Chapter seventy Five

I stood looking in disbelief at the figure in the security booth. Edging nearer I watched what they were doing, they were looking through the log book the guys kept of visitors to the estate. I stepped a little nearer to get an even better view as my foot caught on a fallen branch and it snapped. The person looked up from what they were doing and saw me outside. "shit" I had no where to hide, and with nothing I could do, I walked round too the booth door and went inside.  I had to focus, kav was injured,  and simple fact was , i needed the trap key, and to call 911.  Stepping inside she spoke,
"Jon"
"D"
"I can explain..."
"Save it"
"You don't care?"
"No, "
"That's cold...you used to care,what changed?"
"You did Dot"
"No fair, your just as guilty of that too"
I held my hands in the air, I had no time for her stupid games anymore so blanked her and continued looking for the key.
"You not talking now?"
I remained silent, then I found the key and picked up the phone, this one was live as it ran on a separate line, and dialled 911.
It was made near impossible with D screaming and shouting in the background like a banshee, but carried on and managed the call successfully. Hanging up the phone I made to leave to head back out to kav, when D caught my arm.

"Let go D"

"Jon, please we need to talk"

I jerked my arm away from her grip, "not now D.." I stepped outside the booth and made my way back to the cart, D followed, still shouting, "Where you off too now, to screw your bitch again?"

my hands were placed on the wheel, I paused briefly, to reply, but changed my mind. D was not worth anymore of my energy, instead I put my foot on the pedal and  drove off heading back out to Kav, and left D stood shouting after me.

Crawling around the edge I again saw the light that David and left still shining through the trees, stopping the cart I made my way back through the growth to the guys without incident, kneeling down and with the key  now in the lock, I turned it and released the trap.  Slowly and carefully both David and me opened the trap wide enough so we could remove Kav's injured leg. David said we should really have waited for the medics, but we both knew they would not be able to get through the growth and bushes with there kit and gurney, and we couldn't move Kav without removing the trap first, so we had no other choice.
As we released his leg, both David and I looked at the injury, the trap had gnawed into his muscles, and broke his leg, that was plain to see, I felt sick to my stomach and hoped that his leg could be saved, as I looked at David I knew he was thinking the same too.,  Kav watched us, then asked in a strained pained voice. "Is it bad?"

both David and I  locked eyes, as I replied, " can't tell from here bud, its too dark, just lie still for a second ok, help is on the way."

In the distance the sirens could be heard, they got louder as they neared, David and me left it for as long as we dare before each taking an end and pulling Kav back through the growth to the green lawn. Out again in the open space we lay him down gently. David lit his camera light and shone it directly towards the ambulance so they could see where we were, both of us relieved they could see the light, which had dimmed from the battery dying out from the constant use. they drove straight over  in our direction. and stopped just short of where we were standing next to Kav.

The medics worked fast and in no more than minutes had hom secured on the gurney and into the back of the ambulance, they gave us the Er details of where he was going before they set off sirens blasting as they left.
David and me stood standing watching as they left neither of us making a move. I think the enormity and shock of Kav had left us both shell shocked. David asked as he looked over to the security booth, "who's that stood there."

"D"

"D, thought she was at the emergency room?"

"me too, guess she was released"

"what she want?"

I shrugged my shoulders as I answered, "to talk she says."

"you gonna?"

"I don't know, this is all fucked up..."

"Jon, man, really? you need to be true to yourself, stop living your life trying to please others. You know we aint getting any younger, and don't ya think its about time your were happy?"

I shook my head, "yeah but its not that simple, I've four kids caught in the middle of all this."

"Yeah, kids that are loved by both of you, and are grounded and growing up, and wont be kids forever..."

again I shook my head, "I know, but I have to keep it on a civil level..."

he patted my shoulder, "Course you do bud."
our conversation was cut short as we saw in the distance heading to the house a white flash, the same as we saw earlier. "You see that?"
"fuck yeah." looking at the booth I knew it was not D as she was still there, back inside looking for something.
"Man, Jon, this is serious, are you gonna call the cops, or we still gonna play detective, cause I aint cut out for this bro.."
I looked at David, and through the light of the moon I could see he was scared witless.
"Look, how can I call the cops for seeing a flash of white, we don't know what the fuck it is?"
"Ok, columbo, what's your idea then huh?"
"Lets head back to the house, find the guys and forget it until morning?"
"have you lost your freaking mind? have you finally gone nuts? you wanna forget what we have seen? man whatever is out there is still there and I for one aint staying here tonight, period..."
I laughed, "calm down ok?, I'm sure its nothing."
"You know what it is don't ya?"
"no, I have no idea, but look there's the kids, Madison, Rich, Teak, and Dave and my brother, plus you and me against whatever, or whoever that is. Lets get real here... you not think were over reacting?"
"ok, but one thing has your plan fucked.."
"what?"
"where the fuck are the guys?"
he stood with his arms across his chest, looking straight in front.
he was right, in the aftermath of finding Kav I had forgotten the guys had disappeared. I was about to say something when a voice spoke in the darkness from behind me. "Bit late for a walk aint it?"
I was froze to the spot in fear, could it really be happening.



 

 

 

Chapter Seventy Four

After getting no response from Kav,  I hung up and re dialled his number, the line would not connect, I checked my cell for signal and it was good, I tried four more times before giving up. Scratching my head, I was not sure what to do, I mean how could a grown man call the cops because he thought someone could have been in the grounds, that was play ground stuff, no, I needed more proof first. Jess came out of the den, "you ok pop?" "yeah, why you ask?"
"you look pale, like you've seen a ghost or something?"
"Nah I'm good, so what you guys doing in there.."
"Madison, she's so cool, she'd telling us about her days as a Olympic winner for Karate, shes on the same level as mom, how cool eh?"
Yeah, very.." I was distant as I was trying to figure what to do next. Jess noticed, "you sure your ok?"
"What, yeah course, look you go back to Madison, I'll see you guys later, I've just got something to sort ok?"
he looked at me concerned but agreed to go back in the room with Madison and the kids, I set off to the kitchen and to the guy's.
As I walked in, the first thing that struck me was they were no where in sight, all of them had gone, the next was the breeze that was blowing though the house and the back door was open.
Walking to close it, I could feel my heart start to pound, my anxiety returning like a sledge hammer, talking aloud, I told myself to get a grip, but as I neared the door I was fearful but from what I could not say. I called out hoping the guys were within ear shot, "Rich, Dave," nothing, I tried again, Teek, Matt?" still nothing, then I heard the flushing from the bathroom and I turned to see who came out, David B, as he came into the kitchen he too was shocked that the guy's had gone. "Where everybody go, I only went to take a leak?"
I shrugged, I dunno, I came back and they had all gone, but the back door is open"
David shivered, "you cold?"
"no I think someone just walked across my grave...did you talk to security?"
"I did, I sent Kav to do another perimeter search, then he called back and we lost connection."
"what you mean lost connection, you call him back?"
Yeah, but I could not get a connection at all, that's when I came back here.."
"Jon, fuck this man, call the cops.. something aint right.. where are the guys? where's the security guard? man too much is going on here I don't feel easy.."
I tried to calm David, but inside I was just as anxious as he was. "calm down bud, its all good, were just spooked from earlier right?"
he starred at me, his eyes wide, he gave me a look to say what the fuck... it was kinda surreal and not in a good way, strange things were happening around us and who or what was to blame was a mystery. One thing I had to be sure of was what happened to Kav, and what happened to the guys, I was content knowing the kids would be safe in Madison's hands, but I had to go check out the grounds. "Dave I need to go check this out you coming with me?"
"fuck yeah, I aint staying here on my own, I may end up in the twilight zone with no fucking return."
I grabbed the buggy keys from the hook and we both walked out the back door and round the side to the waiting cart. both in, I started the engine and hit the lights, we set off at a quick pace and made for the gate house. As we neared it was clear it was empty, that meant Kav was out in the grounds somewhere. I followed at a slower pace the agreed route that was used by the guys, watching and listening for any sounds that might tell us where he was. Nothing could be heard but the rustling of the trees and night owls, David went to speak as I thought I heard a moan.." Sssssh you hear that?"
"No, hear what?"
I heard it again, "that? tell me you heard that?"
"yeah I heard it that time, where's it coming from?" "Over there?" and pointed to the wooded area close to the road side. I made to leave the cart when David caught my arm, "whoa there columbo, your leaving me alone? here?" I shook my head, "I'll be just through there?" "Oh no you don't, I'm coming too..."  "Ok, come on hurry already.." I stood waiting by the cart for David to join me, then we both set off in the direction of the sounds. We moved slowly through the tree growth, getting nearer so was the moaning, walking a little further, we stepped out into a clearing, in the darkness a shape could be made out laying on the ground, David took out his flash light for his camera and shone it on the shape laying on the ground moaning in pain. It was Kav, I moved nearer to him and knelt beside him, his ankle was caught tight in one of the traps that had been set.
"What happened?"
beads of sweat furrowed in the creases of his brow, his face twisted with the pain of the trap. with David's light shining bright I could see that the trap had torn through his muscle, "Help me, please" he put his head back, the pain etched over his face.  I tried to prize the trap, it would not open, David squatted down next to me too and we both tried, in vain, David pointed to the lock, "We cant open this with out the key Jon.."
I looked at Kav, "you got the key?"
"office... key box..."
"Ok, Dave stay with him ok, I'll be back in a few minutes..." he shook his head as I made my way back out to the cart, back out of the bushes I was relieved to see the cart where I left it, David had agreed to leave his flash light lit so I could find my way back to where they were waiting. I wasted no time in turning the cart and heading back to the gate house.
Getting closer I slowed down, I could see someone inside the box, but not clearly to see who it was. Stopping the cart I climbed out and slowly and quietly moved closer to see who was inside, when I was close enough I could not believe my eye's who was sitting there....

Chapter Seventy Three

Rich was right, not about them not hearing D and me, but about understanding, they were really sad over how their mom had acted.
They were shocked at her behaviour towards Madison, both of them could not understand the mentality of how their mom could punch someone at a first meeting, Jess said, "I've never seen anyone behave like that, but to see it from my own mom, man that was ugly." that's when they told me they supported me one hundred percent in my decision. I was so proud of them both, so young but both so mature too. I don't know what I did to deserve my kids, but I was real proud to be their dad. Added too my fears about shrinks was unfounded and the only one that was gonna need that kind of help in the future was D.
Jake and Romeo, had not heard anything they were too busy playing air hockey with Madison. I guess I was more concerned about the younger guys hearing their mom and me more than Jess and Steph, so it seems I was granted a reprieve for now at any rate, knowing at some point I would have to explain things again, kids that young need a lot of reassurance that's how you build confidence.

With calmness restored in the Bongiovi household, the guy's were still hanging around and had gone back down to the studio to start the mixing of a couple of new tracks we had wrote, Obie, and David Bergman being the last to arrive and join in. Madison said she was fine with the kids so I could go start my work with the guy's. giving her a kiss on the cheek I headed upstairs to change my shirt ready for the promo shots David was gonna take. Checking my reflection in the mirror, I ran my fingers through my already messy hair a quick spray of after shave and I was out the door and soon walking round the back to the studio to start our new project, it was only gonna be a few more days before we kicked off the tour again and I felt a buzz of excitement thinking about it. I even smiled to myself as I walked, then I saw something or should I say someone out of the corner of my eye and it brought me to a stop. I stood looking in the direction of where something caught my eye, but I could see nothing, no movement, no rustling of bushes, I must have stood there for ten minutes, looking all around the grounds. in the end I moved on and told myself it was just a dog or some other wildlife scouring around out there, but something in my heart was not convinced and I felt anxious and during the rest of the walk to the studio I kept looking back over my shoulder, and no matter how many times I told myself there was no one there, I could not shake the feeling.
Walking up the steps to the studio I could hear the banter inside between the guys, and still I stood looking around before going inside. Still I saw nothing. I stood for a few minutes more then went inside and started work with the guys.

It was late afternoon when we started, but nearing 11pm when we were calling it a wrap for the night, David had taken great photo's for the new album and tour programme that we wee producing for the European leg of the tour, enough we hoped to keep are ardent fans happy in the short term at any rate, and with six tracks laid to tape, we knew the new album was near finished. Closing up, Rich, Dave, Teek, Matt and Obie headed on back to the main house, while David B stayed with me to lock and close up the studio for the night. Out on the steps, I turned the lock when David said, "holy shit what was that?"
"What was what?"
he looked at me a concerned look on his face, "I dunno, something moved over there, it caught my eye.."
he pointed in the direction I had seen something earlier in the day.  I joined him at the bottom of the steps and stood looking out into the darkness. "what you think you saw?"
"I dunno, like a flash of white?"
that was the same thing that caught my earlier, I told David about it. "you know I thought I was seeing things earlier, but you have seen the same...."
he shook his head agreeing with me, "Jon, Ive got a bad feeling about this, I think you should call the cops or at least security?"
I shook my head, "Yeah, I will lets get back to the house first." We set off towards the main house, each of us quiet, and both listening and looking around us all the time. "dave you feel uneasy too?"
"Yeah, but I don't know why its stupid man, we are grown ups..." half laughing, "I guess we saw too many horror movies when we were kids right?" "yeah" it was then we heard the cracking of a branch, and both of us snapped heads to look in the same direction. we were no more than fifty yards from the house, and both of us said no more as we took off running to get inside as quick as we could.

the guys were in the kitchen drinking coffee and chatting as me and david ran in, teek asked, "Wheres the fire?"
I had no time to answer and went straight out to the phone in the hallway to call security, picking up the receiver it was only then I remembered the lines were dead. I moved out of the hall and to the best side of the house to use my cell and felt the familiar de ja vu from the last time being in this situation.

Stood outside the den I could still hear the kids with Madison, and looking at my cell I now had enough signal to call down to the security gate. I pushed the number into my phone and pressed connect, I waited as it rang, "Security"
"Kav?"
"Yes Mr Bongiovi"
"Have you checked out the grounds today?"
"Yes sir not half and hour since. all good."
"no one around that shouldn't be?" I asked with the nervous anxiety feeling rising in my body,
"no sir, no one, all safe and secure."
I was not satisfied with his conclusion so asked another question,
"what are you wearing tonight?"
he sounded puzzled as he answered my unusual question, "White shirt black pants, jacket and hi visibility over coat sir same as always."
in my mind I reasoned it could not have been Kav then that had caught David and my eye. I told Kav what had happened and asked him to go do another perimeter search and call me back.
he told me he would call me in half an hour, but he was sure it was all good and like I thought earlier, maybe it was some wildlife that had managed to get on to the grounds.

With my kids in the house I prayed that was the case, but no matter how much I tried to convince myself it was nothing out there, I could not shake the uneasy feeling that was setting in my heart and bones.  I paced the hallway waiting for the call, when my cell rang I near dropped it, "Yo speak to me?"
"Mr Bongiovi Sir its Kav... you were...." the line went dead, I stood with the cell to my ear shouting Kav, and got no reply....

Chapter Seventy Two

Inside the house I saw Rich, "you ok bro your shaking?"
"Yeah, I'm good, just sick of all the crap..."
"D?"
"yeah, and other stuff..."
Romeo came running up, "Hey pop, Madison is great at air hockey.."
I looked surprised, "is she, better than me?"
he laughed walking back out to the den, "Hell yeah, she could whip your tush.."
I called out after him, "well tell her to get ready I wanna see for myself""
he threw a look back, smiled and gave the thumbs up sign.
Rich was still at my side, "sounded strained out there?"
"you heard?"
"Yeah man, hard not too..."
"who heard?"
"well me, Madison, the guys..."
"The kids did they hear?"
"don't think so, they were out back playing air hockey, when Madison heard she went out back to be with the kids"
"you sure?"
"as I can be yeah...you know all parents have arguments?"
I gave rich a look, "but that was no ordinary argument, that was the end of our marriage right there..."
"look, the kids are good, if they heard I'm sure they would ask you about it?"
I shrugged, "I guess, its just, I don't want them dragged into a nightmare between the two of us you know?"
"Jon, it will be what's its gonna be, you cant soft soap everything and wrap them in cotton candy forever?"
I knew Rich was right, but so far we had managed to bring up four well grounded kids, the last thing I wanted was for them to have to start going to see some shrink cause me and their mom fucked up their heads. I stood thinking,
"Stop already,"
"Stop what?"
"beating yourself up, its no biggie..so stop stressing already, just go see the kids and Madison.." he slapped me on my back just as the paramedics walked through with D slowly, each of them assisting her to walk.
I asked, "you taking her to the hospital?"
"Yes sir, just to be checked over, we think she has a ruptured spleen."
I watched as they led her though the house and out to the waiting ambulance,  Rich asked "should she be walking?"
"nope but D is a stubborn son of a bitch, she cowers to no one, that's what drew me too her when we were young."
"what happened?"
"god knows."
Madison came through to the kitchen and got herself a glass of water, Rich made himself scarce so we could talk.
"what happened out there?"
Madison turned to look at me, "I'm sorry, I should not have taken it as far as I did."
I walked over to her and rubbed her arms,
"hey, she started it, what I mean is where did the karate come from?"
"oh that, well I was a junior world Olympic champion..."
"Olympic Champion?, you never said..."
"there was no need, It was in my past?"
"Are you ashamed of it?, you should be proud.."
"I was.. I am... but well, I just... lets just say I've moved on..." It was clear she had something in the past that was throwing a shadow over her glory, I didn't push, it was not my place, but  I was still curious...
"well your good make no mistake..."
she smiled, I still work out and keep my hand in so to speak, but not for competitions anymore.."
"so you win many times?"
"Once or twice"
"Any gold medals..."
"a few"
I repeated, "a few, how many is a few, I have gold and platinum records, there's only a few too, but in reality its more like a hundred..."
she laughed, "ok, eight"
"shit eight gold medals?, wow you must be good..."
she laughed" I can hold my own"
"You got that right"
She lowered her head again, then looked up as she spoke, I was still stood in front of her,
"Jon, I'm sorry, really, I snapped, if your wife had not of punched me that would never of happened... its just I took the stance in defence.."
"It's ok, as I said she started it, and for what its worth I'm really sorry she hit you." I lent forward and kissed her cheek.
"Is she ok?"
"I think so, they have taken her to ER to be checked, but I'm sure she will be good, she's one tough cookie...it will take more than a few slaps to keep her down."
"Jon, we all heard you both?"
my heart sank, what I'd wanted to avoid I hadn't,  nervously I asked
"really?"
"Yeah, I kept the younger two busy, but Jessie and Steph they heard it all"
"how they look?"
"sad, they held each other as they stood by the window... I tired telling them it was just a spat, but they kind of blanked me and carried on listening anyway, I'm sorry."
There was nothing for it, I had to face the fallout,
"hey its ok, I'll speak with them, I'll make it good.."
the only thing was, I wished I could convince myself as well as others. This was gonna be one of the hardest things I'd faced yet.

Chapter Seventy One

Although I'd caught one of D's arms, her other was brought up so fast it hit Madison square on the jaw, reeling in shock for a moment Madison was stunned, but once she regained her composure she assumed the stance, D broke free from me after kicking me hard in the shin, I yelped in pain and limped out of the way, just in time to watch her as she took the stance too... Rich came out from the house, he could not believe what he was seeing anymore than I could. I was knelt down rubbing my ankle, which was already started to bruise.
"What the fuck Jon? A square off? I didn't know Madison knew Karate?"
"Me too, she's just full of surprises huh?."
"What's with you and karate women eh?" he laughed,  I shrugged, unlucky or lucky your call...
As he stood watching the two of them he asked " are you gonna stop this?"
as much as I wanted it over and D gone, I knew better than to challenge a 6th dan black belt, I answered Rich honestly, " no fucking way,  I've just had a kick to the ankle, and its hurting like a bitch, you wanna stop it go ahead?"
he shook his head, " No way man, I aint that dumb..." he looked down at me and asked," you ok?"
"Yeah," looking up again he saw D take a hit direct on her jaw...
" Oooh, that's gotta hurt right...? man this is gonna get ugly."
"yep "
satisfied I'd rubbed my ankle till the best of the pain had gone I stood with my arms folded across my chest, and  with Rich at my side we watched the fight take hold.
D was swift and fast, Maddi was quicker,  I guessed, age being the reason why, I was fearful given D's standing with the martial arts circle, but so far Madison was holding her own and had managed to hit D hard a few times. she had definitely made her bleed with one kick to the face, D had not managed to hit Madison yet, her kicks missing her opponent.
Rich asked, "is it fair to cheer on the one you want?"
I laughed, "not this time bro.. no "
"ok, it just seems like we are at some arena event you know?"
I shook my head, I was curious, " for the record, who do you want?"
he smiled at me, "well as much as I love D, I want Madison to win and knock the crap outta her, that bitch.." he held his hands up, "sorry, but she is, has caused you as much grief in one way or another, just as much as your fucking stalker man,... "
I looked at him, again I shook my head, "but she's my wife?" he lent in close, "yeah but that mistake can be rectified right?" he looked at me with his eyebrows raised. "C'mon Jon, you gotta want Madison to win too?"
I turned to look at rich and answer him when I heard the scream, I looked over to see D laying on the floor holding her side in agony, Madison was stood over her, she wrung her hands"  and out of breath she walked past me and Rich without saying a word and headed into the house. She was pissed  and make no mistake.
D was still laying on the floor reeling in pain, Rich looked at me and shrugged, "What now?"
looking at my wife I asked "You need help?" between rolling around holding her side she shook her head. Rich placed his hand on my shoulder and pulled his cell from his pocket, and dialled 911.
I crouched down to within inches of my wife, "no what D, until today I had respect for you, but what you started here in front of your kids is unforgiveable. how could you do such a thing? huh?"
still rolling back and forth in pain she replied between gasps.." no, how could you do it to me Jon?, our bed is not even cold and your fucking someone else."
"Have you learnt nothing? have the last few months taught you nothing huh? why do you always assume I'm guilty without the facts?"
another cry of pain escaped her lips, she had managed to sit up, but still her face registered the pain she was feeling, "but I'm right aint I?"
On this occasion she was right, but I was not gonna give her the satisfaction of knowing that.
" Madison is my call nurse.."
"is that what you call it.. nursing?"
 Standing again, I looked down on the women I used to love, " You know what?, I have no time for this, I've wasted so much energy on you, no more enough already.. the sooner your gone and outta my life the better"
With one last look at her sat on the ground shaking my head, I started to walk away,  with her calling after me " Oh yeah, well I'm so gonna screw you Jon, I will make you pay for this make no mistake..."  not stopping her venom continued to pour out " you hear me Jon, I'll take you for everything you've got, you will crumble before me..."
 turning back to look at her I yelled out pissed at her threats, "fuck you D, and bring it, you wanna fight, then buckle up baby your in for a fucking bumpy ride... I'm done with ya"
I reached the house just as the paramedics came out to tend to D. despite her pain, she was screaming after me, "Don't you walk away from me Jon....aggghhhhhh"
I blanked her and pointed "Over there?" to the medics
"Can you tell us what happened sir?"
"yeah, there was a fight and my ex wife got injured see for yourself." I did not escort them and calmly walked back into the house.

Chapter seventy

The kids went over and gave their mom a hug, "hey guys" she made out she was happy to see them, but the look on her face told me she was here for business  as they broke from the hug she asked them to go play in the yard.
Romeo shouted out, "yeah let's go find Madison" D looked amused, "who's Madison ?" Honestly he answered, "dad's new friend"
D looked at me; and with raised eyebrows and a disconcerted look answered, " new friend eh?" The kids saw D's change, this time Jessie spoke" Oh lay off mom, pops friend is no different to yours.... kalvis ain't it?" I could see by her face D was not gonna take this lightly, her sharp reply to jess told me that.
" thank you jessie I'll take it from here" as the kids left the den they all eyed their mom with caution. Steph asked, "you gonna be OK pop?" I shook my head, "yeah go start your game it will be fine" I watched all four faces as they shuffled off and left me and D alone.  When they'd gone I closed the den door as I had a feeling this was gonna be loud. .
D wasted no time launching into me,

" friend eh? How long has this being going on? when was you gonna tell me huh?"
"Don't start in on stuff you know nothing about."
"But I do know, our kids just told me, never heard it past off as friend before?"
I tried changing the subject, "what you doing here Dot?"
She retorted "it's my home and after you put paid to my mom n pop wanting me at their home I figured I'd come home,..." she started to pace around the den, then added sarcastically, "you know, give it one more try?" She laughed, "I'm kidding, mind if I thought there could have been a chance that's well and truly shot right?"
"Stop with the bullshit, you and I both know this marriage is dead, we've been playing time for years, so don't come the injured wife, OK? "
She snapped back, "injured wife, that's just what I have fucking been remember, one of your whores stabbed me? Oh and by the way, you wanted us together then, so what changed?"

"you changed me D, when you tried to blackmail me"

"when did I do that, I cant recall..."

"seriously?, your something else..." now I was pacing and could feel my temper rising, along with my voice. "you don't recall telling me to quit the band and be a stay at home husband? and the women who sent photos of the kid that looked like mine, after all that shit making me feel real bad, you don't remember that?"

she cocked her head to the side and perched on the chair, "well, kinda, but it wasn't blackmail... I was asking, you know 24 years on the road is a long time to bring up kids on your own..."

"you didn't bring up the kids on your own, we both brought them up.. so just stop trying to paint me as the bad father, I always came home no matter where I was on the tour during my days off to be with you all, I missed a few school plays at most.. so stop guilt tripping me... alright"

"What about the missed parents evenings, presentations? they not count?"

"D enough already... ok, I'm just so not doing this right now..." I walked to the door, opened it and walked out, D followed in hot pursuit...

"Oh no your not walking out on me, I aint finished with you yet.."

I spun on my heels and spat back, "oh yes you are, we are through, go get your clothes and pack a bag, you can have the apartment in Manhattan, I'm staying right here..."

"wait a god damn minute here, you expect me to just walk out on what I've built for myself and sacrificed all these years for a poky apartment?" Please yourself..."

"Oh no, I want the hamptons at the least..."

"Fine take it, just get your stuff and get the fuck outta my life..."

turning away from her my jaw clenched tight I marched out to the yard, not aware she was still following.

In the yard the guys had broke from the studio and Rich was the first to alert me D was behind...

"Hey D, nice to see you?" I turned, I really did not want to make a scene in front of the guys, but I was so pissed I was now beyond caring. "Are you fucking deaf, I said get your things and go."

she sided up next to me, "I'm going nowhere until I am damn well good and ready, I think its time I met your new friend don't you?"

I looked across at the lawn, they kids were playing volley ball again with Madison. D headed straight across in the direction of the kids.

following I asked, "Don't do it D, not in front of the kids...D?"

she blanked me, but turned to give me a smile that said, just watch me work.  she sided up real close to Madison and made her jump as she was just hitting the ball back over the net, the kids flocked around Madison, as if guarding her, Madison was not aware of what had gone down and was polite in extending her hand to D, "hi, you must be D?, I'm Madison."

D looked back at me, smiled and shook her head as she turned back to face Madison.

"D? you know me then?"

there was a danger in her tone, Madison looked to me, there was nothing I could do but watch the scene unfold before my eye's.

"I err, no, I don't know you but I erm... thought everyone shortened your name, I'm sorry if I've offended you?"

"oh you have done more than offend me... your fucking my husband, and that means war bitch..."

Madison looked horrified, Rich looked at me, I gave him the look to get everyone inside so I could sort this mess, he got my drift and moved the guys and kids back inside the house, although the kids were reluctant to leave. Once they were gone, I marched right over to where D was standing next to Madison, as I reached her side I managed to hold D's arm that was poised ready to smash into Madison's face. "Oh you are so not doing that bitch, now say good bye, your leaving,"

 

 

Chapter Sixty Nine

As we reached the yard again jess hugged me before he took off to join his brothers and sisters, but as he ran forward towards them, they came over to me. Jess stood in the middle of the lawn, spun round with his hands in the air in total disbelief, then walked back over towards me to join his siblings.
"Hey guys what's up?"
Jake spoke first, " with his hand cupped to his mouth he beckoned for me to bend so he could whisper in my ear, "who's Madison? "

Madison came over at the same time, and although she never heard what Jakey asked she knew it was about her.

I knelt beside him, as I cupped my hands and whispered back into this ear, "a friend"

he was happy with the explanation, but then said, speaking louder "well she's my team mate... we beat the other two cause were good, aint that right Maddi?"

she high fived him, "you bet your life buddy," " and where has the name Maddi come from?"

Jake spoke again, "She said it was ok, right?" he turned to look at her and Madison gave him the thumbs up...

Steph was next, "Pop can we talk?"

I knew this was gonna be a day of questions so took charge, it was not going to be easy but the kids needed to know what was going on. "Ok, look, I need to talk with you guys, I can see you all have questions right?, so go get some juice and meet me in the den ok?"

each nodded, including Jessie, who I'd already chatted with. As the kids took off,  Madison, looked anxious,

"what's wrong?"

"its clear they re gonna be asking questions about me, your wife and stuff..."

"yeah, course they will, its natural, this is a big thing for them, and there my kids babe, I have to be honest with them."

nervously she put her fingers to her lips and started to chew her nails,

"they will hate me."

"how can they hate you?" between chewing of her nails she moved her hand to speak,

"they will blame me for the splitting up of you and your wife...Oh Jon, I feel awful..."

"well don't, me and D have been done a real long time, I've been in denial that's all, you have nothing to do with my decision" then moving closer  " but you are a very welcome distraction that I am enjoying more and more."

I pulled into me and kissed her, while she tried struggling free...

"Jon, not in front of everyone.." her eyes were moving looking around to see who could be looking,

"there's no one out here just you and me..." she looked round, again to check what I said was right, then again pushed to prize my arms off her waist, "You know what I mean... stop already"

I submitted, "Ok, you win for now" I released her from my grasp, and

starting to walk away towards the house, so I  could go speak to the kids.  she called out, "you will tell me later right?"

"tell you what?"

"if they hate me or not?"

"look, they wont hate you, my kids have not been brought up that way, they have been brought up to respect their elders, and be honest and truthful and not pass judgement on stuff they know nothing about. both D and me have always encouraged asking when not sure.. so please, don't stress, everything will be ok? the kids want to know about me and their mom that's all..."

she shook her head, "ok." it was dawning on me, just how much of a task this day had been for Madison,

as I looked at her, I asked "this has been a big day for you hasn't it?"

she shook her head, "Yeah in so many ways.."

I stopped in my tracks and headed back towards Madison, reaching her I brought her into my arms, I kissed her forehead, " trust me, It will only get better... you'll see."

she studied my face, "are you always so self assured?"

"in my line of work, you have to be... " letting go of her I asked.. "you'll be good right?,"

 she shook her head, "ok, well I'm gonna go talk to the kids, look, the guys are in the studio if you wanna join them..."

she stood looking at me as she answered  " Its ok, I don't really no them that well yet, I'll just go hang out by the pool till your done,  You'll come get me right?" shaking my head I went off to talk to the kids.

Walking through the house, as I neared the den, I could hear them all chattering together,

"but pop is gonna talk about that" I heard stephs voice, as I opened the door and walked in to the den.

"I'm gonna talk about what Steph?"

"About why you and mom have split"

I sat my butt on the edge of the desk, and the kids had sat themselves in the seats the guys had used only an hour or so before, in many ways I felt like a teacher with his class, but instead it was my kids.

this was not gonna be easy but it had to be done.

starting gently I began explaining, " let me say firstly, because your mom and I are separating it in no way means either of us love you guys any less, or wont still be there for you, we both love you so much, and your needs come way before our own ok?"

"so why you splitting then pop?" Romeo asked, "there's no one reason we are not going to be together, ok, your mom and me have been together since we were kids, what starts out as forever, sometimes fades, through no fault of any person."

"so you don't love mommy any more?"

"Romeo, let dad finish"

"Its ok Steph, look guys, let me explain and then you can ask questions ok?"

all four heads shook in agreement, " Romy, its not just about love, its about respect for each other too, and the truth is, at the start your mom supported my job, she was great about me being away on tour, she was everything I could want in a wife and mother and more, but as we get older, our needs change, both mine and your moms are now going in different directions... I'll always love your mom, she gave me all of you, but I cant stay with your mom and carry on my job, which makes her unhappy..."

Jake raised his hand, "Jake no need for that bud, " he smiled, "can I ask something pop?"

I shook my head, "why is your job making mom unhappy, when it was fine before?"

"I don't know son, I cant answer that, you will have to ask your mom buddy"

Steph looked at me and asked direct, "it's not because you are with someone else is it pop?"

"no Steph its not, but let me be clear here, if your mom wants to have new male friends, she can.. ok?"

this time Jessie spoke up interrupting me.." like your friends with Madison right?"

"yeah, like I'm friends with Madison."

"why are you friends with Madison?"

all four faces studied me and waited for my answer. "why are you guys friends with your friends?"

"because there our friends?"

"well same applies with me Steph.."

"look if your all thinking that I've split with your mom because of being friends with Madison. you are all wrong, ok?, I've explained, your mom and I have just drifted apart, but what you guys need to understand is the love we both have for you will never change, you are our first priority ok?"

four faces, shook their heads, then looked at each other, " are we done?"

all four said yes, "ok then how about a big family hug and one for your old man?"  all four stood and gathered around me so we could all wrap our arms around each other. It was a great feeling and I was enjoying our moment all together, when there was a knock on the door, as it swung open, there on the other side was D. "not interrupting you all am I?"

chorus of mom, from all four, while I stood in shock at seeing my soon to be ex wife standing there in front of me.

 

 

Chapter Sixty Eight

The run through was good and the guys were set for the next leg, an hour or so later Obie, Mike and David arrived, so too had the food and it had been set up in the dining room. I let the guys go eat, while I went in search of my kids. My mom was right in bringing them over, it was lovely having my babies around me. I headed out back to the yard and found them with Madison, playing Volley Ball,
"hey, can anyone join in?"
"squeals of dad," greeting my ears... well from the youngest and hand waves from the two eldest. Madison, came over.
"everything go well?"
shaking my head I answered, "yeah really well.. were all set now, its all clear in everyone's head what were doing. "the only real groan was from Rich which surprised me," "groan?"
"yeah, he said it was nice having a long break during the tour, it allowed him time to be with his daughter, and work on his own material, he seems real psyched about his project..."
Madison made a comment, "well he's a musician right?, writing songs is what you do isn't it?" I shook my head, "yeah it is, but something aint sitting right between us babe and I cant figure what it is..."
"I'm sure its nothing, your all going back out on tour, I'm sure it'll shake itself out."
I laughed, "get you eh, been with me five minutes and understand the industry already.... wish I learnt as fast..."
She coloured up, "I'm sorry, I'm just trying to reassure you, not profess to know anything about your job... forgive me.."
I couldn't help but laugh, "its good, I'm teasing, I appreciate it babes.." I kissed her forehead, as Jessie came over to talk.
"Pop, can I ask you something?"
"sure, whats on your mind?"
"you and mom" he looked at Madison as he said his last line, I put an arm around his shoulders and led him out further to the pagoda. Madison went back to playing with the other kids.
walking across I asked, "so what's on your mind?"
"You and mom.... she told us its all over, that you don't want her anymore.... whys that dad?"
"look Jess, sometimes things, no people grow apart, its not that I don't want your mom anymore, and its not that she don't want me, we have just grown apart and want different things from life. for your mom, that's not sitting around waiting for me to come back from tour, and for myself, its not about feeling guilty for the job I do."
he looked forlorn, "Oh I see?" then asked,
"But what about my school and my team I play for? you and mom said you'd support me in that, all the kids at my school have been so jealous cause my folks were still together, now I'm like them, I'm gonna be a statistic..."
"jess slow down, here, I'm still, no we are still going to be there for you, we are your parents and love and support you know matter what, just because we won't be together nothing else will change..."
he looked at me, "your swear?"
"I swear, hand on heart..."
a small smile played at the corners of his mouth, "so who will we live with, and where will you live when your not on tour, I guess it wont be here?"
"So many questions, Jess, this is new for me, and your mom ok, we have to sort that out, but you kids will be told every step of the way Ok?"
I know I should have tried to reassure him more, but truth was, I couldn't not knowing the plans yet myself, how could I just spin a lie to my son to ease his pain. I couldn't, I'd always prided myself on being open and honest with my kids.
with tears in his eye's he looked at me and shook his head he understood. I playfully arm punched him, "c'mon Jess, its not gonna be that bad, I promise..."
he wiped his eyes and put on a smile again, "so when you leave on tour again?"
"two days time."
"where to?"
" Seattle, then Europe... for two months..."
"can I come with you?"
"what? where's this come from?,"
he shrugged his shoulders, "I dunno, but I aint got school for another five weeks, and I really wanna see what you do pop, up close?"
I smiled, Jess had never been interested in what I did before, for my kids it was just my job and I was known for it, albeit globally, he had never even sat in the studio...
"really? you wanna know about my business?"
he shook his head, "yeah, and to go to Europe, " he kinda looked sheepish at that point and the penny dropped with me too.
"so what your really saying is, you wanna free vacation?"
he tried to look honest as he replied, "that would be good, but its too learn and see what you do up front pop more..."
I laughed, "ok, Jessie James Bongiovi... well see, no guarantee's ok?"
he smiled back at me, and hugged me. "Pop?"
"Yes Son?"
"I love you.."
my heart swelled with pride looking at the young man D and I had created, with my hand on heart, I replied, "I love you to son"
leaving the pagoda we walked back to join the others and Madison playing games...