It had been two weeks since Jen's hospital discharge. There had been significant improvements in both her physical and mental health. However, she couldn't return to filming Magic Mike until after the baby's birth, which meant she needed to head back to Los Angeles. Jen had already been back in LA, but Ben was absent by her request, as they needed some time apart. Her blood pressure had returned to normal, and there had been no spikes since Ben's absence. Their children understood it was best for their parents to be apart. Fortunately, Ben had been able to occupy himself with his favorite activities, writing and filming.
Jenn's Perspective
I was outside in the backyard, watching the kids have a blast in the pool. I wore a bikini with some shorts, leaving the shorts unbuttoned to accommodate my growing belly; I didn't want to invest in maternity shorts.
Sipping on my matcha latte, I listened to some music. Everything was going smoothly until I heard a familiar voice.
"Hey," Ben said softly as he set down his backpack beside me and took a seat.
I looked over at him and set my matcha latte down on the mini table between us. "Hi," I said without much emotion, scrutinizing every detail of his face. His beard was fuller, more groomed, and he'd had a recent haircut. He appeared to have lost some weight, his cheekbones more pronounced, giving him a leaner look than usual.
"How have you been?" he asked.
"Good. Great, actually," I replied.
"Interesting. I noticed a new black Mercedes outside. Do you have someone here?" Ben asked.
"No, Ben. I don't. If you want to restart this and accuse me of things, you can leave. I don't have time for your drama anymore. A lot has happened in the past three weeks, and you weren't here for it. Don't jump to conclusions and come at me sideways as you've done in the past. I'm tired of your nonsense," I calmly conveyed so the kids wouldn't think I was arguing with their dad. The music was playing loudly, but I knew if the kids saw my hands gesturing in his face, they'd realize we were arguing. So, I maintained my composure.
"I was just going to ask if—" Ben began but stopped. "I'm sorry," he sighed softly.
I looked ahead and reclined in the lawn chair, letting the sun kiss my face. Annoyed, I was about to get up to adjust the umbrella, but Ben promptly got up and did it for me. He returned to his seat, retrieved a small, long red leather box from his backpack, and handed it to me.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" I asked, scrutinizing the box.
"Open it," he said softly.
"Ben, I honestly don't want anything from you. I don't need anything from you. I can provide for myself and my kids. If I wanted jewelry, I could buy it myself," I said, unaware of how harsh I sounded as I watched him become upset.
"I... I'll just go then. I'll take the kids to school tomorrow," Ben sighed and retreated to the guest room where he'd been sleeping for the past few weeks. I rarely saw him, as he was typically busy, out all day, but he picked up the kids and took them to school. I'd been home alone for the last three weeks, which had been good for both me and the baby.
A few hours later...
I finished making dinner, preparing dumplings, rice, teriyaki chicken, vegetable stir-fry, and broccoli beef. Cooking helped me cope when I had a lot on my mind and felt anxious.
"Whoa, Mom, you made all this? Why didn't you ask me to help?" Cy exclaimed as they observed the feast I had prepared.
"Sometimes I enjoy being alone in the kitchen. It's my way of meditating and healing," I explained to them, smiling softly.
"Wow... well, thank you for the food, Mom. Love you!" Cy said, hugging me. I hugged them back and kissed their forehead, then proceeded to plant kisses all over their face.
"Mom!" Cy laughed.
"What? I hardly get to shower you with love anymore," I playfully pouted.
"Because I'm a grown-up now, Mom," Cy chuckled and rolled their eyes playfully.
"I don't care if you're 15 or 30, you'll always be my little baby forever and ever," I smiled, squeezing their cheeks.
"Maa, stop," Cy laughed harder and pulled away to serve themselves.
The rest of the kids came downstairs and amazed at the abundance of food I had prepared.
"Wow! These are all my favorite foods!" Sam beamed, serving themselves a plate.
"Of course! Only the best for my babies," I smiled, gazing at all the kids, admiring their cute faces. I served myself after the kids, and as we ate, I felt someone towering over me. I glanced behind me and saw Ben.
"I could've helped. This is a lot of food," Ben said, trying to be helpful.
"As I told Cy, I enjoy being alone," I replied in a soft tone.
"I noticed," he replied softly, with a tinge of sadness. I rolled my eyes and sat at the dinner table with the kids. Ben took a seat next to me, as it was the only available spot.I did my best not to be annoyed.
"You know, your mom is an excellent cook. Thank you for this, Jenn. We appreciate you and everything you do," Ben said, looking at me and planting a kiss on my cheek.
I forced a smile and looked at him. "Of course. I love my kids, and I'd do anything for them," I said genuinely.
As I continued eating, the kids enjoyed their meal and chatted among themselves. Ben wrapped his arm around my chair and looked at me, holding a piece of chicken to my mouth, offering me a portion of his, since I had finished mine.
"No, thanks," I declined softly.
"Jenn, I know how much you love chicken," Ben pointed out, and I met his gaze with a neutral expression.
"Fine," I conceded, taking a bite and letting him feed me.
Sera glanced at us and observed. She smiled softly as she noted it had been a while since her dad had dined with us. Normally, he would eat alone and stay at the studio late, returning home late. But today, Ben was actually present.
As much as I tried to stay mad at him, it was difficult. The kids missed seeing us together.After we finished our meals, I leaned back and watched the kids converse and laugh. I was enjoying the moment when Ben leaned in and placed soft kisses on my shoulder.
"I love you," Ben said softly.
I couldn't respond because I didn't. I had checked out mentally when it came to him, and my emotions were in turmoil.
"Jenn?" he asked, and I dissociated, ignoring my anger. He kissed my cheek, then planted soft kisses on my temple and caressed my belly.
I looked at him, and his words felt like a stab in the heart. A rush of emotions overwhelmed me, but I was trying to hold them back. These emotions had become more frequent as my pregnancy progressed. My emotions had been all over the place, but when he touched my belly, it stirred something inside me. No matter how hard I tried to suppress my feelings for him, they refused to fade away. I excused myself and carried my plate to the kitchen, unable to contain my overwhelming emotions. I broke down into tears. I thought I had been fine on my own, but I realized how much I missed him. Ben excused himself and came to check on me when he noticed my silence. He found me crying and immediately pulled me close, comforting me by rubbing my back.
"Why should I be the one crying and suffering when you were the one who hurt me? I miss you, but it hurts so much. I can't do this anymore, Ben. I can't. I just can't," I whispered to him, my distress evident. He could see the depth of my pain.
"Jenn, I'm hurting too. I messed up badly, and I let you down. I don't want to return and pretend like nothing happened. I want to work through this. I hope you can forgive me soon, although I know it'll take time for me to earn back your love and trust," Ben said softly, and we headed to the backyard.
"Why did you make me suffer in Paris and show no happiness for my achievements?" I questioned as I sobbed, releasing all the pain and sadness within me.
"I saw Anissa before we went to LA, and it triggered my drinking. That's why I messed up that evening with the kids. I saw her again in Europe. It felt like she knew where I was, Jenn. Anissa broke my heart, and I thought I was over her. I am over her, but the mere thought of seeing her again filled me with uncertainty," Ben explained, his own turmoil evident.
"So, you're still in love with her, is that what you're saying? You took everything out on me? You let a pregnant woman suffer because you couldn't control yourself and regulate your emotions? Is that what you're saying to me?" I fumed, more tears streaming down my face. I knew I was ugly crying when snot began to run down my nose and chin. I wiped my nose with a napkin, my anger palpable.
"Yes, I admit to everything I've done wrong. Anissa was my main trigger, and I didn't even realize it. I had thoughts that you'd leave me just like she did," Ben said, further fueling my anger.
"Why didn't you tell me this from the night I told you about the movie role? Why didn't you inform me when you first saw her? I suffered because of you! I almost jeopardized my baby because of you!" I shouted, accidentally slapping his arm when I meant to hit the chair.
"I'm sorry! I couldn't communicate properly when it was a trigger! Over the last three weeks, I've been working on myself. I've lost weight because I couldn't eat without you there! I felt paralyzed, knowing I messed up because I couldn't communicate!" Ben shouted back, breaking down into tears.
"I can't deal with this, Ben. I just can't. I can't believe what's happened. I don't even know what to say to you anymore," I said, standing up.
"Are you going to leave like everyone else has in my life?" Ben asked through his tears.
"What? Ben, do you not realize the domino effect your actions have had on my life? Everything was fine between us, and I'm just now finding out about Anissa. Everything was fine!" I snapped.
"You don't understand, because you've never had your heart torn into so many pieces. I was fine. I thought I was fine when I met you, and I thought everything was perfect. It's me, Jennifer. It's me; I'm the one who moved on too quickly," Ben confessed, his tears mirroring my own.
"I'm out. I'm done. Don't talk to me. Pack your things and leave," I declared, taking off my wedding ring and handing it to him. Then, I walked inside and went upstairs.
Another month and a half passed...
Mother's Day..
I awoke to a delightful surprise, breakfast in bed, and a pile of gifts thoughtfully arranged by my children."You guys!" I exclaimed, gazing at my kids, all brimming with eager anticipation.
"Good morning, Mom!" they all said together with their smiles radiating warmth.
"Good morning to you, my precious ones," I replied, hugging each of my five children individually and planting kisses on their foreheads.
"Start with this one, Mama," Sam suggested with a smile.
"Okay, sweetheart," I replied, taking the bag and unveiling a custom jean jacket adorned with patches representing each child's horoscope sign on the right sleeve.
"This is absolutely adorable! I love it! It's so thoughtful, and I'll cherish this jean jacket forever," I beamed, then moved on to the gift Cy handed me. It was a picture frame filled with photos of me and the kids during our time in Paris, capturing moments I didn't even know Cy had taken.
"Even though I was initially reluctant to go, I ended up creating the most wonderful memories with you and my siblings," Cy shared, a smile gracing their face as we hugged.
"This is so sweet. Thank you," I responded with heartfelt appreciation.
Max presented me with a substantial bag that piqued my curiosity. "Wow, it's quite heavy!" I giggled.
"This one is from Sera,Cy, Sam, Violet, and me," Max explained, his smile just as radiant.
"Thank you, my darlings," I said with a smile, opening the bag to find two teddy bears from Build-A-Bear.
"Squeeze its paw," Sera suggested, her smile equally warm.
I complied and listened closely. The bear's voice filled the room with a familiar tune: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy every day." Tears welled up in my eyes as I recognized the singing voice. It was my grandmother, who had passed away many years ago. To hear the song she used to sing to me as a child was incredibly emotional. I couldn't believe my kids had orchestrated this heartfelt surprise.
"I can't express how much I needed this," I said to my children, pressing the paw again. "Nana was just like Grandma Lupe. She used to sing to me, Lynda, Leslie, and they'd sing together. It was truly special."
Violet, with a warm smile, added, "I'm sure she was just as wonderful as Grandma Lupe."
"She certainly was," I replied, wiping away my tears. I then pressed the paw of the other teddy bear, which played a recording of my mom singing "My Girl" by The Temptations, bringing another round of tears to my eyes.
"You guys are the best. Oh my goodness, I love you all so much!" I exclaimed, hugging each of my children once again.
We spent the rest of the morning in bed, watching movies until around 4:30. Eventually, we all went downstairs and opted for a simple dinner, ordering pizza.
As Violet was ordering the pizza, my phone began to ring incessantly. I quickly left the living room and headed to the backyard to answer.
"Hello?" I answered, without even checking the caller ID.
"Happy Mother's Day. It's your special day, and I wanted to congratulate you on everything. I miss you a lot, and I look forward to seeing you soon, hopefully," Ben's voice said.
"Thank you. How have you been?" I asked.
"It's been good. I've been attending therapy, and I've gained some weight, so you could say I'm doing well. I mean, I feel okay most days, but it's normal to have some rough ones. Yesterday, Fred, my therapist, asked about you and how we were doing. I told him that we're doing our own thing, but I'm happy to see you shining and doing great. I've been following you on Instagram, and you look so happy. I'm genuinely happy for you. I also heard about your recent movie, 'The Mother.' I look forward to seeing you on your press tour. You've always had an amazing way with words and a remarkable presence. I'm proud of you, Jennifer. You're doing amazing," Ben shared.
"That's wonderful to hear that you're doing well. Thank you for your kind words. Are you planning to come to LA soon?" I inquired.
"Not this week, maybe next week. I'm still in Montana, with a few more days of filming with Matt. But I was wondering if you could come up tomorrow?" Ben suggested.
"Ben, tomorrow is a school night, and I need to take the kids to school," I replied, chuckling softly.
"Well, you could call the nanny. Just consider it, please. It would be a nice getaway for us to catch up. I'd love for you to spend time with Matt, his wife, and me," Ben proposed.
"Oh, so now you suddenly want to see me," I teased.
"Of course. Just because we're separated doesn't mean I can't see my baby mama," Ben responded.
"I don't know, Mr. Affleck. I'll think about it," I said with a playful tone.
"Alright, Miss Lopez. I hope to see you tomorrow. Enjoy your day today," Ben wished.
"Thank you. You too. Goodbye, Ben," I said, ending the call with a soft smile.
To be continued...