𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

𝘨 𝘰 𝘯 𝘦

THE NEXT MORNING, Ariella woke up to the sound of John B tolling the bell outside the Chateau. She sighs, running a hand through her hair. She knew that he was doing it as a way to see if it was going to somehow bring Big John back.

She glanced over and saw that Cora Lynn was still peacefully asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with each breath. Knowing that JJ was outside with John B, she decided to freshen up quickly and change.

After grabbing the baby monitor, she headed to the kitchen with a plan to make French toast and bacon for the three of them, knowing they hadn't had a decent meal in ages.

Thankful that she had decided to use some of Ward's money to stock up on groceries for the Chateau, Ariella started preparing breakfast. The smell of sizzling bacon and the sweet aroma of French toast filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

She carefully dipped each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure they were perfectly coated before placing them on the small hot griddle. The sound of the bread sizzling as it hit the griddle was comforting, and she watched as each slice turned a beautiful golden brown.

As she flipped the French toast, she felt a sense of satisfaction knowing she was doing something nice for her family.

The kitchen was bathed in the soft morning light, casting a serene glow over everything. The clinking of utensils and the gentle hum of the stove added to the peaceful ambiance.

But it was soon ruined by John B and JJ, who join her in the kitchen, drawn by the delicious smells. John B's stomach growled loudly, catching her attention and making her laugh.

JJ came up behind Ariella, watching her expertly flip the French toast over, kissing her neck lightly. "Morning, pretty girl. This looks amazing."

"Figured you guys would be hungry and I just so happened to have bought some groceries." Ariella smiles, plating up the food, feeling a warmth spread through her.

"You're the best, you know that?" John B says, stealing a piece of bacon, giving her a happy and innocent smile.

"I know."

It was moments like these that made everything worth it.

However, as she cooked, her mind wandered to Sarah. Ariella felt a mix of emotions—confusion, hurt, and a lingering sense of betrayal. She didn't know if she should call Sarah to check in or just leave things be.

The memory of seeing Sarah with Topper was still fresh for John B, and his words lingered in her mind, it left her feeling unsettled. For now, she decided to focused on the task at hand, feeding the two hungry boys.

"So I was thinking passports." John B starts. "We don't have those and I'm pretty sure Ari's is expired. Therefore, we can't fly commercial. We need other ideas."

"Okay, well, don't you have the money that you took from Portis?" JJ questions, coming out of the room with a now awake Cora Lynn in his arms. She clings to him, head against his chest, looking so calm and relaxed.

Ari and John B share a wide smile as he goes to respond, grabbing one of Cora's bottles and passing it to JJ. "I gave that money to my dad."

"So then what about a boat?" JJ suggests. "If we got a boat, maybe we could get down there 'cause the HMS...Yeah, you know about the HMS..."

Ari's mind wandered to Big John, and she couldn't help but think about saving him in any and every way possible. The thought of him being out there, needing help, consumed her.

She barely got the chance to be in his embrace and even actually sit down and have a conversation with him. She missed him so much and wanted him back—not just for herself, but for Cora and John B as well.