SWNOVELS Chapter 78
(Johnnie)
I couldn't help but stare at my dad..hearing his laughter and seeing his smile..this truly had to be a dream come true. Ben was sitting in the front seat and Dad was driving us to the theater. I didn't care where we went, I just wanted to be by his side.
After the awkwardness from this morning, things started to become more natural after breakfast. I said my goodbyes to Capsian as he had to practically be pulled off of me by Moose..I know he is going to miss me, but I think my dad needs some alone time with his kids. "So, where's that fiancee of yours? When do I get to meet her?" Dad suddenly asked Ben as he shifted in his seat slightly.
"Umm, well, we are meeting up tomorrow. Maybe afterward.." Ben explained, making my dad nod as I couldn't help but see the worry in my brother's eyes.
I finally got to speak to Robin the other night on the way back from dinner with Caspian's coach. The moment she answered she started bawling her eyes out.
"Jo..what is wrong with me? Do you think Ben won't want to be with me anymore after this?" She started, making my eyes widen as Caspian looked over at me in surprise. He could hear her crying from there and she wasn't even on speakerphone. "Hey, nothing is wrong with you..why do you say that?" I asked softly, trying to stay calm for her.
"I just keep freaking out..what if Ben and I end up like our parents? What if we are destined to fail before we even get to the altar?" She whispered between sniffles as I let out a sigh while turning my head and looking towards Caspian.
"I think we all have that fear Robin..but we can't let something we had no part in decide our future..because if you believe your marriage is going to fail before it even starts...then it probably will..but..if you hold onto that spark, that reason why you fell for my brother to begin with, then you can get through this Robin. Yeah there might be fights or
disagreements..but talking through them and understanding one another is where you will be different from your parents." I said, meaning every word as I looked at my husband, knowing this just didn't apply to Robin and Ben.
I am one lucky girl to not only have married my childhood crush but also my best friend as well..and now since getting through our challenges, we can talk through anything. We might've had a few bumpy years in there but now I am grateful for that time apart. Because it showed me just how miserable life can be without Caspian in it.
"Yeah..I guess you are right.." She mumbled, making me smile to myself.
"So reach out to him Robin..he misses you like crazy and I think telling him how you are feeling will really help. Ben is a great guy..you know this....and you are a great person too.." I added, which made her cry even more..she was very emotional. I reached my hand out and squeezed my brother's shoulder encouragingly.
"You are going to love Robin dad. She definitely adds a lot of personality to the family..and fashion sense..which we all know is much needed." I joked, making both my dad and Ben laugh.
"Yeah..seems like you two got that from me.." He said sheepishly, making my eyes wander to his flannel shirt which Ben just so happened to be wearing one too.
I had on one of Caspian's hoodies..per his request and a pair of skinny jeans. So I wasn't doing much better.
Right on cue, I felt my phone vibrate as I pulled it out and saw a few texts from Caspian.
From Caspian: Miss you already..what am I supposed to do here without you?! Moose won't stop going on about Milo and Anna..please help me.
From Caspian: P.S. Send me a picture too..preferably nude :P
I shook my head in disbelief before glancing up and catching some type of conversation about baseball that my dad and Ben were having before snapping a quick pic of myself. Of course he asked for nudes that freaking horn dog.
To Caspian: This is all you get! and I miss you too..if you are a good boy, maybe I will let you tie me up later, then you can get your n**e
I responded, knowing that would get him all riled up..I know..in being cruel. But he is just so fun to tease!!
"What do you say Jojo? Want to go to our burger spot after we are done with the movie like old times?" My dad suddenly asked, making me switch my screen off before glancing up.
"Yeah sure Dad, sounds great."
I met my dad's eyes in the rearview mirror before smiling brightly as he cleared his throat awkwardly for a moment. "So, you and Caspian are sticking to this marriage thing huh?" He suddenly asked out of the blue, taking me back a little. "Yeah..did you not expect it?" I said curiously, wondering what he thought about us getting together.
"I knew the kid was sweet on you but I guess in my mind you are still that little girl I left all those years ago." He confessed, making my heart ache as I scooted forward a little and placed my hand on his shoulder softly. I was fifteen at the
time..but honestly I can see why he thought of me as little..considering I never had a boyfriend, I didn't wear makeup or do most things young teenagers did..I was a daddy's girl and did everything with him when I could.
"Well, for what it's worth..I'm still your little girl dad...I always will be..I'm just Caspian's wife too..as weird as that is to say." I laughed, making my dad nod as Ben turned and smiled at him.
"Don't worry, it took me by surprise at first too..but Caspian would do anything for Johnnie. He loves her more than anything..so she is in good hands dad." Ben added, making me swell with happiness knowing my big brother had my back.Many paragraphs are missing. Read the complete book on Jo-b n-lb. c (o) m. "You both have grown up so much..I'm..I'm sorry..I know it must've been hard on you two..and after everything happened.." He began, his voice cracking as he suddenly pulled off the road and put the car in park, surprising us.
"I failed you two..I was such a coward..I shouldn't have let someone like Dave King dictate my life." He said before placing his hands over his eyes and sobbing.
"Dad it's okay..you can't beat yourself up over this. I know it must have been scary.." I tried to console him as Ben turned and reached for our dad, engulfing him in a hug.
"Nothing is going to get between us again okay? I was scared too...after realizing you were still alive..I was scared you wouldn't want me..that you wouldn't see me as your son any longer." Ben admitted, causing my dad to shake his head as he looked at Ben deeply. "Of course I still see you as my son..I love you Ben, and there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think that. You and Johnnie are my whole world..and I felt so lost without you." He confessed, making me cry now as I joined in on their hug. "Just promise not to disappear on us again.." I choked out, making my dad reach up and wipe my tears.
"Never again..nothing could take me away from you two..I finally have my kids back..and I vow to make up for all the time we lost..starting with getting us to that dang movie." He stated adamantly, making us laugh now as I nodded and sat back in my seat. "And look at you two..I blinked my eyes for a second and you are already married or about to be.." Dad added while pulling back onto the road.
"But when we get back to the house, I do want to have a conversation with Caspian..nothing bad okay?" He said, making me let out a rush of air as I nodded and smiled in agreement.
I guess that would be a good thing to do... Especially after this morning..I'm sure things are kind of awkward but maybe if they just clear the air things will go smoothly again. Dad and Caspian used to get along back in the day..so they still should now you would think. That's all I can hope for at least..having the most important men in my life getting along..thats not a lot to ask for..right?