Remember Your Worth | Jackson Avery

bonus chapter: twelve

"Everyone out in five!" I shouted through the house.

"Mom, I'm not ready!"
Rae yelled from her room.

"Not my problem. Let's go!"

"I'm ready!" Sky shouted, grabbing her backpack.

"I was ready first." Kai yelled, pushing past his sister. 

"Me too." JJ spoke, kissing my cheek then going in the kitchen.

"Does everyone have cash?" I inquired.

They responded with a simultaneous 'yes' then went back to what they were doing. I nodded, turning on the tv as I waited for everyone to finish.

"-dal wave of bills targeting protesters has been introduced by state legislatures across the U.S. since George Floyd died. They would ban taunting police and camping on state property, broaden activities that are illegal during a riot, and impose harsher penalties for blocking traffic.."

I sighed, shaking my head.

"While a significant number of protests have been peaceful presentations of solidarity and collective calls for change, a number of cities throughout the United States and across the world have been devastated by violent riots, vandalism and looting. There have been more than twenty incidents so far in which people have driven cars into crowds of demonstrators.." The woman continued.

"That exactly what I would've done to that couple." JJ said, sitting next to me.

"What couple?"

He pointed to the screen as a picture of a caucasian couple appeared on the screen.

"Mark and Patricia McCloskey have been arrested for confronting protesters marching past their mansion to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson’s house in the Central West End of St. Louis. Images from the standoff show Mark McCloskey clutching an AR-15-style rifle and his wife holding a handgun as the marchers passed the house."

I stared at the screen, disappointed.

"See. If they would've gotten tapped with my bumper, everything would've been smooth."

I looked to him, laughing then going upstairs. Jackson pulled his shirt over his head, rolling his eyes to me then gesturing toward his phone.

"Jackson? Are you coming in today? Not that I would ask a black man not to march.."

I looked at the screen to see Catherine all in the camera.

"No, but you can text me eight times, asking if I’m coming in, though." He chuckled.

"That was my phone that did that, it's new."

"Oh, okay. No, I almost called in a sub, honestly, but I figured they’ll need me. Speaking of which, did you read my proposal that I sent? I mean, with Ortiz’s connections… I think we can make a real impact."

She looked away from the camera, suddenly pretending to be occupied.

"You know we’re barely keeping the lights on as it is, baby. But I will revisit it when the revenues improve."

Jackson sighed, looking to me. We both knew that meant his proposal was at the end of her important list.

"Dr. Ortiz and I put a lot of really good time and effort into this. She’s got great ideas." He persisted.

"Just let me get through this week, okay?"

"Ah. This week.. Yeah, okay. Mom, I gotta finish getting ready. I'll see you."

"Okay, love you!"

"Love you." He dryly said, hanging up.

Once everyone was ready, I dropped the kids off at school then headed back home. This suspension, or leave, whatever you wanna call it, sucked.

I couldn't understand how people just stay home all day, everyday. A part of me was thankful I wasn't in the gloomy hospital, though.

DeLuca's death had deeply affected most of the staff. Most were still recovering while some were finally coming to terms with his death.

Later that night, I sat back in the jacuzzi that Jackson bought, looking to the kids. They did their own thing in the pool, occasionally messing with some of Jackson's outdoor gear.

My head turned to the rustling sound. I smiled, seeing Jackson coming towards me. He got comfortable, adjusting his swim trunks and getting in with me.

"What's wrong?" He asked, moving me onto his lap.

"Look at them.. they're so happy."

We looked to the kids laughing and playing with each other.

"Yeah.. it's a beautiful sight."

"And I am feeling so many emotions.."

"Okay. You wanna describe these many emotions?" Jackson questioned, smirking.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, softly kissing my neck. I nervously chuckled, scared to say my thoughts.

"I kinda want another." I blurted.

"No." He replied, unwrapping his arms.

"What? Come on."

"We- no."

I looked to him, laughing as he repeatedly shook his head.

"So you're not going to give it any thought?" I lowly asked, licking his neck then kissing his lips.

"Mm.. You're making it hard not to."

I stared into his eyes, biting my lip.

"My beautiful wife... Be careful what you wish for." He smirked, getting out of the jacuzzi.

"Hey, who wants pizza!?"

The kids agreed, immediately making their way inside. Jackson kissed my cheek, gently pulling my hand.

"Let's go get that pizza." He said then winked.

I stared at him, giggling.

"You have such a dirty mind."

"Hey, I'm not the one who brought up the oven.. it's okay if you don't get it. Let it go over your head."

"What?"

I was purely confused.

"Babe, I'm not the one who brought up the oven... The oven.. and we're going to get pizza.. babe, let's go."

I cackled, seeing his disappointed face. He laughed, shaking his head at me as we went inside.