fault, you cannot be held responsible for a deranged psycho and her daughter, leave it to the cops man and don't tell your mom anything. Fact bud, they only have assumption to go on at this time, that detective guy said he needs to make further enquiries. chill bud until you have all the facts, nothing you can do. but I do suggest we get back to mine and get the kids eh?"
Listening to Richie, he made perfect sense. "yeah, your rite Rich, c'mon lets go get the kids and head off on the boat, I need to let my hair down for a while and relax with my kids, I want, no need to forget the last 3 days, c'mon lets go."
Grabbing the keys for the SUV we set off to Richie's place, thanking Richie's house keeper for looking after the kids I slipped her a $100 dollar bill to say thank you, she was most appreciative.
With kids in the car we headed back to my place and to the boat house to collect the boat. We had grabbed food and supplies for the day and we had a great time, for the next five hours my problems did not exist and I was able to enjoy my time with my best friend and my three wonderful kids. returning the boat to the boat house and with the kids in the SUV I drove them back to their mom's Richie came with me.
Pulling on to Dot's, drive she was already out of the house waiting for me and the kids to arrive. Richie wanted to get out and have a word, I stopped him, but thanked him none the less, I told him to just cover my back as I did not trust dot one bit. With his hand on my shoulder he promised to do just that.
I pulled up and parked, the kids got out too and very sombrely walked towards the house. I got out of the SUV and walked beside Steph. "Dad, do we have to stay with Mom?"
"What do you mean steph?"
"I mean can't we come live with you?"
"I wish you could sweetheart, but your mom aint gonna let that happen anytime soon."
"What's it to her where we live. She don't care, most nights she spends her time in the den drinking and looking at your photo, pop if we didn't have pippa we would starve, Pippa does far more for us than Mom."
"Grabbing Steph's arm I stopped her walking, the other kids stopped too.
"Whoa, what the hell is going on, how come you are telling me this now, and who the fuck is Pippa?"
Jesse spoke up"Dad, Pippa is our house keeper, she cleans the house, but she has become like a nanny to us, she does our laundry, feeds us, gets us ready for school, picks us up after activity clubs and stuff, mom has been falling apart for years, and well, we thought you didn't care cos we never saw you, and mom, well she told us that you did not care if we lived or died. In our hearts we knew that was not true and that one day you would come find us all."
"Jesse, Steph and you lil man, please do not ever think I never wanted you, I tired so many times to see you, your mom but a stop to it, telling me she was protecting you all from me, I was in a bad place at the time kids and I was on self destruct and I admit I believed her lies. Now I am on the better side of getting better and I know she was wrong, kids, that's why I met your mom  a week ago to have permanent access to you guys, to build our relationship and get to know you all. I love you all so much."
"Dad, it's ok, we know that, but, we don't need a nanny and we don't like living with mom, can we come live with you?"
I listened in shock at my children explaining the nightmare they had endured, for years with Dorothea, she had painted a perfect family picture to me, showing her in the best light protecting the kids, that however was  as far away from the truth as it could be, she had tried to build poison in to my kids, and did not give a fuck about them. my brain was whirling but I had to act.
"Kids, I've heard enough, go get in the car, you're all coming to live with me", the three of them just stood staring at me, "go now." three sets of feet ran off to the SUV and climbed back inside. Richie stood next to me. "Gutsy decision man, hope your prepared for war, here come's Dot."
"I'm ready Rich, stand by though please bro"
"Sure bud you got it, I'm here for you"
"Jon, just what the fuck, why have the kids got back in your car?"
"Dot, the kids are gonna come live with me."
"The fuck they are Jon, if you think I am letting my kids live with you and that bitch you are screwing think again."
"what?, lets get things straight shall we Dot?, today, I met with a detective and I find out that your mom is responsible for my girlfriend lying in hospital with 3rd degree burns, "Dots face went pale,  she looked at me shocked.
"Don't tell me you knew nothing about it cos I won't believe you Dot, second, you rape me when I stay over, and third my kids have just told me you do nothing for them and have been pouring poison into their ears for years telling them I don't give a fuck about them. Steph just asked me if she could stay with me, jesse joined in and told me, that someone called Pippa has been looking after them while you sit in the den drinking and looking at my photo, now have a I left anything out?"
"Jon, I-I-I-I..."
"Save it Dot, whatever you are gonna say, I  don't wanna hear it, we are through dot and you will be hearing from my lawyer, for now the kids are coming home with me, and for the record Mara is not a bitch, she is a wonderful caring loving person, and let me tell you this, when I make love with her she takes me to places I have never known before, I love her with all my heart, You and I should never have been, the only thing that has been of anything good from my time with you Dot is my kids, now is there anything you don't understand?"
"Jon, you have totally misunderstood me, I need to explain, Can we go to the den and talk please?"
"I am not interested in anything else you have to say, for the last time Dot, IT'S OVER!!!"
I turned and walked away with Rich at my side. Dot kept calling my name, screaming for me to go back, she was crying hysterically by the time we reached the SUV. Rich and I climbing into the SUV we saw her on her knees head in hand crying.
"Shit man that was fucking intense. So how are you gonna do this bro, aint ya gotta go see Mara tonight?"
"Yeah I have, I aint thought that far ahead Rich, I am winging it right now."
"Well look, how bout I sit with the kids, I can order some takeout, watch a movie with um give you a chance to go see Mara and sort some of this shit out eh?"
"Rich man, you are my superman, I playfully punched him on his arm and laughed, seriously bro that would help me so much, are you sure? I don't wanna ruin any plans you have"
"Yeah course I am man, you kids ok with yeah ol uncle looking after ya for a few hours eh?"
Stephaine spoke first, "Yep, no worries unc." she had the pink blush to her cheeks again. I smiled to myself, Richie saw it, "What ya smiling at?"
"Well, as a laugh escaped my lips, I could see the look of shock on Steph's face, "my daughter has a crush on you Richie."
"Really?"
"Daaaaaaaddddddd, how could you?" she scowled and pouted and blushed sitting with an indignant look to her face staring out of the window."
"Steph, I am flattered, really thank you."
She ignored Richie, and continued staring out of the window, not speaking another word until we pulled up on to the drive.

Shot thru the heart! Chapter one!

Chapter one

"Quick, call 911, Jon, Jon, bud, c'mon wake up, Jon, Jesus Christ..... what the fuck have you given him huh? c'mon you son of a bitch tell? I swear to god if anything happens to him I will sue your fucking ass."
 Looking down at the motionless body of my best friend I stood over him feeling totally helpless. My rant aimed at our Manager Doc McGhee and the so called Dr who had been shooting different drugs and steroids into Jon's body while we were on tour.
Gavin one of the roadies, had called the emergency services, for now all we could do was pray to god he was alive and the services reached him in time.

Sorry I guess I should introduce myself first eh, my name is Richard Sambora,  or Richie to my buddies and fans; I play lead guitar in the rock band Bon Jovi, my buddy that is lying helpless on the floor is Jon Bon Jovi lead singer and who the band is named after.

We have been on the road performing to sell out shows all over the world for the last two years, tonight was our last show before our break.
God knows how long the break will be cos we honest to god are fucked off at the sight of each other.
Mental and physical exhaustion are the main reason's but there is more to it, but I don't think now is the time to go into that, the most important thing right now is Jon, yeah it is bad, let me explain a little into the life of the rock band Bon Jovi, maybe with a clear picture you can inject some sense into this performing circus and bullshit we have lived together and endured twenty four hours seven days a week?. 

During the tour Jon has suffered with his vocals and has been taking steroids to help him perform, I tell ya to the paying public there looked like there was nothing wrong. backstage, we saw the impact that has been thrown on his worn out body. Throwing up, not eating, not sleeping, collapses, tremors, bleeding, you name it we have witnessed it. yeah its terrifying. and no it's not the start of a Bon Jovi song, though maybe one day it will be. Our Manager Doc McGhee, is a slave driver, often heard telling Jon when we have had a real bad episode with his vocals tightening up,
"Quit whining Jonny, if ya want the fame, you gotta run with the big boys, and don't piss like a puppy." I'm gonna have that one engraved on the muther fuckers headstone.
Part of what he says is true, but the other is he is a callous fucker who only see's the dollar signs we are raking in for him.
Thing is Doc was taking a major cut of the Bon Jovi money machine and even though we had toured the world twice in 2 years, we; the band had little to show for it, just something else to piss us off. there we are working our butts off seven days a week, seeing nothing but hotel rooms and planes, no sight seeing; nothing, but each other for company, it kinda grinds on yer if ya get my meaning. I swear go try it? work your ass off for your boss, get no payment reward, don't see your family and wifes, girlfriends, boyfriends for two years and see how you interact with your boss?, if ya come back and tell me fine, man I will call you a fucking liar.  Yep, the daily grind of the Bon Jovi truck has finally ran out of gas, anyway, enough already, back to Jon, looking at him on the floor here, not a muscle has moved, he is grey in color too, man I hope those medics get here quick, it feels like forever already.
"Coming through, please make way, coming through."
"Sir can you hear me?"
"Who can tell me what has happened here?"
I spoke up given our Manager had suddenly lost his tongue and the so called Dr had disappeared.
"Yeah, our manager there has employed the services of a Dr to shoot Jon with steroids and other drugs to help his vocals, we have been on tour and Jon's chords are shot, but we had to keep going, tonight he just came of stage and collapsed. We have tried to wake him, but he aint responding so we called you guy's."
"What was the name of the drug that you have injected him with?" finally Doc found his voice again.
"Cortisone and anabolic steroids, is all's I know."
"Could you get the Dr?"
"Sure, Gav go find George."
The medics worked on Jon, they confirmed his heart was beating, but were concerned his other vitals were low and he was non responsive.
They rolled Jon onto a stretcher and before the Dr arrived they had lifted him and were taking him out to the Ambulance.
Gavin rushed back to Doc, whispering to him.
I saw red and flew in rage at Doc, "The muther fucker bastard has gone, aint he?"
"Take it easy Richie, do you think I would employ an amateur to look after you guys?, he's probably gone for cigarettes or something, I'm sure there is an explanation."
"Doc, you really don't wanna know my thoughts, and yeah I do think you would get some Doc that aint qualified or has been struck off cos it means saving you money, you are a tight ass fucker, all you see with us is money. Well I tell ya no more, we are through with you. so get your stuff and get the fuck outta our sights, but know this, if you have caused any serious damage to Jonny, I mean it man I will sue your fucking fat ass."  making my point, I went outback and joined Jon in the ambulance. On route I made notes of whom to call, did I ring Dottie Jon's wife or his Mom, tough call.

Minutes later we arrived at Robert Wood Johnson Wood University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ. 
pushing me out of the way the medics took Jon straight into ICU.
Before anything else I had to find a payphone and make Jon's family aware of what had gone down. Finding the payphone I made the call to Mrs B first, then tried  ringing Dottie. She did not answer and I did not wanna leave bad news on the answer phone, so I hung up. Mrs B was the first to arrive. she told me she had tried getting hold of Dot too but could not reach her yet.
Mrs B, looked drained and she was scared to death that her son in her words had been shooting drugs.
I don't why, but fuck I felt guilty at that moment. I could not answer Mrs B so stood but said nothing.
As for the fucking so called Dr that had been pumping Jon's body full of the drugs, he never did return.
Now all we could do was stand and wait for news good or bad, a worried Mom and Pop and me, waiting for news on Jon..... united in our fight that Jon would be ok.....