April-

Another month had passed. In that month Jessica was able to get in contact with her boss. He was surprised that Jessica was this ready and eager to go back, but he needed her. She was one of the best. After figuring everything out he set a day for her to come back, April fifteenth. Jessica was so excited. Now that the date was quickly approaching she couldn't hold off telling Sean and Olivia. They were the only ones that didn't know she was even thinking about going back. Sam was the only one that knew it was official. Jessica was going to have to face her parents as well and her siblings. Jessica talked with them but they never brought it up because it was a bit of a sensitive subject for her family.

It was a Friday, Sam wasn't going to come over until after dinner so Jessica could talk with the kids. She didn't want him to be around if their was any conflict. Jessica made a small dinner and waited for Sean and Olivia to get downstairs.

"Are you two coming? Your dinner will be cold!" Jessica says from the kitchen

Sean and Olivia come walking in and sit down. They start out dinner with easy and calm conversation as usually. Dinner was always a big social hour.

When the kids were done Jessica decided that it was time.

"So, I wanted to talk to you two about something important." Jessica says softly

"What's up?" Sean asks

Jessica takes a deep breath.

"The Monday after next I will be going back to work." She says quickly

At first they were a bit quite. Jessica then went on to explain why.

"I have been cleared for a while now, as you know. I'm doing a lot better. During the day when you two are gone I just feel so bored and lonely. I miss my job, I really do. I miss the excitement I get in the court room. Money is tight since I haven't been working and I don't want that anymore. All in all I just really think I'm ready. I know I have a year, but that's too long." Jessica looks at both of her children's profiles but couldn't really read them.

"... I really hope that you guys will support me with this choice." Jessica concludes.

"Of course, this is great. I'm happy for you." Sean says with a smile

Jessica was beyond shocked. She was convinced that Sean would be a little fishy on the decision.

"Liv?" Jessica says to her.

She shrugs her shoulders "It will be weird not having you home when we come home... you'll be busy again. I guess it will be hard to get used to. But I'm happy for you, I understand."

When Jessica works she always has long hours at the office. Most of the time she's always bringing work home, which can be stressful on the kids. They've gotten so used to her being home 24/7 that they weren't really ready for the change, as selfish as it sounds.

"My hours won't be as crazy. It will start off slow and easy...." Jessica says

"... I will really try my hardest to be home earlier." She adds

"Sometimes you complain about your arm, you'll be okay, right?" Sean says

Jessica nods "That little bit of pain will always be there."

"I guess you won't be bored anymore!" Sean says with an awkward chuckle

"There is more to it than just that, but yes. I told Grandma, she wasn't happy. She feels scared for me... I don't know if you guys are but-"

"I am, just a little." Olivia interrupts

"If I'm being honest, me too." Sean says

Jessica sighs "I promise you, nothing will happen. I'll be perfectly safe. I was caught in a bad situation. It's very rare that any of that will ever happen again. I don't want you to be scared."

They both nod "This will be good for you Mom, congrats."

Jessica opens up her arms and both children wrap their arms around their mother.

"Thank you..."

//-//

That weekend Sean and Olivia were hanging out with friends and Sam had to be back at the office. Jessica thought it was the perfect opportunity to invite her siblings and parents over for lunch. Jessica hated that her going back to work was such a big deal for her family. She wanted it to be an easy process and they weren't making it that easy.

When they arrived things were awkward between Jessica and her mother. George and Albert were perfectly fine as well as her sisters. At first they were just upset from the way Dorthy made it seem when she told them. Now, they were fine.

They all had their lunch so Jessica just let it out.

"I wanted to say something..." Jessica says softly

They all stop in mid conversation and look at Jessica.

"If this is about what I think it is-" Dorthy says with fright

Albert takes her hand "Let her go." He whispers

"Next Monday I go back to work. A week from tomorrow." Jessica says bluntly

Her mother widens her eyes. George, Jane, Ann and Albert had a normal reaction.

"That's great, Jess!" George exclaims

"I'm happy for you. As long as you are ready." Albert says

"Congrats!" Ann says

"This will be good for you... I'm sorry about all the phone calls sounding angry." Jane chuckles

"Thanks!

... but Mom, please, don't react like this." Jessica says looking at her mother who had teary eyes

"I'm sorry Jessica, but I watched you, dying after that woman shot you! Now, all of a sudden, you want to go back and work for those people who put you in danger?" Dorthy says

"Ma, it's not like the shooter will come back. Go easy, okay?" George says

"No! Jessica, think about this!"

"Stop, Mom! You're trying to scare me. I wasn't scared before and I don't want to be now, so please, stop and be supportive." Jessica begs

"At first I was a little scared, but Mom, she will be fine." Ann says sincerely

"Nothing will happen, D." Albert says

"I just need this, Mom. After the incident I never really felt normal not working. I hate it. I need to feel normal again. I need to support my  family. Please, just understand. It isn't that big of a deal. It's not like I'm going back into the police force where there are actual chances of it happening again."

Everyone looks at Dorthy waiting for a response.

"Understand me, I am your mother. I have a right to have a reaction to this and I do think it's a big deal. I'm sorry Jessica if you don't like how I feel. But obviously you are going to go through with it. I don't know why you invited me here if my opinion means nothing."

Jessica was shocked to hear her mother snap back at her. She never got like this. Jessica was really starting to see that Dorthy was scared.

Jessica stands up and walks over to her mother. She wraps her arms around her and hugs her. Then, Dorthy starts to suddenly cry.

"I'm sorry, Jessie! I shouldn't have said that. I just can't see you the way you were before, waiting on doctors for hours, you in that bed, bandaged up..." Dorthy cries

Jessica holds her mother. "I promise you, I'll be okay. Don't be scared, please."

Dorthy nods as they hold each other for a while. After a few seconds they break away.

"If it makes you feel better I'll call you every hour!" Jessica giggles

Her dad and siblings chuckle.

Dorthy wipes her tears. "I'm sorry, Jessica. I don't mean to be unsupportive or scare you. If this is what you really want and you feel ready, then okay."

Jessica felt to relived. Her mother was finally okay with it.

"Thank you, Mom." Jessica says

"Goodness, Mom!" Jane says with relief

"What? I always worry about my children!"

"We know... that's why we love ya!" George smiles

"Your mother is always worrying a little bit too much about her favorite. That's all." He winks

"Hey! We aren't pulling this favorite child stuff anymore." Ann says sternly

//-//

Sorry for dragging this topic on for so long, I promise, more interesting stuff coming soon. ❤️❤️