(Ashlyn)Pathetic, they are all pathetic. As if I’d be stupid enough to fall for their tricks. I’m not confessing to anything I said to Winona in that park. She pushed me. She wanted to kill my baby, Jayden’s baby. Her jealousy of me consumes her.Jayden is mine now, and I’m not letting him go. I don’t care that his brat is out of my home. Saves me the trouble of getting rid of her. If she ever comes back, I’ll do just that. Phillip is back. He’s just as pathetic.Mooning around after Winona like Jayden used to. Winona never deserved Jayden. I was born to be with him. My family raised me to be his wife. No one is going to take that away from me.I finish my makeup, the ritual calming me, and go out to face the rest of the day. Judy may think she has me fooled, but I know she’s here to ‘protect’ Jayden. She’s just as stupid as the rest of them, underestimating me. I’ve played her for years. Now it’s just getting interesting.I walk out into the living area, forcing a smile on my face.
(Ashlyn)The words are a cold slap, a reminder of the precariousness of my position. “He loves me,” I insist, my voice shaking slightly, betraying the fear that Judy’s presence instills in me.“I’m sure,” she replies, her sarcasm cutting deep.“He does!” My voice cracks, the pressure mounting, the walls closing in.“He’s said a lot of things lately, but loving you isn’t one of them,” she counters, her voice a calm contrast to my increasing desperation.The balance of power has shifted, and I feel it with every fiber of my being. Judy, with her strategic silences and her measured threats, has reshaped the battlefield. She’s just shown me how easily she can pull the strings.I eye Judy carefully, my gaze sharpening as I attempt to assert control over the conversation. “Jayden and I will stay together,” I state firmly, trying to convince both Judy and myself of my words.“He can’t bear to let you touch him. He knows the truth about what you did,” Judy retorts with a steely calm that unne
(Judy)I stand by the bed, looking down at Ashlyn's still form, her breathing shallow under the influence of my carefully administered concoction. I wonder how long it will be before she realizes I tampered with her breath freshener spray. The stupid woman is obsessed with that stuff first thing in the mornings.Just enough to send her to sleep for a few hours. The room is silent except for the soft, rhythmic whisper of her breath. I pull out my phone as it vibrates gently in my pocket—it's Jayden. Perfect timing."Hello, Jayden," I answer, my voice a perfect blend of warmth and maternal concern."Hey, Mother. Just checking in. You all settled in?" His voice is casual, unsuspecting of the drama unfolding under his roof."Yes, everything's fine.”“Ashlyn texted me earlier. I hope she didn’t give you any trouble.”“Ashlyn's taking a nap. I think the whole ordeal lately has worn her out," I reply, glancing at Ashlyn to ensure she hasn't stirred."Okay. I’ll be late home, so you two eat d
(Jayden)“Jayden, are you okay?” Dr. Helen Winters, my hypnotherapist, asks with a hint of concern just before our next session. Her office, with its soft lighting and serene atmosphere, has become a place of revelation and reflection for me over the past months.I nod, more to reassure myself than her. “I’m ready. I want to get back into life. I’m done not being sure.” My voice is steady, the resolve clear in my tone. Unresolved memories have been a heavy burden, one I’m prepared to shed today.She gives me a nod of understanding, clearly recognizing the significance of this moment for me. “Well, we sure can try. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to your mind if it’s ready to reveal what’s been tucked away.”“If anything.”“That’s true. There simply may be nothing else to remember.”“I’ve had a lot of dreams lately, about Winona and how we were.” The dreams, vivid and emotional, seem more like fragments of memories trying to break through the surface. “I’m done letting this rule my l
(Winona)The past week has been an unexpected respite, a slice of calm that feels almost too good to last. Abby’s resilience shines through; her recovery is nothing short of miraculous given her recent health battles. Her latest lab results are positive and our path forward is for her to stay here with me until her next operation. It’s a small victory in the grand scheme, but it’s ours to celebrate.I haven’t had any trouble from anyone I’m barred from contacting. This has been a surprisingly safe bubble for Abby and me. Phillip has been by our side through it all, his support unwavering. It’s a comfort to have him so close, not just for Abby, but for me too.Amidst this fragile peace, Phillip’s developed a new business—a venture he’s adamant about bootstrapping. Despite my offers to help finance this endeavor, he’s determined about his independence. He’s plunged headfirst into creating a series of eBooks and audiobooks, tapping into his wealth of knowledge. Watching him find his
(Winona)The stillness in the room is deafening, every second stretching out unbearably as I lean over Abby. She isn’t breathing but I can hear a slow, faint heartbeat in my ear as I press it to her chest.“Call 911!” I cry out as I prepare to get some breaths into Abby. I’m too scared to try compressions as it may do more damage than help.Phillip’s voice breaks through my fog of panic. “I’m on it, calling them now!” His voice is laced with urgency. “Tell them she’s under Dr. Green at St. Michael’s hospital. She needs to go there.”His words tumble out as he speaks. “Yes, it’s an emergency. My daughter, she’s... she’s not breathing and she just had heart surgery two months ago. We need an ambulance now!”I hear him recounting details of the hospital and doctor. He tells them what I’m doing. I’m giving her gentle but regular breaths. Please let it help.Anne talks now. “I’m calling Sheila Hobbs.”As I continue the breaths, slowly puffing air into Abby’s lungs, Phillip kneels beside u
(Jayden)“Meet me at St Michael’s. Abby is heading there now by ambulance.” I instruct Gus as I stride out from my office having just taken the call from Sheila Hobbs.“I’m not sure I have time.”“I’m not in the mood for your cryptic shit, Gus. Meet me there. I want answers and I want them now. Do not make me have to leave my daughter and come to you,” I demand because I really am not taking any more of his shit.I disconnected the call. I’m getting my family back together and Gus is going to help me whether he likes it or not. It’s the least he owes me.I reach my SUV and the driver. “St Michael’s Hospital and hurry.”“Yes, Sir.”I call Mother to let her know what’s going on. “Jayden, twice in one day…”“Abby is heading to the hospital. Winona found her unresponsive on the floor.”“She needs to be with someone who can watch her all the time.”“No one watches her as much as Winona. She needs to be with her mother. I need you to shut the fuck up about my daughter’s needs and just foll
(Jayden)“Abby, Abby, Daddy’s here. Don’t be scared. I’ll get Mommy to you as soon as I can.”“Jayden. I told you to wait in the staff room until I called for you.” Dr. Green admonishes me.I rush to Abby's side, her tiny, limp body lying on the stretcher, surrounded by paramedics and medical staff. My heart is pounding, and all I can think about is losing her now.Phillip moves across from me, looking like he’s in charge, like he has any right to be here. “I’m here, Abby. Just keep holding on.” Phillip says as he takes her hand.The sight of him touching Abby, trying to take my place, makes my blood boil. I push past a paramedic, getting right in Phillip's face. “What the hell are you doing here?”Phillip doesn’t back down. “I’m here for Abby. She needs someone who can stay calm and help. Winona can’t be here, so I’m stepping up.”“Stepping up? More like interfering.” I spit out the words, fury coursing through me. “You think you can take my place?”“Jayden, now’s not the time for t