Betty POV:
"For the love of God... Please don't tell me that I smell chicken nuggets.", Trinity groaned as she thumped down the stairs, trudging into the kitchen and shooting a death glare at the oven, which hummed softly.
"You love chicken nuggets, Trin.", I said, suddenly doubtful.
"I do.", she responded. "It's only the third night in a row that we've had them for dinner. Is there anything else I can have? I feel like I'm going to forget what actual food tastes like if I don't get my hands on any within the next 20 minutes.".
"Relax, hun. There's some leftover pasta outside just dying to be devoured by a growing girl. Why don't you have some of that?".
She smiled, sighing a breath of relief and rushing over to engulf me tightly.
"Thanks, Mom. I don't know what I'd do without you.".
"Anytime, baby, but I just-".
Before I could point out that I'd only mentioned leftovers in comparison to a luxury meal, she'd managed to sprint out, and I soon heard the outside fridge slam shut. I chuckled, shaking my head while I took the nuggets out of the oven.
As soon as the oven bell rang, the sound of trampling footsteps came from overhead. Jug was the first to leap down the stairs, lunging to grab the plate in my hands before tossing himself into a seat at the table.
"Dad, aren't you supposed to be the adult?", Trinity remarked as she waltzed in with her cold food.
"Shut it. I'm hungry.".
"I have four children. Haven't you heard?", I teased.
Lola came bouncing down the stairs, plucking a few nuggets from her dad. And lastly, Ash came down as well.
His lips were cracked and both of his hands were tucked behind him. I watched them fidget with each other as he made his way over to the table, sitting down without making a sound.
Jug looked at me over his shoulder, visibly concerned for his baby. I nodded as I shot glances between him and Ashton.
"Ash, buddy, is everything okay?", he asked, his mouth still stuffed.
His only response came from his eyes, which blinked rapidly as he fought back tears.
Jug and I quickly rushed over, each of us taking a side.
"Ash, talk to us. What's wrong? We only want to help you.".
"Not h-here.", he whispered, a tear slipping much against his will. He swiped it away, sniffling as he abruptly stood up and ran back up the stairs.
"You guys sit tight and eat. You too, Jug. I'll go talk to him.". I collected myself, following after him and into his room, finding him sitting on his bed with his back against the wall. He clenched his blue and white striped billie tightly to his chest, his matching fuzzy blanket tangled between his legs. He'd allowed himself to cry, which was made apparent by the tear stains on his cheeks.
"Hey! Ash, what's the matter? You look really shaken up.".
He threw his arms around me as soon as I sat down. I almost toppled over. My hand quickly found his back, my other holding the back of his head as I controlled my breathing for him to follow.
"M-Mom, I'm really scared.", he trembled.
"Why? You're safe. I'm is right here and Dad is downstairs with your sisters.".
"That's s-supposed to make me feel better, but it d-doesn't.".
"Well, if you want me to help you feel better, I need you to tell me what has your terrified.".
"U-Uh... My window keeps m-making noises. It keeps t-tapping.".
I smiled, glancing back towards the window, watching as the sky cried along with him. I wiped his tears, kissing both of his eyelids as he continued to quake.
"Bub, it's raining. That's all.".
"B-But what about the car?".
"What car, Ash?".
"The car that was following us earlier.", he murmured, pulling away and curling his knees to his chest as his lip poured instinctively.
"I'm sure they were just going home, too. There's nothing to worry about. However, if it'll make you feel better, maybe I can call your dad up to talk to you. Would it help to talk to him?".
"M-Maybe. I'm sorry, Mommy.".
"Oh, bub.", I whispered. I cupped just cheeks and kissed his nose gently.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I'm not offended. You call me if you do need me though, alright?".
He nodded while laying back onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. I left, closing his door softly behind me, and my brave face suddenly wiped itself away.
"Everything's fine, Betty.", I reassured myself. "There's nothing wrong. Everything's normal. Stop worrying over nothing.".
