Chapter 156: Jamlyn
Wednesday, January 11th, Evening
The front door swung open and banged against the wall. Brett walked through the door and headed upstairs. A moment later, Ashlyn came through and closed the door. She paused and looked up the stairs.
Ashlyn shook her head and walked into the other room. A sixteen-year-old girl was sitting on the couch with Ashlyn's other daughter, Maeghan Scott, sitting next to the teenager. The eight-year-old had her homework out.
"How did everything go, Eilish?" Ashlyn asked.
The sixteen-year-old looked up, "They were perfect angels, as always," Eilish Wallace said, "Mrs. Pierce-Scott."
"That's good, where are the boys?" Ashlyn asked.
"They're in the gym," Eilish said, pointing to a small tablet, which showed Ashlyn's twin sons playing basketball. Ashlyn watched for a few minutes; then, she saw her oldest daughter come out onto the court.
Ashlyn watched as Brett started to go through several drills. The two six-year-olds moved off the court to watch Brett. Ashlyn nodded in approval.
"Do you need me anymore?" Eilish asked.
Ashlyn shook her head, and looked at Eilish, "Yes, yes, we're good," she said.
Eilish smiled, "Thanks, Mrs. Pierce-Scott," she said.
Ashlyn went into her bag and pulled out her wallet; she handed a few bills to the high-school girl. Eilish grabbed her stuff and left. After a minute, Ashlyn took a seat on the couch watching Brett, and the twins.
"Mom," Maeghan said.
"Yes, Maeghan?" Ashlyn asked.
"Why is Brett mad all the time?" Maeghan asked.
"I didn't notice," Ashlyn said.
"She's been stomping around and been grumpy," Maeghan said.
"Well, I don't know," Ashlyn said.
"Is it her time?" Maeghan asked.
"Maeghan, where did you hear that?" Ashlyn asked.
"Daddy," Maeghan said.
"Well, it's not what's happening," Ashlyn said.
"Then why is she so grumpy?" Maeghan asked.
"Because she's in trouble," Ashlyn said.
"Why is she in trouble?" Maeghan asked.
"Why are you so noise?" Ashlyn asked.
"Sorry, Momma," Maeghan said.
"So, how was school today?" Ashlyn asked, trying to change the subject.
"It was a good day," Maeghan said and looked down at the tablet.
"Are you almost done with your homework?" Ashlyn asked.
"Yes, Momma," Maeghan said.
"Why are you so down?" Ashlyn asked.
"It's just, well, Momma, Brett's been spending all of her time in the gym this week," Maeghan said.
"Yeah, is that a shock?" Ashlyn asked, not sure where Maeghan is going with this.
"She's been hiding, and not spending time with me," Maeghan said.
"But she's been spending time with your brothers," Ashlyn said.
"Only because they hang out in the gym," Maeghan said.
Ashlyn nodded and looked back to the tablet. Finally, she sighed and looked at Maeghan. "Did you and Eilish finish your homework?" she asked, again desperately trying to change the subject.
"No, Momma," Maeghan said.
"Well, Maeghan, finish your homework," Ashlyn said.
"Okay, Momma," Maeghan said and picked up one of her school books.
Ashlyn stood up and left the room. She headed to the gym, located in the new wing. Outside the door to the indoor basketball court, she paused. James was adamant about only wearing sneakers on the parquet floor. Ashlyn got it, having a similar basketball background.
With a grunt, Ashlyn kicked off her shoes. Opening the door, she walked out onto the court. The twins, Landon and Logan, were sitting on the stands. Brett was off on the far side, working on her ball handling.
Ashlyn shook her head and walked across the court in her bare feet. She stopped in front of Brett and stared her down. Mom and daughter are similar in height; Brett was a bit taller. Brett stopped and tucked the basketball under her arm.
"Yes, Momma?" Brett asked.
"Is this your way of getting through your restriction?" Ashlyn asked.
"What are you getting at?" Brett asked.
"Hiding down here in the gym," Ashlyn said.
"I'm not hiding in the gym," Brett said.
"Then, what are you doing?" Ashlyn asked.
"Getting ready for the tournaments," Brett said.
Ashlyn nodded, "You're desperate, aren't you?" she asked.
"Desperate? Desperate for what?" Brett asked.
"You want a state championship," Ashlyn said.
"Duh! Doesn't anyone who plays want to have that?" Brett asked.
"No, not like that," Ashlyn said, "It's an obsession."
"What are you talking about?" Brett asked.
"You want to equal me or better me," Ashlyn said.
"That's insane, and you're full of yourself," Brett said.
"You can believe what you want to believe, Osita," Ashlyn said, "I will tell you a little secret about that team."
"Oh yeah? What is it?" Brett asked.
"You know how people said Auntie Tall was obsessed with winning a state championship," Ashlyn said.
"Yeah, I know," Brett said.
"It was because she promised a tombstone; she'd win one," Ashlyn said.
"What?" Brett asked.
"That's right; your Auntie Tall promised a tombstone she'll win a state championship. It got so bad she was seeing and hearing what she thought was that person," Ashlyn said.
"What are you saying?" Brett asked, "Are you worried about me?"
Ashlyn nodded, "Damn straight, I'm your Mom. Also, because I believe there's more to life than basketball," she said.
"Like what?" Brett asked.
"Like spending time with your sister," Ashlyn said.
"Which sister?" Brett asked.
"Maeghan," Ashlyn said, "She enjoys spending time with you. She doesn't like basketball, that's why she's not down here. Also, spending time with her keeps you grounded."
"Is this you bringing this up?" Brett asked.
Ashlyn shook her head, "Maeghan brought to my attention. I'm just delivering the message," she said.
Brett took a deep breath. "Do you want me to spend time with her?" Brett asked.
"I can't tell you anything," Ashlyn said, "But since you're leaving for South bend this summer, and won't see her much."
Brett nodded.
"Just think about it," Ashlyn said and walked out of the gym. Landon and Logan looked at Brett, who just shrugged at her brothers. She dropped the ball and started to bounce it.
