Chapter 31

Cat's pov

"Are we there yet?" Erika whined in the back seat. The past couple of days on the road have been rough. A whiny baby should have been the least of my troubles.

It all started in the first hotel.

"Mom I don't want a bath, I want to shower." My monkey argued as I started to run the very bath she was protesting. She could have gotten anything by calling me mom, anything. She wasn't even aware how wrapped I was around her little fingers.

"Lovebug, I haven't had my little one in so long," I felt the water with my hand, confirming it's not too hot or too cold, "please for mommy?"

"Okay fine," Erika sighed, plopping onto the toilet lid with her arms crossed, pouting like a child who had just been told bedtime was earlier than expected, which she technically was.

I smiled softly, kneeling beside the tub as the warm water filled it, steam curling into the air. "That's my good girl," I cooed, testing the temperature one last time before turning off the faucet. "Now, let's get you undressed."

Erika turned away from me, keeping her pout very known, "Can I help you monkey? Or does my baby want to be a big girl?" I secretly found her resistance adorable...

Her lips pressed into a firm line, cheeks slightly pink, but she lifted her arms nonetheless as I tugged her sweater over her head. "I could do it myself, you know," she muttered, though she didn't make any effort to stop me.

"I know," I said simply, pulling her pajama pants down next. "But it's been so long since Mommy got to take care of her baby properly."

Erika huffed, her stubbornness flickering for only a moment before she finally allowed herself to be guided into the tub. She let out a small sigh as the warm water embraced her skin, her body instantly relaxing. I couldn't help but smile at how quickly she melted into my touch.

"You like it, don't you?" I teased, dipping the washcloth into the soapy water before gently running it over her shoulders.

"No," she grumbled, but her closed eyes and the way she leaned into my touch told me otherwise.

I took my time washing her, humming softly as I worked shampoo into her hair, massaging her scalp the way I knew she loved. Erika let out a little hum of contentment, her body going limp in the water.

When I rinsed her hair, she pouted again, blinking up at me through wet lashes. "Mommy?"

"Yes, lovebug?"

She hesitated, her fingers curling around the edge of the tub. "Am I the reason you're mad at your dad?"

My heart ached at the insecurity in her voice. I cupped her cheek, running my thumb over her damp skin. "Oh, baby. No."

Her bottom lip wobbled slightly, and before she could say anything else, I leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Now, let's get you all clean and then snuggled up in bed, okay?"

Erika nodded, wiping at her eyes quickly, as if embarrassed by her emotions. I didn't push. I simply continued bathing her, making sure every part of her was warm and cared for.

Once she was wrapped in a fluffy hotel towel, I carried her to the bed, dressing her in soft pajamas and tucking her in. I curled up beside her, stroking her hair

"I love you, Mommy," she mumbled, half-buried in the covers.

I kissed the top of her head. "I love you more, baby."

After ten minutes of stroking her hair, rubbing her back, and cuddles still no eyelids were drooping.

I chuckled softly, glancing down at Erika as she shifted under the blankets, clearly trying her best to fall asleep but failing miserably. Her big brown eyes peeked up at me through the dim light of the hotel room, still wide and alert despite her body being curled up against mine.

"You're supposed to be sleeping, lovebug," I murmured, running my fingers through her silky hair.

She huffed dramatically, burrowing deeper into the comforter. "I know, but I can't," she grumbled.

I continued rubbing slow circles on her back, trying to lull her into relaxation. "Want me to tell you a story?" I asked, my voice low and soothing.

She made a small noise of consideration before nodding. "Okay... but not a baby story," she warned.

I smiled. "Alright, no baby stories," I promised, though the way she was tucked so close to me made her look exactly like one.

I took a deep breath, thinking of something comforting. "Once upon a time," I started, my voice hushed, "there was a little girl who loved the ocean. She spent every summer on the beach, collecting seashells and chasing the waves. She had a favorite spot—a quiet little cove that only she knew about."

Erika shifted slightly, listening intently.

"But one day," I continued, "a storm came, and the little girl got caught in the rain. The waves grew bigger, and she didn't know how to get back home. She was scared, but then, a kind-hearted sea turtle appeared. He told her to hold onto his shell, and he guided her back to the shore, safe and sound."

I paused for a moment, glancing down at Erika. She was staring at me with those big, thoughtful eyes.

"What happened after that?" she whispered.

"The little girl visited the cove every day after that, hoping to see the sea turtle again. But he never came back. He just was comforted knowing the little girl was safe."

Erika was silent for a moment before snuggling closer to me. "That was a nice story," she murmured, "but it was baby-ish".

"Oh really?" I laughed before kissed the top of her head, "I'm glad you think so, baby."

For a few minutes, there was silence, and I thought maybe—just maybe—she had finally fallen asleep. But then, she whispered, "Mommy?"

"Yes, lovebug?" I whispered back.

"I still can't sleep." She responded sadly as she shifted.

"Hmm I think someone needs a warm bottle?" I rhetorically asked.

Erika grunted, "Nooo, not a baby," She pressed her face into my chest, "please mommy no." The biggest puppy dog eyes were plastered on her face.

"Monkey it will help I swear." I informed her as I attempted to get up but was stopped by little hands gripping the collar of my shirt.

"No stop, don't leave." Erika whined her grip tightening by the second.

I smiled internally at the adorable sight, she wanted me, my touch. Unlike her usual resistance to my every move.

"I'm just going to get your bottle." I reassured her, trying to lift myself up once more, but was met with even more resistance.

I barely had time to settle back into bed before a whiney screech broke the silence.

"No." Erika's small voice cracked through the room, her grip tightening around my shirt.

I sighed, my tone turning firm but still gentle. "Erika, let me go, please. I'll just be a second."

She shook her head stubbornly, her fingers clutching my sleeve like a lifeline.

"Baby, if you don't let go, no dessert for a whole week," I warned, raising an eyebrow.

Her eyes widened in horror. "A whole week? No!"

I softened, brushing her hair back. "Then is my little one going to listen to Mommy?"

There was a long pause before she reluctantly released me, but tears quickly welled in her big brown eyes.

"I'm not a baby," she whispered, her voice wobbling.

She sure was acting like one. The littlest she had ever acted, actually. But how could I complain? She was absolutely adorable.

I chuckled softly, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Oh, honey, that's not what I meant," I cooed. "Warm milk helps even grown-ups sleep."

She groaned but didn't argue, pressing her face deeper into my chest. "M'not a baby," she mumbled again, stubbornly.

"I know, monkey," I whispered, kissing the top of her head. "But you do get awfully fussy when you're sleepy."

She huffed but didn't move away. If anything, she held on tighter.

I smiled to myself. "Okay, let's make a deal," I suggested, shifting so I could look down at her. "You don't have to have a bottle if you don't want one. But if you're still awake after five more minutes, we'll try it. Just to see if it helps."

She was silent, probably weighing her options. Then, finally, she let out a small sigh. "Fine. But I won't need it."

I hummed, unconvinced. "We'll see about that, lovebug."

I resumed stroking her back, my fingers tracing slow, soothing patterns. The hotel room was quiet except for the distant hum of cars outside and the soft rustling of sheets as she adjusted. The warmth of the blankets, the steady rhythm of my touch—it should have been enough.

But five minutes passed.

Then ten.

She was still awake.

I smirked knowingly. "Still can't sleep?" I whispered.

She whined softly but didn't answer.

I kissed her forehead. "Alright, let's get that bottle, sweetheart."

She groaned dramatically but didn't protest as I carefully lifted her off me and tucked her into the blankets.

"I'm only doing this because you won't stop talking about it," she grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Oh, of course, it has nothing to do with you being sleepy and fussy," I teased, stepping into the small hotel kitchenette.

She didn't respond, only rolled onto her side with a pout, peeking over at me as I warmed the milk.

When I returned, I sat beside her on the bed, offering the bottle.

"Here you go, lovebug," I cooed.

She eyed it hesitantly before finally bringing it to her lips. She took a small sip, testing the warmth. Then, as if she were merely humoring me, she began to drink.

I watched as her stubborn expression softened, her eyelids growing heavier with each slow sip. Her little body, once tense with exhaustion, slowly melted into the mattress.

"See?" I murmured, brushing my fingers through her hair. "Told you it would help."

She let out a sleepy little noise of protest, but her drinking slowed, her eyes fluttering shut.

I carefully took the now-empty bottle from her hands, tucking the blankets up around her shoulders. She shifted slightly, her face relaxed, her breathing steady.

I smiled, pressing a final kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, baby," I whispered.

This time, there was no response—just the soft rise and fall of her chest, peaceful at last.

I settled in beside her, wrapping an arm around her protectively. No matter how much she protested, I knew she found comfort in this.

And, honestly, so did I.

With one last glance at her sleeping form, I closed my eyes, letting sleep finally take me, too.

Because no matter how stubborn she was, she would always be my baby.

Yet the next day, she managed to be even more stubborn.

I held up the pull-up with a knowing look. "We need to put this on, lovebug."

A groan escaped Erika's lips as she crossed her arms. "Mom, you can't possibly expect me to wear that out?"

I sighed, shaking my head with a small smile. "Sweetheart, it's just a precaution. We're going to be in the car all day. I don't want to risk any accidents."

Her face turned red. "I don't have accidents!" she huffed, throwing her arms in the air dramatically.

I looked down sympathetically, "I know monkey, but this is more for my sake than yours."

Her entire body stiffened. She looked away, mumbling, "Okay."

I placed the pull-up on the bed beside her, sitting down next to her. "Honey, I know you don't like it, but this is just for long trips. I promise it doesn't make you a baby."

She exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated. "But it does make me feel like one."

I reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Lovebug, listen to me. You are my baby, yes, but not because of what you wear or what I do for you. You're my baby because I love you, and nothing changes that."

She was silent for a long moment, her fingers nervously twisting in her lap. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

I smiled warmly. "Nope."

She groaned again before snatching the pull-up off the bed. "Fine. But I get to pick my outfit!"

I let out a playful gasp. "I don't know, that's asking for a lot."

She shot me a glare before stomping into the bathroom with the pull-up in hand, muttering something about "overbearing moms."

I chuckled as I started packing up our things.

Once we were in the car, I looked back at her through the rearview mirror. She was sulking, arms crossed, staring dramatically out the window like she was in a tragic movie scene.

"Oh, come on, monkey, don't be pouty."

She huffed. "I'm not pouty."

I smirked. "Really? Because I see a little pout right there."

She whipped her head around, glaring at me. "Mom."

I just giggled, focusing on the road.

For a while, she was quiet, lost in her own world. I knew she was still a little grumpy, but I also knew how to cheer her up.

I grinned. "So, any cute boys?" I teased, glancing at her with a knowing smirk.

She immediately stiffened, her eyes widening slightly. "What?!"

I chuckled. "Or girls?" I corrected with a playful wiggle of my eyebrows.

Erika's entire face turned bright red, and she suddenly found great interest in the passing scenery outside the window. "No one," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

My smile faded slightly. That reaction was too intense to be a casual embarrassment.

I kept my voice light but prying. "No one? Not even a little crush?"

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I don't want to talk about it."

I frowned. Now I was really curious. "Honey, what happened?"

"Nothing!" she snapped, but the way she hugged her arms tightly around herself told me otherwise. This felt like something more. The uncomfortableness was not just a girl being embarrassed by her crush. This was deeper.

I stayed quiet for a moment before trying again, this time softer. "Lovebug, did something happen?"

She didn't answer right away, but the slight way her lip trembled before she bit it down.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Was it that nice boy Josh?"

Her eyes widened again, like she hadn't expected me to figure it out. That was all the confirmation I needed.

"How do you know about Josh?" Erika asked with a confused look, "I didn't even talk about him. At least I don't think I did."

A deep anger settled in my stomach. "Did he—"

"No!" she cut me off quickly, shaking her head. "Well he tried."

I exhaled slowly, trying to push down my frustration. "What do you mean, baby?"

She played with the hem of her sweater, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to talk about this right now."

I softened, trying to put down my protective instincts. As much as I wanted to literally kill this Josh kid, Erika was more important.

"Honey I think it's time we take a visit to therapy" I reached over, squeezing her hand.

"No." She immediately answered and pushed away my hand.

"It can really be helpful, sweetheart." I tried to reason.

Erika furrowed her brows, "I don't need it, it's fine."

"Well if you don't want to talk to me about it, you will be talking to someone. It's unhealthy to keep all those emotions bottled up in that little body." I told her

Erika let out an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "I said no, Catherine."

The use of my full name stung, but I knew pushing too hard would only make her retreat further. I took a deep breath, keeping my voice gentle but firm. "Baby, I know this is hard to talk about. I know you don't want to. But I can tell it's hurting you."

Her gaze flickered toward me, and for a brief moment, I saw the turmoil in her eyes before she turned back to the window, watching the trees blur past us. "I just don't want to talk to a stranger about my personal life."

My heart clenched. I hated that she saw therapy that way. "Honey, it's just about helping you work through the things that hurt so they don't keep hurting you."

She stayed silent for a long time, chewing on her lip.

I reached out again, this time brushing my fingers against hers instead of taking her hand. A small offering, not a demand. She hesitated but didn't pull away.

"I'm not going to force you," I murmured. "But I want you to think about it. You've been through a lot, monkey. You deserve to have someone help you carry it."

She swallowed hard, still not looking at me. "Can we just... talk about something else?"

I nodded, squeezing her fingers lightly. "Of course, love."

We fell into silence again, but the tension in the car had shifted. She was still hurting, but at least she knew I wasn't going to drop it. That I wouldn't just ignore her pain.

A few hours later, we pulled into a gas station for a break. Erika stretched in her seat, letting out a dramatic groan. "I swear, I think my legs stopped working."

I laughed, stepping out of the car. "Come on, lazybones. Let's go stretch."

Inside the gas station, I grabbed a few snacks while Erika wandered through the aisles. When I turned around, I saw her holding up a bag of Pocky with a hopeful look.

"Pretty please?"

I smirked. "Only if you say 'Mommy, can I please have Pocky?'"

She narrowed her eyes. "You're evil."

I shrugged, waiting.

She rolled her eyes before muttering, "Mommy, can I please have Pocky?"

I grinned, ruffling her hair. "Good girl. Put it in the basket."

She flushed, looking away, but I saw the small pleased smile she was trying to hide.

I let Erika wander some more while I grabbed some water bottles and a small fruit cup for her, knowing she'd probably choose junk food first.

Sure enough, when she came back, her arms were full of a bag of gummy bears, a bottle of soda, and an unnecessarily large bag of spicy chips.

I raised an eyebrow. "Lovebug, this is... a choice."

She grinned sheepishly. "You said I could pick what I wanted."

"Within reason," I reminded her.

She groaned. "Fine. I'll trade the soda for water."

"Good girl," I praised, watching as her cheeks pinked slightly at the words.

As we were checking out, I spotted a little keychain by the register—a tiny stuffed monkey holding a banana. I picked it up, handing it to Erika.

Her eyes widened. "What's this for?"

"A little reminder that my monkey is always with me."

She blushed deeply, taking it carefully and attaching it to her bag. "Thanks, Mom."

I paid for everything, and as we headed back to the car, I pulled out my phone.

"Okay, let's take a picture."

Erika's face turned to pure horror. "No way."

I pouted dramatically. "But I want to remember our trip!"

She groaned. "Fine. One picture. Just one."

I grinned and pulled her close, snapping a quick selfie.

"Perfect. Now let's do another one!"

"No, you said one!" she protested, but I was already clicking away.

Erika popped a gummy bear into her mouth and looked up at me. "Are you still mad?"

I sighed, leaning against the car. "I was never mad, baby. Just worried."

She chewed thoughtfully. "I don't want to go to therapy," she said after a pause, her voice small.

I nodded, brushing my hand over her hair. "Okay. But if that ever changes, you tell me. No pressure, just an open door."

She hesitated, then finally nodded. "Okay."

As we got back in the car, I tried to lighten the mood. "So, where were we before I became an overbearing mother?"

Erika snorted. "You were asking me nosy questions about my love life."

I gasped dramatically. "Nosy? Sweetheart, I am your mother. It is my duty to be involved in every aspect of your life."

She groaned, flopping back into her seat. "You're impossible."

I winked. "You love me anyway."

She crossed her arms but smiled slightly. "Yeah, yeah."

The rest of the drive was filled with easy conversation, the tension slowly melting away. She still wasn't ready to talk about Josh, and I wouldn't push her. But at least she knew I was here.

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my spring break has begun !!!! more chapter soon hopefully :)