Jessica was exhausted and just wanted to get home and go to bed.  Of course that was easier said than done. Before going home Jessica went over to Danny's apartment to pick the kids up.

"Mommy!  Mommy!" Arabella ran to her and jumped up and down.

"Dada look!  It Jessica!" Coltan points.

Jessica chuckles, "Hey Coltan."

"When you gonna be on the TB again?"

"I'm not sure!" She laughs.

"He thinks it's pretty cool that you were on tv. He doesn't believe me when I tell him that I work on tv too." Danny chuckles.

"Heh, that's funny.."

"MY mommy's famous and so am I!" Arabella says in a sassy way making her parents laugh.

"She's a mess!  Jess, her asthma was acting up today so I put her on the nebulizer for a bit."

"Oh okay.  Bella Boo, you don't feel well, honey?" Jessica gets down to her level.

"My chest feels yucky." Arabella pouts.

"Oh I'm so sorry, baby!" Jessica says rubbing her chest.

Arabella smiles and hugs her mother tightly.

"Mom, can I stay with dad?" Jackson asks.

"You don't wanna come home with me?"

"I wanna stay with dad.. Please!"

"Well if he's okay with it than that's fine."

"Yeah that's fine with me, bud!" Danny says patting his son's back.

"Momma, you need to tell daddy to come home!  I no like this no more!" Arabella crosses her arms and suddenly gets teary eyes.

Jessica didn't really know how to respond.
Arabella buried her face in her mother as she cried.

"Don't cry, baby, you'll make yourself go into a cough attack."

Danny watched and didn't say a word.

"I want my daddy to live in My home!"

"Okay.. Let's go, kids.  We need to get you all fed and ready for bed.."

Jessica picked Arabella up and Danny helped her take everything out to the car.
He packed up and put the twins in their car seats which did not make them very happy.

"Dada NOOO!" Joshua screamed.

"We stay with yewww!" Joseph cries.

"It's okay. You're gonna go home with mommy, doesn't that sound like fun?!" Danny says with excitement in his voice trying to cheer the twins up a bit.

"We want you!"

"I'll see you soon, guys."

"Pleeeeeeassssse!" They both sob uncontrollably.

"Jess, I can keep them."

Jessica sighs, "Why doesn't anyone wanna stay with mommy?" She pouts.

"I wanna stay with you, mommy!" Sofia smiles.

"Thank you, baby." Jessica smiles and holds her chin in her hands.

"You can keep them.."

"Alright, let's get you guys out." Danny took them out of their car seats and the twins laid on his shoulder trying to catch their breathes.

"Oh it's torture to go home with mommy, isn't it?" Jessica rolls her eyes.

"Hey I wanna stay too!"

"Nuh uh, Arabella." Jessica nods.

"I'm gonna keep you with me and keep an eye on your little cough."

"Awe man!" Arabella crosses her arms and purses her lips.

Jessica chuckles and walks over to Danny to kiss the twins.

"Bye boys.  You two be good!
Jax.. You have fun, okay? Help your dad with the twins, alright?" Jessica held his cheeks in her hands.

Jackson nods his head and Jessica chuckles before giving him a kiss.

"Love you."

"Love you too, mom."

Jessica put Arabella in the car and Sofia got in next to her.

"You guys be carful."

"We will.. Have fun." She smiles.

Jessica stood there watching Danny walking back to his apartment.
"Hey Danny?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for the flowers."

"Oh! You uh.. you got em?"

Jessica nods.

"Well.. You're welcome." He slowly nods and continues walking into the building.

Jessica knows the reason they were left in the hall was probably because he saw her with Sam.  It's weird because Jessica never felt guilt for sleeping with Sam. Yet all Danny more than likely saw was Sam hugging her, and for that she felt guilty and very uncomfortable.

**

"Momma, it's weird not having Sarah here." Sofia says with sadness in her eyes.

"I know, it is.  But she had to work so.."

"I know, it's just weird.. First daddy.. and now her."

Jessica swallowed hard.

"Hey I know what we can do!  Let's have a spa night since it's just us girls!"

"Yeah!  You paint my little toesies?" Arabella giggles and wiggles her toes.

"Hah!  Of course!"

"And my little fingers?" She wiggles them in the air.

"Mhm!"

"YAY!"

**

Jessica made cookies and brownies for their spa night. She googled little DIY face masks for kids and went all out for them. The girls had a blast.

"I love this, mommy! The boys should always stay at daddy's!" Arabella said laying down in Jessica's huge bed in her tiny robe that fit perfectly.

Jessica laughs.
"That's not really nice, Bella Boo."

"But.. That's how I feel." Arabella says lifting her little hands.

Sofia laughs and turns on her side to face her sister and mother. She places her hand on Arabella and cuddles closer to her.

"Umm.. What you doing, sissy?"

"I just wanna cuddle with you."

"Okay.." Arabella chuckles.

Jessica laughs and grabs her phone to take their picture.

"My beautiful girls.."

They glance up to their mother with a soft smile.

"I love you two so much."

"We love you too, mommy!" They both say with gorgeous smiles.

***

A few days later.

Jessica was out getting lunch between shows when she ran into Sam.

"Well look who's here!"

"Heh!  Hi, Sam." Jessica smiled.

"You haven't called me."

"I'm sorry, I've been so busy!"

"It's okay, I understand.  So what are you doing?"

"Just getting a quick bite to eat before the next show."

"How about I join you?"

"I'd like that." She smiles.

Jessica and Sam sat towards the back of the restaurant away from everyone else.

"How do you always look beautiful?"

"Heh!  Lies, Samuel!"

"No!  You're beautiful, Jess."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome!  So, what's new?"

"Nothing really.  I'm just so exhausted!"

"I bet!  I don't know how you do it, babe."

Jessica takes a sip of her water and Sam looks down.
"Hey Jess.. can I ask you something?"

"Sure!"

"Are you going back to Nola?"

"Of course!  I have to, that's where my kids go to school!"

"What's gonna happen to us?  I know right now we're not official but.. I really hope that one day we will be."

"Yeah.. yeah, me too.." She smiles softly.

"So what do we do?"

"Well you can visit us.. You'd like the south, wouldn't you?"

"I'd love it!  Is there like horses and things down there?"

Jessica laughs.
"Yeah there's horses.  I don't have any but.."

"Well I'd love to go and visit you and the kids.. and the horses."

"You're a dweeb, do you know that?" She laughs.

"Yes I do!"

Jessica smiles and reaches over to touch his hand.

"I appreciate you being so patient with me, Samuel.. It'll take me some time to.. to move on, you know?"

"Of course it will, Jess!  Don't worry, I'll wait for you.  I've gone this long already!" He chuckles.

"Heh!  Yeah.." Jessica looks down.

Sam lifts her chin and looks deep into her eyes.
Jessica glances past him and squints.

"Danny."

"No honey, I'm Sam."

"No, it's Danny and my kids right there!" Jessica points and lowers her head so they don't see her.

"Oh!  Oh look there's Danny!" Sam says faking excitement.

"How the hell is he gonna come to a restaurant in the village with six kids!"

"He's a stupid man, you know that."

Jessica rolls her eyes and grabs her things.

"Where are you going?"

"I have to leave before you!  I'll call you later, okay?  Text me!"

"Wait, what about that kiss I'm pretty sure we were about to have?"

"Muah!" Jessica quickly pecks his lips.

"I'm sorry, Sam!  I need to go!"

"It's fine.  Be carful and let me know when you get there."

"I will!"

Jessica walked past her kids and smiled.

"Mommy's here!" Arabella points.

"Hey!  What are you guys doing here?   Are you crazy, Danny?" Jessica chuckled.

"Pretty much!  But these kids were driving me crazy so.. Why not go out in public and make other people go insane?"

Jessica chuckles.
"Kids!  Are we being naughty?"

"No!  I not!" Joseph nods and touches his chest.

"Yeah I not either!  Bella a bad girl!" Joshua says pointing to Arabella.

"HEY I AM NOT!" Arabella shouts as she hits her brother.

"Hey!  No ma'am!  We do Not hit." Jessica says in a stern voice as she places her hand on Arabella's.

"She's a mess, mommy." Jackson nods.

"Heh!  I know she is.  Well I have to get going!  Kids, please be good.  Bella Boo, do you hear me?"

"Mhm!  I hearded you, mommy!" She smiles sweetly.

Jessica chuckles.
"Good luck, Danny."

"Thanks." He laughs.

A few minutes pass and Danny sees Sam sneak passed him.  He noticed he came from the exact same section Jessica came from. 
Danny sighed and Sofia noticed the sadness on his face.

"What's wrong, daddy?" She asks.

"Hm?  Oh nothing!" Danny smiles.

Sofia smiles softly then turns took see what Danny was looking at.
Sofia had never seen Sam before but by her father's reaction she had a feeling of who it was.

She then quickly turned back to Danny who was just staring into space with a glisten in his eyes.
Sofia leaned over and kissed her father on his cheek. 
That little peck on the cheek made Danny smile, and that's all Sofia wanted.  No matter what it still hurt her seeing her father upset.

***

Just a few days later all of Jessica's family came into town for closing night of the play.
Jessica wasn't really excited about her family coming into town.  Her sister's were very judgmental and it was just all around pretty awkward.

The kids were so excited to see all of their family.  Jessica was happy that they took up most of the attention so she wasn't constantly being questioned.

Jessica was in the kitchen away from everyone when George came over to talk to her.

"Hey.."

"Hi." Jessica smiled softly. 

George wrapped his arms around his sister and she held onto him tight.

"I'm sorry about everything that's going on."

"Thanks.. and thank you for not making me feel like a fucking mental case for staying with Danny so long."

"I hate that he hurt you but.. it's your life and you loved the guy.  Danny was a good husband to you.."

"He was.. He just made a few bad choices.. but overall he was amazing." Jessica says in a tearful voice.

George rubs Jessica's back and kisses the top of her head.

"I know you're hurting right now.. but you're so strong, Jess.. if anyone can get through this, it's you."

"Thank you, George. 
.... I'm just really confused right now.."

"What do you mean?"

"I still love him, George."

George sighs.
"I know it's stupid.. But I do and.. I'm just so confused."

"Well.. Whatever you do I just pray that you're happy.. and if you do choose to be with Danny, I hope he treats you right.. Because Jessica, I will kill him."

"Hah.. Thanks, George. 
.. Oh and please don't tell Jane and Ann what I said."

"Nah, I won't.. those two bitches need to mind their own business."

Jessica chuckles.
"I know they're only like that because they care about me but-"

"But they're a bit much."

"Yes!"

"I understand.  Not everyone can be as amazing as I am."

"Heh!  Exactly, George."

Jessica almost let it slip that the real reason why she was so confused was because she was torn between Danny and Sam.  When she's with Sam she's happy, but he's not Danny.  There was something that felt so wonderful being with him, yet there was this huge void.  Her heart didn't feel complete.  Of course it takes time and it's all still so fresh.  She just hoped this feeling would pass so she could give Sam the attention he deserved.

***

On the night of the final show Jessica hired a sitter to stay with the three younger kids backstage while Sofia, Jackson and all of her family sat in the audience.

"Momma, you look old!" Arabella says.

"Thanks, sweetie." Jessica smiles.

"Mommy's looking silly!" Joseph laughs.

"Mommy is SO silly!" She plays along.

"Yeah, so so silly!"

"You're so cute!" Jessica giggles.

"Mommy, I'm so excited to watch you!" Sofia smiles.

"Me too!  I've only seen you act on tv!" Jackson says.

"I'm so excited for you two to be in the audience!  The only other time you've been around when I'm working was American Horror Story and when Jackson was in my tummy!"

"What were you doing?"

"Remember Crimes of the heart?"

"Yeah!" Jackson smiles.

"You were in it!"

"Wow!  Cool!  I was in a movie!!" Jackson's face lit up.

Jessica laughs.

"Was I in a movie too, mommy?" Sofia asks.

"Let me think.. Well you know what!  You were!"

"I was!" Sofia's eyes widen.

"Mhm!  I just didn't know you were in there yet!"

"What movie was I in?!"

"Sweet Dreams."

"I love that movie!"

"Me too!  Although you made it a little hard for me to really enjoy it.. I was so sick and had no idea why!"

"It was me!" Sofia laughs.

"Yes it was You!" Jessica taps her finer on Sofia's nose.

"Five minutes, Jess."

"Oh!  Kids, you better get going to sit with the family."

"Okay!  Do good, mommy!" Sofia hugs Jessica.

"Thank you, baby!" Jessica kisses Sofia then Jackson.

**

Sofia and Jackson watched their mother in awe.  Jackson was very impressed but Sofia was mesmerized and so moved.  Seeing the emotion in Jessica's face really got to Sofia.  By the end she was in tears.

"Sofia!  Why are you crying, baby?" Dorothy wrapped her arm around her.

"She was so good!"

"Awe!  She sure was, baby!  You're so proud of your momma, aren't you?"

"I am.." Sofia sniffles.

"Don't cry, pretty girl!" Dorothy wipes her face and kisses her cheek.

**

All of Jessica's family went backstage after the show.  Sofia ran to hug her mother and gave her the tightest hug.

"What's wrong, honey?  Are you okay?" Jessica asks worried when she sees her daughter in tears.

"Momma, you're so beautiful!  That was amazing!!"

"Oh my girl!   Thank you so much!"

Sofia hugged her tight and continued crying.

Sofia saw the pain her mother felt.  She knew this was more than just a character she was portraying.  Jessica was broken inside and this part was her escape.  She worried for Jessica after going back to New Orleans.  She was actually worried for her whole family once they were back home.  They'd be going back to their "normal" life, but in reality their "Normal" was long gone.  Sofia wished so badly that everything would just go back to normal.  She wished her parents were still together, she wished Danny could be trusted not to hurt her mother again.  She just wanted things to be the way they once were.  She would often think back to happy times.  Family vacations, Christmas morning, birthdays, the day her little brother's were born.  Things were so different now and she hated it.  She thought having her parents be apart would be good for them.  But now she sees her parents more upset than ever.  They weren't the same.  Their smiles were different and their laughs weren't as full of energy and excitement.  The joy in their eyes was gone. 
She now realized she had to do everything in her power to make them happy again.