~Abuse~

Chapter 79

⚠⚠TRIGGER WARNING⚠⚠

It was the morning following Jay's release from the hospital. Jay was sleeping on Erin's lap, having been gently rocked in her arms until he drifted off to sleep.

Hank entered and saw Jay still sleeping.

"He had a rough night," Erin mouthed silently.

Hank gave a knowing nod, while Ashlyn babbled cheerfully as she came in.

"Good morning, Mama!" Ashlyn beamed with a smile.

Erin smiled and whispered, "Daddy's still asleep. Have you packed your things for the hotel?"

Ashlyn shook her head, and Erin nodded in response.

"Go with Grandpa Hank and pack your things. I'll wake up Daddy," Erin said with a smile.

Hank rose from the bed and walked out with Ashlyn.

"Babe? Time to wake up..." Erin whispered.

Jay's eyes fluttered open, and Erin carefully slid out from under him.

"I've packed your joggers, t-shirts, and pyjamas," Erin said.

Jay nodded and softly rubbed the side of his stomach.

"Hey, if you ever need to lie down or cry, remember you can always do that with me," Erin said, offering comfort.

Jay nodded, and looked at Erin.

"C-Can you help me? I can't pull my joggers off..." Jay asked.

Erin smiled, and nodded.

"Lie down for me, babe." Erin whispered.

Jay lied down on the bed, and Erin pulled his joggers off.

"What do you want to wear to the hotel? Basketball shorts? Joggers? T-shirt? Hoodie?" Erin inquired.

Jay pondered for a moment before responding.

"Joggers and a t-shirt," Jay murmured.

Erin nodded and began dressing Jay in the chosen clothes.

After Awhile. Jay was on the couch. His eyes all droopy.

Erin approached and crouched down.

"You can sleep in my lap during the two-hour coach ride," Erin suggested.

Jay nodded, brushing away his tears.

"I can tell you're not feeling well, baby. It's in your eyes," Erin murmured.

The unit zipped up their cases and looked at Jay.

"Is he okay?" Adam asked.

Erin nodded and felt Jay gently squeeze her hand.

"Yes, he's going to fall asleep on the couch. He'll be fine," Erin reassured.

The unit nodded and exited the apartment.

Inside the coach, Jay was toying with Erin's fingers, while she tenderly brushed the hair from his eyes.

Jay's eyelids began to droop, and he soon fell asleep.

"He's asleep," Hank whispered.

Erin carefully lowered Jay's head onto her lap, whispering in response.

"Yes. He was afraid to rest his head, worried you might mock him," Erin said.

The unit members all pouted; such a thought had never crossed their minds.

"We would never do that!" Antonio affirmed with a nod.

Erin smiled and leaned back into the seat.

After several hours, the group arrived at their hotel.