Chapter 531: Jamlyn

Wednesday, February 22nd, Evening

They sat on the sofa with the world outside them, not mattering. The TV was on, set to some movie; it had to be at least twenty years old. She leaned against him as they watched passively. Their children were in their rooms, knowing this was mommy and daddy's quiet time.

Ashlyn cherished these moments with James. The NBA kept him in Miami most of the year, so the chances he got to come home were special. She was often in two minds about the playoffs, hoping he wouldn't be in them; so she could see more of him while hoping he would make the playoffs because he would be happy. The duality of being in a relationship. They had never been in a two-person relationship; they always had been an instant family. Even Chase and Huck had time alone because Brett didn't live with them, and even because Chase was pregnant with PJ, they were alone.

"What are you thinking about?" James asked.

"Swimming pools," Ashlyn said.

James chuckled, "That's the last time we're watching Air Heads," he said.

"Come on, it's a classic, even with a cameo of Lemmy," Ashlyn said.

"I miss Lemmy," James said.

"You didn't know him," Ashlyn said.

"I know his music, and a world without Lemmy Kilminster is somehow lesser," James said.

"The music is forever," Ashlyn said.

"Born to lose," James said.

"Live to Win," Ashlyn said and chuckled.

James chuckled and felt Ashlyn's head resting on his shoulder. He sighed and rubbed her hair, which got Ashlyn purring. At the same time, the exploits of the Lone Rangers played out before them.

They were interrupted by one of the new occupants of the house. The seven-year-old dirty blonde-haired girl walked in and stood in front of them. James and Ashlyn straightened up and looked at Joplin Matthews.

"Aunt Ashlyn, Uncle James, have you seen Poppy?" Joplin asked.

"No," James said.

"No, but Joplin…." Ashlyn started to say.

"I know; I wasn't supposed to disturb you," Joplin said in a panic.

Ashlyn shook her head. "Joplin, it's fine if it's important you could bother us," she said.

"Okay," Joplin said.

"What's wrong, Joplin?" James asked.

Joplin sat down in a nearby armchair. James paused the movie. Ashlyn leaned slightly forward and looked at Joplin.

"I don't know if I should say," Joplin said.

"You could tell us, Joplin," Ashlyn said.

"Yes, you won't get into trouble," James said.

"Are you sure?" Joplin said.

"Yes," Ashlyn said, while James nodded.

"I don't like my school," Joplin said.

"I didn't like going to school either," Ashlyn said.

Joplin shook her head. "No, no, I mean, I hate my school," she said.

"Why?" James asked.

"I don't like the kids, the teachers, any of it," Joplin said.

James turned to Ashlyn. "Didn't you go to that school?" he asked.

Ashlyn shook her head, "No, Savannah and I went to public school," she said.

"Why did they change things up for the grandkids?" James asked.

"I overhead Grammy was telling Poppy that she would be damned if AB and I turned out like her daughters," Joplin said.

"What?" James asked.

"Oh, I swore, sorry, don't punish me," Joplin said.

"We're not going to punish you," James said.

"Why do you hate school?" Ashlyn asked.

"The kids, they seem so different, I don't fit in, plus the Jesus class," Joplin said.

"Jesus class?" James asked.

"It's a private religious school she goes to," Ashlyn said.

"Oh," James said.

"Yeah, so, Joplin, why don't you like that class?" Ashlyn asked.

"It does; I don't know; I just don't like it," Joplin said.

Ashlyn nodded, "So, what do you want?" she asked.

"I want to go to school with Maeghan," Joplin said.

"Why?" James asked.

"I don't know; I just want to," Joplin said.

Ashlyn nodded, "I don't know how much I can help, Joplin, since Poppy has the say with you," she said.

"Please, help, Aunt Ashlyn," Joplin said.

Ashlyn sighed, "I'll talk to Poppy for you," she said.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Joplin said and jumped at Ashlyn. She wrapped her arms around Ashlyn's neck. Ashlyn shrugged and hugged Joplin.

"You're welcome, Joplin, but I'm not promising anything," Ashlyn said.

Joplin let go and looked at Ashlyn, "Are you sure?" she asked.

Ashlyn took one of Joplin's hands. "I'll do my best; that I promise," she said.

Joplin nodded, "I have homework to do," she said.

"Okay, so, I guess you need to get at it," Ashlyn said.

Joplin nodded, "Okay, Aunt Ashlyn," she said, and took off.

Ashlyn sighed and shook her head; James looked at her.

"What?" Ashlyn asked, confused.

"It's odd hearing you being called aunt by someone who isn't one of Brian's kids or Jessi," James said.

"Yeah, it is odd, but for the record, she wants to be called Jess now," Ashlyn said.

"Oh, I will try to make a note of that," James said.

"Yeah, speaking of the daemon brother of yours," Ashlyn said.

"What about him?" James asked.

"Another child, I heard," Ashlyn said.

"Yes, another son, a nine-year-old," James said.

"So, what do you want to do with the kids and him?" Ashlyn asked.

James shrugged, "I'm not going to rush a meeting between them," he said.

"Yeah, let them meet the siblings first, right?" Ashlyn asked.

"Correct, let my dad and mom handle that," James said, "Let's finish watching the movie."

"Let's," Ashlyn said as James unpaused the movie.