Free (Sequel to Trapped)

Ch. 168

Justin

Saturday, 3:28 pm

"Are you feeling better?" I ask.

"A little better than this morning. A lot better than yesterday."

"Good. I'm proud of you."

"For what?" Ariana laughs, reaching up to stroke Bella's head.

"For getting better."

"But I didn't do that."

"Ariana, stop bringing me down. Just say thank you."

"Thank you. I'm sorry."

"Good. Now I'm gonna attempt to put this one in her own bed. I'll be back."

"Have fun."

I leave the bedroom and walk upstairs to Bella's room. She was asleep in my arms but I wanted her to be asleep in her crib.

Aviella had fallen asleep and was now taking a nap in her room so she didn't get to give Ariana her card yet, but she was going to when she woke up. She made me help her, not that I didn't want to, it's just that I was holding Bella and it wasn't easy to color while holding an unhappy baby.

I sit in Bella's rocking chair for about ten minutes, just to ensure she doesn't wake up, before attempting to put her in her crib.

The first time, it doesn't work, or the second time, or the third time, but on the fourth, I place her in her crib and she stays asleep.

Finally, I can go back downstairs to my queen.

Ariana is on her phone when I return to the room, but she puts it down when I walk in.

"Cuddle!" She says.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Ew, don't call me ma'am. I'm not old."

"I swear you say that a million times a year."

"Because it's true."

I climb into bed next to Ariana and she wraps her arms around me.

"I missed my King." Ariana whispers, running her fingers through my hair. 

"I missed you too, baby. How's your day been?"

"Oh my life's just been great today. What about yours?"

"Don't be sarcastic with me, child."

"I'm not a child. If anyone's a child, it's you."

"I'm older than you."

"I don't care if you're 55 years old, you're still a child."

"Whatever you say, but only because you're sick."

"I hate you."

"I love you too. Wait! When is that basketball game?"

"That would be this Friday."

"I'm ready for it. I'm so happy I have the best wife ever."

"I have the best husband ever. Hawaii is literally the best place ever."

"I think so. Only the best for my beautiful family."

We stay how we are for a couple minutes before Aviella walks in, rubbing her eyes. She's holding Tommy and her card for Ariana.

"Hey, baby." Ariana says.

"Mommy, I made you this. And daddy and Belle helped me." Aviella gives Ariana the card and she immediately smiles.

"Babe, this is so sweet. Thank you, baby. I love you."

"I love you too, mommy."

"Can I have a hug?"

"Nope, you're sick. You stay in your bubble and I'll stay in mine."

"Well then. I see how you feel, princess."

"I still love you mommy, and I hope you feel better, but I can't get sick because I have to see Alexa."

"That's okay, princess. I understand."