The (hopefully) long awaited 2nd chapter =) I hope it lives up to all the reviews. I realize I have been writing since 2013 and that I really need to start getting on top of my game! Thanks all of you who are still sticking with me! Keep in mind, I know nothing of medical situations, so if it wrong, call it creative license =)
^^^Burke Future^^^
Neal blinked away the sleep from his eyes before turning and seeing that it was 9 am. He shot up quickly and let out a groan when his stomach protested. Neal was surprised and thankful that his dad had let him sleep in this late. The last time he was drinking he had quite the rude awakening at 7 when his dad had come pounding on the door and setting him up for a day filled with chores. So he had to wonder why after the events of last night he was allowed to sleep in.
Deciding not to delay the inevitable, Neal got out of bed and pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a big t-shirt before heading into the hallway. Peter was just coming outside of his and El's bedroom and before Neal had a chance to say anything, he put a finger to his mouth to silence Neal, and then pointed downstairs. Neal nodded in understanding. He used the bathroom and brushed his teeth and hair before going downstairs like his father wanted.
When he got there, he saw Peter pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Can I have one of those?" Neal asked as he settled into a seat at the island.
Peter turned to look at Neal.
"Please?"
Peter grunted before pouring his son a cup. He then brought both of them to the island and elected to stand across from where Neal sat.
"Where's mom?" Neal asked, hoping to start the conversation off lightly.
"She's sleeping upstairs. I picked her up an hour ago. We're going to be quiet and let her sleep, understood?"
"Of course!" Neal agreed easily. He then took a long sip of his coffee. It was exactly what he needed.
"Good." Peter responded. "How are you feeling?" Peter then asked.
"I'm good."
"Neal" His father scolded lightly.
"I'm fine, really" Neal repeated. "How…How is Laura?" The teen asked softly.
Peter had talked to El about how the girl was doing when he had picked her up from the hospital. She was doing well, but wanted to keep her for observation until later that afternoon. They had also discussed how they would handle Neal's indiscretions from last night.
"She is doing fine. They want to keep her until tonight for observation. El said that Laura asked for you. We can go visit after breakfast."
Neal paused before he spoke. After everything that had happened last night, he would not have blamed Laura if she never wanted to talk to him again. He never should have pressured her into having that drink. What did it matter anyways? They were having a good time without it, and here he had gone and ruined the entire night because of some stupid whim. Neal could only imagine what her parents must think of him too. He knew he wouldn't let anyone who put her in danger like that around his daughter. And he told this too his dad.
"I don't really think her parents would want me to be there." Neal replied, looking down at his mug.
Peter would have thought the same thing except that he had spoken with them. They hadn't blamed Neal in the least, and actually encouraged the boy that had saved their daughter's life to come visit.
"I spoke with today, and they want you to come. They want to thank you." Is what Peter actually told Neal.
Neal laughed sarcastically. "To thank the guy that risked her life in the first place?" Neal said bitterly. "I don't think so."
"Neal, I want you to listen to me." Peter replied firmly. "You already know what you did last night was stupid, and we will get to that, but right now I want to repeat how proud I am of you for calling me last night. I know it wasn't an easy choice for you, but I promise I will always be there for you."
"I know" Neal told him softly. "I just don't know if I can face her. Ya know?" He asked sparing his father a quick glance before returning it to his now almost gone coffee.
"Laura asked for you. I think the least you can do is do her that favor?" Peter asked, not unkindly to which Neal nodded.
"Good. Then it's settled, we'll go after breakfast."
Neal groaned as his stomach turned at the mere thought of food.
"Paying for the sins of last night?" Peter asked without sympathy as he put some toast on the island.
"Just give it to me." Neal said and reached for a slice.
Short chapter. I hope you like. Just letting you know more is coming!
