~Abuse~

Chapter 73

Erin and Jay were seated on the couch, deeply absorbed in a movie with the children after Ashlyn's kidnapping and Jay's distressing ordeal.

As the movie played, Ashlyn laid her head in Jay's lap. Jay, with a tender smile, kissed her sleepy forehead.

Erin glanced at Jay and rested her head against his shoulder.

"Mom? My tummy hurts so bad..." Cassie whimpered.

Erin rose and gently enfolded Cassie in her arms.

"I know, sweetie. It's just your muscles contracting; it will pass," Erin comforted.

Cassie held tightly to her mother, seeking comfort as she cried in her arms.

"Is she okay?" Jay whispered.

Erin nodded and tenderly kissed the top of Cassie's head.

"Look! It's you, Rupert!" Ashlyn exclaimed, pointing at the TV.

JaJay was awestruck and gently kissed Ashlyn's forehead.

After Awhile, the movie ended, and Erin was making dinner.

Cassie had fallen asleep on Jay's lap, overwhelmed by the pain.

"Is sis okay?" Ashlyn asked.

Jay smiled and nodded.

"Yes, Monkey. She's just feeling a bit sick," Jay whispered.

Ashlyn hopped onto Jay's lap and played with her toy truck.

"You like that truck, don't you, baby?" Jay laughed.

Ashlyn nodded and held on tightly to it.

"Wes! Woo can't touch it!" Ashlyn babbled.

Erin set the garlic bread bowl down, and Jay lifted Cassie up.

"Let's get some food in you, sweetheart," Jay said with a smile.

Cassie groaned and nibbled on the garlic bread.

"It's lovely, babe!" Jay exclaimed with a smile.

Erin smiled back and began to eat.

While the family ate, Ashlyn's bowl and baby spoon remained untouched.

"Do you want to start eating, babe?" Erin inquired.

Ashlyn shook her head and pouted.

"What's wrong, darling?" Jay asked.

Ashlyn climbed onto Jay's lap and snuggled against his chest.

"Daddy's eating, sweetie," Erin whispered.

Ashlyn burst into tears and clung to Jay.

"Okay, it's alright. How about we go for a little walk?" Jay suggested.

He rose from the table and took Ashlyn by the hand.

Ashlyn and Jay made their way to the couch, where Ashlyn handed him her truck.

"Rupert broken..." Ashlyn sniffled.

Jay noticed the truck's tiny wheel was loose, explaining Ashlyn's earlier outburst.

"Oh, baby! I can fix that!" Jay exclaimed, smiling.

Ashlyn giggled, holding Tigger close.

"Rupert's as good as new!" Jay declared with a grin.

Ashlyn squealed with delight and reached for the toy truck.

"Now. Can we go eat?" Jay asked.

Ashlyn nodded, and ran towards the table.

"Her truck was broken..." Jay replied.

Erin nodded, and chewed on the pasta.

Later on. The Halstead's were all in bed.

Hi My Readers!!

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!!

Feel free to Comment and Vote!

~Stay Safe 🙂