And I'm finally back with a new update after being sick and other "adulting" stuff. I'm so happy that so many of you enjoy reading this story and I tried to involve your "wishes" in this chapter.
Someone said it would be great to hear something about Amelia's past and I always try to involve it via her reactions but otherwise it's a little difficult since her parents are dead but don't worry, I already have something planned! I also always try to involve some JJ/Emily alone time & think it worked out pretty well in this chapter.
Anyway, enough of the rambling, thank you so much for all the reviews/follows/favourites and enjoy reading!
As the evening began to fade into the night JJ and Emily found themselves lounging on the couch, both musing about the latest events.
It was Emily who broke the comfortable silence between them after intertwining their fingers and letting their hands rest on her lap.
"You know she should probably see a speech therapist, right? Her speech is fairly delayed and even though she seems to open up to us I'm worried this will cause problems when we enroll her in preschool. " She voiced her concerns and carefully watched JJ's reaction to them.
"Yeah, you're right. I just really hoped things would change once we got her settled down a little but it seems like it will take a little more than just that." JJ replied after a moment of consideration and let out a small sigh, knowing they had a lot of work ahead.
"Hey, look at me Jen, it will be alright. She has a lot to process for only being 4 years old but she has us now and there's nothing wrong with needing professional help." Looking at her Emily made sure JJ understood her and reassuringly squeezed her hand, waiting for her to voice her thoughts.
"I know. It's just that...every time I see her retreating or being afraid of something I wonder just how much she must have been through and it hurts to think about that." JJ's voice was small and laced with emotions and by now Emily could clearly see the tears glistening in her eyes.
"Don't you ever wish you could just take away all that pain from her?" A few tears managed to escape and as they made their way down her cheeks her voice broke off. It was only now that JJ allowed herself to grief for the childhood Amelia deserved but never had until now and it made her realize that she would do everything possible to make her happy and let her heal from what had happened to her in the past.
"The past can't be undone, but this wish is what makes you a good parent JJ." Emily quietly comforted her and wrapped one of her arms around her shoulders to draw her closer.
"Thank you." JJ whispered, her voice hoarse, and rested her head on Emily's shoulder to find some peace in her presence.
"It's alright. There are going to be more days like this but it's going to get easier especially once the whole adoption process is finished." She knew JJ was still tense and worried things wouldn't work out in their favour and she tried her best to reassure her that it was going to be ok.
"I hope so. She really deserves a loving and caring family." JJ slowly seemed to calm down and let out a small sigh as she shook off the tension that was left in her body.
After a while Emily slightly pulled back and softly spoke up again. "Hey, I think I'm going to take a quick shower, is that ok with you?" She carefully scanned JJ's face to see if she was ok after their rather serious conversation and was glad to find some sort of serenity in her eyes.
"Sure. I think I will make some tea in the meantime." JJ shot her a soft smile and watched as Emily walked towards their bedroom and their adjacent bathroom.
It was only then that she realized that it must've started raining and when she got up to make tea for them she heard thunder and saw the room lighten up at the lightning that followed suit.
Rain had always had a calming effect on her and that's how she found herself standing in front of the large living room window with the rain steadily tapping against it in a soothing manner.
The tea was long forgotten when she felt arms being wrapped around her waist from behind and a chin coming to rest on her shoulder.
Easily melting into the embrace she soaked in the warmth of Emily's body and inhaled the scent of shampoo and body lotion she had grown to love so much over the years.
"Hey." Was all Emily whispered into her ear and simply enjoyed the peaceful moment they got to spend together and they were only torn from their thoughts when they heard small sniffles coming from behind them.
Turning them around Emily saw Amelia standing in the dimly lit living room with her blanket in one hand and her teddy in the other and a frightened look on her face.
"Hey Lia, were you afraid of the thunder and lightning?" JJ softly spoke up with new gathered strength and opened her arms for the little girl.
"It's scawy." Amelia sniffled as she cuddled up in JJ's arms only to feel a second pair of arms being wrapped around her small body.
"It's ok to be scared but we're safe inside the house, ok?" JJ now tried to soothe her while Emily carefully wrapped the girl into the blanket she had brought along.
Coming to stand in front of the window again, with Lia safely wrapped in, JJ leaned into Emily's embrace once more and gently rocked the girl until she felt her calming down again.
"You not angwy?" Amelia's voice was small and JJ could tell she was on the verge of sleep so she pressed a soft kiss onto the top of her head before quietly replying.
"We're not angry at you Lia. Everyone is scared sometimes and you can always come to us when you don't feel good." She reassured her in a hushed voice and watched her eyes drift close once again.
Feeling her breathing evening out JJ let out a small sigh and momentarily closed her eyes as well.
"Do you want me to bring her back to bed?" Emily softly offered as she continued to rub small circles onto Amelia's back.
"Just a few more minutes." Emily could tell that JJ needed the bonding time so she simply remained where she was and soaked in the serenity of the moment the three of them shared.
When the storm had passed and left nothing behind but the soothing rain Emily carefully cradled Amelia in her arms and went down the hall to bring her back to bed.
Seeing her curling up under her covers while holding her teddy close Emily couldn't help but stare at her for a while until JJ softly interrupted her moment.
"She looks so peaceful, right?" She smiled at Amelia's sleeping form and walked over to Emily to take her hand in her own.
"Yeah, I wish she could always look like this." Emily quietly agreed and turned her attention towards JJ.
"It will get better." The blonde now repeated Emily's words from early and slightly tugged her along towards their own bedroom.
"Come on, I think it's time for us to get some sleep too." She knew Emily needed her sleep and wanted to make sure she got enough of it because Amelia would be up bright and early the next day.
Smiling at her Emily nodded and followed her down the hall, knowing they would both need the energy since there was still a lot to do after all.
Reviews are lovely & wishes are welcome (:
