Chapter 38: Sipping Wine, Killing Time

As the days roll by Pauline and Mike got closer. In just five days she had opened to him like she knew him for years. Their personalities didn't really match, but they were good friends. Mike knows everything between Pauline and Jesse. Pauline couldn't believe that she could open up to a starnger. Because he is a a stranger. She only knows him for a week and he knews everything that happend to her life.

Pauline walked in the classroom and sut on the chair. The day she was afraid that will come, is today. Ava saw her and said "Goodmorning!" but Pauline wasn't in the mood of answering. "What happend now?" she asked and sut next to her. Pauline looked at her. "You have no idea what today is right?" "Is Wednesday as far i know. What else is today?" "Jesse's birthday." Pauline said and buried her head to her hands.

"And what are yoo going to do about it?" Ava asked and pauline lifted her head. "Nothing." "Have you talked to him?" "A little on the phone. He told me he found an apartement with a great view on a small lake. He said that i will love it." "Did he told you when he'll come here for a visit?" Ava asked. "No, he didn't." Pauline answered and looked to the teacher that he just entered the class. "I'll tell you the rest on the break." Pauline told Ava.

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Pauline walked to her room and threw the bag on the floor. She just came back from a trainning. She needed a shower and she did it. After she showered she wore her pj's and lyied on the bed. She looked to the desk and saw her laptop. It's been a while since she opened it.

Pauline got comfortable on the bed with her laptop and turned it on. She log in in her Facebook account. lots of messages that they must be answered. The most were from her friends in Greece. She was more than happy to see news from them. She was missing them very much.

Once she answered to her friends messeges she was just killing some time. Until she saw a picture with Jesse wishing him happy 19th birthday. She rolled down the page and every single post was about him. All the Bon Jovi pages she had liked on facebook were wishing Jesse happy birthday.

She stopped to one. It was a collage with pictures of him since he was a baby until now. It was the point that she couldn't fight it anymore. She cried not because she was mad. Just because she was missing him. She will give anything she ever had to be next to him on this bed. She will give anything to hold his hand. She will give anything to taste his kisses again. But she knew that this will never happend. He's in Indiana and she has no idea how he is doing for his birthday. Is he missing her, just a little? She wiped the tears of her eyes and closed the laptop screen with power.

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Mike walked in the bar where she was haning out. He knew that she will be there. Is like her seocond home. He met there. The first day he came in town. Pauline offered to show him around in town. They came here and Mike saw Pauline's biggest enemy and fall in love with her. Mike said that she loves him but Pauline knew that Jennifer stopped loving people the day she took Jesse. She never told him that. She has a hope deep in her mind that Jennifer will change in the future.

Mike saw Jennifer sitting on a table with her best friend Emily. He walked there and stopped when he heard. "Why should i be with Mike?" "I thought he is your boyfriend." Emily said. "Yeah, he is." "I thought you loved him." "I stopped loving men when that little bitch Pauline took Jesse from me." Jennifer said and anger filled her voise. "So you don't like him." "No, but he is very good to kill your time ." Jennifer said and Emily rolled her eyes.

Mike was standing behind Jennifer. "What?" she asked suprised. She turned and saw Mike. She was looking him in the eyes. She doesn't even tried to explained to him. Mike was feeling sick to his stomack. The girl he loved from the first time he saw her was lying to him. He was broken hearted. He doesn't want to her anymore. Looking at her one more time, he left.

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Pauline was sitting on the couch in the living room. She was sitting there with her memories for company. She wanted Jesse to be there just for a minute. She sighed knowing that this will not happen.

The bell rung. Pauline looked at the door suprised. She has no idea who will be. She got up from the couch and opened the door. "Mike what are you doing here?" she asked with eyes rolled. Mike was in the doorstep holding two bottles of wine and a large pack of chips. "He was his birthday! We should celebrate a little." Mike said and walked in the house.

"You know Mike i appreciate what you doing, i really do. But i'm not in the mood today." Pauline answered while she closed the door. But Mike had already sut on the couch. "That's why i'm here. As your friend i should be there when you're down. So, go to the kitchen and bring two glasses and one big bowl." Mike said and left his coat on the other couch. "You have a good movie to watch?" he asked while Pauline was in the kicthen.

She returned with the two glasses and the bowl. "Nah, i checked before." she said. "Oh, you bought with chips with BBQ flavour, my favourite!" Pauline said and sut next to Mike. "I know is your favourite that's why i bought it. You know that i eat everything." Mike answered and purred them one glass of red wine.

"To Jesse." he said and raised his glass. "To Jesse." Pauline answered and took a sip of the wine. "Great wine." he said. Pauline sut back on the couch. "Hey, what's wrong?" "This is wrong Mike. All this is wrong. You supposted to be with Jennifer and i supposted to be with Jesse. But we're here instead drinking wine and eatting chips!" Pauline answered. She was getting a little pissed at herself. Why she let things take this way?

"Jennifer and i broke up. Well, not exuactly." "Why? What happend?" Pauline asked while Mike finished the second glass of wine. "She was at the bar with Emily. And i heard her saying that she never loved me and that i'm good to kill her time." he answered and drunk the whole glass with one sip.

"Oh Mike i'm so sorry. I should have told you sooner about her." Pauline said and drunk the wine. "I was the reason why Jesse broke up with Jennifer. We had a fight at school one day, she punched me. When Jesse had the accident i told you about she came four days later pretending that she just heard about it. We had a fight again but i could lay my hands on her because Richie and Jon were there." she paused to take a sip.

"She said that she will destroy me for what i have done to her even she doesn't see the light of the sun again. I knew that she couldn't love anyone like she loved Jesse. her mind is stucked with him. You have every fucking right to be mad at me. But i thought that after all this time she had overcomed it. I'm so sorry about this Mike." she added and looked at him.

"Thank you for telling me this. My love for this girl ended tonight. I don't want to see her or talk to her." Mike said and anger filled his voise. With one long sip he drunk all th wine in the glass. "I don't want to talk about her anymore, please." he said and purred them a glass of wine.

"Okay." Pauline said and runk a sip. "I miss him like crazy. We haven't talked since he left. I don't know why is that. What am i doing wrong?" she asked with raised voise. She filled her glass with wine and drunk it. "We were very good. But when i told Richie what i saw that night he got pissed. The funniest part is that he was the one who wanted to tell Richie in the first place." she paused and drunk a sip. She started crying.

Mike was feelling badfor her and pulled her closer to his body. "You didn't do anything wrong..." Mike tried to make her feel better. He was telling the truth, he has no idea whose fault is. "I just feel sometimes that he doesn't love anymore. the first months were perfect. And now after almost one year and a half we are like this." she told him the biggest complain. The complain she never told anyone else.

"When i saw her in the bar i fell in love with her. She was so beautiful and funny.... at first. But no matter what happend i still love her, Pauline." Mike said and looked down to Pauline. "I love him too, every second even more." she answered to Mike.

Their eyes locked several seconds. By looking to each other they will understand each others pain. Mike moved closer to her and Pauline did the same. They met for a sof kiss. They paused and looked each other. Their lips met again but this time with more passion and fire.

Mike hand traveled to Pauline's neck, he was holding while he was kissing her. Pauline's right hard was in Mike's back. Mike paused the kiss and took off his jacket and Pauline did the same. Once they were both wearing only a t-shirt Mike layied her to the couch. He was on the top of her and started kissing her again. He was traveling with his fingers to whole Pauline's body. Mike hit Pauline's favourite spot, that made her moahed.

The door of the house opened suddenly and left both Jesse and Ava froze. Mike was on the top of the girl Jesse will give his life. An another man was kissing the girl he will do anything to be with. As soon as they heard the door opened Mike and Pauline turned their heads.

Pauline without even look at Mike she left. She wanted to go there and hug him so badly. But her mind was trying to prosess what she had did with Mike before. She looked around like lost. Mike was sitting on the couch, the i'm so sorry look was written all over his face. Two empty bottles of wine were on the living table. She was drunk.

She looked to the door. Jesse was holding a bucket of red roses. He threw the bucked to her as he said "Happy birthday to me." was the words he said before he left. Ava was still standing in the doorstep trying to understand what Pauline was doing with Mike and what just happend. She failed to both of them. "You should be shamed." she said and left.

Chapter 37: These Five Words I Send To You

Pauline was waiting Jesse on their bench. It's been a while since they had that little fight they had in the court. Pauline needed some time to understand why Jesse reacted like that this day. But she wasn't able to come to a conclusion.

"Hey!" Jesse said and sut next to her. "Hey!" Pauline answered back and kissed him. "How are you doing?" Jesse asked. "A little buzy with the trainnings and school but i'm okay. You?" "Nothing important. Just hanging out with Cody. How is Louis? I missed him." "Louis is great. You can't believe how much he grew up. He's responcing now to his name. And also to 'sit down' and 'come here'." Pauline answered to Jesse.

"I'm so glad to hear that." Jesse answered and smiled. Pauline was looking to the lake when she turned to Jesse. "Do you want to break up?" she asked suddenly and left Jesse speechless. "No, i don't want to break up with you. I just need some time, Paul. I'm really pissed at you for what you did." Jesse tried to answer calmy. He was really suprised by her question.

"I understand that. I should have told you that Richie knows." "At least Ava is back with him in the house and Heather will be behind bars for a long time." "Yes, that's right. Do you want to go for coffee, my treat?" Pauline offered.

"Actually, i have to go to the gym. Maybe an another time." he told her without making an eye contack with her. Pauline froze for a second, he wasn't really saying that to her. She didn't want to show him how hurted she was by his words. "Yes, of course. And is getting late, i better go home." Pauline said and stood up.

"Goodnight Jesse." she said and walked away without turning back to face him. She was hurt, she was than hurt, she was broken hearted. He never had said no to her before. From what it seems there is always first time for everything.

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A few days passed. Jesse's birthday was in about a week. This year Pauline wants to find the best present for Jesse. She didn't want to remember how things were one year ago, when she didn't know who he is. But all these belong to the past. They must move on to the future.

Pauline was at the Mall trying to find the best birthday gift for Jesse. She had already checked some stotes but she didn't find what she had in mind. As she was walking something caught her attetion. She stopped and saw the most beautiful camera she've ever seen.

Jesse loves taking pictures. He had a file on his laptop with more than five thousand picture of them together. She smiled knowing that Jesse will love it. Without having seconds thought Pauline walked in the store and found that camera.

Having that silly smile in her face she walked to the cash desk to pay for his birthday present. She was standing on the line when her phone buzzed. She pulled it from the pocket and saw that she had a text from Jesse.

I am heading to Indiana. 

These five words he send were good enough to pissed her off. She walked off the line and left his present. Pissed but as well disapointed she left the store. Walking in big and quick steps she arrived at her car. A few minutes later pauline arrived at her house.

She walked straight to her room without talking to anyone. She locked the door of the room. She layied to bed. She was free now to let the tears roll down to her face. She pulled the phone from her jean pocket and turned it off. She wasn't in a mood of hear anyone.

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"Come on Pauline where the Hell are you?" Ava asked while she had the phone on her ear. She was in a hotel in Nwe York City with her Dad and her future Mum. After what they all been through a little trip in the City was everthing they need.

Ava didn't hear Pauline's news for 3 days. They were supposted to go ut on Saturday night but Pauline didn't show up. She thought that she has a game that hour, but the Tournament was over since the last month. She was starting to get worried. She knew her. When she's shoutting down her phone something is going on. The last she did, she learnt who Jesse was. What is this time?

Ava walked in the room and threw the phone on the bed. She sut on it and tried to think why Pauline doesn't answering her calls. "What the Hell is going on?" she asked her self when Richie walked in. "Hey, we're going to see the Statue of Liberty. See you in 30 minutes." Richie said but Ava doesn't even looked at him.

"Ava is everthing okay?" he asked and walked closer to her. "Is Pauline. She doesn't answering my calls. Please call her too. Maybe she will pick it up if is you." Richie pulled the phone from his pocket. "It says that her phone is turned off. What happend?" "I don't know Dad. I didn't hear or see her since Friday. Her phone is turned off and the last time it was it wasn't good. I'll go to her house." Ava said and stood up from the bed.

"Okay, but be very carefull on the road Ava." Richie said and looked at her with his surious father look. "I will Dad. I'll call you when i'm at her house." Ava answered to him. "Can i take your car? Please Daddy?" she asked him when she realized that they are in New York. "You can take it. But be carefull." he said one more time to her. "I will be carefull Dad. I promise." these were the last words she said to him before she left the room.

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Pauline was in her bed, crying. The whole scene is very familiar to her. She kind missed the last year. Of course she didn't has any idea what Jesse was hiding from her but at leasthe was there with her. In her mind memories from the past flashed back to her when a hard knock on the door scared her.

"Come on Pauline, open the damn door!" Ava yelled in front of the closed door. "Don't make me tell my Dad to come over here. There are lots of steps, he's an old man." Ava said this lie. She knew if she was pissed, she wasn't going to open that door, not even in the next 100 years. She didn't really like using the obssesion Pauline has with her father, but she couldn't think any other way.

Pauline's head lifted when she heard Ava's voise. She thought that she was in New York. She knew how stuborn Ava was. So, she opened that door. "Finaly! Do i have always use the D word?" Ava said when she entered the room. "D word?" "Dad. My Dad." "Is he here?" "No, i knew that you were going to open the door. So, what is going on with you?" Ava asked and hut on the Pauline's bed.

"You were supposted to be in New York." "Don't change the subject! Now, tell me what is going on." Ava said and waited for an answer. Pauline sighed. "You will not leave until you get an answer, right?" "That's right. So, spil it up." she saod and crossed her arms.

"Is Jesse. I had found the best birthday present for him until he texted me these five words." "I'll be there for you?" "No, i wish there were these five words. I am heading to Indina, he texted me." "Jesse send you these words? Without even call?" "No." Pauline was tried to hold back the tears in her eyes, but she lost that fight.

"Oh Pauline i'm sorry! I didn't know." "It's alright Ava. And all these because this fucking night!" "Which night?" "The night that you're thinking. I told Jesse first, and had a very good fight with him about it. And now she's mad because i didn't let him know when i told your Dad." Pauline explained. "Yeah, Dad told me. How did you hide it for so long?" "I don't Ava. But really can we talk about this an another time, please? I'm not in the mood." Pauline begged a little.

"Sure. You guys were good together?" Ava asked a few seconds later. Pauline looked at her and answered "I asked him to broke up." "You did what? But why?" Ava asked her more than suprised. "He's not himself anymore Ava. And i don't know why. The other day i asked him to go out with me and he said he must go to the gym with Cody. He's not who he used to be and i don't know the damn reason." "Maybe he needs some time." "That's what he told me. I bet he'll have all the time he wants. He's in Indiana now." Pauline answered feeling pain coming from her heart.

She's hating saying these words, but it's the truth. "You love him, don't you?" "With every beat of my heart. But there are times that i don't understend him." "Men. We will never understand them." Ava answered and shaked her head. "Maybe you're right. But i want to understand him." "You will someday, you will. But until you did we must go out. Come on my treat." Ava stood up from the bed and walked to Pauline's side.

"No, i'm not in the mood." "So, while Jesse is gone you'll stay here trying to understand him?" "Yeah, until i feel okay with him being i don't know how many miles away from me." "So, now you're jelous?" "I'm not jelous! I trust Jesse, i don't trust the others." "Okay, got it. Is the time you say every bullshit crosses your mind. If you're going to be like this tommorow on school you better stay home." Ava answered.

"Look, Pauline i understand that this weird to you but you can't do nothing about it. You must learn to live your life with him in Indiana. He's not going to stay there forever. I know that he's an ass of sending you this text, but that's his way and you must deal with that. This is your opportunity to show all of us but mostly to yourself that you can be together even when you're in Red Bank and he's in Indiana. In the dintanse relationships you try how much you love the other and in your case i'm sure you'll make it." Ava finished.

Ava felt Pauline's arms all around her. "You're very good at it. You should talk more like that." "I've been told that before." Ava answered and they both broke the hug. "Thank you for being there for me." "Don't forget i own you that i'm here with you and not in this place. I'm the one who must thank you. So, thank you." Pauline smiled. "God is good to see your smile!" "Can we please leave the Jovi lyrics out of here?" "Yeah, sure. So, is my time to go. Remember what i told you." Ava said and walked to the door. "Will do Dr Sambora. See ya tommorow at school." "That's my girl. Goodnight." Ava said before she closed the door behind her.

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Pauline got out of her car. She wasn't really in the modd of going to school today. But Ava was right she must learn to live with it. She looked up in the sky. The sky was blue and there weren't any clouds. The birds had already singing their songs. 

She sighed and walked to the entrance of the school. Walking in the hallway she found Ava. "Hey there!" Pauline said. "Goodmorning! You see is not that bad." "No, is not. I think i will survive this!" Pauline answered and smiled. Ava's phone buzzed. Ava looked at the screen and smiled. "Well, i got to go somewhere. See you in the class!" "Okay, tell Alex i said hi." Pauline answered knowing from who was the text. "I will. Bye!" "Bye!" Pauline said and saw Ava walked away.

"Alex better be careful... I don't want to see Richie mad." she told to herself and smiled. 

She walked to her locker. She wanted to take a notebook. Once Pauline took the notebook she wanted, she closed the door of the locker. She turned left and felt like she lost the ground down to her feet. A tall brown haired boy with the most beautiful pair of green eyes scared the hell out of her.

"I'm sorry, i didn't mean to scare you. Are you okay?" "Yeah, i'm fine." "I'm Mike by the way." he said and held out his hand and Pauline shaked it while she answered. "I'm Pauline." "Nice to meet you Pauline. I'm looking for the Biology class, i have this in the first hour." "I have Biliogy too. You must be new. Come on, i'll show you." Pauline said and walked with Mike to the class.

The bell rung and Pauline sut in her seat waiting for Ava. She didn't take long and Ava sut next to her. "New guy?" was her first question. "His name is Mike and yes he's new." "Don't tell me, you just met him." "Yes, and so what's the problem?" Pauline asked. "Because he's starring at you..." Ava said and Pauline turned her head. Ava was right, Mike was looking at her. 

Pauline waved at him and smiled. "What are you doing?" Ava asked with a little pissed voise. "Making new friends." Pauline answered calmy. "Make new friends but not new lovers. I will not let this happen!" "Ava, relax. I don't like him. You know that i love Jesse and i will not cheat on him, EVER. Did i make myself clear?" Pauline said meaning every word. "You did." Ava answered. She knew that Pauline was telling the truth. She will not cheat on Jesse.

Chapter 36: Hearts Breaking Even

Pauline was on the doorstep of the Sambora house. It wasn't late at night but she couldn't keep it to herself for anymore. She was at her house when she remembered the fight she had with Jesse about it. He was right. Richie must know, he has to know. She couldn't wait until the meeting. She must tell him now. She nneds to put away that weight of her showlders.

Richie opened the door and said suprised. "Angel, what are you doing here at this hour?" "I need to talk to you. Can i come in?" "Yeah, sure." Richie answered and took a step back to let her in. He closed the door behind him and said "Is everything okay?" Pauline turned and looked at him. "No. I need to tell you something."

Richie looked at her puzzled and answered. "Have a sit." He knew that she wouldn't be there if it wasn't something important. Pauline took a deep breath and started. "Is about Heather." "What about her?" Richie asked a little annoying this time.

"When we were at her house one night i was thirsty and went to the kitchen to drink some water. When i went there i heard her talking with someone." "Who?" "Peter. You know him?" Pauline asked. "Conitnue, i'll explain later." "Okay. I don't know how to say it right now." "Just say it. I will not be suprised."

"She wanted to poisoned you so she will get Ava's full castody. I also hear, she's a drug deeler." she finally told him. "She wanted to poison me? Why she didn't?" "Because when she was ready to put the poison in your Coke i walked in and took the drinks instead of her." Pauline explained.

"I can't belive what she did! That woman is crazy." "I know that. I didn't want to tell you at first. But the court is in a few days and i can't keep it anymore." "Angel, i'm sorry that we got you in this shit. I'm sorry that you hear all this bullshit. I really i'm sorry." "It's okay, Richie. I should have told you sooner." she answered to him.

"I'm glad that you told me. Does anyone know about it?" "No, you're the only one." she told Richie. She knew she had told Jesse bit that what he wanted. Jesse wanted to tell Richie and she did. "Look, i'm not sure if i will take full castody of Ava. So, if i have no choise i want you to tell the judges. You can do that?" Richie hoped and begged.

"I can do that. I think you'll get Ava back and she'll be behind bars for a long time." Richie shaked his head as he answered. "I hope that too Angel. I hope that too." "Okay, then. I have to go now. We have long few days until the court." Pauline said and stood up from the couch.

"Yeah, you better go before is get too late. I don't want you to drive back home late at night." Richie answered and walked Pauline to the door. She turned back and looked at him with the stink eye. "What? I'm a parents, is in my nature." "I know. I already have two telling me to be careful on the road." "So, you don't mind one more right?" Richie asked. "Not, i guess. Take care King. Goodnight." she told him and walked away.

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Pauline was in front of the mirron fixing her hear when her mother walked in. "Pauline are you ready, we must leave now." her mother said. Pauline looked at her and answered "Yes, i'm ready. Let's go." checking herself one more time on the mirror she left the room with her mother.

Mother and daughter walked down the stairs and meet the other two members of the Timson family on the car. On the route to the court Pauline has a lot of time to think about what she was going to say. She had talk with Richie's lawyer about it but it was diferent. She will face the judges as long as Heather, who had no idea what Pauline heard that night.

Pauline's father parked the car in the court's parking lot and walked out of the car. There they found Richie and the guys with their families. "Goodmorning. How are you doing?" Pauline asked with a smile, and tried to forget why they all are here. "We're good for now. We're the next." Jon answered her first. Pauline looked at Richie who wasn't at his best.

"Richie are you alright?" "Me? Yeah, i'm fine. I just can't wait to see Ava." "Oh yeah. She can't wait either. Don't worry everything is going to be alright." Pauline said trying to make him believe it, but also she must believe it too.

Just only a few minutes later they were sitting in their seats. Jesse was sitting next to Pauline. He knew that when her turn come to testify,she will need him. From the right door of the room Ava walked in. her face lighted up when she saw her fatrher and all the people she loved, Alex was also there.

The judges came in and said why they were there. Richie was the first one who testified. Next was his mother and after her was Jon. Pauline knew that when Jon will say his last word the judge will call her name. She looked next to her at Jesse. She took his hand in hers. Jesse looked at her and smiled. "You can do this." he whispered. "I know." she whispered back to him.

Jon walked back to his seat. The judge looked down to his papers and said "I'm calling to testify Miss Pauline Timson." Pauline took a deep breath and let Jesse's hand. Armed with the truth she was ready to face it.

She sut in a chair, she was ready to answer the questions. "Tell us Miss Timson how did you met Miss Sambora?" "Ava and i met last year in school and we became friends." Pauline answered.

"What do you have to say that you're a fan of the band that Mr Sambora is in it." "Nothing. This has nothing to do with why we are here. And i bet you want an answer in your question. Mr Sambora is a very good father, maybe one of the best i've ever met, so trying to get his daughter away from him will not work. Being a fan of his band doesn't mean that i will suport him with everything he says. But in this case Mr Sambora is the only one who must have the full castody of Ava." Pauline replied.

The croud start whispering, Pauline's answer wasn't the one that they exepted. Heather was starting to feel nervous. If Pauline will keep up answering like that, she will never see Ava again.

"We hear later that Miss Sambora invited you to spend the weekend with her mother in Los Angeles. While you were there you saw anything that is worth to be mentionted?" "No, everything was fine." Pauline simply answerd. She knew that if she say want she wants to answer she will give up the biggest weapon they had.

"I don't have another question for Miss Timson." Pauline stood up from the chair and winked at Richie, who nodded his head. Pauline took her seat next to Jesse again. "I'm very proud of you, Paul." he whispered. "Thank you." she answerded back and smiled.

They were outside ta the yard, waiting for the judges desision. "Why is that taking so long?" Richie finally said. "Rich man relax. We're here for 15 minutes only." Jon answered and tried to calm him down. "Yeah, Richie Jon is right. You must calm down. Is obvious who will get Ava back home." David said and touched his friend to his showlder. "Thank you guys for being here." "Hey, we couldn't leave you alone to this." Tico added.

That time Stephanie informed them that the judges were ready to announce their desision. For one more time they sut on their seats and waited for the answer. "We all agreed that the full castody of Ava Elizabeth Sambora will belong to Heather Deen Locklear." the judge said.

The whole room was silence. the only one who was happy about it was Heather. It was very obvious that no one was happy about their desision. Richie couldn't believe that he lost the castody of his daughter. He will never see her again in his whole life. He stood up from the chair and looked at Ava with 'i'm sorry' look. This time Pauline's voise came from behind loud and clear.

"Wait! I want to add something!" she said and walked to where the judges were. "I'm sorry Miss Timson but we have already took our desision." "I bet you'll change your mind if i told you a dirty little secret about Heather." Pauline answered to the judge.

"Objection!" Heather's lawyer yell.

"Please Miss Timson continue." the judge let Pauline go on.

"Mrs Locklear tried to poisoned Mr Sambora. While we were there one night i hear her talking with a guy about it. And from what i know drug deelres can't take a full castody, doesn't she. I know is hard to believe but why should i lie about it?" Pauline explained while Heather was looking down to her feet the all time Pauline was talking.

"Is that true Mrs Locklear?" the judge asked. All the eyes turned to Heather, who couldn't give them an answer.

"I'll take that as a yes. Mr Sambora you can take your daughter home with you." the judge said. Ava run to her father's hug. They were hugging so tight while heather was taking away.

Pauline looked back to her seat and saw that Jesse wasn't there. She walked out of the court and found him sitting on a bench. "How could you say it Paul? You promised me that we will never talk about it." Jesse said when he saw her coming.

"What did you exept from me Jesse to do? To let Heather take Ava?" Pauline answered to him, pissed. She couldn't believe that Jesse was pissed about it. "So, you just stood up and drop that bomb in front of everyone?" Jesse slapped back, he was really pissed.

"I talked first with Richie." Pauline answered. "Oh so you told him? After that fight we had, you just tolod him." "Jesse i didn't have any choise. I wanted to tell someone." Pauline said trying to ignore her raising temper.

"You told me Paul, remember?" "Yes, Jesse i rembered telling you. But Richie had the right to know. It was about his life. You saw how happy they all are? Everyone exept you. And i don't understand why you are so pissed. You were the one who wanted to tell Richie in the first place."

"I'm so pissed, Paul because you didn't said anything to me about it. And when the judge said that Ava will go with Heather i felt so fucking bad because i knew that you didn't say on one about that night." Jesse answered to her with agressive viose.

"Jesse i did this to safe the relationship Richie and Ava have." Pauline said and touched his knee. Jesse put away her hand. "You saved their relationship but you destroied ours." he said and walked away.

These words were like knivies all over Pauline's body. She couldn't understand why he acted like that. She thought that she was making the right thing. But from what it seems, she was wrong. She watched Jesse crossing the road and felt like an ass. She should have told him.

Chapter 35: Baby Baby Baby

Pauline almost spilled the water. "You're what?" she said and her eyes rolled. "I'm not sure if i am." Ava tried to answer calmy. "Ava are you sure about that? This is not fun." "Of course and is not fun Pauline. What are we going to do now?" Ava asked her best friend terified.

Taking some deep breaths she answered. "First, we must learn if you or not. If you're not we're great. But if you're we're fucked up." Pauline was sitting across from Ava. She was watching her cry. She stood up and walked to her side. "Shhh. It's okay, we'll get through this." Pauline said and pulled her in her arms.

"But what if i'm pregant? What Alex will say? What my Dad will say? He will regret that he took me from LA because if i was there nothing of this will ever happend. It's all my fault. It's all my fault." Ava said crying and buried her head in Pauline's sholder. "Ava that's not true. Richie loves you and he will never say that no matter what will happend." Pauline answered to her.

"He will not want to see me again. I don't want this to happen." "Nothing will happend Ava. Just don't rush things. Let's take a step at a time okay?" Pauline told her but Ava wasn't looking at her. "Ava look at me." she said and faced Ava's watered eyes. "Nothing of these will ever happend okay? We have to make sure that you're pregant with Alex's baby. Is Alex's right?" "Pauline what are you talking about? Of course and is Alex's." Ava answered.

"Alright. Do you want to tell him?" Pauline asked. "Yes. He has the right to know if he will be the father of my child or not." Ava answered and wipped the tears from her eyes. "Okay. I'll let him know tommorow at school." Pauline answered and stood up and sut on her chair next to Ava.

"How does he doing?" "Not too good. Since you left, he's not himself. Zack never saw him like this before. We don't know what to do. He's always asking me how are you doing." "Tell him i'm fine and i can't wait to get the Hell out of this fucking place." Ava answered. "Okay. I'll tell him." Pauline replied and looked the time at her phone.

"Look princess i have to leave you now. I'll come here tommorow with a pregnancy test." she paused for a second and looked at Ava. "You sure about that? We can wait a little more if you want." "No the sooner we know the better." Ava answered.

Pauline stood up from the chair while she said "Okay. See ya tommorow." "Pauline, please don't say Dad anything about it. Just give him the letter and leave okay?" "That was what i was going to do. I'm not sure if can i see him in the eyes right now." Pauline answered to Ava. Ava shaked her head and answered "Thank you." "Samboras have it with thank you these days. Anyway i have a letter to deliver. See you tommorow Ava. Sleep well." Pauline said and walked away. "You too Pauline." Ava answered from behind.

Pauline walked back to her car. She opened the door and sut on the driver's seat. She couldn't believe that Ava might be pregnant. Her mind couldn't prosses her words. At first she thought that Ava was lying to her. But how she could ever say such a lie and what will be the point of it. She knew that Ava was saying the truth.

What are they going to do now? They are alone at this fight. Pauline must tell Alex was is going with Ava.She can imagine his reaction but she must do what Ava asked her to do. But first she has to do something else first. She must give Richie the letter. She must pretend that nothing is going on. She hates when she lies to people she loves and care. But she can't do nothing to change that. Is better that way, at least for now.

She doesn't even want to cross her mind that Ava is pregnant. Her life will change forever and nothing will be the same after that. She doesn't want to think that option at all.

With her thoughts all over her mind Pauline reached one more time the Sambora house. She rung the bell and waited for someone to answer it. She faced the happy Richie's face. This is going to be harder than she thought.

"You brought it?" he asked. "Yeah, i brought it." Pauline answered and smiled at him. She must act natural. "Come in Angel." Richie told her whule the smile never leaving his face. Pauline walked in and closed the door behind her. She put the letter from her jean pockets and passed it to Richie.

"Here you go King." "Thank you Angel." Richie answered and nodded. "Do you want something to drink or to eat?" "No, thank you. I must go to the trainning. You know with all these happening i wasn't able to go." Pauline answered. She knew that the longer she stays here the more dificult will be for her.

"Sure. But can i tell you something first?" Richie asked. "Yeah, sure what it is?" "Look, the court day is on 15th of January and i was hoping if you could testify in the court in my favour." Richie said to her hoping and begging that she will agree.

"Yeah, i can do that but you must ask my parents first." Pauline answered more than suprised to him. "I already told them and they say is up to you." "You told them all?" Pauline asked with rolled eyes. "I didn't have any choise. They weren't going to believe me if i wasn't tell them the truth." "And they believed you?" Pauline asked.

"Yeah, they did. So is up to you if you want to testify. Look Angel i will not try to convinse you i never done that before and i won't do it now. I know that these are too much for you. And i will respect if you don't want to get involved." Richie told her while he was looking in her eyes.

Pauline's breath caught on her throat. Damn him. Why he has to do that with his eyes? She told herself. It was a weird moment for her. "If i testify in the court will help you take full castody of Ava?" she asked him suddenly. "If they believe what are you saying, you will." "And who else is going to testify?" "My Mum, Jon and you if you want to." Richie answered hoping she will say yes.

Pauline's mind was running in top speed. If she testifies in the court everybody will know what Heather was planning to do to Richie. She knew if she say that Heather will be behind bars for a very long time. But on the other hand who will beliebe a 17 year old girl? She must answer to him.

"I'll do it." "Really?" Richie asked happily, he wanted to hear it again. "Yes." Richie couldn't hide his smile or how happy he was right now. He hugged her tight, he almost caught her breath, but she didn't care she knew she was doing the right thing.

"I don't know what to say that day." "Don't worry about that. We'll meet on Monday afternoon in Jon's house to talk about that. Can you be there?" "Sure and i will be." "Great. And thank you again, Angel. You know i was right calling you Angel that day in the hospital." Richie said and smiled. "You know i'm not always the Angel you think, i can be Devil if you make me." Pauline answered and left him puzzled.

"What that supposed to mean?" Richie answered from behind. "Nothing. Just remember that don't mess with people i love. That doesn't goes to you but i want you to remember this, okay?" Pauline gave him a little warming of what is going to happen next. But will Richie be able to understand what she is saying?

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Friday morning at school pauline rtying to find Alex. It was the time to tell him what is going on. Pauline was looking around at the cafeteria but he wasn't there. Then she remembered where he and his friends were hanging out. She went there and found him sitting on the bench.

She walked closer to him and his friends and said "Hey Alex can i talk to you? Is important." "Yeah, sure." Alex answered and excuse himself from his friends and follwed Pauline to an nother bench for away.

Pauline sut on the bench and Alex followed her. "So, what to do you want to talk about?" he asked when he sut. "I visited Ava yesterday." she started. "How is she?" he asked. "I want you to stay calm." "Pauline what is it. Tell me, i'm worried." "There is nothing to worry about exept one thing." she paused and took a deep breath. "Exept what?" "You might going to be a dad." she told him.

"What?" Alex almost yelled. "Ava is pregnant?" "We're not sure yet. We're going to find out today." Pauline tried to answer as calm as she could. Alex was running his fingers throught his hair. "This is not happening. This is not happening." "Alex we don't know if she is, maybe she is not." "And what if she is?" Alex asked her. "Alex let's find it out first and then we'll see what we can do." Pauline answered to Alex.

"Okay. She'll do the test today?" "The sooner we know the better. I'll let you know when we know okay?" Pauline said and stood up "Where are you going?" "I have a pregnancy test to buy Alex. Do you think it will be easy for me to go and buy it?" "Yeah, you're right. Don't forget to tell me, please." "I won't. Keep the faith okay? I'll text you." Pauline told him and walked away.

Going to school was the last thing she wanted to do right now. She went to her locker and took her bag with her. She left school in a hurry, she didn't want to be seen by anyone. She arrived at the car and drove away as fast as she could.

She is now outside of the drug store more than 30 minutes. She couldn't understand why she was so nervous about it. A pregnancy test is what she wants not cocain. But it still hard for her, but she must go and take it. Taking a deep breath she opened the door of the car and walked in the drug store.

Five minutes later she walked out relaxed and with a pregnacy test on the little bag. It wasn't that ahrd as she thought it would be. She got what she wanted and that is what that matters. Pauline out on the engine and drove away.

She arrived in Ava a few minutes later. She hide the pregnancy test in her jacket and walked to the building. As she was walking in she saw Ava sitting on a bench, she smiled and walked to her side.

"Hey, Ava." Pauline said. Ava lifted her head and faced Pauline. "I got it, are you ready?" "Yes, let's do this fucking test." Ava said confident and stood up from the bench. "Since when you start cursing?" Pauline asked suprised, she wasn't get used to Ava saying bad words. "Since i came to this fucking place. Now, give it to me." Ava said and held out her hand. "Are you nuts? In the middle of the garden? Let's go ot the restrooms." "Yeah, you're right. Let's go." Ava answered and lead the way to the restroom.

"Okay, i can't wait anymore. Give it to me." Ava said as she locked the door. Pauline pulled it out from her jacket. "Here you go." she gave it to her. "Did you tell Alex?" "Yes, two hours ago." "How he reacted?" "Better than i though he will. He's very worried about you. Oh and by the way the court day is on 15th." "On January?" Ava asked and eyes rolled.

"Yes, and guess who is going to testify?" "You are going to testify?" Ava asked more suprised than before. "Yeah, he asked it from me and i couldn't say no for many reasons. But i don't want to talk about it in the restrooms with the pregnancy test in your hands." Pauline replied and pointed the test. "I think you should go. It's time."

Ava nodded and walked in the toilet. The minutes she was there seems like forever to Pauline. The door opened and Ava walked out. "You did it?" "Yes. We must wait 10 minutes. One line negative, two lines positive." she explained and left in on the sink.

Pauline took a look at her, she was so scared. "Ava are you okay?" "I'm so scared, Pauline." she said and hugged her best friend tight. "Everything is going to be fine. You'll see it with your own eyes." "I hope you're right. I don't want to be pregnant, not now, not like this." "Trust me Ava, no one does." "Is it ready?" Ava asked and broke the hug.

Pauline looked at it and answered "Not yet." Ava sighed. The two girls were walking up and down to the rest room for the next 8 minutes. It was time to see. "Pauline could you please tell me what it is. I can't looked it." Pauline nodded her head. She understands Ava's situation.

She walked to the sink and took it in her hands. Eyes closed and a heart ready to break. It might is negative. It has to be negative. With a deep breath Pauline opened her eyes and faced the result. Holding it in her hands she turned to Ava.

"What is it? Am i pregnant?" she asked. Pauline couldn't answer and she gave it to Ava.

Reaching for her phone she texted to Alex.

She is not pregnant.

Chapter 34: Tell Me It's A Lie

Pauline walked back in her car more reliefed now. She knew she did the right thing, going to see Richie. She was making both happier and that is what matters. Helping friends is always nice.

Once she arrived at the car a need from inside her came out. It's been a while since she saw Jesse. After the little fight they had and the made-up they didn't see each other that much. She didn't realized how much he was missing him. She missed having him around touching her, holding her, kissing her. She knew that she couldn't run away that day but she was so pissed off with him. But this all belonged to the past. She's diferent know.

Pulling out her mobile she called him. After 3 rings she heard his voise. "Hey, Paul. How are you?" "I was in Ava's checking on Richie. I visited Ava, gave her some staff and a letter." "Letter? From who?" Jesse asked suprised. "From Richie. Long story, i can explained it to you. Where are you now?" "Prisoner in my house. Mum and Dad are missing and i must keep an eye on the little ones. Do you wanna come over? I feel a little alone." Jesse explained. "That was exactly what i had in mind. See ya in a few Jess. Love ya." "Love ya too." she heard Jesse's voise and hung up the phone.

Pauline put the phone back to her jean pockets. She now feels a lot better. She brought Ava and Richie closer, no matter how far away they are. And she talked to Jesse after a long time. She couldn't be happier. She couldn't stop smiling on the whole route to Jesse's house. She pulled to that driveway that she never she will be. She was always feeling buterflies on her stomack when she was there, but she now get used to it somehow.

The big door was wide open and Pauline drive in. She parked the car and for some reason her heart star racing. She tried to ingore it and she made it.

When she was outside of the door of the house she rung the bell. She didn't wait too much and Jesse opened the door with a smile. Pauline faced him for not more than a second and realized how much she had missed him. She missed him so badly and wraped her arms around him, Jesse smiled and pulled her in his arms. "I missed you very much." Pauline said without breaking the hug, instead she hugged him even tighter. "I missed you too Paul." he answered and kissed her forehead. "Come in don't stay at the door." he added and took a step  back to let Pauline walk in the house.

"How are Jacob and Romeo?" Pauline asked him, it was a hard time for both of them, someone must say something. "They are good and upstairs. Do you want anything to drink or eat?" Jesse answered after he closed the door behind him and followed Pauline to the living room. "A glass of coke will be great. Thanks." Pauline answered back to him and smiled. "I'll be right back. Make yourself at home." Jesse told her and disappear on the kitchen.

Pauline sut on the couch and made herself at home, like Jesse told her. A minute later Jesse return with two glasses of coke and some cookies. He gave her the glass and took his. Jesse sut on the couch next to her and drunk a sip from his coke, Pauline did the same. Pauline placed her glass on the table in front of them and said "I visited Ava and Richie today." Jesse rolled his eyes. "Really? How are they?" "Now, they are good. Richie wrote her a letter. I gave it to her before i called you." Pauline answered and Jesse faced her.

"I'm glad that you call. I missed you very much." "I missed you too Jesse. Now that you're here next to me how much i missed you." Pauline paused and signed. "We had a very stupid fight, don't we?" she asked him. "We we did but let's forget it. This belong to the past, just let it go. We're okay now and this is what matters to me." Jesse answered soflty.

He sut closer to her and their lips met for a soft kiss. Jesse needed some power to tell her some news. He couldn't wait any longer. Since he learn the news yesterday he couldn't keep it to himself. He knew that this time wasn't the right one, but she must to know.

They broke up from the kiss and Jesse start feeling weird. She knew her answer before he will say it. He was feeling sick to his stomack but he must say it now. He took a long sip from his coke and started softly. "Paul, i want to tell you something." "What is it?" Pauline answered having no idea what will hear next. She looked for a second Jesse next to her. He was looking so nervous. He was making his hamds up and down to his jeans, she knew that when he's doing this he's nervous about something.

"Jesse what it is? Why are you nervous? What's wrong Jess?" Pauline asked him worried. "I'll go to college after the court day." Jesse dropped the bomb to her. He closed his eyes and wait for Pauline to expload. But she didn't. She hugged him tight instead. "Oh Jess that's great news! I'm proud of you." When Pauline broke the hug Jesse answered "Thank you." "In which college?" Pauline asked very happy for him.

Here is the wright question. How would he tell her that in February he moves to Indiana to the Notre Dame University?

Jesse shallowed hard. he felf his palms sweat and he lose the ground down to his feet. He looked down to the wooden floor. He couldn't look her in the eyes. "In Notre Dame University." he said with calm voise. "I thought that Notre Dame University was in Indiana. But who cares anyway?" she told him but still she couldn't stop smilling. "Paul, it is in Indiana. I'm leaving in February. I'm sorry." he said slowly.

Pauline's heart stopped beating. Her smile froze on her lips. "No, tell is a lie. You're not leaving. tell me you're not leaving." Pauline answered while she was shaking her head. The only thing Jesse can do was looking at her. "Jesse why are you not answering to me?" Pauline asked again while tears filled her eyes.

"Tell me is a lie. Say it. I want to hear it." She didn't want to let him go. She just found him, he can't live now. "Is true. I should have been there since last year." Jesse answered to her. As soon as he finished his sentence he felt her arms around him. She was crying. "You can't leave me now." she told to him without breaking the hug. She knew that someday he will not be here, she wanted to feel close to him.

"I wish i could. It has already waited to much." Jesse answered and Pauline pulled away. "I understand." she answered and wipper her tears. Jesse pulled away some hair from her face and told her "We'll get through this together, i promise." he kissed her.

"When are you leaving?" she asked him. "On 10th of February." "You won't be here for your birthday? Can you please leave the day after? Please." she begged him. She didn't want to spend his birthday apart. Jesse have tottaly forgot about his birthday. Pauline was right. It will be too much if they weren't together on his birthday.

"Yeah, i can do that. We have a lot of time until that day. And i'll fly home once in a while." "But it will not be the same." Pauline answered back. "I know but there is nothing i can do. I must go." Jesse answered to her and touched her showlder. He kinda feels her pain. Is not easy for him too to say these words.

Pauline keep looking at the floor. She remained silent was several seconds. Until she broke the silence of the big living room. "I'll come with you." Jesse laughed. He knew that this will come. He knew her very well. "No. No. You have to stay here." "I can't knowing that you're not here with me." "It will be that hard. We can talk on the phone every day." Jesse tried to change her mind. "But it will not be the same, Jesse." Pauline slapped back at him.

Jesse knew that she was right. Nothing will be the same after that. He must leave and he doesn't want to. But he also knew that Pauline must stay here. "I know baby. I know. Do you think is easy for me to live a city that i've never been before?" Jesse told her looking in her eyes. "I know is hard for you too. But what i'll do if you're not here?" Pauline asked and a r-tear rolled from her eye to her cheek.

"You must support Ava. She's been through a lot and she'll be through even more. She need support from her best friend. The first month will suck, i know. But i promise you that i'll do anything to keep in touch." Jesse answered. "But why i can't come with you? Indiana has high schools too. And i can find a job there and an apartement to live." Pauline answered seriously.

"Paul, you're too young for this. But you can come and visited me. I'll have my own room." Jesse winked at her and made Pauline smile. "I like this better. Tell me something there are and girls in the University?" "I don't know, maybe. Tell me you're jelous?" Jesse asked a little suprised. "Maybe a little. Who knows in a time of weakness a hot chick will be in your way and might cheated on me. How do i know that?" Pauline's question made Jesse laughed.

"You know that i will never do that to you, even when i'm drunk. You know that don't you?" "Jesse i know that you'll never do this to me. But i don't know about the others. Just promise me that." "I promise to you that i will NEVER cheated on you in my whole life. I love you." "I love you too." Pauline answered and kissed him deeply.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pauline had shut on a chair and waited for Ava to come. Three days passed since her last visit. Her head was in her amrs when she hear Ava's voise "Hey you!" she said. Pauline lifted her head and smiled. "Hey. How are you?" Pauline asked Ava. She didn't exept her to be like that. She should has a smile from ear to ear. "I'm fine. What about you? You didn't look so happy?" Ava quickly changed the subject and sut on the chair opposite to Pauline.

"I'm not so good. Jesse told me that he'll leave to Indiana after the court day." "Oh Pauline i'm sorry to hear that. How are you holding?" "I want to go with him but he doesn't let me either my parents." Pauline aswered and blwe out a sigh. "You told your parents?" "Yeah. I want to go with him. They should know. But they told me that same Jesse said to me. But i'm okay now." Pauline answered and took a sip from the bottle of water she was carring.

"You sure? Because you didn't seem so much." "Ava, i'm okay. I thought about that and they're right. There is nothing i can do to change it." Pauline answered to her. "Alright." she simply answered and looked down to her hands on tha table. "Ava are you okay?" Pauline asked her and lifted her head with her hand. When she faced Ava she realized she was crying.

"Ava was it is? You hurt you?" "No one hurt me. Everything is fine!" Ava tried to keep to herself. She wipped her tears and said again. "Pauline i'm fine. Here give that to my Dad and tell him i'm fine and i love him very much." she passed a little piece of paper to her hand. "No Ava i'm not leaving until you tell me what is going on with you." Pauline told her and crossed her amrs. She took the bottle of the water and drunk a sip.

"Pauline i-i think i'm pregant."

Chapter 33: Letter To A Daughter

There ahve been four days since Richie left the jail. There have been four painfull days. Three days before Pauline visited Ava. The sadness was all over her and Pauline hated it. She had promisedher that will find something to help her talk with Richie. Pauline since she left she couldn't do or think anything else. This didn't took her so long. She found a way but she wasn't sure if will work.

She was standing in the Sambora doorstep, having already rung the bell. Her hands were deep in her jean pockets, she was nervous. The door opened and Pauline faced the sad eyes of Tori. "Hey Pauline. Come in." she said making a good effort to smile. Pauline wlked in the house. Tori closed the door behind her and asked Pauline. "What i can do for you?" "Actualy, i'm here to see how Richie is doing. Is he here?" Pauline asked. "Yes, he is. Since he came from the jail he doesn't talk, he does eat, he doesn't sleep. I don't know what to do." Tori answered with sadness in her voise. Pauline smiled as she answered "I think i have something that will hame him better." "I hope so. He's in Ava's bedroom." Tori answered and Pauline left.

Pauline walked up the stairs and arrived in Ava's bedroom. The door was closed but she could feel Richie was dying inside. She knocked once, she didn't get an answer. She knocked again but this time she didn't wait for an answer. Pauline opened the door and found Richie sitting in her bed holding a teady bear of hers in his hands. His eyes were open but he didn't looking at anything. He was so lost on his thought that he didn't hear Pauline walking in the room.

"Hey Richie. How are you doing?" Pauline asked hopefully waiting for an answer. But she didn't get it. Richie doesn't even looked at her. She signed. She knew he wouldn't answer if she didn't say the right words. Taking a deep breath she said to Richie. "I went and sae Ava. She looked like you do right now. I promised her that i will find a way to talk with her. I found one but i want your help too." Pauline said waiting for Richie to responce.

His eyes rolled. He turned and faced pauline. "How is she? Is she okay?" Richie asked. "Is not so good Richie. She missed you." "I missed her too." Richie answered and let the teady bear on the bed. "You said you found a way to talk with her." he added. "Yes. Look you can't call her or see her but you can write to her." Pauline started. "And how will she get my letters?" "I'll get her a suitcase with some clothes. You can put your letter there. I'm going to see her today." Pauline said and stood up from the bed.

"You can write a couple of lines." she told and looked at him. "Okay, i will. Just don't leave yet." Richie answered and stood up too. "I'll meet you down." "Okay." Pauline answered and walked to the door. "Angel?" Richie yelled from behind. Pauline turned. "Thank you for being there for her. I will not forget this." Richie said meaning every word. Pauline wasn't able to make a setence. So, she nodded and left.

Pauline walked down the stairs and Tori appeared in front of her. "He talked to you?" Pauline walked next to her. "Yes. He'll be down in a few minutes." Pauline answered and smiled. Tori hugged her. "Thank you. Thank you very much. You have no idea how much he means to me." Tori broke up the hug. Pauline smiled. "I bet i know." "I have steaks in the oven. Is your favourite right?" "Yeah." "Come on. Let's go eat something. Richie will be hungry too." Tori said smiling again. Both walked to the kicthen.

Pauline put her fork down and said "Tori that was delicious. Thank you." "Is the least i can do. You made my little teady bear talk again." Tori answered and took Pauline's plate. "You call him 'teady bear'?" Pauline asked with raised her eyebrow. "Yeah. He's better than any other pillow. He's very comfortable to sleep with. He doesn't even move when he's sleeping." Tori answered. "Is weird what you can learn after a plate of steak!" Pauline answered and laughed. "Yes, it is. You know is very weird. The first time i saw him i slapped him on his face." Tori answered remembering that night.

Pauline rolled her eyes. "You slapped him? Why?" "Ava, didn't tell you how we met? You didn't see it somewhere?" Tori asked and toko her seat next to Pauline on the table. "I read something 2 years ago. But i don't believe anything that i read." "My sory with Richie started 5 years ago. You know i'm a die hard Darksider. I was in a group with fanfic stories about the boys. And one day i was the only one on the chat room. Alone with him. I didn't know it was Richie, the real one. Even though the name was Stephen R. it doesn't even crossed my mind. We start chatting and chatting for months. I kinda felt that connection with him since his hello." Tori started.

"He had you from hello?" Tori smiled and answered. "Yeah. When i chatted with him there were days that i din't want to live. I was broken hearted. But he came to my life the right moment. He asked me on a date 1 year later. I went to where he told me he will be. I went to the restaurant and waited for 2 minutes give or take. And then he came in. Wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black shirt. He looked so sexy and hot. I was shocked and even at this moment it didn't crossed my mind that HE was my date. he walked closer to my table and asked me if i was Tori Adams." Tori paused and laughed. "When i realized that he was the one i was chatting for one year, i slapped him. I think this might hurt him because my hand hurted." Both laughed.

Richie heard laughters coming from the kitchen. Tori was the first how saw him. Her eyes rolled and went to hug him. Richie hugged her back. "Hey, babe." he said and hold her tight. When they broke up from the hug Richie walked to Pauline. "Here Angel, give this to Ava." Richie said and passed her the envelope he was holding. "I will." she said and stood up. "I'll go pack some clean clothes for Ava." Pauline added and climped up the stairs.

Once Pauline packed her clothes she said goodbye to Richie and Tori and she left. She was really happy about Richie. She made him talk again after four days. She was more than happy right now.

Pauline walked in the large building with a bag in her hands. She walked to the front desk and found an another woman sitting there. "Hello, can i see Ava Sambora?" Pauline asked. The young woman looked at her and smiled. "Of course. Hold on a second to call her." she answered and called Ava's name to the speaker.

A few seconds later Ava walked in and smiled. Both walked and met in the middle. "Let's go outside." Ava offered. She knew that Pauline was bringing very good news, she could read it in her face. "Okay." Pauline answered and let Ava lead the way.

They sut on a bench in the garden. " I visited Richie this morning." Pauline started. "How is he?" Ava asked worried. "Now, he's good. I bring you these clean colthes." Pauline said and gave her the bag. "Thank you." "You sould be careful with your shirts." Pauline said and stood up. Ava raised her eyebrow. "Are you leaving so fast?" she asked with sad voise.

"I should get going. You have lots of reading to do." Pauline answered looking down to her. "Y-You did it?" she asked while her eyes rolled. "I promised you that i'll find something. Just have a little faith in me." "I-I don't know what to say." Ava had lost her words. She knew that Pauline will come up with something. But she didn't believe that she was that fast. "I'm happy with a thank you. Now, i have to go. See you in a few days. Just write him a good answer." Pauline told her before she left.

Ava watched Pauline walking away. She was so happy that she has a friend like her in her life. She took the bag and run to her run. She closed the door and left the bag on the bed. She pulled out all the things. On the bottom of the bag under the shirts it was an envelope like Pauline told her. Ava took it in her hands and opened it. She recongize her father's hand writting and start reading.

My dearest Ava,

These four days i lived away from you seemed like four centuries to me. I was sitting in your bed hugging your pillow and Mr. Ted. I bet you remember how exited you were when i came back home and brought you this little teady bear. You were so happy.

I know you're having a very bad time dealling with the wrong choises i made back then. But, if i have only one wish come true i wish that i can take away all the pain. You're now old enough to understand some things. 

I want to tell so many things that might take me all the books of the world to write them down. I just want you to know that you're the best thing that happend to my life, EVER. I want you to know that. And no matter what i was always walk beside you. No matter what will happend between you and me i will always be there and when i will be gone i will be there on the next door.

I really don't know what the judges will say the court day. And that really scear the hell out of me. But WE must stay strong. WE must hold on. I know you been through Hell the last year. And this is MY fault. I wish somehow make you forget what happend while you were living with your mother in LA.

While you are reading this i want you to be happy because i am happy too. You must stay strong for the people you love and care. And believe me there are a lot. You must that gergeous smile of yours on you face when Pauline will come back in a few days. 

I'm dying to hear some news from you. Pauline always say 'She's fine.' or 'She's good'. I believe her and i trust her but i want to read it from you.

I love you with all my heart and soul,
Your Sugar Daddy. <3

PS: You see. I finaly learn how to write these damn emotions! 

Chapter 32: Have A Little Faith In Me

Richie was sitting on the bed of the local Police Departement. His head was in his hands. Even it's been a night he couldn't believe what happend the day before. He've never thought that Heather will come to this point. It was really hard for him but it was harder for Ava. He can't get of his mind the scene when he was leaving. That was breaking his heart.

He heard footsteps and looked up. It was his best friend, his buddy or better the brother he never had, Jon. The officer opened the cage's door. "Mr Sambora you're free." he said. Richie stood up and walked out. he never wanted to go there again. Jon gave Richie a quick hug and asked "Hey, was your night? I'm sorry that took me so long. Angel called Jesse and told him. Then i came here and they didn't let me come in." Jon explained as they were walking out of the Police Station.

"Oh man. How is Ava?" Richie asked. According her reaction she must be very sad. Jon didn't answered, he was looking down to his feet. "Jon how is Ava?" Richie stopped him by grabing his arm. "Look, man you must stay calm..." "Why? What happend? Is she okay? I will never forgive myself if something happen to her because of me!" "Richie calm down. She's just fine. But she doesn't live with you anymore. She'll be offer to addoption until the court. At least until the judges make their desiosion of who'll have the full castody of her." Jon explained to his best friend how the situation is.

"My daughter? No, man this is not fucking happing.... Just tell me is a fucking nightmear and when i woke up everything will be just fine. All were so quite until yesterday, we're planning our wedding with Tori and now this!" Richie said and hit his hand on Jon's car. Jon put his hand on his showlder. "Man, everything is gonna alright. You'll see.... You have nothing to worry about!" Jon tried to make him feel a little better. "I want to see her...." "I'm sorry Rich. But you can't see her until the court day. I'm sorry..." "Jon, don't you understand that i can't live without seeing her everyday? I can't...." Richie said and let some tears roll to his cheek.

It was the first time in many years that he've seen Richie crying. Richie never cries, he just keep them all inside. Until that one day will blow up. And that day is today. Jon hug close his best friend. He was tried to understand his feeling. He didn't want to know if he couldn't see his children. "It's okay man. We'll get throught this together. Just let's go home. You must calm down. We have to go there and see what we can do. Tori needs to see you, she've called me more than 100 times." Jon said. "Yeah, let's go." Richie answered and both got in Jon's car.

Meanwhile Pauline was sitting on a bench at the school yard. Since yesterday she's not in a mood for anything. After what she saw the previous night. She just couldn't believe what happend. Richie, her idiol, was arrested in front of her eyes. While Ava, her best friend, will be up to addoption until the court day. The point was one.

All that happend because Heather didn't make what she wanted. She found an another way to hurt Richie and her daughter too.That woman was sure able for anything. Now she understands why Ava and Jesse were talking about her like they did.

She was looking on the ground and she didn't notised Alex coming to her side. he had his phone on his hand. "Pauline where the Hell is Ava? I'm calling her since yesterday and she doesn't answer to me. Did i do something wrong and she's mad at me?" Alex said worried. Ava was always picking up her phone because it was always with her.

Pauline looked up at him. How would she tell him the bad news. "Alex, Ava will not be with us for a very long time..." she started somehow. She didn't even know how she found the strength to answer. "What do you mean? Is she going to llive with her mother in LA?" Alex asked. He didn't want this to happend. She just found her and he couldn't let her go. "No, Richie's been arrested for taking Ava away without Heather's permision. Ava will be up in addoprion intil the court day. And until that we just can't see her..." Pauline explained to Alex. She couldn't help herself and start crying.

"What? Pauline tell me you're kidding? Tell me you're kidding?" Alex didn't want to believe those words. But as soon as he saw Pauline nodded, it was the truth. Alex sut next to her and hugged her. Pauline hugged him back. "I-I was there when they arrested him. Y-You should have seen Ava's reaction. Ηe was trying to sound calm but he was more nervous than her." Pauline said between sobs. "That little bitch is the one to blame!" Alex raised his voise. "We can't do nothing about it. We must wait for the court day." Pauline answered and tipped up her tears.

Pauline stood up. "Where are you going? The bell didn't rung yet." Alex said from the bench. "I'm going home. I'm not in the mood of learning today." she answered to Alex and walked away with the face on the ground.

Pauline turned left on the hallway. She was passing faces by. She just wanted to be away from everyone. A lot happend these days. First was a fight with Jesse. She didn't see him or talk to him for the last couple of days. She just called him when they arrested Richie and nothing more than that.

When she took the things she had with her, she was ready to leave. But there was one problem, how. The front door was locked there was always a guard there. She walked tot he back side of school where the parking lot was. She stopped there. She looked up the wall. It wasn't possible to climb on a wall.

Pauline looked around and saw a trash bin about half metter high. She smiled. Pauline pushed the trush bin and climb on the top of it. She settle her hands on the top of the wall. Her legs helped a lot climbing with they way they can on the wall. She was now sitting on the top of the wall with her legs outside of the school. It was a little high but that was the last thing that was mattering to Pauline. With a long push on her arms she jumped of the wall and fall on the ground.

She got up. She didn't hurt, she was fine. She start walking when an arm stopped her. "Paul are you alright?" Jesse said from behind. Pauline turned and saw him. "Yeah, i'm fine. What are you doing here?" she asked. "I just wanted to check on you. I know you saw a lot that night. And when you call me we didn't talk too much. I wanted to know if you're okay. Are you?" Jesse explained and looking at her in the eyes.

"No, i'm not. How could i be? We hade a fight about this fucking night! And now Richie is in jail because that bitch Heather can't understand that Ava doesn't want her anymore in her life. And in the meanwhile Ava will be up for addoption until the court day. How could i be okay?" Pauline yelled at him. Jesse was starring at her. He knew if he'll say the wrong word, he'll never see her again.

She sighed. "Jess i'm sorry! I just didn't mean to yell at you right now. I don't even wanted to had a fight with you. I know that you care about me. Is just..... i shouldn't have react like that. I was always blaming you with your temper but i'm worse than you. Babe i'm so sorry!" she told him and hugged him. Jesse hugged her back.

He missed her these days. "It's okay, Paul. I understand. And i shouldn't have push you that much. Is your desision if you'll tell someone or not. I'm sorry too, baby." Jesse answered and he still had her in his arms. It's been a while since the last time he held her. And he couldn't deny that he missed her.

"Are you hungry?" he asked when they broke the hug. He took her hand in his and start walking. "No. But i want to go somewhere." she answered. "I want to see Ava. She's having a very hard time and she's alone. I had hard times before but my friends were there. So, i want to be there for her." she added. "Uhm. Yeah, if we can get in. I don't know where this place is." "Don't worry i had already took care of that." Pauline answered and pulled out a notebook from her school bag. She opened it and said "I googled it yesterday. I found it on the map. It not that far from here. I checked it." she explained to Jesse and showed him the map she made.

"You searched it for good huh?" Jesse asked as they made their way to the car. "Yes, i want to know everything about everything! Now, walk fatser Jess!" Pauline answered and walked a few steps in front of him.

After following the instractions of the map that Pauline found on the internet they pulled to the driveway. The building was large with a very large front door. The colours that the building was panted were dark and made the atmosphere ever heivier.

Pauline opened the door of the car and got out. She looked around at the building. Her heart broke knowing that her best friend is there. Jesse walked next to her and took her hand. He looked at her and said "Don't worry. She'll be fine!" Pauline looked back at him and smiled. "I hope so. Let's go in." she lead the way.

The large front door was open. They walked in and climped up a few stairs that were there. A door made of glass was now in front of them. As they came closer the doors opened aotomatically. It was a hard moment for both of them. Pauline shalowed hard and made her way to the front desk that was in the end of the hallway.

A woman was sitting there. "Hello, we want to see Ava Sambora. She came here yesterday." Pauline said to her. "Name?" the woman answered without looking at them. "Pauline Timson and Jesse Bongiovi." Pauline answered and made an eye-contact with Jesse. "I'm sorry but one in a time." the woman anbswered again from the desk. Pauline looked next to her. Jesse nodded and said "You go. Just tell her i'm here and i love her." "Thank you." "I'll be in the car." Jesse answered and walked away.

The woman called Ava's name on the speaker. Pauline was looking around  for her nervously. Ava walked in the erea from a door. She looked like she was hit by truck. Her eyes were looking down to her feet. She shlowly lifted up her head and saw Pauline standing there. Her eyes rolled.

"You got 10 minutes. Not minute more. Understood?" the woman finaly spoked from the desk. Pauline looked at her and nodded. She walked to Ava and hugged her tight. Ava hugged her back. "I'm so happy to see you. I thought that i was alone." Ava said never leaving Pauline. "You're not alone. Jesse is here too, but she said only one at a time." Pauline answered and broke the hug.

"How are you Ava?" Pauline asked again. That was a stupid queation. How she was? It was very obvious how Ava was. "I've been better. How is Dad?" "He's out of jail. I didn't see him since that day." Pauline explained. "Pauline, please do me a favour. Go check on him. You know is so sensitive, he can't get too much. I know he has Tori and uncle Jon, but i want you to be there too." Ava said and looked her in the eyes. She knew very well her father. She knew how much he loves her, and she does the same.

"I will. Promise. I know you're sensitive too. You look a lot like him." "Yeah, i know. Is just.... i have to be strong cause if i don't....." she paused for a second. "I don't what will happend next." "Everything is gonna be fine. Richie will take full castody and you'll get out of here very soon." Pauline answered to Ava. These were words that they both must believe. "I hope you're right. I can't take it if he doesn't. When is the court day?" Ava asked. "I don't know. But i will." Pauline answered.

"You'll tell me when you know right?" "Yeah, of course and i will. Don't worry about it." Pauline answered. "two more minutes." the woman said from behind. Both turned and saw her. Ava faced Pauline and said "When you'll come back?" "Very soon. I'll find a way to talk with you Dad. I promise you that." Pauline looked deep in Ava's eyes. She meant every single word.

The woman came and grabed Pauline's arm. "You time is done." she said with a cold voise. While that woman was taking away Pauline, she told Ava "Just have a little faith in me." The woman kicked Pauline out of the building.

Pauline walked out of the front door and saw Jesse sitting next to the car. "Let's get out of here!" she told him and got in the car. "You saw Ava?" Jesse asked when he sut on the driver seat. "Yeah, i saw her. I must think something. She must talk with Richie, Jesse. Very soon before both of them got crazy." Pauline answered to him. She was looking in his eyes. She didn't mean it, she feel it.

She must find a way to talk with each other, with any cost. She knew that the bond between them was very strong. Is really hard to broke a strong bond between two people. But Heather just did it. She had succeced her plan. Richie was suffering, so was Ava. Now, it all comes down to Pauline.