Two days later.

Jessica has not heard from Hank for two days now.  Today she is driving the boys to the airport so they can get back to school.

"Mom, please call us if anything happens.  I want you away from him.  We both do."

"I know.." Jessica sighs. "I don't know what we're going to do.."

"We're almost finished with school.  When we get back, the three of us can find a place to live."

"Oh Bradley, it's okay!  Don't worry about it, alright?  I'm fine."

"You're our mom.  We have a right to be worried about you, and want to protect you." Conner says.

"I know,  I love you boys so much.  Thank you both."

"Of course," Conner smiles and kisses her cheek. "And we love you too."

"We do! Please take care and stand up for yourself! Do you hear me?" Bradley gets to her level and looks into her eyes.

"I will."

***

One week later.

"Jess? I'm home!"

"Dammit Hank, you scared me! What are you doing here?"

"I thought it was time I come back."

"Oh.."

"The boys are gone?"

"Well yeah, they left a week ago."

"Oh.."

Jessica then left the room.

"Wait!"

Jessica turns around and sighs.
"What?"

"I think we need to try therapy. I'm not ready to give up just yet."

"Why?"

"Because I love you."

"Do you?" Jessica gives him a look.

"I do! You're the mother of my children, of course I love you!"

"Okay.. well fine. I'll go. But if this doesn't work, we're done. I'm tired, and I can't keep doing this, Hank. I'm 40 years old, and you're over 50! I don't want to be playing these stupid games anymore."

"I know, I don't either..
I'm going to try and make this work, Jessica."

Jessica nods. "So am I."

***

Two weeks later.

After their first therapy session.

Hank and Jessica sat in the car in pure silence.
Finally Jessica decided to speak.

"I'm sorry if I'm really as horrible as you say I am."

"I didn't say you were horrible."

"Yes you did.
  Hank, I've always tried to be the best wife that I can possibly be.. if you don't think it was enough, then go.  We don't have to stay together for our boys.  They actually want me to leave you so.. You can do whatever you want."

"No.. I.."

"You what?" Jessica asks.

"We'll get past this.  I love you." Hank reaches over and takes Jessica's hand.

"I love you too.."

***

June.

Things have been going pretty well for Hank and Jessica. They both have really worked hard on this relationship.

They are currently in California to celebrate Bradley's graduation. The Elba family has a huge house in California, and they offered the Murphy's to stay there instead of a hotel.

It's huge, so Hank mostly keeps to himself, avoiding any kind of contact with Ziah's parents, Especially Idris.

"Hank, will you please come with me? It's very rude that they're letting us stay here free of charge, and you can't even have a cup of coffee with them!"

"I'm tired. You go on.
Try to keep your pussy closed."

"Oh my gosh!" Jessica makes a face. "What was that about?"

"Nothing."

"Wow!"

"Sorry.. just go. I'm fine alone."

"Whatever." Jessica rolls her eyes.

**

Jessica walked down and saw Idris sitting at the table alone.

"Hey.." Jessica smiles softly.

"Oh hello! Would you care for some coffee?"

"Yes, please!"

"Of course. Is Hank coming down?"

"No he's tired so he's in for the night.
Where's Leona?"

"She is actually out with some girlfriends. Enjoying that single life." Idris chuckles.

"Hah! What is that like?"

Idris smiles and pours her coffee.

"Here you go."

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

"So.."

"So.." Idris repeats.

"Hmm.." Jessica looks around and lightly taps her finger on the coffee mug.

"Jessica?"

"Yes?"

"Ziah told me how Hank reacted to him."

"He did? I am so so sorry!"

"No. Please don't apologize! It wasn't you.
I know there are still people like that in the world.. it just hurts when it's towards your own child."

"I'm sure!"

"I hope he accepts him now." Idris looks into her eyes, hoping to receive the answer he's wanting.

"He does! He is having a hard time with Bradley coming out but.. he'll get over it!"

Idris nods his head.

"So Idris! Tell me all about London!" Jessica smiles.
"Is it just gorgeous?"

"Oh yes, it's incredible! Maybe one day we can all take a trip there." He smiles.

"That would be incredible!"

Idris looks at Jessica and chuckles.

"What?" Jessica giggles.

"I don't know.."

"Oh come on! What are you laughing at? Is there something in my nose?" Jessica quickly covers her nose.

"No!" Idris laughs.

"Then what is it?!" Jessica asks in a loud tone.

Idris smiles and nods his head. "Nothing.. it's nothing."