Chapter 552: Jamlyn

Saturday, February 25th, Evening

It's been a long day; it started in the morning with work, that long ride to Raleigh for the game; of course, there was the game and the ride back from Raleigh. Once she got home, she slowly walked into the house, expecting the place to be chaotic, but it was quiet. Eilish was on the couch watching on the tablet.

"Hello, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Eilish said.

"Eilish, where is everyone?" Ashlyn asked.

"The boys are in the gym; I was about to get them ready for bed," Eilish said.

"Good, and the girls?" Ashlyn asked.

"They're in the den," Eilish said.

Ashlyn nodded, "How about Mister Pierce?" she asked.

"He went out, didn't say where though, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Eilish said.

Ashlyn looked around, "Okay, I'll be in my room," she said.

"Game night?" Eilish asked.

"Yeah, Mister Scott is playing against Indiana," Ashlyn said.

"Sounds fun. Do you need me to get a bottle for you?" Eilish asked.

"No, I'll just get water," Ashlyn said.

"How was the game tonight?" Eilish asked.

"It started out scary, but we righted the ship and won. So, we're in the final four," Ashlyn said.

"Going for the ring?" Eilish asked with a laugh.

"Isn't that the goal every year?" Ashlyn asked.

"True," Eilish said, "I'll stay until Mister Pierce gets home."

"You don't have to; just make sure the boys are in their rooms," Ashlyn said.

"Okay, and the girls?" Eilish asked.

"I'll get them, and once the boys are settled, you can go home," Ashlyn said.

"Okay, thank you, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," Eilish said.

Ashlyn nodded, went to the kitchen, and found a water bottle. After collecting the bottle, she wandered through the house to the den. She found Joplin and Maeghan watching the movie Grease.

"Hi girls," Ashlyn said.

"Mom," Maeghan said.

"Aunt Ash," Joplin said.

"It's game night, and I'm tired, so you know what that means," Ashlyn said.

"We have to be in our rooms," Joplin said, disappointed.

"No, you and Maeghan could spend time together; you just have to be in bed by halftime," Ashlyn said.

"Really, Aunt Ash?" Joplin asked.

"We can do that, Mom?" Maeghan asked.

Ashlyn nodded, "Yes," she said.

"Sweet," Joplin said, and Ashlyn watched as the girls ran off. Ashlyn smiled and headed up to her room.

In her room, Ashlyn turned the TV to the game and set her water bottle down on her nightstand. Sighing, she started to undress as she walked into her ensuite.

Ashlyn started her multi-head shower, and while waiting for the water to heat up, she finished undressing. Once naked and the water was warm enough, she climbed in and felt the hot water beat against her tired skin. As the day's tension melted away, she washed away the day's grime. She decided to wash her hair as well.

After the shower, she dried herself and wrapped her hair up in a towel. Looking at her nails, she sighed; they needed to be done. After her hair was dried, she brushed it out and put it into a ponytail; next, she took her contacts out and put her glasses on. Ashlyn changed into yoga pants and an oversized Duke University football jersey.

In her bedroom, she saw that pre-game was still going on. Ashlyn went through and checked on the kids. The boys were in Landen's room, while the girls were in Maeghan's.

Ashlyn returned to her bedroom and got comfortable in bed. She opened her water bottle and took a long pull. That was when her smartphone went off. Ashlyn picked it up and looked it over.

Angela: Congratulations on making the final four.

Ashlyn: Thanks.

Angela: I'll be down with the family for the final two games.

Ashlyn: Will Jess be with you?

Angela: No, she needs to stay in school. She'll be staying with her friend Tisha.

Ashlyn: Too bad, I would have loved to spend time with my goddaughter.

Angela: I know; the next chance I get, I'll send her down.

Ashlyn: I'm going to hold you to it.

Angela: You better - lol

Ashlyn: You know it.

Angela: We need to meet up for some BFF time.

Ashlyn: Of course.

Angela: Maybe get Ashton involved as well.

Ashlyn: LOL, return of the killer A's.

Angela: But of course.

Ashlyn: The game is starting; I'll text you later.

Angela: Alright TTYS

Ashlyn smiled and put her smartphone down. She took another sip of her water. Ashlyn re-adjusted herself and started to watch the basketball game.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't calm down. With the rush of the game earlier and the fact her best friend was coming back to town; she was keyed up. Ashlyn missed her sister from another mister. Two of the most important people in her life were never here because of basketball. That was life, and Ashlyn learned early on that life wasn't fair.

The game was a blur for Ashlyn, in her natural high. She did vaguely remember checking on the children at halftime. Also, Ashlyn had a notion Buck stopped by to say he was home.

The game ended with Miami winning at home against Indiana by the score of 113-95. James had an unremarkable game, but at least Miami won. It was all she could do but gush about Angela coming to visit to her husband, who was also Angela's cousin. But Ashlyn didn't care.