Chapter Thirty-four

32 days, 22 hours, 13 minutes

The bag of takeout was too full for just two people. Jax was startled by Gretchen’s look of surprise when she walked through the door just before six o’clock. She held up the bag and smiled. “I brought dinner.”

“You’re here.” Gretchen looked completely stunned but gorgeous in a multicolored skirt and marigold sweater. Her dark skin glowed.

“We’re having dinner.” Panic hit her. “Do you not remember?”

“I remember, I just didn’t expect you to show up.” Gretchen took the bag from Jax and walked to the kitchen.

Caleb came running out and launched himself into Jax’s arms before she could even get her jacket off. “Bug!”

“Hey, Cricket.” She ruffled his hair and kissed his temple. He pulled away and giggled. “I thought you’d be out with your aunt.” She looked at Gretchen, curious for answers.

“Aunt Man,” Caleb said seriously.

“Ant-Man?” Jax was now thoroughly confused.

“Amanda’s new nickname, and like I said, I didn’t expect you to show up.” Gretchen opened the bag of food and jumped back like it had bitten her. Her eyes were wide when she looked back at her. She looked completely frightened.

“What is it?” she said, walking over to check the bag. “Do you hate Thai food now? I didn’t know brain damage could do that.” She knew it was a tasteless joke, but she felt desperate to shift the odd mood.

Gretchen left the room abruptly.

“Is Mama okay?” Caleb’s concern was endearing.

“She’s fine. How about you grab your Legos and bring them out to the living room? I’ll check on Mama, and then we’ll eat and play.”

“We’re going to eat in the living room?” Caleb was clearly excited by the idea of breaking a rule. He raced out of the kitchen.

She walked to Gretchen’s bedroom slowly and pushed the door open. Gretchen was sitting on the foot of the bed, staring at her folded hands. She wanted to sit beside her but played it safe by standing closely. “Are you okay?” she said.

Gretchen nodded, but she broke down into unrelenting sobs a second later. Jax sat and pulled Gretchen into her arms. She let her cry and cry, trying her best to soothe Gretchen by rubbing her back and kissing the top of her head.

“I need you to calm down, please, Gretchen. Calm down.”

Gretchen took a deep, shuddering breath and pulled away from Jax. She wiped at the tears on her face angrily. “I have no control. No matter what I do, it’s going to happen.”

“What’s going to happen, baby?” Jax let the endearment slip out.

Gretchen distanced herself from Jax. “You won’t believe me, and you’ll probably call Dr. Melendez and tell her I’m crazy and broken.”