Crossroad

Chapter 4

It's so quiet here

And I feel so cold.

This house no longer

Feels like home.

Nathan started to go back inside. While Dan opened the door wider so he could get through. Slowly closing the door behind him. Taking a look around the room then back at Nathan.

"I'm here to check up on you I have some time before I have to be at the dealership and know that it's been awhile since we've seen each other so I figured I'd drop by." Dan said to him.

"You've seen me there is nothing else left for you to do now but leave." Nathan said in response.

Not phased by his son's hostility. He spoke again. "I just wanted you to know that I'm available if you ever need to talk." "I've been through countless dark times and have gotten through it none of it easy or done alone.

Remember that. And keep in mind that your mother and I love you. Almost losing you after this accident was and is still hard to come to grips with.

Putting that into perspective we are going to be around for you, Haley, Jamie, Lucas too."

"That's all I have to say for now." "I'll see you later Nate." Dan said. As he looked at his son once more before leaving out the door. On the way to his car dealership.

Nathan closed the door behind him. Taking a breath. Shaking his head. Going in the direction of the closet opening it.

And removing the one of many alcohol bottles he had hidden drinking from it. Finishing it in a matter of minutes.

As he headed back into their bedroom closing the door behind him.

Later on that day

"Thank you for helping me set the table baby." Haley said smiling at him.

"Your welcome momma." Jamie said. Smiling back at her.

"From what you've told me your show and tell went really well." Haley said. Looking to Jamie. While she started to serve the food, they would be eating for dinner.

"It was so fun momma all the kids in the class wanted to pet and feed Chester."

"But my teacher said we couldn't do that and to save it for recess time." "Then after lunch me and my friends feed and played with Chester until it was time to go back inside." "It was such a good day." Jamie said smiling.

"So, happy to hear that Jimmy Jam." "Tomorrow is that talent show we're so ready to cheer you on." Haley said. While she started to eat her dinner.

Hearing the knock at the door. Haley stopped eating and got up. Watching while Jamie ran to open the door.

Walking up behind him. As a smile came to her face.

"Grandpa Dan." Jamie said happily. Hugging him then taking his hand. Walking over to where Haley was.

"Look momma it's grandpa Dan." Jamie said excitedly.

Dan smiled looking back at Haley.

"I'm sorry to interruption Haley." Dan said to her.

"It's no interruption at all." "Let me get you a plate." Haley said. As she started to fill the empty plate on the table with food."

"I appreciate it and I would love to stay for dinner." "The main reason I came tonight is to thank you Jamie for your invitation you mailed to me and grandma Deb." "We've never gotten such a colorful and well-drawn card before." "We will be there at your talent show." Dan said. Looking to him.

"Yay." Jamie said. His eyes beaming with happiness.

The three continued to eat and talk. When Nathan opened the door of the bedroom. Rolling out slowly. Into the hallway. In the direction of the dining room where he heard voices. Being able to hear much more clearer now as to whose voice stuck out to him.

Now at the table. Everyone turned around. Looking at him.

"Daddy." Jamie said excitedly.

Haley felt a sense of nervousness go through her.

She never knew what expect when it came to Nathan these days.

Nathan turned his attention to Dan. His eyes darkened. And face lacking emotion as he spoke.

"I told you to go away and I didn't need you or your help." "To leave my family alone." "And of course, you couldn't do that." Nathan said to him.

Haley put her hand on his arm. "Nathan stop there is no need to talk to him that way." "He came to talk with Jamie and I invited him to stay for dinner." Haley said. Looking back at him.

"Don't defend him Haley!" Nathan said. Looking to her.

"Okay I'm going to go." "Thank you for dinner Haley it was delicious." "I'll see you later Jamie." Dan said. Smiling

"Wait Dan would it be possible for Jamie to spend the night with you and Deb.?" "I would get him in the morning or afterschool if you would like to take him." Haley said.

"We would love to him." "How do you feel about that.?" Dan asked him.

"Let's go." "Goodnight momma and daddy, I love you." Jamie said. Taking hold of Dan's hand. The two heading towards then out the door.

It was only then that Haley turned to look at Nathan. Taking a breath. Before she spoke. "I'm trying Nathan every single day since this happened to reassure you that regardless of your circumstances and the difficulty it brings that we are in this together. But the more I look. I see that I'm in this alone."

"You have made no effort and have been sinking deeper into this self-pity and as much as I love you." "One of us needs to make Jamie a priority." "I can't save this marriage on my own." "I have nothing else to give."

"My heart breaks that much more as the days go by." "You are not the man I fell in love with and are not the person I want my son to be around." "I need a break Nathan." "I'm leaving with Jamie."

"When you find yourself the man I know you are and the father that Jamie loves and the husband I desperately miss." "Then you come home to us until then you're getting exactly what you want." "Your now alone." Haley said.

Wiping her eyes. As she headed into their room. Packing bags then sometime later she walked out the door.

…..

Author's Note: Haley's reached her breaking point. What happens next is in Nathan's hands. Will this be the turning point he needs to reclaim his life or is he too far gone.? Let me know your thoughts on the chapter.? Review!