My Cousin's Ex

Chapter 25

Jace's POV
She believes me!

She believes me!

I started crying.

"Aw baby..it's not too late. You can still tell people."

I shook my head while I sniffled.

"I-I don't want to hear that, nobody believes me. You being the only person who, believes me is enough for me."

"You should still, say something."

"No. Please don't force me."

"Okay. Okay. I wasn't trying to. I'm sorry."

"Y-you're good."

She kissed my neck.

"Do you wanna say what happened?"

"No. Not at the moment. You heard the summed up version. That's enough for anyone to know...to me at least."

"Alright then. I'm here when, you wanna say it."

"Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too Jace. You'll be okay."

"I know. I don't get flashbacks or anything. I assume that's okay?"

"I wish...I didn't have flashbacks."

"S-shit. I-I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to upset you."

"Shhh. You didn't upset me. I was just telling you, I wish, I could go without them."

I yawned.

"You're still tired?"

"Kinda."

"Are you sleeping enough?"

"I don't think so."

"Oh. Sleep then. I'll stay here."

"Y-you will?"

"Mhm."

I shut my eyes. She started running her fingers through my hair. She kissed the side of my head. She started humming something. I woke up when I heard talking.

"You've both been in here all day. Come downstairs."

"I told him, I'd be here when he wakes up."

"Oh. I have some news for you."

"Okay?"

"Benjamin isn't going to get a trial. You don't have to testify."

"That's good."

"Mary on the other hand....is making her shit go to trial."

I opened my eyes.

"Huh?!"

I started having panic attacks after, I heard that.

"Jace? It's gonna be okay."

"S-she's gonna get me! T-the strikes will start again!"

Evelyne cupped my face.

"She won't get you. Those strikes will not continue."

She kissed me.

"You've got this."

She pressed our foreheads together.

"It's gonna be fine."

I sniffled. She wiped away tears.

"I'm gonna be right there next to you."

"I-I can't do this."

"Yes, you can. I know you can. You're so strong. She's put you through hell. Now...it's time to do the same to her."

"I-I don't think...I can."

"You can. Trust me. I'm not telling you that, "It's easy." when it's not. We're in this together."

"I-I don't wanna relive it all."

"Are you having flashbacks?"

"Not at the moment. I-if testify...I'll get them."

She started rubbing my back.

"It's okay. I get them too. I know how to calm you down now. I'll just do, what you do for me. Here. Give me your hands."

I put my hands out. She put them on her stomach.

"Focus on her."

I felt my daughter moving around. I started to calm down a bit.

"There we go. I knew she'd cheer you up. You'll definitely feel better when, you're able to hold her."

"I think you're right."

She kissed my forehead. I sniffled.

"It's okay. Forget about the trial. That's so far ahead of us. Baby focus on the present. Don't worry about the negative shit in the future."

I kissed her.

"Y-you're amazing Evie."

"You are too."