Jo's Journey to Happiness
Title: Jo's Journey to Happiness Chapter: 9 Fandom: Supernatural Author: myguys_sam_dean Rating: R Characters: Jo, Bobby Disclaimer: I don't own 'em, I just play with 'em. Feedback: Absolutely! Summary: Written for fanfic100 prompt #021-Friends. Jo and John's relationship affects everyone around them.
"You can stay as long as you want," Bobby reminded her over supper one night.
"I know, Bobby. Thank you."
"It would be nice to hear the patter of little feet in this house again. Sam and Dean were the last youngsters I had here."
Bobby had pulled Sam aside before he left to se how Jo had been sleeping. Sam told him that she woke up upset about every other night. Sam had tried talking to her about it but she didn't say what had gone on in her nightmare. Sam and Bobby agreed that if she spoke about what happened, she might be able to realize that she was safe at Bobby's and that it was a nightmare. It was based on a bad memory, but it wasn't going to happen again.
Bobby was sound asleep when Jo's screams woke him up. He woke her up and then just tried to comfort her while she cried. He felt so helpless.
When the tears stopped, Bobby asked in a gentle voice, "Can you tell me about what happened?"
She knew what he meant and her face went white.
"It seems so silly that you go through this over and over. Since I don't know what the cause is, I can't help you. It hurts me that this is happening to you."
"You help me, Bobby," Jo tried to force a smile. "You help by being you."
Jo went to wash her face. When she came back, Bobby was trying to fall asleep.
"John's not coming back, is he?" Jo was at the foot of Bobby's bed.
"I don't know if he will," Bobby was honest. "I don't agree with him. He should be here."
"No," Jo sounded strong. "It's better he's not here. If he calls, just tell him I'm sleeping."
"If he comes, should I stop him at the door?" Bobby asked.
"I don't know," was her reply.
SN SN SN
Sitting on the couch one night after supper, Jo asked Bobby, "Hey you. got a minute?"
He came out from the kitchen. "What do you need?"
Jo patted the couch cushion next to her. "Come sit a spell." After Bobby sat down, Jo said, "How are you, Bobby?"
"I'm fine," Bobby looked confused. "Why do you ask?"
"Because I've been acting like a crazy woman lately and I want to know how you are holding up."
"You haven't--"
"Don't be polite now, Bobby. I know I have. I catch myself crying for no reason, pissed off for no reason and yet you stay the same."
"You have a reason, Jo."
"I know. I'm often reminded by the two kick boxers in my belly that they are there."
"Are they that bad?"
"They're going at it right now. Want to feel them?" Jo didn't really wait for a response. She just took his hand in hers and placed it where the hardest blows were.
"Wow," Bobby said. "Forget what I said before. You are allowed to be a crazy woman for the rest of your life raising these two."
Hmm, Jo was thinking that if she didn't bring it up now, she never would. "Would you like to help me raise these two?"
Bobby was silent for a moment. "Yeah. I would. I just didn't know if you wanted to stay."
"You've taken care of me and been my protector. I know you'd do the same for the babies."
"If that's what you want, Jo," Bobby moved his hand so it was around hers.
"It's what I want. You are the kindest man I know. You've been so patient with me." Jo moved Bobby's hand until it was around her shoulders. "Is this okay?"
Bobby nodded.
Jo rested her head on his shoulder and Bobby rested his hand on hers.
"I was thinking I should move my room down here because of the stairs," Jo said.
"Okay," Bobby agreed. "I thought they would get to be a problem at some point. I'll still be able to hear if you need me from the couch."
"No," Jo struggled to find the words. " I would like you to be beside me so I don't feel so alone. I'm scared to go to sleep because of my nightmares and I'm scared of delivering these two. Do you think that would be alright?"
Bobby nodded. "If it's what you want, Jo."
"What do you want, Bobby?"
"I want you and the babies to stay here. I want to be able to take care of the 3 of you for a long time."
"Do you think of me as an equal or as a daughter?"
"An equal," Bobby didn't even hesitate.
"Good." Jo snuggled in a little closer. "That's how I wanted you to think of me."
As bedtime rolled around, Jo moved into Bobby's room. He put some of her things away and they left the rest in the living room.
They both laid there in silence, next to each other but not touching.
"I've thought a bit about what you said," Jo began. "And I trust you to keep it to yourself."
"I can do that, Jo,' Bobby moved closer so he could put a hand on her shoulder. Jo took his hand and held it in hers.
"You are the only one I am going to tell. It's nobody else's business. I sense that you are going to be around for awhile so you need to know." As Jo started to talk, Bobby's heart felt like it would break for her. She told him about what her and John had arranged and that she'd gone out with another guy and he had a mean streak. Bobby asked questions when he needed clarification.
When Jo was done, Bobby walked around and knelt by her bedside as he told her, "I'm not like that, Jo. These things will never happen as long as I can prevent them. You are safe here. You are safe with me."
Jo nodded through her tears and replied, "I already knew that," and gave him a hug.
Bobby curled up behind Jo and held her while they slept. He felt very lucky to have Jo sleeping in his arms.