One Chicago: Linstead

Chapter 58: Becoming Him

Jay fell to the ground in tears. He cried himself to sleep.

"Jay, babe, are you okay?" Erin asked, whispering. She shook him until he woke up.

"Huh? What? What time is it?" Jay asked, confused.

"It's 2 in the morning. Are you okay? Why are you in the basement? Why were you crying?" Erin questioned.

"I'm fine. I was crying because I felt like crap. I ruined my father's image. Will doesn't love him anymore and that's my fault. I just wish everything would stop going wrong but when it starts going right, I screw up." Jay sobbed.

"Jay, no. I love you, and you never screw anything up when it comes to being a husband and a father. You are a great father to three children, and you're going to be great when we have more. You're a great husband to me, and I love you. You don't screw anything up, you make it better. Never forget that. Let's get you upstairs and in bed." Erin comforted.

She led him to their room and tucked him in like he was a little kid. She watched him sleep and when he woke up, his mood was slightly changed.

"Erin, I'm sorry about earlier this morning. I shouldn't have done that, or said that. I'm so sorry. It's just being with my father again, it brings up old feelings. I just, I'm afraid of becoming him." Jay stated.

"What? That's what you're afraid of? Jay. What? You will never be him, you've never intentionally hurt any of us, Jay. I love you and you will never be a coward like your father. You're already better than him." Erin kissed his cheek.

"Thanks. We better get up and make breakfast. I love you, Erin." He kissed her ran to the kitchen in a very childish-christmas-morning mood.

Erin woke the kids and made their beds while they were eating breakfast.

"Okay, guys. Before your mommy comes down here, I need to tell you guys. Tomorrow is your mommy's birthday, okay, and you're going to stay with Aunt Kim and Uncle Adam. No complaining, no whining. Don't tell mommy, it's a surprise, but when you get back we're all gonna go for ice cream or something, as long as you don't tell mommy." Jay told his kids.

"Hey, what's all the whispering about?" Erin walked into the kitchen.

"Daddy said we gonna go for ice cream!" Noah cheered.

"Not today, just some other day in the week." Jay smiled and laughed.

"Okay, sounds fun..?" Erin smiled with a confused-kind-of-look.

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What is Jay gonna do for Erin's birthday? What do you think? Comment what you think. And vote if you liked it!