The Long Road Ahead (Read 2,203 times)

[blueyed358]

ok..this my idea to redeem Jennifer in the eyes of JnJ fans..what do you think....


The phone was ringing off the hook , reporters wanting comments from Jennifer and Abe. "This whole thing backfired. What are we going to do now Jennifer?" Abe , Lexie , Abby and Daniel watched as Jennifer paced. Something was wrong..wrong with Jennifer. She was mumbling to herself. Then she turned to Abby, " Where is your father? Why isn't he here?" Then to Abe , " Jack will fix it....he can..he can fix it.. Abby where is your father? " Abby took her phone out, " I am calling him..Mom..I am calling him now." Jennifer was biting her lip, " That's good..that's good..he will fix it..he will.." Daniel walked up to Jennifer, " Jen calm down..here sit down and we can.." She spun around staring at him. " No..no..no.." Abby went into the hall and called her father, " Daddy?..Daddy you have to come to the house right away..something is wrong with Mom."


Jack made it there in fifteen minutes. Abby went to the door and let him in, " What is it Abigail, what's wrong?" Abby told her father how Jennifer was "freaking out" and why. " I am scared Daddy..I have NEVER seen Mom act like this before." Jack rubbed his daughter's arm, " It's going to be alright." Jack walked into the living room and all eyes turned to him. Jennifer ran up to him and hit him in the arm , making Jack cringe, " Where have you been Jack? You have to fix this Jack..It's ok Jack will fix it..he always fixes my mistakes..don't you Jack.." Abe filled Jack in on the whole debate debacle. Jack looked down at Jennifer, she was pale, shaking, she looked so small and helpless. " I really messed up Jack..I messed up EVERYTHING, everything..everything..I messed up everything, Abe's campaign..you and me..everything..Jack..Jack.." She was becoming incoherent. Jack took her face in his hands, " It's alright..Jennifer look at me..look at me..I am here ..it's alright, I will take care of everything..ok" She wrapped her arms around him, " I knew you would ..you always do.." Daniel watched as Jack took control of the situation, amazing him as he knew of Jack's own problems. Abby was starting to cry, " Abigail come here , I need you to help now..go find Marlena and bring her here," Abby was nodding, " Daddy ..what's wrong with her?" Jack did not want to go into this with her now, he needed Abby to remain calm. " I think it's just stress..go now..find Marlena." Abby left . Jack was still holding Jennifer in his arms, Lexie went to the car and got her medical bag, she gave Jennifer a mild sedative.
" No!..no I don't want it.." Jennifer cried. " It's ok ..Jennifer please..please let Lexie help you." Jennifer stopped fighting and allowed Lexie to give her the shot. Jack told Abe and Lexie that he would meet them at Abe's office in a few hours, " Let me see to Jennifer and then.. I will think of something to get you out of this mess. " Abe put his hand on Jack's shoulder, " Jack this isn't your problem. " Jack shook his head, " If it's Jennifer's problem..then it's mine too." After they left Jack lowered Jennifer into the chair and covered her with a blanket, she grabbed his hand , " Where..where are you going?" Jack crouched down next to her, " I am going to make you some tea..wouldn't you like that?" Jennifer nodded, " Yes..I like tea..tea is good..you know how to make my tea just right." Jack smiled sadly, " I do.. yes" Jennifer nodded, " You know everything about me Jack.." Jack frowned , his eyes welled up, " Of course I do..you are the love of my life." Jennifer touched his face, her hands cold as ice. " I love you Jack..you know that right? " Jack nodded, " I do..let me get you that tea." Jack stood and tilted his head at Daniel towards the door. " Will you get Maggie over here? " Daniel said he would, " Jack you can't handle this right now..not with all you are dealing with. " Jack shook his head, " I have to..she needs me."


Marlena arrived and after a few minutes , she spoke with Jack. "I am afraid she has had a mental breakdown. We need to hospitalize her Jack. " Jack covered his mouth with his hand, " No..this can't be happening ..she is strong..this is my fault.." Marlena took Jack by the shoulders, " Don't you do that Jack. This is not your fault..this isn't anyones fault. Jennifer has a family history..we need to get her to the hospital for further evaluation." Jack nodded as he watched Jennifer. " Jack..do you want to take her or shall I call for an ambulance? " Jack shook his head, " No...no ambulance..it will only scare her." Maggie agreed, " I will go get her coat and pack a small bag for her." Jack thanked her and turned back to look at Jennifer. " Jack, " Marlena said touching his arm, " Jack I am worried about you..how are YOU doing? " Jack turned and saw the concern in Marlena's eyes..no one knew more then she what Jack was dealing with. " I am not losing yet..if that's what you are asking. Having you here is a great help..thank you Marlena." Jennifer became aggitated when Maggie tried to put her coat on, " No..No..I don't want to..where is Jack ?..Jack..Jack" Jack rushed to her, " I am here..right here. Come on sweetheart , put your coat on..we are going to see the Doctor." Jennifer stared at him, " But I don't want to go...unless...will you go with me? You will won't you.." Jack smoothed her hair down and she gave him a small smile, " Of course I will. " Jack helped her with her coat and said, " That's my girl." Jennifer turned her head and looked up at him, " I am still your girl..right." Jack kissed her on the head, " Of course you are..you always will be."

[fluffysmom]

Great beginning Blueyed. I like it that you are taking Jennifer from the current time and working to redeem her.

[MrsM]

Great start!!! Can't wait to see where this goes!

[gapeach]

Thanks for the reference to Laura... sure hope the debate switch doesn't mess up on TV. Loving this story!!

[blueyed358]

chapter 2


They arrived at the hospital and they were taken in to a room immediately. The effects from the mild sedative Lexie had given her were starting to wear off. " I changed my mind..I don't want to see the Doctor. Take me home Jack..Let's just go home.." Jack placed his hands on her shoulders, " We are already here..let's just wait a bit longer.' Jennifer shook her head, " No..no..no..I want us to go home now..right NOW! " Jack rubbed her shoulders, " Please Jennifer..you know how I am. I will be out of my mind with worry until you get checked out. " Jennifer stared at him, " About me right ? You worry about me.." He kissed her head, " Always.." Jennifer sniffed , " Ok..ok for you Jack." The Doctor came in with Marlena. " Marlena..I want to go home.." Jennifer said. " I know Jennifer but we just want to check you first..Ok? Jack will just wait outside for me please . " Marlena said in a low even voice. As jack turned to leave , " Jack ! Jack you aren't leaving are you?" Jack swallowed , " Of course not..I will be right outside. " Jack barely made it outside the room..he couldn't breath. He started sweating..he struggled to get himself under control. His breathing finally returned to normal just as Abby arrived. " Daddy? Daddy..How is she?" Jack told her they were talking to her now. He told her he was not sure what was wrong but they needed to stay strong for her.

" Jennifer..tell me what you are feeling? What has you so upset? " Jennifer frowned , " Why do I have to do this..I want to go home ..I don't want to be here..I don't want to talk..Where is Jack?." Marlena said he was just outside the door waiting for her. " He is always waiting for me." Jennifer whispered.


Ater about 45 minutes Marlena came out. Jack jumped up, " Well?..How is she ? " She asked Jack to sit down. " Jack I need to ask you and Abby some questions. I need for you to tell me..how has she been acting lately. Has she been herself or have you noticed any changes in her personality ? " Abby told Marlena that she has been acting " kind of like she was a teenager or something. She overacts to stuff but she is also ..I don't know..cold? She Talks about JJ and how she misses him but she hardly ever talks to him. " Jack's face looked pained, " Abby will you go get your father a cup of coffee please? " Marlena asked. Abby knew she wanted to talk to her father alone , so she did as she was asked . Jack knew what she was waiting for. " Jack..how has Jennifer reacted to you since you have been back. You never talk about her in your sessions..I knew you would eventually..I am sorry to do this..I know you might not be ready to talk about this but..." Jack nodded, : I know it's important." Jack told marlena that it was all his fault. He lied and left ..no contact, nothing. " Jack..you can't blame yourself for everything. Just tell me honestly..without laying blame.." Jack took afew deep breaths and spilled it out. He told her how Jennifer had divorced him without even looking for him. That was not like her. Then she slept with Daniel. I mean..honestly..it's not the first time that she has moved on . " Marlena looked seriously, " Then what ? You have to win her back? " Jack nodded, " Yes..but she kept telling me she loved him..that was new." Marlena looked down then back at Jack, " How did she handle what happened to you? " Jack sighed, " Well she was great the day at the cabin..you remember..I told you about that." Marlena nodded. " But..." Jack hesitated. " Jack tell me..what ?" Jack stared at his hands. " She never asked me about it..she waould just say he couldn't be the one to fix me. The thing is..Jennifer...my Jennifer..would have pushed me. She would have pushed me to talk to her..to tell her what happened to me. She would have wanted me to share my thoughts..my feelings. But she never asked me for any details. Jennifer has been cold, distant..uncaring..bitter almost. I just thought it was that she had had enough of me and she had her heart set on the good Doctor. I mean she would even let me hold her hand or hug her when we were on our dates, but she would kiss him..right in front of me too. " Jack watched as Marlena processed all that was said. " Jack..I think we need to keep Jennifer here..at least for the next 24 hours." Jack sucked in air. " What is it ? You think she is having some sort of breakdown don't you? " Marlena covered Jack's hand with her own. " Yes.. I am afraid so."

[fluffysmom]

I really like the chapter. I'm glad that Jennifer is going to be evaluated.

[MrsM]

I wish this was the way it was on screen.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 3

Marlena talked to both Maggie and Abby. She needed to gather as much background as possible. She came back to Jack. " Jennifer is not really talking to me so I need to piece together as much as possible Jack." He nodded, " Whatever you need." Marlena placed her hand over his, " Why don't we continue this tomorrow? You have had enough I think for today. " Jack sighed, " And Jennifer? Does she know yet that you wish to keep her here over night?" Marlena told him Maggie was in with her and he should come in with her to talk to Jennifer. They entered the room and Maggie was sitting with Jennifer , who jumped up when they came in. Jack swallowed trying to fight the panic attack he felt coming on. He had to hold on...for her. " I want to go home now..right now." Marlena told her that they wished to keep her over night. " Oh no..no..that's what they always say and then they never let you out. Not me..no I am going home. You can't keep me here...you can't." She ran to Jack, " Tell her Jack, you won't leave me here..right?" Jack placed his hands on her arms. " It's only overnight , You can get some rest and I will be back in the morning." Jennifer's eyes opened wide, " YOUR LEAVING ? You're just going to leave me here? I see..I see.." She pulled from him and started pacing. " No..Jennifer...I am not leaving you here.." Jennifer went for the door, " I will just take myself home.." She grabbed for the door and Marlena stood in front of it. " Jennifer ..please,,you are not in any condition to go home. Just stay the night..." Jennifer started pushing Marlena. " NO !..that's what they said about my Mother and she never came back..get out of my way..you aren't going to do that to me !" Jennifer pulled the door open and an orderly stopped her. She was kicking and screaming, both Maggie and Jack tried to talk her down, but she could not even hear them. A second orderly came in and they held her down as Marlena gave her another sedative, a stronger one then Lexie had given her. Jack stood at her side and ran his fingers over her hair, something that always soothed her. He spoke to her in a calm soft voice, " Shhh, don't cry. I am here..I will stay with you till you fall asleep..alright?" Jennifer was whimpering like a small child, " don't leave me here..please don't leave me here." After a few minutes she was calmed down and Maggie put on her nightgown. Jack fixed her covers and took her hand. " There now..how about I bring you some tea and your favorite donuts in the morning hmm? Would you like that? " She nodded , " Chocolate? " Jack smiled sadly, "Yes..chocolate." She squeezed his hand tighter, " I'm sleepy..don't leave Jack..Jack?" Jack held her hand tighter and she sighed, " Yes? " Jennifer was falling asleep, " Nobody takes care of me like you do." Jack leaned over and kissed her head making Jennifer smile, " That's because nobody loves you the way I do." But she was asleep and did not hear his last words. Jack stood gazing down on her and he had tears in his eyes. Maggie placed her hand on his , " Come on Jack, she needs to rest."

Jack sent Abby home and told her he would meet her there in a while. He then made arrangements with Marlena to talk with her again early in the morning. Jack sat in his car, body shaking, barely able to breath. Tears spilled over his cheeks and he covered his mouth to silence his sobs. He was having another episode.

It was about half an hour before he got himself under control. He called Abe and they were meeting at the Brady pub in an hour. Just enough time to get himself together and hopefully come up with a plan to get Abe and Jennifer out of this mess.


Jack got to the pub and found Daniel there. He sighed, he was really not up for this. " Jack...how is she?" Jack told him about the events of the day and Daniel agreed that it was best for her to stay. Daniel was about to walk away when he looked back at Jack, " And how are you handling it?" Jack shrugged, but before he could answer Abe walked in. Jack excused himself. The two men sat down at a booth in the corner. " I really appreciate you trying to help here Jack. How is Jennifer doing? " Jack told him they were keeping her overnight but gave no further information. " Look Abe..I have turned this over and over in my head and the only solution I see is to tell the truth....The complete truth. Tell them about EJ having the questions first and that you and Jennifer were trying to level the field. You knew it was wrong but you felt you needed to fight fire with fire..blah..blah..blah." Abe asked if he thought it would help. " Truthfully ..you are going to take a big hit either way. At least this way, you get the truth out there and you put some heat on the DiMera's if you have the proof to back it up all the better." Abe thanked him and left. Jack sat at the table drinking a beer. He had to keep himself together and focused. His girls needed him now and he could not let them down...not again.

[MrsM]

Great chapter! Interesting to see how Jack is having to deal with everything all at once.

[fluffysmom]

I feel bad for Jennifer and Jack both. She's so scared and Jack has so much to deal with right now. It looks like a struggle ahead for both of them.

[gapeach]

Please let Jennifer be okay and this ugly episode not come back and bite Abe in the A$$.

[blueyed358]

Chapter 4




" Dad!.. Dad wake up !.." Abigail shook her father hard. Jack jumped up, bathed in a pool of sweat, barely able to breathe. The nightmares being made worse by what was going on with Jennifer. " I am alright...Abigail I am alright..I was just having a bad dream," he said as he tried to steady himself. He could not let his little girl worry about him, she had enough to handle with her mother's situation. " You had me scared Daddy..I keep trying to wake you but you just wouldn't get up." Jack exhaled , " I am so sorry sweetheart, I am fine now..you...you go back to bed." After a few more minutes of convincing her Jack finally got Abigail to go back to bed.

Jack poured himself a scotch with trembling hands. He sat down on the couch, sleep will elude him for the rest of the night , of that he was sure. He replayed his conversation with Marlena again in his fog filled mind. He heard the words she had said and he tried to believe them, but he could not help but feel somewhat responsible.....

" Jack..this is not your fault. Jennifer has issues that stem from her childhood. "

" Yes..I know ..abandonment issues. If I had not left ..if I had not gotten kidnapped again because of a story, none of this would have happened. We would still be married and she would not have suffered this nervous breakdown."

"No Jack..you are wrong. This would have happened sooner or later. "

" Jennifer is a strong person..I pushed her over the edge.."

" Jack listen to me now.. Jennifer has more issues then that. Her mother leaving her on that bus , the fact that her father sent her to boarding school and gave her very little attention is another. Have there ever been times that you have noticed that no matter how much attention you pay to her, the moment you become distracted or have to do something that does not involve her it becomes a problem? "

" You don't understand..When I get involved with work or a story, I get tunnel vision. "

" Jack, I trying to explain this as best I can. One of you issues is that you never feel worthy of love or rather the love of the ones that mean the most to you. You are constantly trying to prove yourself..hence the tunnel vision. But going off to do you job is not something that should constantly be a problem for the two of you. Jennifer did have the same job, she should have some sort of understanding. When the two of you worked together did she react the same way ? "

" No..not really."

" Look Jack , I am trying to get you to see that neither situation was caused by the other . Each of you need to work on fixing yourselves. I know you love her Jack, but you must understand that to help her..you have to help yourself ."


Help himself...how could he possibly think of himself now when she needed him..his children needed him. What was he going to do ? Marlena will surely be watching him closely. He has to get a handle on these nightmares and panic attacks. If he does not she might even go so far as to keep him from seeing Jennifer. Jennifer...what was going to happen to her? Tomorrow would tell..will they allow her to come home or will they keep her? She will fight that..not wanting to be hospitalized like her mother. How will he convince her otherwise ? Then there was Abigail..she was so frightened for her mother. He must not allow her to see him like she did tonight , yet he had to stay in the house with her. More scotch..he thought..more scotch at night will help..or perhaps..a mild sedative. Jack hated to take drugs but Marlena had suggested them before. It was something to consider. Without sleep he would be of no use to his girls.

Jack sat on the couch.. eyes open , wide awake for hours. His long legs stretched out, feet on the coffee table. He listened to the silence of the house, trying to still his heart and mind. The sun was coming up...what horrors would today bring he wondered.

[MrsM]

Thanks for the update!!

[Kpatch]

Thanks for continuing this story! It needs to be told!

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the new chapter Blueyed. It's a really interesting story. I look forward to reading more.