Danger II // J.N

Chapter 21

Jace's POV.

Violet sits on the couch in the living room, watching Peppa Pig while she drinks her milk. She has her Peppa Pig blanket around her.

I sit at the dining room table, anxiously waiting for Anna to come back. I called her after the police left, explaining as much as I could.

There's a knock at the door. I quickly stand up and walk over, opening the apartment door. Anna stands outside, wearing a black long sleeved body suit and a maroon velvet skirt. She carries her black pumps in her hands. She gives me a worried look, and tears in her eyes.

"Is Violet okay?" She asks, hurrying in. She tosses her pumps on the floor, and sets her clutch on the table. Violet looks up as Anna approaches her.

"Mommy!" Violet shouts. Anna picks her up off the couch, and Violet wraps her legs around her waist. Violet holds Anna's arms tightly.

"Violet, are you okay?" She asks, rubbing the back of her head. Violet nods.

Anna stands there, holding Violet. She sniffles, and turns around. She looks at me. I lean against the wall. "She's doing okay. She just really wanted to see you," I say.

Anna nods. She looks at Violet, and kisses her cheek.

"I'm sorry, Anna. This wouldn't of happened if I didn't have her," I say.

Anna shakes her head. "It's not your fault. Alex, he's just, not okay," She says, gently rubbing Violets head.

"I shouldn't of gotten between your relationship," I say.

"Jace, please! It's not your fault! You're doing the right thing. You saved my baby from him, and I thank you for that. Can I please just have a moment? I know Violet is still shaken up from what happened," She says. I look at her, and slowly nod.

Anna walks into the hallway, and then pivots in her foot and turns to me. "And what relationship? If you think I have any kind of relationship with Alex, you're wrong," She says. She turns around and walks into the guest room. I part my lips, in shock of her tone of voice.

I stand against the wall, waiting for Anna to come back out from helping Violet go back to bed. Except, she doesn't come out.

I walk into the guest room, seeing Anna sit on the air bed next to Violet. She gently rubs Violets hands, while Violet lays down with her blanket and elephant. Anna looks up at me. She lets go of violets hand and stands up. She walks towards me, and leaves the door open a crack.

We exit the room, and stand in the hall. Anna looks at me. "She's traumatized," She says softly. Tears starting to escape her eyes. I look at Anna, my heart breaking.

"Would she be better if she was sleeping at your house?" I ask.

She looks into the room. "Maybe. But I know this stuff. It happened to me when I was little, and even a teen. She's probably having nightmares or afraid of him coming back while she sleeps."

I part my lips. Anna looks at me. "Thank you for helping her. She really loves you," She says softly. I nod. Anna slowly looks down. She takes a deep breath, and walks into the master bedroom. She lays down on the bed, on her back. She covers her eyes and sighs.

"The fuck is going on? I can't control anything," Anna says.

I sit next to her, gently holding her hand. "What do you mean?" I ask.

She looks at me. "I can barely afford my house, my kid, myself. I have a psycho on my ass trying to take my kid from me," She says.

I rub her palm with my thumb. I really do feel bad for Anna. She sits up and looks at me. "Jace?" She asks.

"Yeah?" I reply softly.

"Can I have a hug?" She says softly, her voice cracking. I crack a smile. I feel my heart beat a beat faster. I wrap my arms around her, and hold her against me. I feel her tears drip into my shirt. I look down at her.

"You're the sweetest, funniest most amazing, most beautiful woman I've ever met, Anna. You're an amazing mom to Violet. You'll pull through and you'll be okay. Everything will be okay, baby," I whisper.

Anna moves her head a bit, and looks up at me. "What did I ever do to deserve you?" She asks.

I smile and chuckle. "I love you a lot," I whisper in her ear. She smiles. She mouths the words "I love you too."

***

Corey and Sean sit in my living room with me. I hold a bottle of beer in my hand, slowly drinking it. Corey looks around the living room.

"Alex really broke into the apartment and took Violet?" Sean asks.

I nod. "He didn't take her. I caught him before. I ended up punching him a ton," I say.

Corey shakes his head. "How are you supposed to get custody of Violet?" He asks.

I take a swig. "No idea. I'm guessing after last night, he'll probably lose custody. But in order to gain it, I'd have to marry Anna," I say.

Corey nods. "Exactly. And do you want to?" He asks.

I bite my lip. I nod. "Maybe," I say.

Sean rolls his eyes. "Marriage is super important. You can't just do it for a kid," He says.

I look at him. "I mean I'll wait, but I don't wanna wait too long and have Violet grow older and realize she doesn't have a dad."

"Don't wait too long, but connect with her more. She'll think you're her dad before it actually happens," Corey says. I nod.

***

*Two days later.*

Anna's POV.

I wipe off the kitchen counters. I hear Violet slam her barbies into the dollhouse.

Alex wasn't bailed out of jail. Peyton was. Which scares me, since we all know Peyton is capable of a lot.

My phone starts ringing. I quickly grab it, answering it without looking at the number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Savannah Carson?"

I nod. "Yes."

"Hi Savannah, this is Greta from Los Angeles County Social Services. I'm just calling to inform you that there is a court scheduled inspection on your home due by the end of the week. This will also be happening for Mr. Alex Nelson," She explains.

My stomach churns. I look around the house, making sure it's spotless.

"Uh, Um, can I ask why it's scheduled?" I ask.

"As you are aware of the incident Saturday night, Mr. Nelson was also found under the influence. He was brought into questioning, and claimed you have had a history of neglect for your daughter. This may not be true, but my job is to keep the county safe. Therefore, the court has issued one announced inspection that is due by Friday."

My head pounds with stress. I part my lips and look at Violet. "Okay, thank you."

"This will determine who gains full custody of the child. After the inspections, we will hold a custody hearing," She explains.

I nod. "Okay. Thank you for informing me," I say. "You're welcome. Have a great day," She says, hanging up.

I nod. I hang up and set my phone on the counter. I look at Violet.

"Please don't be anything like him when you grow up. Or me, but preferably him," I say softly.

_____________________________

What do you think will happen??? Comment!