A Little Sane

Chapter 149

Mercedes carefully cared Aislinn who had her arms and legs wrapped around her. Aislinn was fast asleep. Jeremiah chuckled as she laid her next to Jessie and covered her up. Mercedes shook her head.

"She's so big.. and heavy."

She laughed. Jeremiah noticed her sad expression as she watched her children sleeping. Mercedes finally looked at Jeremiah.

"Even though she is way too big to be carried.. they're pretty soon not even going to want to hug me."

Jeremiah walked Mercedes back to his room. He watched her walk into the bathroom. He sighed as he followed her. She was staring at her face in the mirror. A small ring of yellow had formed around the dark purples, blacks, and blues. Jeremiah stood behind her and gently rubbed his hands up and down her arms. 

"Don't stare at it Mercedes.."

He gently pressed his lips to her right unbruised cheek. Mercedes closed her eyes. Jeremiah looked at her shocked when she sank back into his form. He quietly sighed. He felt he couldn't over step in the slightest because he didn't want to unintentionally take advantage of her. 

"I'm sure you are tired. I will let you get some rest."

Mercedes followed him as he exited the bathroom.

"Miah.."

He stopped and faced the door with a please don't be your beautiful self with me look. He slowly turned around and sighed.

"I am sorry I allowed you to go outside.."

Mercedes shook her head no and grabbed his wrist. 

"No. I chose to confront my husband. This is on me."

"I should not have allowed him to get that close to you."

Mercedes set on the edge of Jeremiah's bed with her head down. He couldn't leave the room yet. He sighed as he knelt in front of her. 

"Why do you do this to yourself? Why do you blame yourself?"

Mercedes spoke without looking up.

"I don't know.."

Jeremiah gently placed his hand on her knee. 

"We can talk about this more in the morning. Get some sleep."

Jeremiah tried to stand up, but Mercedes grabbed his wrist. He instantly hoped she wasn't going to beg him to stay. His heart sank when she did. 

"Miah.. please don't leave.. please stay."

He gave her a sad look.

"Mercedes.."

A tear fell from her eye.

"Please.. don't leave me in here alone. Please stay with me."

His heart was breaking at how broken she looked. He gently cupped her right cheek and she leaned into his hand. His expression became visibly distressed and he was trying to hold back tears. He took in a deep breath and shook his head.

"Stay with me. In the bunker."

More tears escaped her eyes as she tired to huff away his words. She tired to look away, but Jeremiah brought her face back to him.

"Mercedes I will never ever hurt you. I would never hit you. You would have anything you wanted. I will protect you and the kids. Everyday you would wake up knowing you are safe... and loved.."

A single tear finally fell down Jeremiah's cheek.

"Stay here with me.."

"Miah.."