~Abuse~

Chapter 85

The group was at the clinic, where Jay was getting his ear syringed and feeling quite anxious.

"I don't like ear syringes! Isn't it too late to call in sick?" Jay responded.

Erin placed her hand on Jay's leg and stroked it.

"I've already booked the appointment. You're doing this. You're going to be fine," Erin reassured him.

Jay sighed and stepped out of the truck.

"Good luck, man!" Antonio said with a smile.

Jay returned the smile and closed the door.

"Where's daddy going?" Ashlyn asked.

Erin glanced in the rear-view mirror and replied.

"He's gone to get his ear checked, sweetheart. It's been troubling him," Erin explained.

Ashlyn nodded and resumed playing with her toy truck.

Shortly after, Jay was wheeled out in a wheelchair, his head resting on his hand.

Erin exited the driver's side and approached the nurse and Jay.

"Hi Baby!" Erin greeted with a smile.

Linda glanced at Erin and passed her the medication.

"He's still recovering from the sedatives. He might be a little groggy and could experience some dizziness and drowsiness soon. It's all part of the process. The aftercare medication is in the bag," Linda informed.

Erin acknowledged with a nod and carefully assisted Jay into the passenger seat.

"Do you want the seat back?" Erin whispered.

Jay shook his head in response.

"I'll just lean my head against the window," Jay mumbled.

Erin nodded and exited the parking lot.

As Erin was driving, Jay rested his head against her knees.

 Erin removed one hand from the wheel to gently stroke Jay's hair.

"I know you want to lay your head in my lap, but I'm driving, babe," Erin murmured softly.

Adam saw Jay's reluctance to move and made a suggestion.

"Want to lie on her lap, Halstead? I can drive," Adam proposed.

Erin glanced between Adam and Jay.

"Are you sure?" she inquired.

With a nod and a smile, Adam agreed.

"Thank you, Adam," Erin said with a smile.

She pulled over at a service station and exited the driver's seat.

"Don't even think about crashing my truck," Erin cautioned.

Adam shook his head, dismissing the idea, and took the driver's seat.

"Come on, babe," Erin coaxed.

Jay climbed into the back, accidentally bumping Ashlyn's toy truck.

"My truck..." Ashlyn lamented.

Erin retrieved the toy and returned it to her daughter.

"Daddy didn't mean it, sweetheart," Erin assured.

Ashlyn accepted the apology and resumed playing with her toy truck.

"Go ahead and lay down, babe," Erin said gently.

Jay laid his head on Erin's lap and closed his eyes.

Adam arrived at the apartment and turned off the engine.