Don't Let Go.

Ice Cream

Violet looks through the light pane glass window with a frown. Violet looks down at the table as Ashley shrugs. "Vi? What's wrong? You seem out of it." Ashely says with a worried look. Violet looks away out the window disappointed. " I don't want to be a brat or selfish, But..." " Tell me. What's wrong? " Ashley asks. " Eric's here. With a women. " Violet says uncomfortable and feeling shy. Ashley looks through the white pane glass and sees the couple at a small booth on the other side of the building. " That's her? The girl you said you saw at his house? " Violet nods. 

" I'm so sorry, Vi. " Ashley says as she hugs Violet. Violet hugs her back with a frown. Ashley pulls away and notices Violet's wet and shiny eyes. " Come on, Vi. She's not even that pretty. If it were my opinion, I would say he downgraded. " Ashley says as she nods her head sincerely. " Thank you Ashley. But, you shouldn't talk like that. I'm happy that he's happy. I'm... Happy for him. " Violet says. "Why don't we leave? I'm sorry I brought you here. I didn't know they would be here." " It's okay. How about we go to that cupcake shop? I heard they're cakes are really good. And Lilly's birthday is on Wednesday! " Violet says with a joyful smile. Ashley leaves a slight grin on her face. " OK! Cupcakes it is! " She says as she leaves cash on the table and pushes Violet out of the diner. Ashley carefully pushes Violet down the ramp, leading to her car. "What are you doing? Violet asks. " You should stay in the car. That way, you won't have to carry back the cake, or our ice cream. " Ashley says. "Are you sure? I don't mind." Violet says lifting her hands up showing gesture. 

"It's ok. I've got it. You want cookie crumble? And for the kids we can just get them Vanilla." "OK. What about the cake?" "Chocolate brownie. I know it's her favorite." Ashley says as she shows a slight smile. " You're the best, you know that? " Violet says as she pulls herself into the car seat and leans over to fold the wheelchair. Ashley nods sincerely. " Do you need help? " " Nope. I've got it. " Violet says she as successfully manages to fold the chair and lay it down on the back seats. Ashley leaves a happy smile on her face. Violet watches Ashley as she walks away and opens the door to the cupcake shop. Violet hears the bell as she opens the door and closes it. Violet then turns on the radio and adjusts the volume. Violet starts singing to a song playing. Violet's voice lowers as she gets a notification from her phone. Violet stops singing as the text message is from Eric. 

Violet is silent in the car. The message reads: " Hey, Vi. I saw you at the diner just now. I'm sorry if I was the reason you two left. " Violet taps the phone and starts typing. " Why are you messaging me? " Violet sent the text eager. Several minutes go by as Eric starts typing. " I think we should talk about Lilly. I want the best for her. And I know that you don't want to have anything to do with me, but can I please go over at Ash's to see her? " Eric says. Violet stares looking at the screen until it turns off. Violet turns it on and inputs the password. " I don't know. I don't know how I feel about you. I want the best for her too. I want her to have a good education, and to live in a good home. I want her to have her dad back. I'm happy for you. I'm happy you moved on. I want us to put aside everything for Lilly. Because, she deserves better. I'll have to talk to Ash about it. " Violet send the message. Time passes as Violet plays puzzle games on her phone. " Hey, I'm back. Can you put this on your lap? Ashley asks as she holds out the cake. " Sure. " Violet says as she reaches for the box and places it carefully on her lap. Ashley places the small vanilla ice cream cups in the cup holder. " Violet takes her ice cream and Ashley's and holds it on the ride home. 

As they enter their apartment door, Violet has the cake on her lap and the two cups in her hands. She places the cups on the table and hands the cake over to Ashley. Ashley puts the cake in the freezer and calls the kids out of their room. Lilly opens the door and crawls with Suzie as they reach the dinning room table. Violet picks up Lilly gently and is barely able to put her in her high chair. "Here, let me do it." Ashley says as she places down the two small ice cream cups on the counter. Ashly puts the children in their high chairs successfully. "Thanks." Violet says she as take her cup and starts eating with a plastic spoon. Ashley gives Lilly her cup first and then later Suzie. " Eat this slow, OK? I wouldn't want you two to get sick. " Ashley says lecturing the kids. They both nod their heads. " What do you two say? " Violet asks. "Thank you!" The two of them say, leaving a smile on Violet's face. " That's right. " Violet says.

 After everyone finishes their ice cream, Violet takes Lilly and Suzie into the bathroom and undresses them. " OK, guys. Time for your bath. " She says as she carefully places the kids into the bathtub. The bubbles surround the two small girls as steam rises from the water. " Is it too hot? " Violet asks. " No. " Lilly says playful. Violet reaches over them and takes the shampoo bottle. Violet scrubs both of their heads. She then rinses the conditioner and shampoo out and washes their body. " All done! Now, Suzie, come out first. Suzie carefully steps out as Violet places a towel on her head and dries her hair and body. Violet then clothes Suzie. "OK. Now, go ask your mom if she needs any help with cleaning the kitchen." Violet says. "OK." Suzie says as she crawls back out of the bathroom. 

" Come out Lilly. " Lilly steps out of the tub as Violet dries her wet body and scrubs her head. " Do you want to wear this one, or this one?" Violet asks as she picks up two pieces of pajamas. The first one she pulls out is pink and has white polka dots on the shorts. The second one has a monkey on the shirt that is blue and the pants are red that has comfy pockets. Lilly points to the second one with the monkey. " Monkey it is! " Violet says playful. Violet puts on Lilly's underwear and pajamas. " Come one, let's go see if aunt Ashley needs any help cleaning. " Violet says as she slowly pushes herself in her chair behind Lilly. As Lilly steps out of the bathroom and turns off the light, She sees someone familiar. 

It's Eric.