Here's another chapter.
I hope you guys won't hate the drama too much...
XX
Two months later Andy laid in bed and rolled over. She opened one eye to check the alarm clock. It was a quarter past three and there still was no sign of Sam. The last four nights he hadn't been home before two AM, but he had never been this late. Andy grabbed her phone of the nightstand and checked for messages or texts, but there was nothing. She tried calling Sam, but he didn't answer his phone. Lately, she was shocked when he did answer.
After their family day, things really seemed to get better. That was until Sam was assigned to another big case. Between the cases he was already working on, he barely had time to spend with his family. Since two weeks, Lissy didn't even ask if her father was coming home anymore. Andy was worried about her daughter, she noticed the tension between her parents. Lissy was more quiet than she ever was, Andy made sure she spend more time with her daughter alone lately.
She had even called Frank and told him to not hold the detective spot for her. Right now she wasn't even sure she could go back to work like this, her kids needed her more than ever. Things would be hard even if Sam was invested, now that he was not, going back to work would be impossible.
Every time she and Sam had an argument about his schedule, it ended in him apologising and promising things would get better. Most of the time it would get better for a week or two, but things went back to normal every time. The last three arguments they had, Sam hadn't even promised things would get better. He thought she was over reacting, it was because of him that they could afford for her to stay at home. When she told him she didn't want to stay at home forever, things didn't get much better. Eventually they tabled the argument, but their relationship was far from okay.
Andy closed her eyes when she heard Noah crying. She threw the covers off herself and walked over to her sons nursery. ''Hey, little man,'' she whispered when she switched on a small light. Andy placed one hand under his hips and one hand under his neck. She gently pulled her son out of his crib and nestled him against her chest. ''Sssh, it's okay.''
After walking out of the nursery, Andy walked downstairs and fixed a bottle for Noah. She had stopped breastfeeding him, so now he got formula. Noah had been unwell for a few days now, Andy had made an appointment with the doctor for the next day. Because he wasn't so well, Noah's schedule had been way off. ''Sucks that I can't help you sweetie,'' Andy said while nuzzling her sons neck.
After Noah was fed, Andy changed his diaper and put him back in his crib. She checked on Lissy, but her daughter was fast asleep. A small smile formed on Andy's lip as she watched the slow rise and fall of her daughters chest. She had a stuffed animal clutched under her arm and had a serious frown on her face. After a few minutes of just looking, Andy switched off the light in the hallway and crawled into bed again. It was four by now and she was seriously starting to worry.
She didn't want to come off as an overbearing and untrusting wife, but this weren't normal hours. She was just wondering how mad Sam would be if she called one of his colleagues, when she heard someone enter the house. Andy sighed and crawled back under the covers. She really wasn't in the mood to face Sam, so she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.
Ten minutes later, Sam entered the bedroom and undressed. He got into bed next to Andy and pressed his lips to her neck. ''Hey,'' he murmured. ''You awake?''
Andy was irritated to find out he smelt like alcohol. At least when he was late because he was working on a case, she knew he was doing something good. Not being there for her or their kids because he was drinking, that reminded her of her dad.
Sam pushed away the hairs that were on the side of her neck. He placed open mouth kisses on her skin, while Andy's anger continued to built. She pushed her elbow between his ribs, not hard enough to hurt him, but hard enough to get him to back off.
''What's wrong?'' Sam asked.
Andy moved over to her stomach and placed the comforter back over herself. ''It's four AM, I'm sleeping.''
''You were not sleeping, I can tell when you are faking it.'' Sam let out a laugh and placed his hand on Andy's back. His hand moved up, he took the material of her tank top with him.
''Stop it Sam,'' Andy said. ''Where the hell have you been all night?''
''Come on, not this again.'' Sam pushed himself up and ran a hand across his face. ''You know I've been working hard lately.''
''Yeah,'' Andy replied with a harsh tone. ''Haven't seen you all week, so I kind of figured you might be working. Now if you don't mind, I'm going back to sleep, because in less than three hours, there will be two kids that need my attention.''
Sam was silent for about ten seconds before he spoke up again, ''I'm kind of getting sick of this. Lately I can do nothing right. All I do, is work for this family and all you do is bitch about it.''
''Bitch about it?'' Andy sat up too and widened her eyes. She couldn't believe Sam actually said that to her. He never used to talk to her in that way, but now all they seemed to do was fight. ''You think it's so unreasonable that I want my husband at home every now and then? Is it so absurd that I want my kids to see their father? You haven't been home for a single night this week, last week you've only been at home once.''
''Yeah, and for what?'' Sam shot back. ''I'm working this hard, so I can put a roof above your heads. We can put aside money for the kids, put them through college and provide for them.''
Andy closed her eyes and let out a sarcastic laugh. ''Lissy is four and Noah is eight months old, I highly doubt they care about college. What they do care about is seeing their dad every now and then.''
''I see them every day,'' Sam argued. ''They see me every day and I help them every single day. Name one big moment that I've missed.''
In a way he was right, all though he hadn't been there a lot lately, he never missed any significant moments. He was there for Lissy's first day of school, first gym class and he had been there for Noah's big moments too. ''It's not about the big moments,'' Andy settled for. ''It's about the small moments too.''
''I didn't hear you complaining when I bought you that new car,'' Sam accused. ''Who paid for that car?''
''Sorry?'' Andy asked. ''I told you a million times that I didn't care about a new car, you insisted on buying it.''
''That old thing was a danger,'' Sam said. ''I didn't want you and the kids driving around in that piece of junk, so I made sure you guys were safe.''
Andy shook her head and laid back down. This wasn't going anywhere and she really needed to get some sleep. ''Okay Sam, whatever you say.''
''Yeah, go sleep, avoid this.'' Sam grabbed a pillow and readjusted it on the bed. He laid down on his back and stared up at the ceiling. He glanced over at Andy after a while and closed his eyes. He had no idea how they got to this point. All he did was for his family, they didn't have to worry about money for a moment. Andy could stay at home and take care of the kids, he didn't understand why she didn't see that. ''I want you to be happy,'' he pleaded with her, one last try to fix this thing between them tonight.
''I'm not happy,'' Andy admitted. ''I'm worried. And if you can't see that things between us have been bad lately, then we have an even bigger problem than we already have.''
Sam moved over to his side and placed a hand on Andy's arm. ''I don't see why it should be a problem, we can have everything you ever wanted.''
''Again with the money,'' Andy said. ''I don't care about money, I care about our kids. I care about us. And you aren't working all the time, you have been to the penny, haven't you?''
''I am doing all of this for you,'' Sam tried one more time. ''And we got home one of our officers tonight after a seven month UC, I can't go out with a few colleagues to celebrate?''
Andy blinked a few times, wishing away the tears that were threatening to fall. ''Let's just go to sleep, it's late.''
XX
When her alarm clock went off, Andy felt like she fell asleep five minutes before. Truth was, she probably did. Andy groaned and when she turned around, she noticed Sam was already out of bed. She heard the shower and stared up at the ceiling for a few minutes.
When Sam moved into the bedroom, he didn't acknowledge the fact that she was awake. Andy looked at her husband moving around the bedroom. ''I have to take Noah to the doctor today, remember?'' she asked.
''Yup,'' Sam replied, not saying anything else.
''Lissy knows you'll be picking her up.'' Andy threw the covers off the bed and sat up. ''I'll go get the kids ready for the day.''
''Okay.''
As usual, Sam did help with the morning routine. He was absent and moody, that made Andy suspect he probably drank more than he led on yesterday. Without saying anything, she handed him a few painkillers and a glass of water. He didn't say anything, but took the pills and the glass of water.
When the kids were dressed, Sam checked his watch. ''I'm going to lay down for a few more hours, they won't expect me till noon.'' After that he kissed Noah on his forehead and wrapped Lissy up in a hug. ''Have fun at school sweetheart.''
XX
Andy hated going to the doctor. Even though she made an appointment two days before, the doctor didn't see her and Noah until 40 minutes after the scheduled time. When the name Swarek was finally announced, Andy stood up with Noah and walked towards the little office.
''What can I help you with?'' the doctor asked.
Andy shifted Noah in her arms and rocked him a little. ''Noah has been a little sick for a while. His temperature is high, not shockingly high, but still. And he's been crying a lot, which is very unlike him. Also he's got a running nose and his breathing is shocking a little every now and then.''
''How long has he had this?'' the doctor asked while typing away on her computer.
''About a week,'' Andy replied. ''He normally is a very happy baby, this is not like him.''
''Let's take a look at him,'' the doctor said.
After a few tests, the doctor decided that Noah wasn't seriously ill. His airways didn't sound too good though, so she did prescribe him some antibiotics to help him get better. Andy wasn't too happy her little men needed medicine like that, but the doctor reassured her it would be for Noah's benefit.
When they left the doctor's office, Andy pulled out her phone from her jacket. She had turned off the sound of her phone when she took place in the waiting room, nothing more annoying than a phone going off all the time. When he saw she had five missed calls from Lissy's school, her heart skipped a beat.
Andy quickly sat down with Noah on her lap. She placed the phone by her ear while she called Sam, but he didn't pick up. After trying Sam's number, Andy tried the school's number. School was already out, but all the teachers were probably still there.
When somebody answered, Andy explained that she had a few missed calls from school, she told the person on the other end of the line in what class Lissy was. After a minute Lissy's teacher came on the phone.
''Mrs. Swarek,'' miss Katie began. ''Lissy said her father would pick her up, but he hasn't shown.''
''What?'' Andy asked. ''Where is Lissy?'' Andy was internally panicking. The things you saw on the news from time to time were bad enough, the fact that she was a cop didn't make things much better. Child abductions happened, that was just cruel reality.
''Don't worry, she's with me. I tried to call both you and your husband multiple times, but neither of you answered.''
''I was at the doctors with my son, I don't know where my husband is. I'm so sorry,'' Andy apologised. ''I'll be there within fifteen minutes.''
Andy quickly drove over to Lissy's school. All the doors were locked, so she had to knock on one of the windows before miss Katie came to get her. With Noah on her hip, she quickly walked into the school.
When she saw her daughter, Andy's heart broke. It was obvious that Lissy had been crying, but she was trying to be brave now. She was standing in the hallway, the backpack on her back making her look smaller than ever.
''Hey sweetheart, mommy's so sorry.'' Andy crouched down with Noah as best as she could. She gave Lissy a hug and kissed her cheek. ''Let's go home, alright? We'll do something fun.''
''Why don't you go and pick out a sticker?'' Katie asked Lissy. ''They are on my desk, you can pick one because you were so brave.'' Lissy nodded and sniffed. She walked to the classroom and Andy wanted to follow. ''Mrs. Swarek?'' Katie asked. ''I know that your husband has a busy job, but I hope this won't happen again.''
''It won't,'' Andy promised, feeling embarrassed. ''Believe me, it won't,'' she said a little more firm. ''God, you must think we're horrible parents.''
''No,'' Katie quickly said. ''I understand there can be misunderstandings or miscommunication, I just hope Lissy won't be affected by that.''
''I know,'' Andy replied. ''I'll talk to her.''
When Lissy walked back out of the classroom, she had a page with stickers in her hand. ''I can't get it off,'' she whispered to her teacher.
''Let me help you with that,'' Katie said. ''Which one do you want?''
Lissy pointed to a sticker and waited until Katie removed it. She placed it on Lissy's hand and gave Lissy a smile. ''You were a really big girl today Lissy, now go home with mommy and I'll see you tomorrow.''
Lissy nodded and took her mother's hand. ''Bye,'' she told her teacher.
Andy squeezed Lissy's hand and walked her back to her car. Andy was completely lost for words, she didn't have any comforting words for her daughter. ''I'm really sorry sweetie,'' Andy tried.
''Daddy forgot me,'' Lissy said while her bottom lip trembled. ''You said he would come.''
''I know.'' Andy crouched down in front of Lissy and pulled her body towards hers. ''I know sweetie, I'm so sorry.'' Andy stayed like that for a few moments, her one arm around Lissy while her other held Noah up. ''Come on,'' she said after a while. ''Let's go home and we'll do whatever you want.''
When they reached the house, Andy tried calling Sam a few more times, but he didn't pick up. She couldn't believe he had actually forgot to pick up Lissy. He had done a lot of stupid things over the last few months, but this was by far the worst. This was actually unforgiving.
Lissy was clearly very upset about what happened. Andy could imagine how the little girl felt, seeing all her classmates leave with their parents while no one showed up for her. They curled up on the couch together and watched a movie. Andy stroked Lissy's hair and watched her daughter more than she watched the movie.
Thirty minutes after they got home, Sam rushed in. ''Thank God,'' he sighed out when he saw his wife and daughter in his living room. ''I called you six times.''
''Not now,'' Andy breathed out. ''I am so pissed right now Sam,'' Andy lowered her voice, so Lissy wouldn't hear. ''We are not going to discuss this with Lissy here.''
''You should have reminded me,'' Sam tried. ''You know how busy I've been.''
Andy was ready to start yelling, but Lissy's voice interrupted her. ''You forgot to pick me up from school.'' Lissy's voice was still fragile and broken.
''I'm so sorry Lis,'' Sam said while walking over to the couch. ''Daddy was very stupid.'' Sam sat down next to his daughter and pulled her towards him. Lissy climbed in his lap and placed her head on his chest.
''You didn't forget me?'' she asked, wanting to get a little reassurance.
''I could never forget you sweetheart. I'm so sorry, daddy really messed up.'' Sam stroked Lissy's back and pressed a kiss to her hair. ''I'm mad at myself too.''
''Why did you forget?'' Lissy asked, her voice still shaking a little.
''Daddy was stupid.'' Sam decided not to get into details with a four year old girl. ''Daddy was very, very stupid, okay? Are you okay?''
Lissy nodded and put on her brave face again. ''I stayed with miss Katie and then mommy came to get me. I got a sticker because I only cried a little.''
Sam closed his eyes and cursed himself. When he checked his phone and saw all the missed calls, he realised he was suppose to pick up Lissy. Andy had told him two days before, but he was tired, hung over and more busy than ever. It wasn't an excuse, he knew that. Nothing would ever make up for this screw up. He first drove down to the school, but he was informed somebody already picked up his daughter. ''You are the bravest girl ever,'' he agreed. ''Just like your mom.''
Andy was standing in the doorway, watching her husband interact with Lissy. He looked shaken up, she had to give him that. Still, she couldn't keep doing this.
Sam stayed home after that. He watched the rest of the movie with Lissy in his lap. Andy cleaned around the house, trying to push away her anger, at least till the kids were in bed.
When Noah started crying, Sam turned his attention to Andy. He cleared his throat, obviously not sure how to approach her. ''What did the doctor say about him?''
''He got some antibiotics,'' Andy shortly informed. ''Airways, nothing too serious.''
''Okay, good.''
After that they hardly spoke together. Sam gave Lissy all his attention and Lissy seemed to be doing okay by the time it was her bedtime. Sam changed her into her pyjamas and read her two stories. He stayed with her until she dozed off.
He dreaded going downstairs, because he knew there was no way to win this upcoming argument. No matter what Andy would say to him, he would deserve it. There probably wasn't anyway she could be more pissed at him than he was at himself.
When he reached the living room, Andy wasn't there. Over the baby monitor, he could hear her talking to Noah. Sam waited on the couch, he didn't turn on the TV, but just waited in silence.
By the time Andy joined him, Sam was pacing the floor. ''I'm so sorry,'' he told her. ''I know there isn't an excuse in the world that could justify this.''
''There isn't,'' Andy agreed calmly. She picked up a few toys and threw them in Noah's playpen. ''And then you say that I should have reminded you? I asked you two days ago if you would be able to pick her up, you said yes...''
''I kno..'' Sam started.
Andy raised her hand to silence Sam. ''Let me finish,'' she said. ''I asked you two days ago, I told you again this morning, but you were probably too busy ignoring me to notice.'' Andy put her hair in a messy bun on the top of her head and shook her head. ''You were hung over, so you forgot to pick up our daughter.''
''It wasn't like that,'' Sam tried to defend himself, all though he knew it was useless.
''What was it like then? What was so important that makes it okay for you to forget the fact that you had a four year old waiting for you.''
''Nothing,'' Sam explained. ''Nothing is so important as our family, you know that.''
''I don't,'' Andy disagreed. She paused for a moment to take a few deep breaths. ''I used to know that, but I don't anymore. The man I fell for, the man I married, he would never forget something this important.''
''I'm sorry,'' Sam repeated. ''I'll take a week off, I'll make it up to you.''
''It's not about me,'' Andy shrugged her shoulders and let a tear fall. ''It's about that little girl that looks up to you and loves you. And we can't keep doing this to her.''
''Can't keep doing what?'' Sam asked, his mouth dry.
''Something has to change Sam,'' Andy said. ''And I don't mean take the week off, because that won't fix anything.''
Sam swallowed and took a step towards Andy. ''What do you want me to do, you know I can't quit my job.''
After taking a step back, Andy looked Sam in the eye. ''I still love you, I do. I will probably always love you because of the kids, but you're not the same anymore.''
''What are you saying?'' Sam asked. ''You want to get a divorce?'' Sam raised his voice, he knew he messed up, but they should fight for them, for their family.
Andy closed her eyes and let her tears fall freely. ''No,'' she tried to keep her voice calm, but was mostly failing. Andy sat down on the couch and put her head in her hands. ''I don't know what I want, maybe we should take some time apart'' they were both silent again. ''I want what's best for the kids.''
''What's best for the kids, is a mother and a father who live in the same house.'' Sam clenched his teeth and made fists with his hands. ''What's best for the kids, are two parents that love each other. They need stability and we can give them that.''
''We haven't been stable in a long time, Sam.'' Andy shook her head and whipped away her tears. ''All we do is fight, then we make up and things are better for a week. Only to have things go south again.''
''And that is all my fault?'' Sam asked. ''I know I haven't been perfect, but you've been on my case about every little thing I ever did wrong.''
''This isn't about us,'' Andy said. Sam was raising his voice, but she tried to keep calm. ''It's about the kids, this is affecting them now. Maybe we should just take a step back. I don't want to get a divorce, I don't. But maybe we should figure out where to go from here.''
''We are married Andy, you don't take a step back in marriage.'' Sam threw his hands in the air and took a step back again. ''You want to leave me, don't try to use the kids to cover that up.''
Andy let out a sob and shook her head. ''You really don't understand me, do you?''
''No,'' Sam agreed. ''I realise that what happened today is unforgivable, but...''
''Mommy?'' a soft voice interrupted Sam. Sam turned around and saw Lissy standing in the doorway. Her cheeks were wet with tears and she was still crying.
Andy quickly whipped away her own tears and took a few deep breaths to keep her breathing under control. ''Lissy, what are you doing awake?'' Andy gently asked. ''You should be asleep sweetie.''
Andy stood up and walked towards her daughter. ''I wet my bed,'' Lissy sobbed. ''I'm sorry.''
Sam joined Andy and Lissy and quickly scooped up Lissy in his arms. ''It's okay sweetheart, accidents happen,'' Sam reassured. ''We'll clean your bed, okay? Let's get you into the shower to get cleaned up too.''
''I tried to clean it up, but I let everything fall,'' Lissy was still sobbing.
''It's okay,'' Andy said. ''Come on, let's shower first.''
When they reached Lissy's bedroom, there were clothes all over the floor. ''What did you try to do sweetheart?'' Sam asked. When Lissy hid her face in Andy's neck, Sam put a hand on her back. ''I'm not mad sweetheart, just tell me what happened.''
''I heard you yelling at mommy,'' Lissy said, her face still pressed tight against Andy. ''And I had to go to the bathroom, but I was too late. I tried to change my bed, but I'm too small and then everything fell.''
For the second time that day, Sam hated himself. He pressed his lips against Lissy's head and put one arm around her. ''You go shower her and I'll clean up,'' Sam told Andy. He could use a little time alone.
Andy carried Lissy towards the bathroom and put her under the shower. She washed her daughter and turned off the shower. When she was done, Sam walked in and gave her clean clothes for Lissy.
Sam had thrown all the covers into the washing machine. Thankfully they had a mattress protector, just in case accidents happened. Apparently Lissy had tried to get new bedcovers from the closet, she had pushed a chair towards the closet, but was too small to reach the covers. Her bedroom floor was covert in clothes, Sam picked them up one by one and placed them back in the closet.
When Lissy was in a clean pyjama, Andy put down Lissy again, while Sam stood in the doorway. ''Are you ready to go back to sleep?'' Andy asked? She could tell that Lissy was exhausted, that wasn't so surprising with the day she had.
''Why was daddy mad at you?'' Lissy asked.
At that Sam decided to step in. ''I'm not mad Lissy,'' he promised.
Lissy looked at him with her big brown eyes and Sam sat down on her bed. Andy was sitting on the other side of Lissy and they were both holding one of her hands. ''You were yelling.''
''Sometimes grownups fight, that doesn't mean they don't love each other very much.'' Sam tried to explain as best as he could, but the truth was that he barely recognised what was happening here.
''Do you love mommy?'' Lissy asked.
''I love your mother, you and Noah more than anything, okay? I know daddy did a lot of stupid things today, but he will make it up to you, promise.'' Sam leaned forwards and kissed Lissy's forehead. ''You are the most important thing to me in the world.''
''Do you love daddy?'' Lissy asked, suddenly turned to Andy.
Andy was a little taken aback, but quickly recovered. ''Of course,'' she quickly said. ''You know that daddy and I love each other so much.''
''You should make up then,'' Lissy advised. ''It's no fun to yell.''
Andy let out a sad laugh and realised kindergarten probably involved some social skills training. ''I know sweetheart, we'll stop.''
''And you need to go to sleep,'' Sam instructed. ''We love you very much, don't forget that.''
''I love you too, and Noah,'' Lissy said.
Both Sam and Andy kissed Lissy and stood up. Andy was the last to leave the room and gave Lissy a small air kiss before flicking out the light.
As soon as they reached the bottom of the stairs, Sam turned around and put his hand around Andy's waist. ''Don't leave?'' he asked.
''Sam,'' Andy said. ''We need to do something.''
''You saw that girl upstairs, do you really think it will do her any good if we mess this up?'' Sam made sure he kept his voice calm. He was more whispering than talking out loud. He grabbed Andy's hand and leaded her towards the living room. ''One more chance, all I'm asking.''
''What will change?'' Andy asked. ''Because we've been here before, more than once. Maybe not this bad, but this isn't the first time things went wrong between us.''
''I don't care,'' Sam said. ''Just tell me what to do, I'll do it.''
''Why?'' Andy asked back. ''What changed?''
''Lissy was scared of me today, that's what changed. Because of me, that girl had one of the worst days of her life.''
Andy could see that Sam was incredibly hurt by everything that happened today, for the first time in a long time, she sincerely believed that he was affected by everything that happened between them.
''Sam, she's four, she won't even remember this.''
''Maybe not,'' Sam replied. ''But there is no excuse for everything that happened. I should have been home more, I didn't even notice my own daughter was turning away from me.''
''She's not turning away from you,'' Andy tried again. ''She's just hurt by today, but she'll get over it. Just spent more time with her and let her know you love her.''
''You know I love her,'' Sam argued.
''I never said anything that would suggest otherwise,'' Andy defended herself. ''But things have been tensed around here and Lissy feels that too. We should really change something Sam, or else this will affect her in the long haul.''
Sam nodded and pinched the bridge of his nose. ''I'll take a week off, talk to my boss about working fewer hours.''
''Are you really going to do that?'' Andy asked. When Sam raised an eyebrow she continued. ''I know you probably think I'm bitching to you again, but lately you've made a lot of promises you didn't keep.''
''I shouldn't have talked to you that way,'' Sam said. ''I'm sorry for that too. I'm sorry for a lot of things actually. I'm sorry that it took Lissy to make me see that I'm turning into a nightmare of a father and husband.''
Andy hated that he was putting all the blame on himself. ''I haven't been perfect either. I know I complain a lot lately.'' Both of them stayed silent and over thought everything that had happened between them in the last few months. ''Do you think we can fix it? Us?'' Andy carefully asked Sam.
''We can,'' Sam promised. ''I love you so much and I will do everything I can to keep our family together.''
''We'll fight for it.''
XX
Things stayed tense the entire night. Sam called a white shirt and informed him that he wouldn't be able to work the next week. His boss wasn't happy, Andy could see that by the way Sam reacted. Sam followed through though and told his boss he had a family emergency.
Sam and Andy tried to talk about where to go from here, but didn't come to any conclusions. When things threatened to turn into another argument, Andy told Sam she was going to bed. Sam didn't follow and stayed on the couch, his wife probably wanted a little space.
Lissy woke up several times during the night, after the second time, Andy decided to let Lissy sleep with her. When Andy woke up the next day, it was late, too late. Lissy wasn't in bed anymore and she quickly walked towards Noah's nursery, but found it empty. When she walked downstairs she saw Lissy sitting at the breakfast table. She was dressed and was eating a pancake. Noah was in his highchair and was fussing a little.
''Mommy,'' Lissy yelled and ran towards Andy. ''I slept in the big bed tonight with you, right?''
''Yeah, but that was only for one night,'' Andy warned. ''It was a lot of fun, but tonight you're going back to your own room.'' When Lissy pouted, Andy chuckled and gave her daughter a kiss. ''Go finish breakfast.''
Andy kissed the top of Noah's head while she past her son and walked towards the stove. ''You should have woke me up, Lissy will be late,'' Andy said. When Sam turned to face her she shrugged. ''But it was nice to sleep in a little, so thanks.''
''I called Lissy's teacher,'' Sam admitted. ''She was up a big part of the night, I explained it and she agreed that Lissy probably is better off staying at home today.''
''Okay,'' Andy agreed. Normally she wouldn't approve Lissy missing a day of school, but Sam was right about the fact that Lissy wasn't really well rested. ''I'll give Noah his medicine.''
''He already had it,'' Sam told her. ''I found it in the bag on the counter.''
''Did he make it hard to give it?'' Andy asked. She remembered a time where Lissy got medicine when she was a baby, Lissy didn't like the medicine and it was a fight to get it into her daughter every time.
''No, I think he actually liked it.'' Sam walked past Andy and grabbed something out of one of the cupboards. ''Noah still needs to be fed, do you want me to do it?''
''Sure, I'll go sit with Lissy,'' Andy said. She hated the fact that things were so tensed between them, but right now there wasn't any way to fix that. If last night proved one thing, it's that they should keep their kids far away from their problems.
Sam stayed true to his word and didn't leave for work that day. He did have to make a few phone calls to make sure things were dealt with, but he stayed at home with Andy and the kids.
Later that evening, when the kids were in bed again, Sam cleared his throat. ''I've had some time to think things over.'' When Andy gave him a questioning look, he continued. ''I didn't sleep so much last night, that couch killed my back.''
''You can sleep in our bedroom, I told you I don't mind,'' Andy said.
''It just seemed better like this.'' Sam was silent for a few moments again. ''I don't know how to fix things,'' he admitted. ''I'm trying to make everything work, but the truth is that I have no idea how to fix this.''
''Me neither,'' Andy admitted. Both of them looked at each other and shared a silent conversation. ''How did we get here?'' Andy asked. ''How is it possible that we've changed this much in just six months.''
''I don't know,'' Sam admitted. ''I really don't know.''
''Our first priority should be Lissy and Noah,'' Andy started. ''I don't know how we can fix things and if we can fix things, but they come first. If yesterday showed us anything, than it's that Lissy is being affected by this. I won't let her hurt because of our mistakes.''
''I know,'' Sam agreed. ''She shouldn't be affected by this. That was on me, I was yelling and I shouldn't have.'' When Andy didn't respond, Sam sat down next to her on the couch. ''Just..'' Sam cleared his throat and took Andy's hand. ''Please just forgive me for being such an ass and let me make it up to you.''
''How?'' Andy asked.
''Honestly? Right now, I've got no idea, but I'll do anything.'' Sam had spend the biggest part of the night worrying about everything that happened. He knew he was turning into a bad person, something had to change but he didn't know how to change.
''We'll try,'' Andy promised.
XX
I know a lot of people probably hate this, but personally I don't think it's unrealistic.
People can lose sight of what's important when they're busy and caught up in other things. They'll work it out, I promise.
