I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 70

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 70

Rafe couldn't help but eavesdrop on the conversation the two siblings were having. What started as genuinely trying to make sure everyone was settled in turned into calculating his breaths and trying not to creek the wood floor to give away his whereabouts.

"And he's not gonna want you be anything else other than that."

The words cut Rafe deep, but what twisted the knife was the fact that Jessie didn't refute it. He only heard an undoubtedly awkward hush come over the two siblings. Without even seeing his wife, he knew exactly what she was doing. She was looking down at the floor with her lips sewn together trying not to say what she really thinks.

Rafe knows what she thinks.

JJ was right, though. Rafe didn't want Jessie to be anything else other than herself... but what he needed her to be... well, that was a different story. The same went for Rafe, what he wanted to be was not the same as what he needed to be. Rafe wanted to be the present father that wasn't so damn wrapped up in work all the time. But he needed to be the business man his father created him to be. He needed to be the breadwinner for the family. He needed to give his girls the best life had to offer, as he felt like anything less was a disservice to them. Not to mention, anything less is something he didn't grow up to be proud of. The Cameron's were always the best in their class, no matter what that looked like. If he was going to carry out the life he was destined for, he was gonna do it right.

Rafe didn't want to be addicted to cocaine, yet he needed a hit now more than ever due to the sudden feeling of inadequacy he felt once again. It was a feeling that was becoming familiar to Rafe all over again. He'd like to think that the past week of a stalemate between him and his brooding wife would have helped him kick the habit, but it only sucked him in more, soon enough he found himself using the same amount as he did before Jessie left. The memory scared him more than he could explain... yet he couldn't stop. Rafe felt worse about the using this time around. This time around it felt like he was cheating on Jessie, as she still had no clue he had fallen into bad habits. Yet the cocaine suddenly became more tantalizing, more seductive. The drug now was doing better at making him happy than Jessie was. The thought killed him, but ironically, the only thing that could convince Rafe to stop thinking about the disappointment would be to hit a line. So that's exactly what he did. Christmas wasn't supposed to be like this... his life wasn't supposed to be like this. But suddenly he couldn't see any other way he could smile for the pictures and get through this day knowing what his wife thought of him behind closed doors.

Rafe creeped over into his office just a few doors down and managed to form a neat white line. The same white line managed to block out Jessie's long hair, perfect lips, and curves every time. Once he recovered from the high, he decided to sneak back out as if nothing had happened, even though he would feel the effects of his rendezvous for hours.

"What're we doing?" Rafe asked as he walked back into the kitchen. Of course, the question was rhetorical, as he could clearly see what was going on.

"Making gingerbread houses." Jessie replied as she set the icing down and looked over at her husband.

"Daddyyyy" Charley squealed.

"Yes, darling?"

"Mommy and me and you have to make one togetherrrrr."

Why the toddler insisted on all three of them making a gingerbread house together? Nobody really knew, but Rafe didn't dare deny his child's wishes.

"Alright, sweetheart. What can I do to help?"

"Well you can help me hold the house in place while I glue it together." Jessie stated, to which Rafe obliged. He took notice of how everyone had paired off... he raised his eyebrows at the flirting coming from JJ and Kiara... that was a new development. Or maybe it wasn't, and he just hadn't looked up long enough to notice. He also noticed that Sarah and John B had their own gingerbread house to make... leaving Pope all alone.

"Hey Charley." Rafe spoke up, to which his daughter turned her attention up to him.

"Uncle Pope is all alone, why don't you go help him make his house, yeah?"

Charley looked in between her father and Pope, who was now smiling from ear to ear at the thought of not being the seventh wheel.

"I could really use your help, Charley!" He exclaimed. Everyone could tell the toddler was seriously considering the offer. She looked back up at her father with determination behind her eyes and a point of her finger.

"Okay... but you have to help mommy!" Charley demanded as she pointed at her father with narrowed eyes. The threat somehow worked, and yet Rafe couldn't help but giggle. She was just like her mother. Everyone else snickered at the very same realization. Rafe simply held his hand to his chest and the other in the air, taking the threat rather seriously.

"I promise." He replied. Charley folded her arms and nodded her head and marched over to her uncle Pope. The two extra wheels ended up winning the contest for best gingerbread house...

- - -

"Alright, everyone! Gather around! We're all gonna open one gift!" Jessie yelled throughout the house as everyone made their way in the living room, getting comfortable on the couches and some sitting on the floor closer to the tree. Of course, the ones sitting closer to the tree were Charley and JJ, both for the same reason... pure excitement.

"Alright, Char Char..." JJ rubbed his hands together in angst as he leaned down to his niece. "So the way this works is we all get one present tonight, and then we'll open the rest in the morning. Got it?"

"Got it!" The toddler exclaimed, who was now bouncing up and down, clearly unable to contain her joy.

Rafe sauntered into the living room with a bottle of champagne and glasses, setting them down carefully and walking over to his wife with a smile. He wrapped an arm around her and she did the same. Show time.

"Alright, so I know you guys all came here with your gifts for each other... but Jessie and I wanted to do something a little different this year."

The pogues looked up intently waiting for his next words.

"Since this is our first Christmas together as a family... and Jessie and I's first Christmas... ever... we wanted to just give each of you guys a present from us for tonight."

"So each of you have a present underneath the tree, so go find it!" Jessie exclaimed. The couple watched as their friends dug through the presents, looking for the one that belonged to them, and ripping them open with fury. Despite this being Jessie and Rafe's first Christmas together... they could both agree on one thing: a free for all was necessary when it came to gift opening. They both hated the idea of everyone opening their gifts one at a time. Nobody in that room had the patience for that. Especially not their three year old.

A slough of oohs and ahs filled the room as everyone gawked at their presents, JJ got a new hat and a pack of beer, John B got a hat rack (since his hats were always thrown everywhere), Kie got a turtle themed skateboard, Sarah got some new sneakers she had been wanting, Pope got a new book he has also been eyeing, and Charley got a new treasure chest for her toys, one that was much more colorful than the one she had in her room currently.

"Mommy, look!" The toddler screamed as she pointed to her new toy and peddled her feet up and down. Her parents both smiled as her father went to go open the champagne.

"I see it, baby! How cool!" Jessie replied as if she hadn't seen it already.

"And guess what Charley?" Sarah spoke up as she crawled over to her niece with a mischievous smile. "Santa's gonna bring you more tomorrow morning!"

Charley erupted in cheers and applause as she ran around the living room, which caused everyone to laugh.

"I wanna go put toys in it nooooow!" She begged as she ran back over to her treasure chest.

"Well then let's get to it!" John B responded as he jumped up to grab the box. It was too big for one person to carry, but thankfully, JJ understood the assignment and helped him carry it out. Charley stood underneath it, her arms barely tall enough to touch the bottom of it to try and help. The boys let the box down just slightly so Charley could "carry" it as well. The Pogues all followed the little girl to her room to help her redistribute her toys, which would undoubtedly turn into show and tell.

Jessie and Rafe both laughed as they watched the scene unfold, and after everyone finally made their way out of the living room, Jessie turned back around to see Rafe standing there with two glasses of champagne in his hands. He extended one to his wife. Her smile faded just slightly as she remembered her new vow not to drink since that night at her old apartment when everything broke loose. She still didn't want to mess with any gateway drugs, even alcohol. Rafe picked up on the subtle change of demeanor as he watched his wife eye the drink in her hand.

"You don't have to drink it." He said simply. Jessie darted her eyes back up to her husband, feeling like her secret was out. Rafe just chuckled. "I know you haven't been drinking, Jess. Don't think I haven't picked up on it."

A silence feel between them and Jessie let an awkward laugh escape her lips.

"Do... you have something you want to tell me?" Rafe asked softly, trying not to intrude. But he couldn't ignore the fact that his wife had stopped drinking cold turkey. Whether she realized it or not, Rafe knew her inside and out. She looked up at the man in front of her with furrowed brows, now suddenly really confused.

"Like what...?" She trailed off. Rafe just shrugged and looked around the room, unsure of what to say. He stared at Jessie with an inquisition that gave away exactly what he was looking for. Jessie's mouth dropped open and she choked on the words trying to come out of her mouth.

"O-oh... I'm not pregnant." Jessie assured as she exhaled deeply and shook her head frantically. Rafe let go of the breath he was holding in too followed by a slight laugh.

"Well good... I guess." Rafe tried to joke. He would love to have more kids with Jessie, but he knew now sure as hell wasn't the time. Jessie laughed and looked down at the floor awkwardly, playing with the shaggy carpet underneath her bare feet.

"I just... uh... haven't been drinking since..."

"Since the fight..." Rafe finished the sentence for her, now looking at her with kind eyes and a soft smile. "Yeah... I know." He whispered, now taking his free hand and cupping her face. This is the first genuinely gentle touch Jessie had felt since everything happened. For the past week every touch felt motivated out of lust or manipulation. This time, Jessie knew Rafe had his guard down.

"It's just that... drugs and alcohol was kinda what got us in this mess in the first place and... I just don't wanna give me or you anymore chances to mess this up again."

Jessie had her guard down too, and Rafe could tell by her words. He nodded his head and swallowed the lump in his throat. Not being able to look her in the eyes knowing his secret, he let go of her face, his hand suddenly feeling cold and heavy. He looked down at the ground, only being able to look at her red painted toenails. He nodded his head slowly, managing the strength to look back up.

"Yeah... I know." That's all that he could manage to say. He had to divert the conversation. He cleared his throat and took a deep breath as if to internally recollect himself. Jessie could tell he was ready to move on from the potentially deep conversation, and she wasn't surprised. "So I know you've seen that big ass box wrapped behind the tree." Rafe said with a smile and a nod of his head in that direction.

"How could I not? I know I didn't buy whatever that is." Jessie joked right back, getting back into character like nothing happened.

"It's for you." Rafe replied with a chuckle. Jessie just looked at the long, thin box that came up to her waist in confusion. "Go on... open it." Rafe insisted as he stepped aside.

Jessie showed clear hesitation on her face but slowly began walking over to the present, carefully setting down her champagne she still hadn't taken a sip of. She carefully slid the box across rhetorical floor just enough to get it out from behind the massive tree. She looked at Rafe, who silently implored her to go on. She ripped open the beautiful dark green paper and revealed a box with bright colors printed on the front of it. She gasped, and couldn't help but kick her head back in laughter, joy now spread across her face as she looked at her sneaky sneaky husband.

"It's a TV... for the living room... so we can all watch our shows together." Rafe explained softly. What seemed like such an impersonal gift to outsiders was just what Jessie needed to see the human side of Rafe again. She could tell he had put thought into this one. She scoffed and shook her head as she walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"You are unbelievable." She stated with a laugh as they swayed back and forth.

"Yeah, well... I figured we could give up the museum look anyways..." He joked back as he leaned down to kiss Jessie passionately. Through laughs, Jessie deepened the kiss, now bringing her hands to his face. Rafe smiled into the kiss as he realized what she was doing. He wrapped his arms tighter around her body, trying not to let her escape as he kissed her harder and began backing her up towards their room.

"I bet Charley's keeping them busy with her toys... we have a while." Rafe whispered in between kisses as he continued to walk his wife back. Despite clearly enjoying it, Jessie shook her head and moved her hands towards Rafe's chest to push him back.

"Uh uh." Jessie replied with a cheeky grin. "Just our luck they'll be out any minute wondering where we are." She said as she pulled away from his tight grip, sending him into a fit of groans. Jessie just giggled and walked back towards the living room, passing it and going towards her daughter's room.

"And fix your pants." Jessie hinted as she pointed down towards her husband's crotch.

"Well if you didn't make us all wear paper thin pajama pants we wouldn't have this problem now would we?"

Jessie just laughed and shook her head as he made her way to Charley's room to see her new set up.

The rest of the night was spent eating homemade cookies and watching Christmas movies. Jessie and Rafe managed to put Charley to bed, albeit it was extra difficult to get her to settle in given that her favorite people were still awake and Santa was coming. Eventually the Pogues turned into their rooms as well, leaving the couple to finally be able to set out the rest of the gifts for everyone. Of course, before they could even get one gift out, Jessie shushed her husband, as she heard the creak of a door and tiny little footsteps coming down the hall. She looked at Rafe with a smirk as she turned around to reveal none other than their daughter. Rafe watched as his wife stuck her hands on her hips with sass and gave his child a knowing look as she cocked her head.

"And what are you doing up, missy?" Jessie asked, already knowing the answer. She began to round the corner of the couch to get closer to her daughter. Charley of course had a shy smile on her face as she rocked back and forth. God, Rafe couldn't take the cuteness. Suddenly he thought maybe one more hour of staying awake with her wouldn't be so bad?

"I don't knoooooow." Charley replied as she retreated her face behind her hands.

"Yeah right," Jessie bantered. "You know you're not supposed to be up!" She said with feigned aggravation as she picked her daughter up and set her on her hip. Charley giggled, knowing her mother was just playing alone, and rested her head comfortably on Jessie's shoulder. Charley looked over at her father with her big doe eyes.

"You know I can't help you out of this one, princess." Rafe answered his daughter's silent plea as he stuck his hands in his pockets and shook his head. Charley looked up at her mother.

"I can't sleeeeeeep... Will you sing to me?"

"Of course I can, baby."

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 72

Rafe looked in the mirror of the master bathroom as he adjusted his black tie against his white collared shirt, making sure it was just as tight and perfectly ironed as his father taught him. The time had finally come for this damn New Year's Eve party that the shareholders— and Jessie— insisted on having. What started out as a small intimate party that would be held in their new upper west side home was now a large event that had to be held in the grand Central Park hall on the first floor of the building. That was mostly thanks to Jessie inviting her overly extended family from the Manhattan Mayhem. That was a whole new argument that carried on the day after Christmas and lasted up until this very moment. Rafe clearly wasn't happy about the arrangement, mainly for fear of mixing too much business with pleasure, but Jessie insisted it would be a good way to mix her world and his.

"Charley!" Rafe heard the thundering voice of his wife through the bedroom as she walked into the bathroom to find her earrings she had left by the sink. There she stood, putting in her gold earrings. She was wearing a white, form fitted, strapless dress with matching silk gloves. Rafe couldn't deny that she looked stunning, but he peeled his eyes away from the girl in the mirror to focus back on himself. Like she had done most of the week, she dismissed him as she fixed her jewelry and put on his favorite perfume. God, she still was playing that game oh so well. She still knew how to break him down. Despite the two still not seeing eye to eye all week, they still didn't need words to say exactly what they were thinking... good or bad.

Suddenly he heard his favorite footsteps running down the hall and into their bedroom, stopping at the bathroom door to look up at her mother, waiting for further instruction.

"Come here, baby, I've gotta fix your hair." Jessie answered as she grabbed the toddler to set her up on the sink, getting the last few curls perfect. In the meantime, Rafe went to go grab his suit jacket, but not before giving a subtle but important reminder to his girls.

"We've gotta be downstairs in five minutes." He simply said as he walked out of the bathroom, not bothering to give his wife more than a glance. He heard Jessie mumble in simple understanding as he walked to his office. Before he could get there he ran smack into a blonde boy who clearly wasn't paying attention as he came out of Charley's room.

"Woah! Dude, sorry." JJ exclaimed with a small chuckle as he bounced off the slightly taller figure, adjusting the cuffs of his white button up and the hem of his black vest. To his behest, he was dressed to the nines as well. All the Pogues were. If they wanted to be apart of a black tie event, they had to be in dress code, and that was nonnegotiable.

"Watch it." Rafe seethed as he shuffled right past his brother in law.

"Easy dude." JJ snapped back, grabbing a firm hold of Rafe's arm to turn him around to face his serious expression. "I was looking for Charley because I heard Jess call for her... do you know where she is?"

"She's in the bathroom with Jessie."

"Ok good..." JJ replied, now having let go of the man in front of him. Rafe took his first trudge forward but was stopped again by the blonde's words. "Rafe... just because Jessie's on edge about this party doesn't mean you have to be. You guys have been walking on eggshells all week... give it up dude..."

Rafe simply rolled his eyes and exhaled, blowing off the suggestion and walking away. But of course, Maybanks always got the last word.

"Rafe..." JJ said once again, causing his brother in law to look back with a locked jaw out of annoyance. "Partying... it's what you and Jess do best..." He finished with a shrug of his shoulders and a sentiment behind his voice that showed he was hoping Rafe would lighten up and let loose. Rafe could tell JJ wanted to see the couple genuinely have fun tonight. But Rafe couldn't help but feel like partying was what him Jessie used to do best. Nowadays, they were anything but carefree. Nowadays there were far more secrets, endless responsibilities... and one special little girl to consider. Still, Rafe blew him off once again and marched to his office.

The wooden door opened with a squeak as he walked in and found his suit jacket lying comfortably on the back of his chair. He quickly put she rest of his ensemble on and reached for his desk drawer. As he opened the drawer he studied the contents of it intentionally... his keys... his wallet... ah, there it was. Rafe reached down to grab the black velvet box that he had stowed away so perfectly until the time was right.

* * *

The truth was, when Rafe had sold Tanneyhill, before he had the house all packed up, he looked through his mother's old stuff once more. He knew exactly where Ward used to keep her belongings. Even though Ward of course loved Rose, he still felt it was only right to hold onto some things that belonged to his first wife. After all, she was the mother of his children. As Rafe rummaged through all of his mom's things he found exactly what he was looking for... her wedding ring. He opened the modest box to find a pristine gold band with a single, perfectly placed, four prong square diamond right in the middle. As he looked at the ring that he hadn't observed in years, he was reminded how much of a simpleton his mom was, much like his wife. Classic, timeless, and of course not a scratch or smudge on the thing.

* * * The day that Jessie walked back into Rafe's life he couldn't get the thought out of his head. Frankly, even before the Bahamas he had always dreamed of one day giving her the ring she deserved. She still had no idea where the first ring came from, but this time he had every intention of telling her from where this one originated. He just knew the timing had to be right... no, it had to be perfect. Despite the disagreements between the two of them, Rafe was confident tonight would be a perfect night for Jessie to receive the gift that he had been so anxious to give her for years. He had high hopes that this would be yet another step in the right direction. He stuck the box securely in his pocket.

As he was about to shut the desk drawer, he couldn't ignore the coke sitting there... calling to him, like it had been for months now. But Rafe was proud of himself, he hadn't used all day. He had hoped to be completely sober minded for the first time in a long time as he looked into Jessie's eyes to give her that ring. He also hoped to be that way considering all the guests he would have to impress. Being strung out, no matter how good he was at hiding, wasn't exactly the ideal state for him to be in at such a high stakes event. He wanted to be alert and ready for whatever was to come, and with known gang members mixing with ruthless business men, who knows what could occur, right?

Still, as the stress of the impending night weighed down on him more with each breath, he couldn't stop staring at the little white bag of cocaine. He narrowed his eyes, pursed his lips, and clinched his fist so tight he could feel his fingernails digging into his palms. He currently had one foot in each camp at the moment, trying to determine if he could make it through this night without at least a little hit.

Rafe grew only more frustrated with himself as he waged the war inside of him. He set his hands on the desk and hung his head and closed his eyes, looking for some relief, but he wouldn't find it considering the tension in his back was impossible to release. He popped up in an instant and smacked himself on the cheek, trying to get himself back in the mental game. He needed to stay focused.

"Come on!" He whispered to only himself as he paced behind his desk. He put his hands on his hips and exhaled as he looked one last time at the coke in front of him. Without one more thought, he snatched the coke in his hand and shoved it straight into the other pocket of his pants and walked out the door. He almost did the motions quick enough to convince himself he never did it at all, but of course, he wasn't that good at fooling himself. He grabbed his keys and his wallet as well, stuffing them into the same pocket.

Rafe slammed the desk drawer shut out of anger and determination, allowing the contents to rattle around aimlessly, still telling himself that he wouldn't use the drugs, but he'd keep them close by just in case. He cleared his throat and wiped his face as he marched out of his office, somehow even more pissed than when he walked in.

He walked down the hallway to see his wife and daughter in beautiful white dresses. He also noticed all the Pogues were dressed handsomely and ready to go. As he laid eyes on them he attempted to calm himself down and keep his composure.

"We ready to go?" Rafe asked as he close his hands together with a half smile. Everyone turned to face him with smiles of their own, each pairing off with one another. Much like during the gingerbread contest, Pope held Charley on his hip and considered her his plus one for the night, seeing as he was the only one without a date. Jessie was secretly hoping to get him a girl tonight.

"Yep!" Jessie replied with enthusiasm. Rafe simply extended his arm, allowing Jessie to wrap hers comfortably through it and walk in step out the front door and down to the grand hall.

- - -

Hours had passed and the party was finally starting to get just a little bit looser, however, not too much, considering this was still very much a game of appearances. Rafe made it very clear this wasn't supposed to turn into the midsummers after party.

However, that didn't stop Sarah Cameron from having a good time.

Jessie walked up to the open bar, where she found the teenager utterly drunk and laying her head down on the high top. She pushed her brows together in concern as she touched her sister in laws back to try and alert her that she was there.

"Sarah? Are you okay?" Jessie asked with concern laced in her voice. Sarah snapped her head up in shock, but quickly head her forehead and tried to regain her focus. Jessie could tell the room was spinning for her. She gripped her shoulders and looked a little closer at her.

"Huh? What, y-yeah, I'm fine." Sarah mumbled as she tried to lay her head back down on the bar in front of her.

"Sarah!" Jessie snapped, just barely over a whisper so as not to alarm anyone. "Where's John B?"

"I think he went to go get me some more wine."

"Sarah..." Jessie said with raised brows with clear worry across her face at how shit faced this girl was. Sarah opened her eyes just a little bit more, waiting for Jessie's next words. "You are at the bar."

Sarah looked around and suddenly was amazed.

"Huh... I guess I am... well then I don't know where John B is." Sarah replied with a slight giggle. But Jessie found the situation anything but funny.

"Sarah! You've gotta sober up! Rafe is going to kill you if you embarrass him or ruin this for anyone!" Jessie demanded, but by the time she finished her sentence Sarah was already out like a light on the table once again. "I'm going to get you some water... don't move." Jessie scoffed, knowing Sarah wouldn't dare to go anywhere. If she did she'd end up on the floor in seconds. She looked frantically around the party, trying to steer clear of her husband and stay on her mission to find some water and maybe even some carbs to get the girl grounded. Unfortunately, she was pulled out of her thoughts by stumbling into a man in front of her.

"Oh!" Jessie cried, trying to stop herself from stumbling back. Luckily, Rafe wrapped his hands around her arms to stop her.

"Woah, there, babe. Watch where you're going." Rafe joked as he held his wife steady with a beaming smile.

"Sorry." She laughed awkwardly. She really wanted to stay on task, but she knew now she couldn't.

"I feel like I haven't seen you all night..." Rafe whispered kindly as he stepped closer to brush some hair out of her face. He brought her chin up for her gaze to meet his. He had a genuine love behind them that she hadn't seen in months. He seemed... more clear headed... than usual. Jessie didn't know what to say, for she was too wrapped up in her husband's beautiful blue eyes. They seemed especially piercing tonight, and this time, not out of an anger or passiveness that was fueled behind them. "Wanna dance?" He asked with a hope in his voice. Jessie hated to cut the moment short, but all she could think about was how Rafe was sure to blow a fuse if he saw his sister splashed out at the bar.

"Uh... w-where's Charley?" Jessie asked, trying to look for any reason to go do something else.

"She's with Pope... remember?" Rafe responded, suddenly with a little confusion as he looked deeper into his wife's eyes.

"Oh, yeah." She replied with a nod of her head and looking down at the floor, feeling like she had been caught. Rafe decided to brush it off.

"So may I have this dance?" Rafe said in a feigned British accent as he cleared his throat and "fixed" his tie. The exaggerated action made Jessie laughed, and she admired the man who now had his hand extended in invitation. She took it with gratitude.

"Of course you may." She replied.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 66

Rafe closed his laptop and immediately folded his arms over the desk to lay his head down on them. He sighed as he realized he was done for the day, almost midnight. After a few minutes he picked his heavy head up and looked around. He wasn't quite sure what to do now. Should he get more work done? Should he just go to bed? Surely the latter was the better option.

With that, he got up from his desk, taking notice of how stiff his legs felt and how heavy his back seemed as he made his way over to his and Jessie's room. As he passed through the living room he noticed all the lights turned off and the curtains closed, the only noise being the hum of the air conditioning. He paused for a moment as he realized that Jessie didn't wait up for him like he had hoped. But then again, why would she? He had given her no hope either. Still, he hung his head a little lower after the realization.

Despite Jessie lying comfortably on her side of the bed, she only pretended to sleep for the hour and a half that she was in bed. She immediately perked up only in her mind as she heard the door open. Her body was facing towards the door, so she shut her eyes tight to make it seem like she was sound asleep. She figured Rafe must have noticed, because upon entering he stumbled to the bed and sat down and sighed. Jessie peaked to see his head in his hands as he played with his hair. He finally picked his head up to remove his suit jacket, followed by his button up. She'd be lying if she said she didn't want to remove the under shirt herself, and not just because Rafe seemed too exhausted to do it. She wanted him bad, she held her love for him like a grudge in this moment. She had to resist. Even in their anger, they still couldn't resist each other, that's what kept them in perfect toxicity. Still, she didn't falter, only choosing to watch his back muscles flex as he threw the shirt in the floor.

She watched as Rafe got up from the bed lazily rubbing his eyes and taking his belt and jeans off, kicking them mindlessly on the floor with his shirt. She observed how he walked towards the bathroom with his feet barely being lifted up off the ground. She could tell he was tired in more ways than one, his movements giving away more than he would have liked if he had known she was awake.

Once Rafe shut the door to get ready for bed Jessie took the opportunity to roll over, now staring out of yet another window that covered the entire wall, this one she didn't have the courage to pull the curtain over. She liked looking out at the lights even if she yearned to be underneath them instead of above. The click of the door once again distracted Jessie from the sight before her, and she quickly feigned sleep once more. She then felt Rafe slide in the bed in nothing but his boxers, and she was in nothing but one of his shirts. Although, she was sure he hadn't noticed yet, as he was lying in the bed as still as could be, as if he was afraid to get too close to her side. Even though she couldn't feel him, she could tell he was trying not to cuddle up against her like they always did. She also could tell he wasn't going to get any sleep because of it, which is not what her husband needed. Still, she made her effort, now he had to make his.

Rafe looked over at his Jessie sleeping soundly beside him. Once he studied her further he noticed the gray shirt she was wearing... his. God, she looked good. He hated that he was so attracted to her right now, considering they both were at an impasse with their feelings. He tried to put the lust out of his mind as he slunk further into the bed, but no matter how comfortable he tried to get, he still was too focused on staying on his side. Sides never really worked with Jessie and Rafe, as they both slept so restlessly that they always ended up tangled up together or one on top of the other, both of them finding comfort in the dance they did throughout the night. When one moved, the other did too, even if it was in a half asleep state, they both were aware enough to feel it every single time. Tonight was no different, and Rafe knew he wouldn't get enough sleep if he didn't move with Jessie like usual. So, he gave in, and decided to assume the first position. He finally cuddled up against her smaller figure and wrapped his arms around her, one absentmindedly crawling up her shirt, which was their typical way of falling asleep together. Rafe knew this was a stretch considering how distant they had been, but he took his chances, and he wasn't turned down, for he could feel Jessie mindlessly wrap her arms around Rafe's in her sleep filled state.

Little did Rafe know, his Jessie wasn't asleep.

- - -

Rafe woke up the next morning to an empty bed with Jessie nowhere in sight. Although, he could hear his daughter in the living room making all kinds of noise with the toy cars she must have been playing with. He laughed to himself as he looked up at the ceiling thinking about the havoc that she was wreaking in that living room, undoubtedly giving her mother a run for her money trying to keep her quiet so "daddy can sleep."

Out of excitement, Rafe popped out of bed and put on some sweatpants, not feeling cold enough to put on a sweatshirt just yet despite it being a frigid winter outside. In fact, as he looked out the window of their bedroom he could see the light flurries of snow, something that he certainly wasn't used to living in OBX, but he felt he could definitely get used to it here. Their penthouse was so high up they were in the clouds, undoubtedly making the snow even more magical as he watched it fall. Given the cold hardwood he knew he was about to step out on, he did opt for some socks.

Rafe opened the door to a sight he only imagined until now. There his wife was, folded up on the couch in her pajama pants and one of his shirts, drinking her oh so necessary coffee while watching her daughter play on the rug in front of her with a smile from ear to ear. Rafe could only see her side profile, as she was seated on the couch that had her back toward him, so she couldn't see that he had entered the room. Rafe was glad she didn't, because he enjoyed seeing the true happiness on her face. Although, he wished he could've made that smile appear on his own, but he just couldn't bring himself to forgive and forget just yet.

Sure enough, he watched his wife scold their little girl for being too loud.

"Charley! Keep it down!" She whispered as she leaned in, still holding her coffee mug secure in her hands for warmth. "Daddy's still sleeping!"

"Daddy's right here." Rafe announced as he sauntered into the living room. Charley and Jessie both turned their heads to see him making his way to the couch to sit by his wife. Maybe he was ready to forgive her after all. The look on Charley's face sure convinced him of that.

"Daddyyyy!" The toddler screamed as she ran up the man and jumped in his arms, swallowing him in a hug as best she could. He groaned as if she was crushing him, yet he only pulled her further up onto his lap and cuddled her more.

"What're you doing in here, giving mama a hard time?" He asked his daughter as she nuzzled her head into his neck with a shit eating grin indicating that her father was right. Rafe just looked at Jessie and Jessie right back at him, both with knowing smiles. "You gotta listen to mama!" Rafe reiterated as he poked at Charley to make her squirm. "Or else..." Rafe said with a lower tone as he looked at his daughter with a playfully serious face. Charley knew exactly where this was going. "I'll tickle youuuuu!" Rafe finished as he went to ticking his daughter in her stomach and her feet and her neck. She laughed uncontrollably and shouted for her father to stop through giggles. He eventually did, but only to get up from the couch and throw her up into the air and then back down on to the adjacent couch. Before she could get up and chase him he scurried back over to Jessie and grabbed her in his arms, to which she couldn't protest due to his strength. But she also didn't want to. Charley made her way back over to the both of them, trying to climb in her daddy's lap.

"Nope, I get to cuddle with mommy now." He said as he hinted over at her toys. The child huffed and puffed but once she realized she wasn't getting her way she inevitably went back to her toys. To his behest, Rafe scooted away from his wife just enough to give her the space he figured she needed. They both piled on the couch comfortably and looked at each other, Jessie now having one hand propped on the back of the couch and Rafe mirroring her stance.

"What'd you guys have for breakfast?"

"I made us some breakfast sandwiches with the stuff in the fridge."

Rafe made a face at that answer, one that showed pure confusion. Jessie knew it was coming.

"The chefs didn't make you anything?" He asked as he cocked his head.

"I sent them home. And the maids too." Jessie said simply with a shrug of her shoulders as if her statement was no big deal. She took a sip of her coffee.

"You- you what?"

"I... sent..."

"No no, I know what you said." Rafe sassed right back as he put his hand over his mouth in an attempt to hide his frustration. There went his desire to forgive and forget. "Why did you send them home. And don't be a smart ass." Rafe demanded, now suddenly filled with a crassness that Jessie wasn't expecting. She pulled her head back and furrowed her brows, perplexed by his outburst. Still, she didn't let him see her get flustered.

"I don't need them, Rafe." She answered now with just as much vengeance as her husband mustered. She looked at him with an expression that showed she thought this would be the hill to die on today.

"I never said you needed them but... but they're here to help." Rafe reiterated, now standing up from his spot on the couch to look down on his wife.

"And I don't need their help!" Jessie insisted as she got up to stomp off into the kitchen, coffee still in hand. Rafe followed her.

"What the hell did you put in your coffee this morning?" Rafe asked seemingly as a joke, but it was anything but. Thankfully, the two of them were now far out of ear shot of their toddler.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Jessie snapped right back as she went around the island of the kitchen to the breakfast sandwiches she had made. They were homemade versions of the chicken McGriddles that Jessie and Charley loved to eat before... everything happened.

"It means that you're being a bitch when I'm just trying to help." Rafe replied.

"Well you're being an asshole when I keep telling you I don't need help. I'm perfectly capable of running a house by myself, thank you." Jessie said as she assembled another sandwich and slid it over to her husband, clearly sending a message as she cocked her hip and planted her hands on the counter, giving him a look. "See."

Rafe just rolled his eyes at the sudden sass and took the plate of food in his hand, suddenly frustrated because he remembered his stupid rule about not eating on the couch. He decided to pull an island chair out, the screech of the chair on the floor being hard to ignore. He plopped down but before he could take a bite he looked up at a still sass filled Jessie, who had every intention of watching him eat every last bite of the sandwich she made for him. He breathed deeply as he figured out her game.

"You wanna do something by yourself? Fine. Go Christmas shopping for Charley today. My treat." Rafe said. Although the sentiment should have been sweet, the words came out as if he only wanted to get her out of the house.

"What're you gonna do with Charley?"

"I'll watch her." Rafe replied as if it was the most obvious answer through a bite of food and a shrug of his shoulders. He had to admit the sandwich was delicious.

"Oh I thought you were too busy." Jessie snapped, venom clear in her tone.

"Don't-" Rafe declared as he slammed his hand angrily on the counter top. Before he could say another word he balled the same hand into a fist and closed his mouth tight to avoid a bigger outburst. He sighed as he brought the fist to his forehead to focus. He then slowly released his fist and waved it around. "I got it all under control. Go."

"Fine" Jessie gave in as she turned her nose up and walked out of the kitchen to get ready.

"Please." Rafe whispered through irritation under his breath as he watched his wife leave. He shook his head at her newfound confidence.

can’t wait to tune in on october 10th to watch netflix fumble drew starkey’s talent for the 4th year in a row 😌

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 61

"Thanks for staying to help clean up, Mama." Jessie stated as she put the last of the clean plates up where they belong.

"No problem, dear. It was kinda our mess to clean up." Mama joked as she walked around the bar and over into the living room where they both found their husbands watching football.

"Alright, Tom, come on, let's go home." Maci demanded as she snapped her fingers and pointed to the door.

"Oh come on, mama, can't we just finish the game?" Tom whined. Rafe couldn't help but snicker, but he tried to hide it through putting his hand over his mouth and playing with his lips. Jessie knew the silly argument that was about to ensue. Tom loved his football.

"These kids are tired and ready to go to bed. Come on, let's go!" Mama insisted as she put on her shoes by the door. Tom merely groaned and got off the couch, making sure to give Rafe a firm handshake as if to say they would do this again sometime. He also gave Jessie a big hug before he put on his shoes as well.

"Thanks for the party, I... we really needed it." Jessie said, immediately thinking to correct her word choice to not raise any suspicions.

"Of course doll. And you know, if you need us, we'll come running."

"I know." Jessie nodded with a smile as she hugged the pair one last time before seeing them out the door. As she closed it she looked back at Rafe, the grin immediately gone, only leaving a scowl. Rafe leaned over the back of the couch and sighed, knowing exactly what it was about.

"I'm sorry, okay, Jess?"

"Don't call me that." Jessie replied with a straight face and a hand still comfortably on the door knob. It almost looked to Rafe as if she was contemplating leaving. Thank goodness Charley was safe and sound in bed upstairs. At her words Rafe just sighed and rolled his eyes, now glancing back down at the couch he was sitting on.

"Jessie, come on. It's not like I knew about the party, I was-"

"I don't care what you were doing Rafe! We open the door, are welcomed by family and you don't think to immediately hang up the phone? Hell, you don't even think to say a few parting words! You just close the damn door as if they're inconveniencing you!"

"Do you even realize the phone call I was on?"

"What, like it matters?"

"Jessie! I was closing a contract for our new apartment here! With Central Park Towers! If I were to hang up I would've lost the only spot available!"

"We're moving?! Already?" Jessie said a little too loudly through anger. She looked up the stairs suddenly remembering their daughter was fast asleep and didn't need to be woken up. Rafe did the same. To avoid yelling, he got up from the couch and now met Jessie closer to the door.

"Yes, Jessie! You knew this was coming! We talked-"

"Yeah, but... but I didn't realize it would be so soon!" Jessie was still heated, but she was trying her hardest not to yell at this hour.

"Well you're starting to sound like a... like a..." Rafe couldn't finish the sentence despite his scrunched up face and his clear train of thought. Jessie could tell he was holding back. She always hated when people did that. She was nothing if not honest, and she always appreciated when people did the same.

"A what, Rafe?" Jessie answered with her arms crossed and leaning in as if to hear him better. "Say it with your chest!"

Rafe couldn't take it anymore. He put his hands to his head and raked his fingers through his slightly longer hair and gritted his teeth.

"An ungrateful spoiled little brat!"

"Really?" Jessie said with a laugh that was anything but humorous. "Well you know what you're acting like?" Jessie retaliated way too quickly. Rafe didn't say anything, instead he replied by putting his hands on his hips and raising his eyebrows to silently implore his wife to go on. He could tell she struggled with her next sentence just as much as he did with his previous, which in an odd way, made him grateful. It showed that she was capable of understanding the weight of her words and for once might actually be trying to spare feelings.

"Your father!"

Well, so much for the spared feelings. Rafe's mouth hung open just slightly out of shock. He closed his mouth immediately and looked at the ground. He inhaled a deep breath and started nodding his head. It looked as if he was trying carefully formulate his words, but as he picked up his head to look at Jessie she realized it was really because he was trying not to let the tears fall. Rafe looked around the room, only playing with his lips and nodding his head. Jessie was too scared to say anything else. She felt like Rafe's behavior in that moment could either make him break down crying in her arms or make him start swinging. That fear was familiar. Rafe finally brought his wildly numb eyes back to his wife, staring at her intently for a couple seconds blinking back tears.

"How so?" He choked out, not out of sadness, but out of pure rage. His straight face gave that straight away. Still, Jessie thought it an odd question to ask at a time like this. She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked herself back to reality to try and form an answer. She feared that Rafe would snap any moment if she didn't respond quick enough.

"How many times did Ward miss a birthday... a recital... a football game... because of work? How many times was he there physically, but not mentally? How many times was Ward too busy to work through deep shit with you and Wheezie and Sarah? Hm? How many times did you feel like you were drowning and nobody even looked up?" Jessie could see her words cutting deep and opening a wound in Rafe's soul she never wanted to reopen. The pain in Rafe's face twisted the knife in her own heart, as she couldn't stand to see the love of her life so hurt, even if it was the truth. "I was willing to accept this a couple weeks ago. I knew this was gonna come with the territory of being your wife and the mother of your child. I knew this years ago when I married you, Rafe. And I'd do it again. But you have been more angry, more irritable, and less present for me and Charley to a point that I can't ignore. Last week it was just dinner, today it was just a few minutes of a surprise party thrown for us... next thing you know it could be Charley's first day of Kindergarten or our anniversary." A dark hush came over them, both contemplating the words spoken. With tear filled eyes, Jessie slowly walked her bare feet over to Rafe. She wrapped her arms around his neck, making sure to play with his hair. Rafe didn't reciprocate the gesture, only keeping his hands sewn to his hips and boring his angry eyes into hers. "You and I said long ago that the one advantage we have over our fathers is that we are determined to not be like them. I call you out because I love you, Rafe. I'll never stop loving you. But you have got get your priorities straight... for me... for Charley."

Rafe's eyes went from disgust to despair.

"You're wrong."

Jessie paused in bewilderment as she looked into the sad eyes that she loved so much. Despite his clear dejection written all over his face he still insisted on being tough, just like his father. She laughed at the realization, but her face didn't dare crack a smile. She released her arms from Rafe's shoulders and backed away nodding her head slowly. She didn't have to say anything else, she had proven her point, and sadly Rafe knew it. He was angry at himself for responding just like his father would have. Still, he watched as the love of his life grabbed her leather jacket, phone, and keys, and walked out the door, leaving him with only his thoughts and his daughter still sleeping soundly upstairs.

I'll Come Running - R.C. - Chapter 59

There they all sat at the presidential grade dinner table that night overlooking the beach from their porch. The pogues, Wheezy, Jessie, Rafe, and Charley all scattered around the table eating their dinner contently, albeit, with some obvious tension. Despite the crashing waves and the beautiful sunset, nobody could seem to focus on anything except for the fact that Rafe was completely silent and zoned in on the food in front of him, making sure to stab the steak with a little too much force to ignore.

Jessie was immediately transported back to that first night she met the Cameron's, she couldn't forget the way Ward ate either, always with a chip on his shoulder and something business related bugging him.

However, Rafe didn't speak not out of anger, but out of fear that his wife would be able to tell that he was slightly high. He was embarrassed of the fact just like he was years ago when he first started. Only this time, he wasn't hiding it from Ward. Somehow, the fear felt stronger this time.

Pope, on the other hand, was undoubtedly not speaking due to anger. Everyone around the table could tell, except for sweet Charley, who sing songed her way through dinner and insisted her mother cut up her steak into smaller pieces. Rafe was still angry though, and what should've been music to his ears was like nails on a chalkboard. He wished his daughter would catch the hint, but of course, like her mother, she never was afraid to be heard.

Jessie could see Rafe's fingers grip the fork tighter and his chest rise higher as she could tell he was getting annoyed. She came home and expected to be met with many questions at dinner by her husband about their day, instead, she got a stone cold look of focus. She didn't dare ask what about, but she would later once they were alone. For now, she just had to keep the peace.

"Charley." Jessie piped up, and the sound visibly scared everyone as she heard the subtle clanking of people's forks against their plates and jerking their head upwards to meet her. She cleared her throat and set her fork down, but before she could say a word she heard the all too familiar ring of her husband's work phone to her left. She jolted her head towards Rafe to find him about to take a bite but instead heaving a loud sigh as he let his fork hit the plate and forcefully scooted himself away from the table. Without a word or even a glance in Jessie's direction, he walked towards his office with the phone to his ear.

Jessie watched as his arms bulged out of his white button up, which had now been untucked from his khakis since his meeting earlier. She watched his back muscles flex as he brought the phone to his ear and walked away. She could tell he was tense. Then again, everyone could.

"You're excused!" JJ sassed right after Rafe was out of ear shot, clearly unhappy with his attitude. Jessie was grateful he didn't try to push that boundary while Rafe could still hear him, because she was certain it would've ended with her brother laid out across the table in front of them.

Jessie finally peeled her eyes away from where her husband had just disappeared to and went back to eating. She couldn't get one bite chewed before she looked up and was met with an overwhelming amount of eyes. She didn't have to ask why they were all looking at her with looks of confusion and guilt. She merely huffed and deflated her posture.

"You guys are excused." Jessie retorted in defeat as she lazily put her arms up on the table, clearly not caring about appearances anymore.

"Oh may we?" JJ replied with too much snark for his sister's liking. Thankfully, Kiara made sure to slap him hard for the comment, to which he winced in pain.

"Jessie..." Sarah spoke up from farther down the table. "We're not gonna leave you here-"

"Sarah, don't try to be the hero. We all know none of us want to be here when he blows up, but if it's gonna be around anyone it needs to be me."

At that no one has an answer, until finally John B spoke up.

"What the hell happened Pope?"

Pope still seemed oddly unphased, as he was the only one still eating mindlessly. He simply shrugged as he looked up and around at everyone through chewing his food.

"Ask Rafe." He simply said, to which everyone rolled their eyes as they leaned back in their seats in defeat. The two were being impossible.

"Just go." Jessie said through annoyance with a quick wave of her hand and scrunched face. In unison, the pogues and Wheezy jumped up from their seats, unintentionally making as much noise as they could as they stuffed their plates full of more food and took it with them back inside. Charley tried to follow along, but her mother stopped her.

"Charley, you're staying with me."

All the teens looked back at Jessie with shock.

"Seriously?" JJ inquired. "You're gonna let your daughter just watch him lose his shit?"

Jessie just sighed, clearly feeling even more defeated by the judgement coming from her brother. She looked at him with pleading eyes silently begging him to withhold the attitude.

"She's not your responsibility, she's mine. And you guys won't be around forever to whisk her away from conversations like this. Rafe's going to have to learn how to be frustrated around his child."

What Jessie said made sense, yet the Pogues couldn't in good conscience leave the toddler there knowing what could happen. They all looked around at each other and exchanged knowing looks.

"Yeah well..." JJ said as he cleared his throat and walked back towards his niece with an extended hand. "We're here now and I'm not leaving my niece with that..."

Before he could finish the sentence, Jessie gave her brother a look that reminded JJ that he was talking about Charley's father, not just his previous nemesis. He picked up on the silent chastisement and fixed his tone and his face as he looked down at Charley.

"That very nice man! Come on Char Char!"

Jessie watched as JJ held Charley's little hand in his and a full plate of food in the other. The sight made her sad at the thought of separating the two by leaving for Manhattan. Although, she thought maybe the sadness was also due to the fact that she'd be leaving to follow a man that isn't emotionally intelligent enough to convey his feelings, or at least hide them correctly around his kid. She had to put the thought away and glanced over at the rolling waves on the beach. She took notice of the clouds that were now in the sky after the sun had set and loved how the world around her seemed to fade into a comfortable powder blue. Right between sunset and night time was always Jessie favorite sight, and she never felt the feeling lasted long enough, so she was grateful it came around once a day. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes and allowed her senses to feel the crisp ocean breeze on her face and the cool night air on her arms. She took notice of the feeling of her white sundress floating in the wind behind her chair. Before she could get caught further in her trance, she heard a pair of strong footsteps waltz towards her. She looked back to see Rafe planted halfway between the table and the door with a dumbfounded look on his face.

"Where's everybody?"

"They left."

"Did they even eat?" Rafe asked with annoyance written clear on his face as he sunk back down in his chair and sassily fluffed the cloth napkin by his side before fanning it out on his knee.

"They took their food with them." Jessie simply stated, trying to balance the perfect amount of eye contact with her husband and her food. She tried to continue eating like nothing happened.

"What the hell is their problem?" Rafe asked as he stabbed his fork back into the food in front of him with an arm laid lazily over the table.

"They're afraid of you." Jessie replied numbly as if it was common sense, not daring to look up at Rafe. Despite not looking, she heard the fork clammer against the porcelain and could feel the hard gaze Rafe had on her.

"And why's that?" He responded immediately with bite behind his tone. He sounded as if he was accusing Jessie for whatever reason.

"You tell me, Rafe. Your attitude is less than stellar so I'm assuming things didn't quite go your way today." Jessie bit back, but not with near as much venom, just enough to get the point across without sending Rafe into a complete tailspin.

"No! They didn't! And you wanna know why?"

"Yes! We'd all love to know why!"

"Because your little friend didn't exactly heed my advice today, and he's gonna dig himself a real deep hole if he doesn't listen!" Rafe yelled, now with narrowed eyes and pointed finger.

"My little friend? God, Rafe! You sound like they're all still your enemies! Stop acting like they're not family to us now!"

"Family?! Family?!" Rafe screamed in bewilderment as he pushed his chair away from the table. Causing the champagne glasses to spill and an aching noise to come from the chair as it scooted across the concrete. Rafe stood up with fury and balled his fist as he walked towards the edge of the balcony, now looking into the dim sky. "Did you even see Pope at dinner tonight?! He wasn't the only one with a chip on his shoulder! He doesn't exactly view me as family either, and he certainly didn't treat me like that today! God, Jessie, don't you get it! At least I'm trying to help the kid out! He's not listening to me!" Rafe said through rage as he paced back and forth, pulling on his clothes occasionally and running his hands over his short hair. His eyes were now wide with anger as he pleaded for Jessie to understand.

"I don't know what went down today!" Jessie started as she got up from the table, matching the same energy as her husband. "But it doesn't matter! You don't get to lose it just because someone didn't listen to you or because things didn't go your way! You're throwing a hissy fit over something stupid and now everyone is walking on eggshells trying not to set you off! Well I'm not gonna raise my family like that, Rafe! You're gonna learn to control your emotions or you can-"

"Or I can what?!" Rafe challenged, this time getting close to his wife with balled fists. Jessie knew Rafe wasn't about to swing though. She got closer. Right as she opened her mouth to speak she heard the unmistakable ring of Rafe's phone. She looked down at his pocket and so did he. She looked back up to see her husband roll his eyes and huff and puff in annoyance. He growled and put his hands to his head.

"Oh my god, I swear, if this damn phone rings one more time!" Rafe screamed as he dug the phone out of his pocket and raised it to his ear.

"What!" He yelled, not even caring to look at who was calling. He was fuming still. Jessie could see it, and suddenly it all made sense. Her gaze softened as she slowly reached up to Rafe's phone clad hand. Rafe felt the delicate hand weasel around his to take the phone. He looked over to find his wife silently pleading with him to let her do this. He couldn't help but oblige. Without breaking eye contact, Jessie took the phone and ended the call, the both of them still breathing heavily as they looked at each other with soft eyes.

"You're tired." Jessie simply stated with sympathy.

Rafe had no words, anything he could've thought to say got stuck in his throat. Jessie took one step closer to wrap her arms around her husband lovingly. She took one hand and cupped his face and rubbed her thumb against his cheek. She could feel him melting in her touch.

"I know you're tired, baby. You won't be forever. I know you think that everything needs to be done immediately but I'm telling you it doesn't."

"But Jessie, you don't understand-"

Jessie shushed him and took his face in both her hands.

"It's gonna be alright. This isn't you, and I see that. I know this is all coming from being overwhelmed... but Rafe... we've gotta work on this. We've gotta teach Charley to handle emotions better than our parents taught us, okay?"

That last sentence cut Rafe deep. If only Jessie knew how he was really handling his emotions... suddenly he grew scared to look in her eyes for fear that she would see the Coke induced haze deep within them. He looked down and sighed. He knew she was right, and he couldn't help but admire that Jessie still remained so stolid in the midst of the chaos. Charley needed that. He needed that.