Love you all! It's crazy we were actually so close to 400 votes for an update! Thanks for those extra votes!
This chapter was supposed to be longer but then I ran out of time haha. Online school started and I thought it would be a breeze but it's actually a lot more work then regular school because teachers have to make sure we're paying attention to the videos and stuff. It's a bunch of mindless google forms and check ins.

I thought updates might come closer in this odd quarantine but workload is about the same so I guess once a week it is. Please enjoy!!

I woke up a pounding headache. Yet another thing I regret from all the drinking last night. I groaned and when I rolled over, I hit my head. Right, I was on Jackson's floor. The sunlight was streaming through the windows already. At latest, it was probably 8am. I also realized that someone put a Thomas the Train blanket on me sometime while I was sleeping. My guess was Jackson did it, since it was previously on his bed.

I stood up and looked at the bed. Jackson wasn't on it and his bed was made, but poorly, like he did it himself. The clock read 7:25am. I heard noises downstairs, so I quickly brushed my teeth and did my hair.

When I got downstairs, I saw Jackson on the couch watching Paw Patrol, looking very happy, as if he forgot the events this early morning. Stella was in her crib next to the wall. Erica was in their vast kitchen, making what looked and smelled like eggs, pancakes and bacon. She wasn't wearing any makeup, unlike yesterday, though she still looked gorgeous. Erica toned down the whole "celebrity" thing and was just wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants, instead of stylish designer wear. Zoe was sitting at the island, face red and blotchy from crying last night. It seemed like she was still crying a little bit. But seated next to her was an older woman, rubbing circles on Zoe's back. She looked around fifty or sixty years old with light, graying blonde hair and a concerned look on her face. In fact, she looked like an older version of Zoe.

When Zoe noticed me, she looked up and gave me a weak smile.

"Good morning, Ben," she said.

"Good morning," I nodded back.

"Look, thanks again for being with Jackson last night. It means a lot to both of us." Zoe looked utterly exhausted.

I shook my head, "There's no need to thank me. Any time." Zoe gave me a grateful smile.

The woman next to Zoe turned around and introduced herself, "Hi Ben. My name is Linda. I'm Zoe's mom. I've heard great things about you!" She was very sweet and hugged me, "So you went to Smithin's with Zoe? That's very cool!"

I almost forgot our own families don't know the identity of us and how we spent our high school/middle school days.

I smiled, "Yes I did. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too," she beamed, "Although it's unfortunate you came the night this whole thing happened. But thank you for being there for her and being so supportive. I came down here for Zoe too since I only live about a half an hour away."

"It's all okay, I'm happy we could be here to help in any way we can." I said.

"Well aren't you sweet!" Linda smiled at me.

"Ben, breakfast?" Erica called from the kitchen.

"That would be great, thanks," I said as I sat down on the other side of Zoe on the island. Erica slid a plate over to me. It had eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and pancakes. I quickly dug in. It was amazing.

"Wow Erica! I didn't know you could cook!" I told her.

She chuckled, "I've always been able to cook." Of course she has. That does not surprise me.

"Oh my gosh!" Zoe suddenly called out, "It's 7:45! Jackson, turn off the TV! It's time for school. Get all your bag ready!" She looked very panicked, "I have to get ready!"

Linda put a calming hand on Zoe's back. "I can take Jackson to school this morning. Enjoy yourself with your friends. Don't over-stress yourself out right now. I'll be back in a bit." She helped Jackson gather his things and we heard the garage door open, then close.

Right as we heard the door close, Zoe cried out, "God I am so hungover!" She then rested her head on the counter. She did a good job hiding it from her mom though.

Erica laughed outright and handed her a glass of water and a bottle of asprins. She took two. I took one myself. My head was killing me.

Erica sat at the spot Zoe's mom was at. There was tension in the room because we all knew we should be talking about what had happened that morning, but nobody wanted to.

So I started, "When did your mom get here?"

Zoe exhaled, "About six thirty this morning. I called her at around five this morning and explained everything, aside from the fact that Erica beat him up. She was already shocked to see her here this morning. Oh thanks for punching him by the way. He deserved it."

Erica nodded, "You're welcome. Any time." She said lightly.

"Wait, Erica, where did you take Kurt last night? He's not dead is he?!" I realized I never saw her come back last night/this morning. And Kurt was definitely not here.

"No, no. I dumped him in front of this crappy motel about twenty minutes from here. I don't know if he had money but I don't care. The entire way he tried to make excuses, but I didn't listen. Zoe, you deserve a lot better."

This finally broke Zoe. Big tears started to fall. Her shoulders started to shake in sobs.

"You know, I had a suspicion that this was happening six months ago! Ever since Stella was born, he was hanging out with his friends more often than normal. I thought nothing of it, until he was staying overnight. But I've never thought that..." she broke down once more.

Erica and I comforted her. I felt so bad about this whole thing. And partly, I felt like this was my fault. Zoe was all happy and didn't know about Kurt's secret life. Even though it was awful what he was doing to his own wife, she didn't know yet and I wasn't sure if it was Erica or my right to mess up their marriage. Oh well, it's done now.

"I know, Zoe, I know. He's a complete as*hole. You don't deserve him. You deserve way more. Kurt's in some sketchy motel right now, hopefully thinking everything over." Erica rubbed her back.

Zoe laughed a little, "Yeah, I guess you're right." She sat up straighter, "Well, that was fun but I guess I'll go get him now."

Zoe said it so offhand and after-the-fact. Her tone was very chill and normal. Erica and I shared a look of concern and a bit of panic. Zoe seriously cannot be taking him back after all of this, right?

"Wha-what do you mean?" I asked in surprise.

Zoe looked at me like I was crazy for asking me that. Erica shot me a concerned look.

"What do I mean? Well, I can't leave him out there. We're not getting divorced, you know that right?" Zoe looked at us like we were crazy for suggesting that. Did she just forget what happened this morning?

"What?" Erica said, a little harsher than I think she intended, "Um... you're taking him back? After he was cheating on you?"

"Of course, as much as I want to I can't divorce him." Zoe looked like she was putting on this act like everything was fine, but I could tell she wasn't okay.

"Zoe, this man cheated on you. While you were with a newborn child. Why wouldn't you divorce him? I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but do you want to be dependent on him for the rest of you and your children's lives?" Erica tried to explain it to her.

This broke Zoe once again. She had just finished crying and now the waterworks were starting again.

"I wouldn't expect you to understand, Miss Billionaire Erica Handler!" Zoe suddenly lashed out and started screaming at Erica. We were both taken by complete surprise.

"You have your million dollar house, with a full staff and freakin bowling alley! You don't know what real struggle is! They say money isn't everything, well, it FU*CKING is!" Tears were streaming down her face. All the stress that was boiling was finally bursting out. Erica didn't look too affected, but looked more concerned for Zoe.

"I can't break up with him! I can't, no matter how much I want too!" Zoe growled, "I had Jackson when I was twenty two! I barely graduated college! Right after college, I was a stay-at-home mom. I have none, absolutely NO work experience whatsoever! Say I do divorce him. How the hell am I supposed to make money? No one will hire me if I have nothing on my resume at twenty five years old! I have no money of my own! Kurt and I share the money, but it's all his! He financially supports all of us. Plus, I'd have to hire a lawyer for court if I divorce him! I don't have any money, much less money for that. And I'd take the children if we divorce and I won't be able to support them as a single mother with no job. AND we're still paying off the mortgage for the house! Honestly, I'd be in debt if I divorce him! I cannot be in debt with little kids. I'd rather put myself through hell with Kurt than putting my kids through hell. See why I can't divorce him Miss Beverly Hills?" Zoe spat the words at Erica.

Erica gestured at Zoe to calm down, "Zoe, Zoe, you've gotta calm down. First off, I'll pay off your mortgage for the house, so you don't have to worry about it. Second, I'll call my lawyers for you. They don't really do these types of cases, but they went to like, Harvard law school or something, so I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out. They're really grateful they have a celebrity client so I'm sure for this small case they'd do it for free. Zoe, don't worry about anything. Just focus on you and the kids' happiness and safety."

Zoe looked shocked. She looked like she was debating between being super grateful and accepting the gifts or putting up a defense. She went for the latter.

"I don't need your pity," Zoe said harshly.

"I don't care," Erica said, matching Zoe's tone, "You're gonna accept what I'm giving you. Like you clearly pointed out, I have more money than any person really needs. I'd do anything to help you and the kids. It's honestly unsafe for you, Jackson and Stella to live with him. Come on, Zoe, let me help you."

Zoe looked conflicted once again, but this time decided to give in, "Thank you," she said quietly and in relief. I could tell this was really stressing her out.

Erica nodded, "Of course. And I can work out giving you a non-taxable and not time sensitive loan. Just to get you off your feet. And you all are welcome to stay with me until you find your own place, if you're interested in moving. Zoe, we want to help you. Don't worry about logistics, worry about your safety."

Zoe smiled gratefully, "Thank you again. It's too much, thank you. And you know what?" Zoe said while standing up, "I'm gonna go."

"Go where?" I asked in confusion. That was a change in subject.

"On your mission. I deserve this. I haven't been on a trip without the kids or without Kurt since senior year high school summer.I want to take a trip with you guys and do something I miss so dearly. Do something familiar. I kinda want to be a spy again. Let's do it." Zoe grinned.

I was thrilled! "Really? Are you sure? Who will watch your kids?"

"My mom's always said she wanted to spend time alone with the kids. She's in town now. I'm sure she would be happy to watch them. Let's do it."

I shared an excited look with Erica, "Let's do it!"

XXX

Zoe didn't want to leave before Jackson got home. She and her mom talked it out and Linda was completely on board with the idea. Zoe told her there was a school reunion and that she was going with us. Linda said that Zoe deserved a vacation and to clear her head, and Linda and her husband wanted to spend time with the kids. It was all working out.

After breakfast, Erica dragged me with her to the hardware store. We bought security cameras for Zoe's house, to make sure that Kurt doesn't come back or anything. When we got back, Zoe was packing, Erica was talking with her lawyers to help Zoe out, and I was left to install the cameras.

I found a giant ladder and installed the cameras outside and inside the main parts of the house. They were really fancy so that no one could see them. I also linked it all to Zoe's phone. It was lunchtime by the time I was done. Linda made us some wonderful sandwiches and salads. Erica was then talking to Zoe about her situation with the lawyers and how they were going to approach court.

Zoe asked me to help me with her finances. She had very little in the bank, nothing they could live off of, so Erica gave her a hefty loan. After that loan, if they were careful, they could live off it for up to about three years, but she would get a job by then and make more.

I helped Zoe with a plan on how to make this loan last. To start, Kurt and Zoe never got a 529 plan for their kids! I was shocked! I told her to set that up so they would have a college fund and told her how much to put in there. I also had Zoe get a Roth IRA, which is non-taxable and would be a great investment. I told her how to add to that. Lastly, I invested in some safe but sturdy stocks and bonds so that she could make money off of that. We set up a credit card for her and I told her how to keep a good credit score. And since Erica paid off their house, she was free to stay there. Once we had situated her financials with a detailed plan, Linda went to get Jackson.

Finally, Jackson got home and Zoe told Jackson about how she was leaving. He was heartbroken. Jackson had never been without his mother, ever. After a long talk together, Jackson finally stopped crying and accepted this.

He was also very sad to see me and Erica go. We promised we'd be back. After a lengthy, depressing goodbye, we loaded up in the car. Zoe seemed like she was second-guessing her choice to go, but decided it was best.

In our rental car, we headed off to the airport. Erica and I were supposed to leave the next day, but we found an earlier flight for all three of us. Our flight to Boston left in two hours. It was time to see Mike.

Also, all the finance stuff is real. It's from my business class and Econ class. Ask your parents if they have a 529 plan for you, which is for like a college fund or something. Also everyone should get a Roth IRA. It's non taxable and great for retirement or buying a home!

Alright see you next time!