82 Heartbreak Again

(Jayden)

In the hospital, I stand and wait in the emergency room. The nurse said the doctor was about to examine Ashlyn. Abby is still clinging to me, her small body trembling with fear. I know I need to get her out of here.

I dial Anne’s number. “Jayden?” she answers quickly, concern evident in her voice.

“It’s all a mess, Anne. Winona is in jail, Ashlyn is in emergency—I think she’s lost the baby—and I’m here with Abby at the hospital waiting,” I explain, my voice strained with emotion.

“Oh god. What happened?” Anne asks, the worry in her tone deepening.

“They struggled, Ashlyn fell down the stairs. Anne, I think Winona pushed her,” I confess, the words heavy on my tongue.

“No. She wouldn’t,” Anne insists.

“Her state of mind lately, I don’t know. Has she told you anything?” I ask, desperate for some clarity.

“I haven’t heard from her. I just assumed everything was fine,” Anne replies.

“It was, I mean, really fine. But then her father turned up,” I say, frustration seeping into my vo