3. Chapter 2
Jolynn
My back hurts, I have to pee, Grady needs his pull-up changed and Johnny wanted me to wait on him hand and foot.
“Grady. Please.” I pled with my toddler. “I need you to stop trying to run.”
“Haton!” He pulled me with him as he tried to grab his brother.
“Harrison, come sit here for a minute, so I can do this.”
My three-year-old looked at me, blinked a couple time and ambled over. “Mama? Can we go to park?”
Tears welled in my eyes. Lord knew I wanted to take them to the park, but this pregnancy was kicking my ass and their father was home.
Out of work. Again.
It wasn’t his fault, though. It never was. He always claimed his employers discriminated against him and fired him over bullshit.
This isn’t the life I wanted or dreamed of.
No. You shattered your dreams the day you left Richie a ‘Dear John’ letter.
Ugh. You’d think after four years I’d forget about him.
Wrong.
“Dammit! Lynn!” My husband exploded from the living room. “Where’s my goddamn beer?”
“In the goddamn fridge.” I grumbled under my breath as I finally got the dirty pull-up off Grady.
“Atoomb position!” He squealed with laughter and bent over with his butt in my face.
Shaking my head, I cleaned him up and handed him a clean pull-up. “You know, Grady, if you would use the potty, this would be easier.”
My son ran off without anything on but a tee shirt and socks screeching.
“Fuck! Lynn!” John bellowed from his recliner. “Fuckin’ do something with these kids!”
I closed my eyes, and a tear made its way down my cheek. A moment later, I felt a tiny hand that smelled like Cheetos wiping it away.
“It’s otay, mama.” Harrison wrapped his arms around my neck. “I wuffs you.”
“I love you too, sunshine.” My arms wrapped around his little body and I held on for dear life. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“I get beer, daddy!” He yelled in my ear and ran off to serve his dad.
Pushing my pregnant butt up off the floor was a challenge, but I managed and then made my way to the bathroom.
I threw away the dirty diaper, peed, and then waddled out to the living room. “If you boys want to go to the park, Grady needs pants and shoes. And Harrison, you need to get your shoes.”
“What the hell am I supposed to eat for lunch?” Johnny growled as the boys ran off screaming.
“There’s food in the fridge.” My voice sounded defeated.
He put the leg part down and stood up. “S’cuse me?”
I backed up as he rushed me, and he pinned me against the wall. “John.”
Before I could blink, his hand was up and across my face. “Listen, bitch, you don’t talk to me that way.”
I panted, trying to catch my breath, and tasted blood in my mouth. “I … I’m sorry.”
“Go make my lunch.” He shoved me away to the side, and I caught myself before my belly hit the doorway.
“I’ll get it right now.” My voice came out in a hushed whisper as I turned to go into the kitchen. “Boys. Go play outside for a couple minutes.”
I grabbed my dishtowel to wipe my face and reached for my phone, tapping out a message to my friends.
Hey ladies, I’ll be a few minutes late
We're not going anywhere =)
Seeing Miranda’s quick response made me smile. I couldn’t tell John we were meeting them, or he wouldn’t let us go.
My body trembled as I got the bread out and the leftover meatloaf. I was on autopilot as I slathered Miracle Whip on the bread.
I hate Miracle Whip.
Placing the meatloaf slice on top, I salted and peppered it, then laid the top piece of bread. I put things away, grabbed two more beers and carried it all into the living room.
“Here you go.” I gave John a smile and turned to leave.
“’Bout time.” He grumbled.
I was safe from another outburst.
For now.
The boys sat on the steps waiting for me, smiling up when I came out.
“Let’s go.” I smiled at my angels and held out my hands.
Feeling them clasp mine made my heart swell. Together, we walked to the park. I let them carry on talking and giggling and enjoyed the peace we had in the moment.
I pushed thoughts of John from my mind and focused on the bright, sunny day with a gentle breeze.
Once we made it to the end of the block, we turned left and the park was straight ahead.
“Mama, can we’s go?” Grady bounced around.
“Go ahead.” I let go of their hands and let them run ahead.
The warmth of the day combined with me being pregnant made me sweat like a pig. By the time I waddled to where my friends sat, my clothing was soaked.
“How’s the baby doing?” Vivi smiled at me while she rocked her baby.
“I am so ready for him to be here.” I flopped into a camp chair. “He keeps getting his foot caught in my ribs.”
“He?” Miranda beamed. “When did you find out?”
“Last week.” I sighed and let my head fall back. “John didn’t want to be surprised this time.”
“Always John’s way.” Edie grumbled.
Licking my lips, I pressed them together and lifted my head. “How’s my mom and dad?”
“They’re making due.” Vivi reached for my hand. “They’re worried about you.”
“We all are.” Miranda tilted her head. “You have a bruise on your jaw.”
“Oh. That?”
Don’t cry. Don’t let them see.
“I was trying to open something and when I got it free, I busted my fist into it.”
“Look, Jo, he’s not good for you.” Vivi gave my hand a squeeze. “You and the boys can come with us.”
I shook my head. “He’s a good husband. The boys love their dad. Stop …” I jumped in the chair and grabbed my lower back. “Whew. As I was saying. Stop worrying.”
Tension filled the air, and then Miranda cleared her throat. “I have some news.”
We all looked her way, and her face lit up with joy. “Baby Walsh is on the way.”
“Aw, that’s amazing!” Edie did a small dance in her chair. “It’s nice that we all have kids together.”
“Maybe they’ll all grow to be friends the way we all are.” Vivi looked over at Frankie, bossing the boys around. “Ugh, maybe she’ll lead the way on Wall street and not a gang?” A soft laugh erupted. “This one loves to be snuggled and eat.”
“You leave my beautiful niece, Amelia, alone.” Miranda laughed. “Babies should be snuggled and love to eat.”
Vivi shook her head. “She’s chonky.”
“She’s perfect.” I reached over and tickled her little toes.
I wanted a little girl, but I wouldn’t trade my boys for anything. Another sharp pain made me jump again.
“Ow!” I sat forward and took a couple of deep breaths.
“Jo?” Edie leaned forward and searched my face. “Are you having labor pains?”
“This doesn’t feel like labor.” I panted, trying to breathe through the pain.
“Could be back labor.” Miranda got up and crouched in front of me. “When’s your due date?”
“I’ve got two weeks.” I shuddered as the pain passed.
“Maybe we should take you in?” Her hands pressed on my knees. “Could be worth checking out.”
“I’m fine.” I brushed her off. “We’ve all been pregnant and know that sometimes you get odd pains.”
Miranda narrowed her eyes at me. “Uh-huh.”
Vivian handed me a bottle of water. “Maybe you just need to relax?”
“Maybe.” I sat back in my chair.
I felt them all staring at me while we watched the kids play. This wasn’t helping me relax at all. All I wanted was to enjoy a modicum of peace before going back home.
Miranda and Vivi talked about some of the new bottle designs that came out since Frankie, Charlie, and Dillon were born.
Edie talked about the diner and how Evelyn was a pain in the ass.
I had nothing to add. When you’re home all day, every day, there’s nothing new to say.
After we’d been there for an hour, my phone blew up. Each text angrier than the last.
Y ain’t u back yet?
Where r u?
Don’t u think u shood come home?
WTF LYNN
Answer me bitch
We’re on our way now
Fuckin time
“This heats getting to me. I’m gonna take the boys home.” I struggled to get out of the chair.
Miranda came over and helped me up. “Want a ride?”
“No.” I shook my head. Panic swelled in my chest. “I’ll be okay walking.” Stepping around her, I called for the boys and waved them over.
They both ran up, covered head to toe in dirt, and I wanted to cry. I wasn’t planning on doing a bath tonight, between laundry and cleaning.
“Time to head home.” I plastered a fake smile to my face and saw the happiness drain from theirs.
They both turned and gave everyone hugs and kisses before we made our way home. The walk home felt like we were inmates waiting for a pardon as we made our way to the electric chair. We weren’t even swinging our arms.
I need to get us out of this.
“Did you boys have fun?” I gave their hands a shake.
“Yup!” Grady’s eyes grew wide. “Fankie bosstid us.”
“She is a very determined little girl.” I tried to smile.
Grady got quiet again, and we turned the corner on our block. I knew they wouldn’t tell John we saw everyone. Mostly because he wouldn’t ask.
I hope he’s in a better mood when we get home.
Right after we passed our neighbor’s house, John stormed out of ours. “Waddle your fat ass faster!”
“Uh-oh,” Harrison muttered, and I felt a tremble go through his body.
“You boys just go in the house.” I gave their hands a reassuring squeeze.
They let go of my hands and ran towards the house.
I placed my hand on my back where that strange pain was and kept walking. The moment it let up, I watched in horror as John grabbed Grady around the throat, picking him up.
“Did you go see them bitches?”
“Wet hims go!” Harrison ran over and bit his dad’s leg.
John tossed Grady down and Harrison helped his brother up before pulling him further away from an angry John, who tore across the yard, heading for me.
“What’s wrong with you? You leave me here! Alone!” He reached out and grabbed my messy bun, yanking me forward. “I need more chips and beer.”
“O … o … okay, John, I’ll run up to the store.” I tried to stand up, but another sharp pain went through my back.
Ignoring my whimper of pain, he pulled me alongside him to our Suburban. “Get in the fucking car!”
“C’mon, boys.” I tried to steel my voice, but I heard it waver.
“Get them kids buckled in, Lynn.”
“Yes, John.” I gave my head a yank to get away from him and cried out in pain when his grip got tighter.
“FUCK!” His scream blew the little loose hairs on the side of my head as it pierced my ear.
“I’m going as fast as I can.”
In through the nose. Out through the mouth.
The boys scrambled inside the car, and I stretched, buckling them in before I walked around to the driver’s door.
My feet barely touched the pedals and my belly rubbed against the steering wheel. I started the car and waited for him to get in.
He punched the passenger door and then tore it open, climbing in.
“Why do you do things that make me so mad, Lynn?”
“I don’t mean to.” I sniffled as I put the car in gear and drove to the store.
Beside me I could hear him rage breathing like a pent-up bull. I wish I knew what set him off this time.
He stayed quiet as we drove into town. I parked as close to the doors as possible and looked over at him.
“John? I need your debit card.”
He chuffed a sound of disgust as he pulled out his wallet and handed it to me. “Be quick. I wanna get back to my movie.”
I gave him a nod and looked back at my boys. “Be good. I’ll be right back.”
Opening the door, I slid out and waddled into the Wal-Mart. At least going inside afforded me time to myself to get my thoughts in order.
I pulled a cart free and used it for support. My feet were still killing me and this pain in my back was not going away.
I should probably call the doc when I get home.
The store wasn’t as crowded at this time of day, making it easy for me to pick up some chips and snacks for the boys, then grab a case of beer.
On my way to the front for the checkout, I white-knuckled the handle of my shopping cart as another massive spasm wrenched my back.
“Ma’am? Are you okay?” I heard a kind voice asking.
“Is she okay?” Another voice asked.
“Um, we have a code white by cereal.”
Hands touched my arms, gently. “Ma’am? What’s your name?”
“Jo … Jolynn.” I panted.
“Hi, Jolynn. I’m Tyler and I’ve got someone calling in an ambulance for you.”
“My … My family … is in … car.”
“Let’s take a deep breath in, and hold it, three, two, one.” His eyes were filled with sympathy. “My sister just had a baby. I might know a thing or two.” He gave me a playful wink.
“Thank you.” I let out my breath and took another in for a count and then out.
“What kind of car?”
“Suburban, blue, aisle 7.” I let go of the cart and held my belly.
“Okay.” He picked up his radio. “I need someone to find …”
I didn’t hear the rest of what he said. Embarrassment washed over me as I began peeing on the floor.
“Uh-oh.” A soft voice behind me chuckled. “Mr. Tyler? Her water just broke.”
He spun back to me, his eyes wide. “Okay, this part I can’t do. Let’s try to walk you closer to the doors.”
I wanted the floor to open up and eat me.
“I’m guessing that’s our patient?” A deep voice came from one of the medics walking towards us with the stretcher. “You got lucky, ma’am. We were inside grabbing lunch!”
“Ugh.” I let out a scream.
“And it’s go time!” The other medic said as they flanked me. “I’ve always wanted to join the stork club!”
“Chase.” The taller one shook his head. “Not helping.”
“Chase?” I looked at the shorter one. “He’s right.”
The guys let out a laugh and helped me get onto the stretcher, then covered me with a sheet.
I reached for the manager’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you, Tyler.”
“You just have a healthy delivery.”
I burst into tears. “I am so sorry.”
He shook his head. “You’re fine.”
The medics rolled me out of the store and I heard John and my boys.
“Whoa! That’s my fuckin’ wife.” He stepped in front of Chase. “Where you takin’ her?”
“To the hospital, sir.” Chase pushed him out of the way and looked over his shoulder. “Hey, Alan, need an assist buddy.”
The other medic leaned closer to me. “Do you have someone we can call to take the boys?”
My head nodded like a bobble head as I pulled the phone from my pocket. “My parents. Kathy and Ed Whitman.”
He took my phone and found what he needed. “I’m James, and I need you to breathe while I call them.”
I nodded as another labor pain ripped through my body. They loaded me into the ambulance and so much was happening I felt like I was drowning. There were hands everywhere touching me, IV’s being run and then we were moving.
When the pain eased I grabbed Chase’s arm. “My boys!?”
He flashed me a smile. “Officer Alan’s partner is going to transport them to the hospital, where we will meet up with your parents.”
Confusion replaced the drowning feeling. “My husband?”
Chase wrinkled his nose. “He’s gonna spend a night in the clink. He was a bit drunk and disorderly.”
I laughed hysterically. “This is so fucked up.”
Chase joined in my laughter as we rolled on, having to pull over because Tyler Chase Evans was too impatient and earned the medic his stork club status.