Castiel squirmed uncomfortably, but thankfully Jocelyn didn't take offense. It was just Melvin's glares toward Hermia that grew more gloomy by the minute.
Sensing the oppressive mood, Yasmine clapped her hands to break the tension, "Let's get ready to wash up for the meal, folks. I'll bring out the dishes from the kitchen."
With Yasmine's intervention, the atmosphere lightened a bit.
Calvin and Daisy beckoned everyone to the table.
Jocelyn, cradling little Euston in her arms, was nursing on the couch. Seeing that the others hadn't started eating yet, she said, "Go ahead and eat. I'll join you once Euston's asleep. Don't wait for me."
"No worries," Yasmine chimed in, "You've got your hands full with the baby. We’d be heartless if we couldn't wait for a bit."
Jocelyn forced a smile, fully grasping the subtext in Yasmine’s words. With a helpless glance, she signaled Yasmine to ease up on such comments.
Castiel stole a glance at Hermia, understanding her feelings but also genuinely grateful to Jocelyn for her dedication in helping with the child.
Thankfully, the baby was usually fuss-free, often falling asleep right after feeding.
When the bottle was empty, Jocelyn removed it and carried Euston off to the bedroom. She returned after a short while.
"Let's dig in," Jocelyn urged as she sat down, feeling a bit embarrassed as everyone had been waiting for her.
"Absolutely, let's eat before the food gets cold," Daisy added, encouraging everyone to start.
The mood was relatively cheerful as everyone was safe and sound.
But Hermia's earlier words had left an uncomfortable impression, although everyone tried to be understanding. The meal proceeded with a semblance of harmony.
After the meal, some lounged in the living room to chat, while Hermia seemed out of spirits.
Castiel stood up, "We should head back."
"Are you leaving so soon?" Daisy suggested, trying to persuade them.
Castiel glanced at Hermia, "We're all pretty beat. I think it's best we get some rest."
Seeing Castiel's intent, Daisy didn't push further, "Alright, then. You know where to find us. Come over when you can, and I'll cook up a feast."
"Thank you," Castiel said, truly appreciative.
He bid farewell to everyone and went to get Hermia.
Hermia, reluctant, eyed the direction of Jocelyn's bedroom, "Aren't we taking our son with us?"
A shadow crossed Castiel's face.
Understanding Hermia's point, Jocelyn quickly intervened, "Right, you should take the baby with you. Just give Euston a moment to wake up properly, or he'll be fussy."
"Sure," Hermia agreed eagerly.
Castiel took a deep breath, softly reminding Hermia, "Bringing him back now might be too much for you. Why not rest up for a few days, then come for the baby?"
Hermia shook her head, "He's my son. I need to get used to having him around. It's an unavoidable adjustment for all of us."
Castiel frowned, displeased with Hermia's attitude today.
Jocelyn ignored Hermia's choice of words; she knew deep down that the child wasn't hers and that she was only babysitting temporarily. The baby would eventually go back to his real parents.
Jocelyn was the only one unaffected by Hermia’s manner; others clearly took offense.
It was common knowledge that Euston wasn't Jocelyn's child, but Hermia's. Yet, Hermia's comments often insinuated as though Jocelyn was hogging her baby, which made everyone uncomfortable.
As everyone awaited Euston's awakening, Jocelyn busied herself by packing the baby’s things. Melvin and Daisy helped.
"I can't stand the way Euston's mother talks," Daisy complained behind closed doors.
"It's her child; I can understand her feelings," Jocelyn responded.
"It is her child, but we're not clinging to it. The way she speaks, it's as if we're keeping the baby hostage," Daisy grumbled, clearly upset.
"Let's not dwell on it, Mom," Jocelyn soothed her mother, "We just need to be more understanding."
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