Jessica Hendrix: Thanks for letting me come over, I needed a night out.
William Worthington: No problem. That's some crazy shit you're dealing with right now... Come in. [He moved to the side to let her through the doorway.]
Jessica Hendrix: Thanks. [She shut the door behind her and set her purse down on a nearby table.] So where is your other half tonight?
William Worthington: Who cares? Point is she's not here. So talk to me. What's been going on with you?
Jessica Hendrix: I ended things with Dane and then I find out today I'm pregnant. [She exhaled and shook her head.] I seriously don't know what I'm going to do. I know I have all sorts of options but it's still scary to think about.
William Worthington: Does he not know how to use a condom? And I thought you were on the pill. [He led her to his living room/den area and sat her down on the couch.] Not to sound all fatherish, but what were you thinking? You can't have a kid.
Jessica Hendrix: You're telling me, I can barely take care of myself Will. [She grabbed a pillow and put it over face.] I am so fucking screwed, ughhh!
William Worthington: Well, if it's money, you know I will help if you need it. Seriously Jess, this isn't a good idea. I mean, if you were married and planning it, then that would be totally different, but this was an accident and you and the father aren't even together. Is he going to help at all?
Jessica Hendrix: Aside from most likely telling me to get an abortion, probably not. When I texted him and told him he said to take it up with his lawyers.
William Worthington: Well, maybe he has a point. I mean, it's obviously totally up to you, but maybe an abortion is the right thing to do. You don't really want to have his kid, do you? You're only 23, and he's... old, and the mayor.
Jessica Hendrix: I am definitely considering an abortion but then what if I do it and then I realize I want a kid down the road. Plus in some ways I think its murder.
William Worthington: You've got lots of time to have kids. It's not like this is your only shot at it. I know it's a tough decision, but you've got to think about what's right for you, and what's right for the kid. I mean, look at the way he treats his daughter Jovie. It'll probably be worse for this kid.
Jessica Hendrix: I've seen how he treats Jovie up close and personal and it's not right. [She exhaled and sat back against the couch.] Part of me says just go ahead and get rid of it but another part of me is saying no, I'll regret it.
William Worthington: Ok, say you keep it and forget that I'd help you out. What are you going to do? Like you said, you can barely take care of yourself. You don't really have any money and you're on your own right? Dane will probably bury you if you try to fight him for child support. It might not even make it to the courts. I'm sure he has his ways that even if it did, mysteriously this kid would turn out not to be his according to DNA tests, right?
Jessica Hendrix: I don't know Will...[She teared up and wiped them away with the back of her hand.] As it pretains to Dane I don't even think I'd try to get anything out of him. It's not like he would do anything anyway.
William Worthington: [He sat down next to her and put a comforting hand on the back of her neck, stroking her cheek with his thumb.] Whatever you decide, you know your friends will be there for you. If you decide to have the baby, no one needs to know who the father is, right? If someone asks, you can always just lie. Tell them it's Braydon's. Scare the fuck out of him. [He laughed softly.]
Jessica Hendrix: Thank you Will...[She offered him a smile and wiped away another tear.] I don't know what I'd do without you in my life.
William Worthington: That's what friends are for, right? [He leaned down and kissed her cheek softly.]
Jessica Hendrix: Right...[Without saying anymore she turned her head and kissed him on the lips gently.] Friends can be for that to...
William Worthington: Friends can be there for a lot of things... [He grinned and kissed her lips.] If you decide to keep it, I have a feeling you're going to need a lot of things like that... From what I hear, your hormones go crazy when you're pregnant.
Jessica Hendrix: Does that mean I can have you on call twenty-four seven just for that purpose? [She grinned back at him.] Because if thats the case I could probably enjoy this.
William Worthington: I promise you can have me on call. I said I'd help with anything you'd need. [He laughed softly.] Just don't tell Brooke. I don't think she'd like that too much.
Jessica Hendrix: It's not like Brooke doesn't do her own thing, I'm sure. [She snuggled in closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.] Thank you for everything though. For the first time since I found out about this kid, I feel like everything is going to be okay.
William Worthington: It will be fine. As far as anyone is concerned, it was immaculate conception. [He chuckled as he put his arm around her shoulders.] We'll figure it out. You're not alone.
Jessica Hendrix: [She smiled and exhaled.] So now that I sort of have a game plan I can focus on some other things at hand.
William Worthington: Like what? [He propped his feet up on the coffee table as he relaxed with her.]
Jessica Hendrix: Well for starters I heard a rumor from a little birdy that you and Teagan are knocking boots.
William Worthington: [He laughed.] Who told you that? That's supposed to be a secret.
Jessica Hendrix: [She bit on her lower lip.] I really am not at liberty to say but I guess it's true then. How did that happen?
William Worthington: We've been sleeping together since high school. Never stopped... but don't tell anyone. Brooke can't know and Tegs is in rehab. It's hard enough getting in there with her alone for a good amount of time. If they find out what's going on, I won't be allowed to see her alone.
Jessica Hendrix: I promise on my life that I won't say anything to anyone, least of all Brooke. [She placed a hand on his leg.] The last thing I want to do is screw anything up for you that you enjoy doing.
William Worthington: Glad to hear it. [He smirked at her before pulling her into his lap.] I'm also glad to hear you're feeling better now that we've had a talk about things.
Jessica Hendrix: Me to. [She smiled and turned her face toward him.] You always have a way of making me feel better no matter how shitty my situation is.
William Worthington: : It's a gift. [He rubbed her thigh gently.] Of which, I have many. So tell me, is there anything I can do to make you feel even better?
Jessica Hendrix: Well you're all ready starting to do a good job of it. Since you made me feel so good about myself what can I do for you?
William Worthington: I'm pretty content with how this evening is going so far. There's nothing specific that comes to mind besides the pleasure [he paused to grin] of your company.
[Jessica smiled and leaned in and kissed Will on the lips. Later that evening she found herself at home feeling even more lonely than she did previously. Even though Will was a good friend and very supportive of her, Jess couldn't believe she let herself sleep with another man especially when she was pregnant. She was clearly on a very dangerous downward spiral and needed to get off of it. She thought about this as she changed into a pair of white fleece sweatpants and a long-sleeved thermal shirt. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and was all set to go to bed when she heard her doorbell ring. Cautiously she walked out of her bedroom and into the foyer area. Unlocking the door she opened it up and standing before her was Wesley. Her mouth dropped open as she kept her hand securely on the doorknob.]
Jessica Hendrix: Wes....What're you...[She shook her head.] What're you doing here?
[Wesley Jerome Kent was standing in front of her in his Marine dress uniform with his duffel bag on the ground next to him. He smiles as he sees the face that reminded him of the good things in the world.]
Wesley Kent: "Hey girl. I am sorry I didn't write you back. That's why I am all dressed up. I came right over her after leaving the airport. Oh...and stopping for these."
[He raised arm and showed her the dozen white roses he bought her.] Wesley Kent: "Am I forgiven?"
[It had been close to two weeks since she had written him and told him of her pregnancy as well as the affair she had been having with Dane. Shocked her eyes glanced from his face to the flowers and then back to his face again. She couldn't believe that he was standing there before her and that he was also smiling at her.]
Jessica Hendrix: What're you doing here though? I mean, I thought that you didn't want anything else to do with me especially after that letter I wrote you. I hear nothing back from you and then the next thing I know here you are on my doorstep, what gives?
Wesley Kent: "I am really sorry, but I couldn't put the words on paper. I tried, but the only way I knew to be there for you is to be here for you. Thats why I came over."
[She exhaled and stepped aside letting him into the house. She couldn't believe he was there wanting to comfort her after everything she had done. Jess shut the door behind him and stood there speechless. She was afraid to get close to him because of the possibility of it all being a dream. She prayed it was real but knew that it might not be.]
Jessica Hendrix: Are you really here?
[Wes walks in with the flowers and his duffel bag. He sets them both down and laughs at her question. he scoops her up in his arm, like he used to, justbecause she hated it so much.]
Wesley Kent: "I hope so, because if I'm not, then I'm back in Iraq getting shot at and some suupernatural being is suspending you in mid-air."
Jessica Hendrix: Whoa ummm please put my down, I'm kind of nauseated. [She swallowed hard as he put her down. She looked up at his face.] I just can't believe you're here. I seriously thought after that letter I sent you that you were finished with me.
[Wes shakes his head and looks at her.]
Wesley Kent: "No way. I told you, you are never getting rid of me. Plus, we already agreed a long time ago you would have my children. (he smacks himself in the head). That was probably not the best joke to make right now, even if its a true one."
Jessica Hendrix: [She bit on her lower lip and put her arms around him, giving him a hug.] I'm sorry I was giving you the third degree, I just have had a long day and you coming here has thrown me off guard.
[Wes hugged her back and relaxed as she pressed against him. She is more beautiful than before he left.]
Wesley Kent: "I should have called, but I wanted to surprise you. I haven't even booked a hotel yet. I missed you a lot. (he let her go slowly.) We all make mistakes Lady J. I am not going to judge you. AHaving an affair is small scale to the things I have done lately that is deemed okay because it is war. I am only here love you, make you laugh, and eat you out of house and home."
Jessica Hendrix: Well that's good to hear. [She laughed as she rested her head on his shoulder.] I'm glad you're here because I need you in my corner right now. Things are so screwed up Wes.
[Wes looked at her and can see the sadness in her eyes. It broke his heart to see her like this.]
Wesley Kent: "You didn't go into all the details in the letter. Why don't we sit down and you tell me everything?"
[They walked to the sofa and sat down, his arm around her. She snuggled against him and put an arm around his chest.]
Jessica Hendrix: I was stupid and I started up an affair with my boss. Now I'm pregnant and most likely going to be out of job. Plus I don't even know if I can handle a kid right now. I can barely take care of myself...
[Wes looked at her and and just held her closer but not to close.]
Wesley Kent: "I am partially to blame for this. I left you for the Marines. I wanted to ask you to wait for me but I thought it would be unfair. Politicians are only worried about image Lady J. We will think of something and don't worry if you get fired. I have plenty of money to help you out if you do. You aren't alone."
Jessica Hendrix: As much as I love you for what you're offering, I can't ask you to do this. You deserve a girl who didn't do what I did. I don't have the right to expect you to take care of me.
[Wes shook his head again.]
Wesley Kent: "You didn't ask, I offered, and I deserve who I say I deserve. Just learn from this. I think the guy should stick by you, but if he doesn't, you have me. Always will."
Jessica Hendrix: Dane doesn't even think this baby is his. [She swallowed hard.] I just want you to know though that things are over between him and I and they have been for a little bit.
[Wes continued to look at her, not able to stop.]
Wesley Kent: "If he isn't in your life and he doesn't think the child is his, do you want him involved with your baby? Maybe you can make a deal. If he lets you leave with a good recommendation, you will never tell the baby he may be the father. Does the kid really need a dad like that?"
Jessica Hendrix: No of course not; this baby, if I decide to keep it, deserves a father who wants to be there for it.
[Wes nodded his head in approval.]
Wesley Kent: "Exactly. So, I will be happy to go talk to the mayor with you, if you need me to, and I will take care of you until you can get another job...and maybe you shouldn't while you are pregnant. You have had enough stress already. Take the time off to relax and spend time with the kid after it is born."
Jessica Hendrix: As much as I love you for how good you're being to me, I have to ask why are you being so nice to me? I cheated on you Wes and treated you like shit, I don't deserve your kindness.
Wesley Kent: "You didn't cheat on me. I told you not to wait on me, a decision I regret. You didn't do anything to me and as far as being good to you...I just want to."
[She snuggled against Wes and closed her eyes. For the first time in a long time she felt loved and secure and she prayed that it would last.]