Chapter 8

Surprise

I woke up to a pounding on the door. I rose off of the sofa. Did I fall asleep down here? Why didn't Leo wake me? But, I pushed the thoughts away as I went to answer the door.

"Michael." I said.

"Julia, I'm sorry, I didn't know where else to go." He said.

"Come in," I whispered.

He entered, with a shy smile. "Please, have a seat." I said, motioning towards the couch. He nodded. "Sorry if I woke you." He whispered. "Oh, you're alright, I shouldn't have been sleeping down here anyway." I said.

I then looked into his blue eyes, then turned away. "What's up?" I asked.

"Monica and I can't work anymore. We're getting a divorce." He whispered.

"What? But, you seem so happy." I said.

He frowned. "Well, we tried to make it work for Artie…but it blew up in our faces, we fought in front of him during dinner." He whispered. "I'm so sorry, Michael." I said.

Just then, the door opened, and in came Leo. "Leo?" I asked, rising to my feet. He ignored me, and headed up the stairs. "Leo Houston, come here, please." I said, my voice stern. I could hear a sigh, before he turned and headed to me.

"You know it's past midnight, right?" I asked. He nodded. I folded my arms against my chest, and looked him straight into the eye. "Where were you?" I asked. "At Dad's." He said. "Yeah, if I called him right now, would he be able to give me the same answer?" I asked. "Sure, whatever." He spat.

"You know, you're attitude is starting to get on my nerves," I whispered.

"What am I supposed to do?" Leo spat. "Ignore my father, but live with you, Dad did nothing wrong!"

"He didn't, Leo." I whispered. "I just don't want you out there after eleven."

Leo just shook his head, and headed upstairs.

"Sorry," I whispered, sitting back down.

"Wow," He whispered. "What?" I asked.

"That, what if Artie feels the same way about me when he's a teen?" Michael asked.

I smiled, softly. "I doubt it, if you're very active in his life…I doubt he'll turn out like Leo. Even though, I do love Leo to pieces." I said.

He smiled. "Can I stay here, until I get my mind straight?" He asked. Just then, I was cut in the middle. Michael was my friend, and he needed a place to stay. But, that would make it harder for me to keep my secret, that I'm not ready to share. I sighed, closing my eyes, and giving this a long thought.

"Of course, you can stay." I said, regretting the decision. "You get the couch though."

I made the couch more comfortable to sleep on, and after saying goodnight, headed upstairs to my room. Tomorrow, I'd have to call Frank to see if Leo was telling the truth.