Stuck/ R.R.

Chapter 25

Joe's POV:

The boys ride home with me, and the girls jump into Jazmine's car. I feel myself getting lost in my thoughts throughout the drive, while the boys talk amongst themselves in the back. I don't know where to begin with Jazmine because so many thoughts are running through my head.

Did she not trust me enough to talk to me about this stuff?

Why didn't I know she was supposed to be on medications?

Why have I never seen her take any of these meds?

Why did she need birth control if we're not having sex?

And most importantly, why did she feel she couldn't talk to me about her family history of cancer?

Before I know it, I'm pulling into the garage with Jazmine's car pulling in beside me. "Okay guys, we're doing baths, dinner, and bedtime. It's been a long day." I announce.

"Daddy, can we watch a movie tonight?" Jacob asks.

"Sure, as long as y'all help me make bathtime run smoothly." I exhale as I help Trey out of the car. They all run in, while the girls are getting out. "Hey girls, go get ready for bed. After dinner, the boys wanna watch a movie."

They respond before heading in, leaving Jazmine sitting in the front seat. I open the door, to see her tear-filled eyes. "You alright?"

"Yea, I'm good. Just been a long day. I'll make the kids dinner." She dismisses as she wipes her face, before grabbing her bags.

"Stop, look at me. I'm serious, we can talk now, while they're getting ready for baths. I don't wanna take anything inside to them." I grab her arm before she can walk past me in the house.

"I'm serious too, I'm fine. We can talk later. Our main priority is the kids right now." She says as she avoids my face.

I exhale as I let go of her, "Alright Jazmine."

I leave Jojo to help Jaliyah with her bath, while I help the boys with baths and get into pajamas. After everyone is finished, we head to the kitchen to see plates of chicken tenders, green beans, and macaroni on the table. "Make sure you guys say grace before you start eating."

I eat at the table with the kids, before I get them all settled in the living room to start our movie night. "What we watching?" I scroll through Disney Plus. We end up settling on Lilo and Stitch after much deliberation.

As the movie starts, the lights turn off as Jazmine hits them before settling on the couch between Joelle and Jaliyah. I watch her during the movie, knowing she's avoiding my glances right now.

Once the movie is over, we get the kids into bed, me hoping to have a conversation with Jazmine. However, I'm mistaken as I enter the bedroom to see her already in bed, under the covers.

"Hey, I was hoping to talk to you."

"Can it be later, I'm really tired now?"

"Umm, sure. Goodnight, hope you sleep well."

"Thanks, you too."

"Yea, I love you."

"Love you too."

I shake my head as I get into bed myself, to once again get lost into the wave of bad thoughts in my head.

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Jazmine's POV:

I walk into the house after my appointment with my OBGYN, just for her to tell me there's almost no chance that I will ever be able to get pregnant. Joe and I have been trying for months, but I feel so hopeless since every test I take remains negative. I feel so broken and incomplete as a woman knowing I can't give my man the one thing a woman is supposed to provide, children.