In the dead of night, Erin was awakened by a tummy upset, a sensation of dampness in her underwear, confirming her discomfort.
She hurried out of bed and into the bathroom.
Seated on the toilet, the signs of diarrhea were unmistakable.
With a gurgle from her tummy, Erin couldn't help but release a soft sob.
Jay entered the bathroom and saw his girlfriend crying on the toilet seat.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laden with sleep.
Erin looked up, tears streaming down her face.
"My stomach hurts so much..." she whimpered.
Jay knelt and softly rubbed Erin's midsection.
"Don't worry, it's just an upset stomach. It will pass soon," he comforted her.
Erin gazed at him with weary eyes.
"How long?" she whispered through tears.
Jay exhaled and responded.
"It might take a while to get out of your system. Just keep going. It's going to be tough, love," he cautioned.
Erin winced in discomfort as she experienced a watery stool.
"It hurts so much!" Erin cried out, tears streaming down her face.
Jay drew Erin's head closer, cradling it against his neck, and began to gently massage her lower back.
"Don't worry, babe, it'll pass soon. Usually, it's just five minutes. I know it's tough; it really does a number on my stomach too. Tell you what, once you feel a bit better, how about I rub your belly when we get back to bed, okay?" Jay soothed.
Erin, still in discomfort, managed a nod and laid a hand on her abdomen.
"I think you're done, love," Jay whispered.
Erin slowly rose from the toilet and straightened herself out.
"Let's wash your hands," Jay suggested.
He put some soap in Erin's hands and guided them under the tap.
"Let's go back to bed," Jay whispered again.
He helped Erin into bed and settled her onto the pillows.
As Jay rested his hand on Erin's soft belly, she murmured names of places.
"Down a bit.." Erin mumbled.
Jay went down a bit
"Go a bit lower..." Erin whispered.
Jay reached the spot where Erin's tummy ached the most.
"Yes, I can feel all the soft gurgles," Jay said softly.
Erin's hand slipped off the bed, and Jay tenderly massaged her lower abdomen.
"The team will be here in a few hours, right?" Erin inquired.
Jay nodded and murmured in response.
"Yes, they can wait. You're not well, and you are my priority, not some fancy dinner..." Jay clarified.
Erin chuckled quietly while Jay settled comfortably against the pillows.
Hours later, the team arrived to find Jay on the couch, with Erin asleep in his lap.
Adam set the beers on the countertop, offering a warm smile.
Kevin's shout of "YO!" was met with Jay's gentle shushing and a soft whisper, "Quiet. Erin's not feeling well; she's just fallen asleep."
The team murmured their apologies as Jayden scampered down the stairs.
"Hi Monkey!" greeted Kim with a smile, causing Jayden to giggle before being scooped up by the boys.
"Take care of your lady, Jay. How about I order us some gas station pizza?" Kim proposed, to which Erin nodded, her laughter light and soft.
Later, Erin stirred, resting against Jay's shoulder.
As Jay ran his fingers through Erin's hair and planted a kiss on her forehead, he murmured, "You're sweating, love..." Erin groaned, clutching her stomach.
"I need to call the clinic," Jay whispered with concern.
Jay shook his head, sniffling. "Honey, you've been unwell for over an hour. You can stay here on my shoulder, or lie down in my lap, but I'm calling the clinic," Jay insisted with maternal firmness.
Erin let out a weary sigh and rested her head in Jay's lap, seeking comfort.
"There you go, just relax, baby, just relax..." Jay whispered soothingly, his fingers tenderly combing through Erin's hair as he dialed the clinic.
"I need to schedule an appointment for my girlfriend," Jay began, her voice a calm anchor in the storm.
Curiosity piqued, Jayden scampered downstairs, his eyes widening at the sight of his mother in Jay's embrace, phone in hand.
"What's happening? Who's daddy talking to?" Jayden's questions tumbled out in quick succession.
Hank cast a reassuring glance at his grandson, his voice gentle yet firm.
"Mommy's not feeling well, her tummy hurts quite a bit, so daddy's getting her some help from the doctors," Hank clarified with care.
Jayden gave a nod, and Erin spoke once more, "Erin-Louise-Lindsay," he said in response.
Feeling Erin's stomach rumble, Jay quickly replied to the incoming message, "Yes, 08/05/2001," confirming the details.
With a self-assured nod, Jay cheerfully said, "Okay, see you then!", before ending the call and turning to Erin. "The clinic's fully booked right now.
Hallie has an opening at 12pm," he murmured softly.
Erin let out a sigh and a sniffle, feeling the weight of the wait.
Hours passed, and the team found themselves in the waiting room, Erin dozing on Jay's shoulder while Jayden was engrossed in play with the toys in the children's area.
Suddenly, Hallie's voice rang out, "ERIN LINDSAY!"
Promptly, Jay gently roused Erin, whispering, "Baby, they're ready for you." Erin rose and made her way to the exam room as the door closed behind her, leaving the team in a collective sigh.
Little Jayden toddled over and climbed onto Jay's lap, his young voice filled with curiosity, "Where's mommy?" Jay let out a sigh and tenderly stroked his hair, reassuring him, "She's just with the doctors for a check-up, sweetie."
Understanding, Jayden returned his attention to the toys, content with the explanation.
Hallie emerged from the room, noticeably alone.
"Jay? May I speak with you?" Hallie inquired.
Jay scanned the area, realizing Erin was absent.
"Where's Erin?" Jay questioned.
With a sigh, Hallie responded.
"She's resting on the examination bed. We'll bring her out shortly," Hallie clarified.
The team collectively sighed as Jayden approached.
"Where's my mama?" Jayden asked, his lower lip trembling.
Hallie knelt down, offering a gentle smile.
"Hey there, little one! Your mommy is with a kind nurse who's making sure her tummy feels better. She's just going to rest a bit in my room, and then she'll be right out," Hallie assured.
Jayden nodded, settling into Kim's lap.
"Excuse me," Hallie excused herself.
Jay offered a smile as Hallie returned to her room.
Hours later, Erin returned to the waiting area, visibly exhausted, accompanied by Hallie.
Hank caught sight of her and offered a gentle smile. "Hi Kiddo," he murmured softly.
Overcome, Erin collapsed into her hands, crying. "C'mon, baby, shush," Jay whispered, comforting her.
He then cradled Erin's legs in her lap, rocking her tenderly.
"Can we take her home?" Antonio inquired.
With a soft smile, Hallie nodded in agreement.
"You can collect her medication from the local pharmacy," she suggested quietly.
Grateful, Jay lifted Erin into his embrace. "Thank you, Hallie," he said with a smile.
Hallie returned the nod and retreated to her office.
The team departed from the clinic and boarded the truck.
Erin, feeling uncomfortable, pressed against the window. "Baby, come lean on my knees," Jay coaxed in a hushed tone.
Erin nestled into the warmth of Jay's knees and drifted off to sleep.