A Little Sane

Chapter 20

Mercedes was sitting at the kitchen table feeding Jessie a bottle. Jerome was cooking breakfast. Abbe slowly walked into the kitchen trying not make eye contact with anyone. Mercedes smiled.

"Well, good morning. Nice of you to finally join us. Sleep must have been too good. You've had a slightly late morning."

Abbe laughed awkwardly and nodded.

"I did just kind of wake up...."

Mercedes could feel her embarrassment. She didn't want her to feel embarrassed.

"You feeling okay this morning Abbe? You just seem a little tired still. Just checking."

Abbe stood facing the coffee pot for a moment before she turned around.

"I am tired.. But I'm okay. Thank you."

Mercedes looked down and smiled.

"You finished your bottle my big boy."

She leaned down and gently kissed his forehead. Mercedes looked at Jerome and noticed he was still looking a little too cheerful. Mercedes laughed and shook her head.

"You're in a great mood this morning." 

Jerome's maniacal laugh filled the air as he ploped in the seat next to Mercedes. He reached into her arms and took Jessie. Mercedes stared at him smiling.

"Well I'm glad he was done eating."

Jerome held Jessie in front of him.

"I can't wait for you to get older little man. We are going to have so much fun."

Mercedes raised her eyebrow and Jerome laughed. 

"Normal father and son activities."

Abbe set across the table with her coffee. She jokingly starting picking on Jerome.

"Awe so Jessie won't be entering in the Father son body hiding contest?!"

Mercedes set back and jokingly looked shocked. Jerome shook his head.

"Very funny Abbe."

Mercedes playfully poked Jerome in the arm and winked at Abbe. 

"I thought it was a great joke."

Jerome laughed and turned towards Mercedes.

"Don't encourage her."

Mercedes jumped at the sound of her phone ringing. She let out a heavy sigh. Her expression changed to complete happiness when she picked up the phone. It was a video chat request. 

"TaTyana! Ahhh! Hey!" 

Abbe watched Jerome run behind Mercedes.

"Hey friend who knows she misses me!"

TaTyana groaned and laughed.

"Hey guys! How is everything?"

Mercedes smiled brightly.

"We're great over here. Where's Ed?"

Abbe thought about that name. Ed grabbed the phone.

"Hey Mercedes!"

Abbe recognized that voice. She looked at Mercedes who visvibly sad.

"Ed... I miss you..."

Abbe couldn't believe the voice she heard on the phone. The Riddler. She finally knew where the Riddler had disappeared to. TaTyana took the phone back.