Chapter Five

Earlier

A few days went by and Jon did what he was supposed to do to appease Ellie and the doctor. But the next step was he had to tell his family what was going on and he really didn’t want to do that. But he didn’t have a choice seeing his mother wasn’t letting up on asking questions. So Ellie set up a dinner so they could address what was going on. As Ellie was setting the dining room table Jon had come downstairs and thankfully was dress appropriately for receiving company. When he saw the number of place settings he started to count and was a little confused so he asked her who the extra setting was for.

“El why are you setting eight place settings? I mean there are three for us and four for my side so who is the extra one for?” he asked confused.

Smiling, “Surprised guest that’s who.” She told him as she finished up. Walking over to him and wrapping her arms around him she asked him, “Are you ready for this?”

“No but I know it has to be done otherwise my mother won’t stop bothering me or us for that matter now will she.” He said squeezing her back.

“Well we both know she won’t. She knows something is up and she won’t stop until she finds out what it is. And I can’t keep holding her at bay Jon. Believe me this will be better in the long run.” She told him when they heard the doorbell ring. “Oh well one of our guess has arrived. You want to get that?” she asked him smiling.

“Do I have to I’m really not in the mood.” Jon groaned miserably.

Just then Jimmy came running to the front the house. “I heard the doorbell is Nonni and Pop Pop here?” he asked with excitement.

“Well if Daddy answers the door we’ll find out?” Ellie told him as she looked at her husband trying to push him. Jon got the message and finally went to the door and opened it.

When he did he got the surprise of his life. “Hey Kidd how you doing. Bout time you answered.” Richie said as he stepped into the foyer.

“Uncle Richie!” Jimmy exclaimed as he jumped into his arms.

“Hey kiddo how have you been!” Richie asked him as he threw him in the air.

Jon looked at Ellie and gave her a death stare knowing exactly why Richie was there. Ellie just ignored him and went to welcome him.

“Hey Darling how have you been?” Richie asked her wrapping her up in his big arms.

“I’ve been better Rich, and you?” she asked.

“Me? Couldn’t be better.” He told her as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Finally letting her go he turned to Jon. “Boy Kidd you look like sh…um you know not good.” He caught himself as Ellie stood there and gave him a smirk.

“Oh gee whiz thanks a bunch King I feel so much better with your compliment.” Jon said to him snarky,

“JON! Behave Richie is company.” Ellie tried to reprimand him but to no avail.

“Please when the hell has Richie been company.” Jon shot back.

“It’s ok Ellie, have you been like this since you’ve gotten home? Because if you have you and I are going to have a long talk.” Richie said to him up close.

“Ewe I’m so scare Sambora.” Jon told him as he turned and walked out of the foyer and into his den.

Ellie and Richie just looked at each other as Jimmy just stood there.

“Jimmy why don’t you go down to your playroom and I’ll send Uncle Matty and Uncle Tony down to say hi to you ok?” she told him. Jimmy just shook his head and went as Richie put his bags aside.

“Ellie I’m so sorry, has he been like this to you guys since he has been home? Look I’ll have a talk him.” Richie told her solemnly.

“You can try but it will take some time getting thru to him. And now he’s pissed at me all over again for bringing you here.” Ellie said sadly.

“Well we’ll just see about that. I’ll go talk to him and see if I can knock some sense into him.” Richie told her smiling.

But before she could say anything the doorbell rang again. Rolling her eyes she answered it and it was her in-laws. Making nice she greeted them when Carol saw Richie standing at the staircase.

“Richard what are you doing here?” she asked at really no one.

“Um Ellie?” Richie said to her looking for help.

Taking her cue, “He’s here because I asked him here. It will be all explained after dinner I promise but why don’t you go see Jon he’s in the den while I get everything finished. Oh Matt and Tony Jimmy would love to see you guys he’s down in the playroom.” she told them as she ran to the kitchen to get out of the gun fire.

Richie went to join them to see Jon as he was just thrilled (not) as everyone joined him. His mother grabbed him and was thrilled he was out of the bedroom.

“Jon let me look at you. My goodness you look wonderful Honey and your dressed for a change I was worried you would be in sweats.” Carol was raving over Jon as he was very uncomfortable so he moved out of her way but that didn’t stop her. Looking up at his hair she started to pick at it but it just ticked him off more and he was about to blow. “Now see you really let you’re your hair go see it’s getting too long and messy, John you need to cut and style…” but Jon was having none of her touchy-feely crap. “Will you…” she trailed off as Jon yelled out.

“Mom knock it off will you!” he yelled at her and walked towards the windows.

“What? What did I do?” she wanted to know seriously.

Trying not to laugh Richie got up and walked over to him while Carol was still buzzing about as John Sr. was trying to calm her down. Meanwhile Ellie had heard the commotion and ran into the den to see what was going on.

“Hey Kidd you ok?” Richie ask Jon as he was really concerned for the way he reacted and now understood what Ellie was talking about. Jon just looked at him with not only sadness in his eyes but regret when Ellie came in.

“What’s going on? What happened?” she asked as she was a little out of breath and concerned that maybe Jon might have snapped at someone. Ok maybe his mother.

Turning and looking at Ellie, Carol went off in her usual way. “Well Jon just went off on me. I thought you said he was going to be fine when he saw the doctor Ellie?” she demanded to know.

“Um I said…I hoped he would…um be getting better when…um we saw the doctor Carol.” She kind of was stuttering at this when Jon piped up.

“Mar leave her alone. This has nothing to do with her or anyone else in this room ok?” Jon snapped.

“Well then why are you looking like death warmed over and acting like a bully.” His mother bellowed.

“Ellie can you please explain to us what is going on with our son.” John Sr. asked his daughter-in-law.

She walked over to Jon and took his hand as Richie went to sit down. They stood by each other as she told them what was going on and how Jon got the steroid shots and that’s why he has been hiding away thinking he could handle this himself until Ellie put her foot down. She told them what the doctor said and what he is going to go thru and why Richie was there as Carol huff and puffed at that but John told her to be quiet. Ellie left the worse for last. She explained that he was having voice problems due to bleeding and Carol nearly passed out. That could have been due to either and she was truly concerned for her son or her cash cow could be coming to an end.

“Why? Why didn’t you tell your Father and me this sooner Jon. We could have gotten you help sooner Dear. And Ellie why didn’t you tell us! You are with him constantly! Why didn’t you see that there was something wrong with him!” Carol exclaimed.

Whispering to Jon, “Well there goes our truce.” Ellie snickered.

“Carol stop! We have been with him just as much as Ellie and we didn’t see anything wrong either.” John Sr. told her just as shocked as she was.

“Really John? She is with him twenty-hours of the day and she couldn’t see that there was something drastically wrong with her husband!” she bellowed again.

Ellie had enough. “Yes Carol I saw that there was something wrong and I mentioned it to you if I remember several times. But Jon didn’t want anybody to bother him or he would have taken it out on me and probably in front of Jimmy which I really didn’t need him seeing. I knew Jon would eventually come to me when he was ready. But when he left the house one day I went upset to snoop and I saw blood on his pillow so that’s when I thought I better get things in motion. That’s when I realized he was in trouble. Is that good for you? Is that what you were looking for that I got off my ass and started to help YOUR SON?” she shot back at her mother-in-law as Jon stood next to her proud as could be that she stood up for herself. Again Richie was sitting also proud of her and again wanted to laugh as she put Mama B. in her place. But he also knew that this wasn’t over.

Carol stood there regrouping when Jon spoke up. “Look I’m sorry that I hurt you Mom, Dad. I really didn’t mean too, but I was ashamed that I let Doc and them give me the steroids for so long. That I was talked into letting them talk me into stretching out the damn tour for so long. Then I come home and treated Ellie, Jimmy and basically everyone like crap. Feeling like crap sucks and I can’t write I can’t seem to do anything but sleep. I’m just constantly exhausted. So Please Mom don’t blame Ellie for any of this. If it wasn’t for her getting my ass moving I’d still be up there, and to tell you the truth I’d rather be there right now.” He told everyone frankly.

Just then the boys came up from the playroom, “Hey what’s going on?” Tony asked concerned.

Ellie looked at them and told them that everything was fine and to head into the dining room for dinner. They took Jimmy and headed in as she told everyone else that she would get the food so they could eat. Richie spoke up and told her that he would help as the others went in. It was a very quiet dinner.

Once dinner was over and cleaned up which Richie helped with also because Jon just disappear back upstairs and wasn’t a surprise to Ellie at all. The others were with Jimmy in the den.

Back in the kitchen they were putting the dishes in the dishwasher, “So are you ok?” Richie wanted to know.

Looking at him and sighing, “Yeah just peachy.” She told him as she put another dish in.

“You know what I mean. Mama B. really laid into you in there.” He said grimacing.

“Well like I told Jon the truce is over. The funny thing is she is never at fault. She was here when he came downstairs and would yell at her when she asked invasive questions to him and then he would snap at her. Why has that just flown out of her head.” She wanted to know.   

“Because she is one of THOSE mothers that’s why. He is her golden child. Do no wrong. No matter you will never be right for him you do know that right?” he asked her smiling.

“Yeah yeah she’s a piece of work all right. Too bad everyone can’t be like either my parents or yours.” She told him smiling back at him.

“Wouldn’t that be nice.” He chuckled. “What’s the matter?” he asked looking confused.

“I just really think this is my punishment that’s all.” She said sadly.

“What? Why do you say that?” he asked really confused now.

“Oh I don’t know it’s just the Catholic in me I guess.” She said kicking the floor.

“Ok now you’re going to have to explain that one to me?” he said looking confused.

“Well I was bad, I got pregnant out of wedlock the biggest sin…Don’t look at me like that I don’t believe in that crap either but come on life’s kinda crapped on me for a while until Jon came back into my life and then now he’s sick and his mother is Godzilla.” She said sighing.

“Oh come on it hasn’t been that bad you’re still standing. And Jon he has a Golden Horseshoe up his ass.” Richie said chuckling.

“Richie! What the hell do you mean by that?” Ellie asked trying not to giggle.

“Well let’s see he usually gets what he wants. He got his band, number one single then a hit album, oh and let’s not forget girls throwing themselves at him. (Ellie rolling her eyes) Then he finds the love of his life with his child no less. And he marries her and gets the best in-laws in the world because they forgive him as his girl for not being there in the beginning. Yeah horseshoe.” He smiled a mile wide.

“You are so lucky that he’s not here right now because the mood he’s in right now he’d kill both of us.” She told him smiling back.

Finally they went to see how the others were. Ellie could see Jimmy was getting tired and Richie offered to put him to bed. Carol said that she would do it but Ellie told her that was alright he needs to get use to Richie helping out. She wasn’t happy with that at all but John Sr. told her that he agreed with her and that they needed to get going anyway. He gave his daughter-law a kiss on the cheek and whispered to her, “Don’t worry I’ll talk to her when she calms down Sweetheart.”

“Thanks.” She replied to him.

Finally they all left so she went upstairs to see if Jon was ok. When she reached their bedroom she carefully opened the door as to not wake him in case he was asleep. But he was up with his guitar just strumming it.

“Hey whatcha doing?” she asked him as she sat on the bed with him.

Sighing, “Just goofing around, but with everyone here and Mom’s outburst just can’t seem to get anything down.” He told her a little too calmly.

“I can understand that. Rich put Jimmy down for me but your Mother had a fit over it.” She told him as she played with the blanket in front of her.

“Yeah? Why did you have Rich do it?” he asked her calmly as he just paid attention to what he was doing.

“Because I want Jimmy to get use to Rich helping out around here. Like putting him to bed or making him breakfast and taking him to school especially if I have to take you to the doctor sometimes or say if I don’t feel good you know?” she said looking at him and hoping he would understand why she asked Richie here.

“So is that the real reason you asked Rich to stay here or to babysit me?” he wanted to know.

“Yeah I was wondering when you were going to ask me that. Look he’s worried about you too. So I’m killing two birds here is that so wrong Jon?” she asked him as loving as she could.

Putting down his guitar and looking dead at her he said to her, “Yeah it is. Babe look I’m fine ok and with the Doc overseeing my progress and you making sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to, we don’t need anyone else here do you understand that?” he asked her simply.

She thought about that for a moment and then took his hand in hers. “Jon I thought about this and I spoke to the doctor about bringing Richie in and he agreed when I told him that he was your best friend and confident on the road. I just needed to get him here first before I told you because I really thought you would be happier to see him.” She told him hoping he wouldn’t explode.

Getting up he started to pace. “Ellie when we finished the tour, we were sick and tired of each other. We were fighting and really couldn’t stand to look at each other. So before things got really out of hand we all agreed just to go our separate ways and take a breather. Which meant that we needed to take a break from each other do you understand that?” he asked her trying really hard not to get annoyed with her.

“Yes Jon I get that.” She huffed at him.

“Then why didn’t you discuss this with me before you asked Richie here?” he asked her with his arms crossed and trying not to give her the stink eye which he was.

Smiling, “Just for the reason you are saying Babe. Look if I told you that I was calling Richie about coming here to help you, you would have pulled a temper tantrum the size of an elephant. I really think Richie will be a big help around here and I need that right now plus I so don’t need your Mom butting in where she really doesn’t belong.” She told him straight out.

Pacing again and rubbing his face he turned around finally to face her. “I thought you and my Mom were finally getting along?”

“Well we are sort of. She still tries to tell me how to run my household which pisses me off or how to get you out of the fucking bedroom but yeah at least we can be in the same room now. Look I don’t mind her here or helping out with Jimmy ok? She is his Grandmother and I’m really, really trying here Jon. But I do draw the line at some places.  I really think Richie will help with that. Look if you don’t want to see him fine I’ll tell him to stay away from you ok? But that will hurt his feelings Jon. Or is there more to the two of you that you don’t want me to know?” she asked him curious.

Jon just stood there looking at her dumb founded. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Jon it’s ok you know. I’ve seen the way the two of you look at each other. You’re more than just best friends…right?” she asked carefully.

Jon again just looked at her now kind of in shock. “We’re just best friends that’s it ok? Nothing more! So leave it alone.  (turning like he was going to the bathroom he stopped then turned back to her) Why did he say something to you?” he asked her a little too harshly.

“No he didn’t say anything to me honest. It’s just what I’ve heard while I was on the road with you guys. I just never had the guts to say anything to you until now that’s all. I’ve’ heard the whispers and seen the way you two look at each other and how you two act with each other on stage Jon. I’m not stupid. Yeah I caught you with other women but I’ve never said anything about you and Richie. It’s ok I get it I really do. You’ve known each other since the beginning of this band. He’s been you’re right hand man since day one, you’re confidante. So things get a little out of control when late nights and alcohol get to you I told you I get it.” She told him as she got up to put her hand on him but he stepped away from her.

“Get what? There’s nothing to get Babe. What your telling me is that I’m gay right?” he said to her shocked.

“What? No I’m not. I’m just saying that things can get out of hand and things happen that’s all and that you have been thru so much on this damn tour you’re blaming yourself for so many things that you’re taking it out not just on yourself but the guys too. Especially Richie because of maybe what happened on these tours. Baby I love you so much I don’t care what the hell happened with you and Richie ok? As long as he can help you thru whatever it is this is I’ll be ok with it.” She told him but he was having none of it.

He looked her in the eye, “I’m going to tell you this once and once only NOTHING HAPPENED GOT IT!” he shouted.

Well Richie was walking by from the kitchen back to his room when he heard the yelling and decided he better go check what was going on and see if Ellie was ok or not. When he got to their room he did hear Jon yelling so he quickly opened the door to see what was going on.

“Hey what the hell are you two yelling about in here? You do know Jimmy is trying to sleep right?” He told them looking at Ellie making sure she was alright.

“What the hell do you want Sambora? Everything is fine here.” Jon loudly tells him as he started to strut over to him.

“Jon stop!” Ellie shouted but it didn’t do any good Jon was pissed.

Richie saw Jon storming over to him so he planted his feet and was ready for him. Just as Jon was about to take a swing at him, Richie was able to grab his arm and pull him into himself and turned him around so he was facing Ellie but had his arm twisted above his head and behind him.  Ellie stood there shocked that Richie was able to do that so quickly but relieved also that things didn’t get out of hand.

“Let go of me!” Jon yelled thru gritted teeth.

“Not til you tell me what the hell is going on in here.” Richie said to him pissed.

Wiggling and trying to get loose, “It’s none of your damn business Rich. Now let me the fuck go!” he yelled trying harder to get free but Richie wasn’t letting go just yet.

“Not til someone tells me what the fuck is going on in here.” He told them. “So settle down will you?” he told Jon as he tighten his hold because Jon wasn’t giving up.

“Oh for crying out loud Jon just knock it off will you? I’m sorry ok? I’m sorry I said anything. Richie just let him go he won’t do anything right JON!” she said straight to his face.

Jon finally calmed down and promised he wouldn’t hit Richie if he let him go. So carefully Richie did and stepped back just in case. Jon straighten up and stretched and looked straight at his wife to make sure she got what he was trying to say to her. Keep your mouth shut. But Richie saw what he did and knowing Jon for so long he also knew that look and what it meant.

“Well is someone going to tell me what the hell was going on or are the three of us having a sleep over in here because I’m not leaving until someone talks.” He told them sarcastically.

Finally looking at his best friend Jon said, “Look Rich everything is fine Ellie and I just had a little spat that’s all we’ll be fine.” He tried to smooth over.

Looking at Ellie and shaking his head Richie said to him, “Ok good then you won’t mind sitting down next to her on the bed then as we all talk?” Richie said to him as Jon just looked annoyed. Before Jon could say anything Richie just pointed to the bed and told him to sit. Reluctantly he sat at the end of the bed while Ellie was at the headboard.

“Well I can see this is going to be good, you two can’t even sit next to each other.” Richie said to them.

They looked at each other and just smirked at the fact that they realized they did that.