𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞 {𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞} [𝐎𝐂 𝐗 𝐎𝐂]

♡Chapter 185♡

{Poppy's outfit}

"It's okay, JJ." Poppy whispered, her voice trembling as she rocked her son in her arms. His tiny face scrunched red, tears rolling down his cheeks as his cries filled the room. She kissed his soft hair, her own tears threatening to fall. "I know you miss Daddy. I'm so sorry, baby. Mommy's just got...a lot going on right now."

But JJ only cried harder, his little fists clenching tight against her chest.

"Oh, JJ, please." Poppy pleaded, desperation creeping into her tone. "I've fed you, I've changed you, I've sung every lullaby I know...what else could you want?" Her voice cracked, heavy with exhaustion and heartbreak.

From the doorway, another voice cut in, calm and knowing. "You know, babies can sense their mother's emotions. Maybe he's picking up on your stress."

Poppy glanced up sharply. It was Hayley, her best friend, who stepped into the room with a small, sympathetic smile.

That's right—Poppy had run away. She'd been hiding at Hayley's house for nearly a week now.

"You think?" Poppy asked softly, biting her lip as she looked down at her son, then back at her friend.

"I know so." Hayley nodded with certainty, slipping into the chair opposite her. "My cousin Sammy was the same way after his parents divorced. He cried nonstop for weeks, almost like he was grieving with them."

"Wow..." Poppy murmured, brushing her cheek against JJ's tiny head. "I don't want him upset because of me. That's the last thing I want."

"Don't sweat it." Hayley said gently, reaching over to rub Poppy's arm. "It's not your fault your mom's been lying to you your whole life." She winced immediately at her own words. "Sorry. That came out wrong."

"It's fine." Poppy muttered, shaking her head. "I just...I just need to wrap my head around it all. That's all."

"Understandable." Hayley rested her hand on Poppy's knee, her tone steady. "Just don't take too long, okay? Your family and Warren—they're worried sick. The only reason they haven't reported you missing is because I told them I knew where you were, that you were safe. But they don't know you're here. With me."

"I'm sorry." Poppy's voice broke. "I didn't mean to put this stress on you. I just needed space...space from all of them."

"I get it. From your mom, from Nathan...even from your da--I mean Jesse." Hayley said carefully, correcting herself mid-sentence. "But Pops, it isn't fair to the others. They've done nothing but love you, and right now they're worried out of their minds."

"I know." Poppy's shoulders slumped. She let out a small sigh of relief when JJ's cries softened, his little body finally relaxing against her chest. Her voice cracked as she spoke again. "But if I see them, I'll fall apart. I mean...Steph and I, we've always been close, more like sisters than cousins. We had our own secret jokes. We told each other everything. I taught her how to flirt, and she taught me how to get better at math." She gave a sad, shaky laugh. "And Nicky and Alex...god, those boys. My little brothers who...who aren't even my brothers."