Thank you for all the reviews last chapter. I'm glad to hear from each and everyone of you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in hopes for 50 reviews! :P
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. It was somewhat of a hassle to write, but I'm quite proud as to how it turned out. Hope you guys agree.
Once again this chapter has not been beta-ed. If anyone had heard from privateKJ, please PM me. I'm getting worried. :/
Enjoy! :)
Hank and Erin made their way inside the house, greeted by Camille and Justin; who was playing with some toy cars.
"Hey there." Camille smiled but it quickly turned into a frown as she watched Erin rush to her room, clearly she had been crying. "What happened?" She looked at her husband who just let a deep sigh.
"I told her about seeing Bunny." Hank explained, toeing his boots off. "She wasn't happy."
"I can see that." Camille said concerned, "Should I go up and talk to her?"
Hank shook his head, "She is going to be fine. We talked about it." He placed a kiss on his wife's lips, "Thank you though."
Camille smiled, "You're Welcome." She gave him a side hug, laughing as Justin joined them in embrace, his small arms wrapping around their legs.
"Is Uncle Al coming over today?" Justin wondered.
Hank and Camille both nodded.
"Yep. We are having Pot Roast." Camille informed the six year old.
"Yummy." Justin licked his lips. "Can I help mash the potatoes?"
"Sure you can, Bud." Camille smiled running her hand through the boy's hair. "Let's get started."
While Camille and Justin were busy with dinner, Hank decided to check on Erin. He made his way up the stairs, his back slightly aching from today's work. He ran his knuckles against the wooden door, "Erin?" He called.
Erin got up from her bed, opening the door. "Yeah?"
"I was just checking on you." Hank said as he looked at the teen, her face still red and tears still threatened to fall. "Can I get you anything?"
Erin shook her head, "No, I think I'm going just stay in my room until dinner. Maybe I can get some of this homework done."
"Well you know where to find us if you need anything." Hank placed his hand on her shoulder, "I'll call you when dinner is ready." He gave the teen a small smile before exiting her room.
Erin grabbed her book bag, emptying the contents on her bed. She pulled the chain on her beside lamp, turning it on. She grabbed a pen and started to read through her textbooks, jotting notes in her spiral notebook.
Her mind wandered as she aimlessly scanned the books, not comprehending half of the material that she read.
She sighed deeply, tossing the books to the side. She sprawled her legs out over the books and plopped her head down on her pillows. She just needed a break. A break from her life; from her mother; from everything that happened. She still hadn't dealt completely with the Charlie situation and recently that was resurfacing. In her dreams and even in reality. She swore she saw him on the streets or his Pickup Truck parked near the market. But she knew it was just a mirage.
Erin kicked the books off the bed as she swung her legs around, her feet touching the floor. She stood up and walked to her closet. She rummaged through her bag, in search of a small pill canister on a keychain. She had it hidden in a pocket, out of sight to the normal eye. She unscrewed the cap, emptying two pills into her palm. She looked into the canister, noting she only had four pills left. She took a deep breathe; contemplating before she popped the pills into her mouth. She swallowed them with her saliva; feeling the white pills travel with ease down her throat.
She shoved the canister back in the hidden pocket and shoved her bag back into the closet. Erin walked back to her bed; she waited for the pills to kick in. She felt light headed, but in a good way, as the high hit her. She felt light on her feet, a calmness rushing over her.
She heard the front door open and close. She could her Alvin's voice ring through the downstairs. A woman's voice; assuming it was his wife. A coo from Lexi was heard and Justin must have been near because Erin could hear a faint 'peek-a-boo' session happening.
"Come on in." Camille said as she ushered the small family into the house, "I'll have Hank get Erin."
Erin heard footsteps approaching, her head sunk deeper into the pillow. She let out a sigh as she saw the doorknob being turned.
"Erin?" Hank stuck his head the open crack. He saw Erin stir as she faced away from the door, "Are you up?"
"Hmm.." Erin mumbled.
"Alvin, Meredith and Lexi are over." Hank informed, "I'm about to set the table, I'd love your help."
"I'll be down in a second." Erin said softly. Once Hank's footsteps faded, Erin got up. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were still bloodshot from crying, her pupils dilated from the pills.
She adjusted her clothing, fixed her hair as best as possible. She wanted to appear sort of normal, even though she was slowly floating. She steadied her footing as she walked the stairs, gripping the handrail tightly. Thankfully everyone was in the kitchen already seeing that she almost just tripped at the bottom of the stairs.
When she made her way to the kitchen, she saw Alvin and Hank were engaged in a conversation of work. She silently slipped past them to the table. She rested her head on the table top, feeling the coldness of the wood on her cheeks. She closed her eyes, sighing deeply.
"Hey Erin!" Justin broke the silence, causing all the adults to turn their attention to the two youngest. The six year old ran to the teen's side "I missed you." he opened his arms, leaning over to Erin.
"Not now Bud," Erin pushed lightly away, turning her body away from Justin.
Camille noticed the actions and quickly stepped in, "Hey little man, these potatoes aren't going to mash themselves." Justin left Erin's side, his bottom lip turned down into a pout. Camille ruffled the young boy's hair, comforting him. "Erin doesn't feel good." She whispered and placed a kiss on her son's head.
Meredith swayed lightly as she held Lexi, who was fast asleep. "Do you need any help?" She asked Camille.
Camille shook her head, "Nonsense, you are guests. You guys just take a seat, dinner will be ready in a minute."
Alvin led his wife to the table; he placed a kiss to the top of his daughter's head.
"Don't you dare wake her." Meredith said as she watched the newborn stir.
"Yeah," Hank placed his hand on his partner's shoulder, "Or you'll be sleeping on the couch."
"Good; maybe I'll sleep then." Alvin joked and flashed an innocent smile to wife who just shook her head.
"Good because sleep is the only thing you will get." Meredith spat back, causing Hank and Camille to chuckle softly.
Hank recalled the days as new parents. They were one of the best memories.
A twenty-three year old Camille walked into the pale blue nursery. "Good morning." She leaned over the crib, picking up a swaddled two week old. "Did you sleep well?" She cooed as Justin stared up at his mother, his brown eyes glimmer.
"I thought I heard you." Hank came in, still dressed in his pajamas. "How's little man?" He peaked over his wife's shoulder, smiling widely as he watched his son. "Hey Buddy." Hank placed a gentle kiss on his wife's cheek, "How'd you sleep?"
Camille smiled softly, "Not well, but it's all worth it." Justin started to wiggle around, a small cry starting to escalate, "I think some one needs a diaper change."
"I'll do it." Hank offered, taking Justin from Camille's arms. He took his son to the changing table, undressing him from his pajamas and discarding the soiled diaper. He wiped and powered the baby's butt before putting him in a new diaper, making sure the tabs were snug. He dressed him a clean outfit and brought him to his chest, supporting his small head in his large palm.
"Bring him back to his momma." Camille begged as she sat in the rocking chair that was in the corner of the room. "Little man needs to eat."
Hank walked over to his wife, handing the newborn over. He watched amazed as Camille nursed Justin. It was an amazing bond for them, and it warmed his heart. He loved his wife but he loved his wife more that she was now a mother.
"I'm going to go get us some breakfast." He stated, kissing his wife before leaving the two of them to share their special bond, only a mother and baby could.
Hank had a smile plastered on his face, recollecting the past. He looked over his shoulder to his wife as she moved around the kitchen, getting the last minute details of dinner ready. He was brought back to reality when Alvin cleared his throat softly.
Hank adverted his attention to his partner, who tilted his head across the table to Erin, who was in a daze, slightly nodding off.
Hank's eyes widen at the scene. He clenched his jaw as he tried to remain calm. "Erin," he said sternly, but not loud enough to bring attention to anyone else in the room.
Erin looked over to him with her pupils dilated, her head bobbing as if it wasn't fully attached to her head. "Yeah?" she slurred.
"Can I speak with you in the study?" He stated more than asked as he stood up making his way to his office. Erin got up, supporting herself by the dinning room chairs as she walked a few feet to the office Hank waited in. "Shut the door," Hank ordered, his voice rose. Once the door was shut firmly he ordered the teen to sit in the empty chair across from his desk.
In the time it took Erin to get from the kitchen to the office, Hank was fuming. He tried his hardest from exploding once the teen took the seat.
"What did you take?" He looked over at Erin who shifted uncomfortable in the chair. "Erin!" he slammed his palm on the wooden desk, the bang caused her to jump.
"Nothing." Erin mumbled.
"Bullshit." Hank hissed. It was rare that Erin heard him swear. She knew he was pissed. "You are going to tell me right now what you took or else I'm driving you to get a drug test."
Erin swallowed the lump in her throat, "Oxycondone."
Hank shook his head and gritted his teeth, his jaw shut tight. He walked from behind his desk to the teen, sitting next to her. "When?" He brought his hand to the teen's face, causing her dilated eyes to look into his stern gaze.
Erin didn't respond.
"Answer me Erin!" Hank brought his hand to Erin's chin, pushing up so she was looking at him. "I'm not going to ask again."
"When I got home." Erin confessed.
Hank's eyes widen, "You brought drugs into my house?" Erin went to speak, but Hank's voice over powered, "How irresponsible can you be? What happened if Justin got a hold of them?"
"I-" Erin tried again to speak, her eyes watered.
"I told you in the beginning, there will be no drugs in this house!"
"I'm sorry!" Erin shouted back, her voice squeaked. "I promised I won't do it again! I just needed a break!"
"The hell you are sorry!" Hank hissed. "Get up!"
Erin looked at Hank who stood up, extending his hand to her, "What?"
"I said get up." His hand still in front of her, "I'm not asking you again." He warned for the second time.
Erin stood to her feet, balancing herself with Hank's help. "Where are we going?" Erin asked as she was led out of the office. She watched as Hank left her in the hall, the wall was supporting her.
Hank entered the kitchen; Alvin and Meredith were engaging in a small conversation at the table, while Justin sat in front of them, making face at the baby. Hank walked behind his wife, who was tossing the salad with tongs, "I have to go out." He whispered.
"What? Where?" Camille turned to her husband. She noted his blood boiling and his breathing was unsteady. She looked past him, to find Erin being propped up by the wall, her head bowed. "Is it Erin?"
Hank nodded, his voice still hushed, "She took some pills."
Camille's mouth fell open in shock. "Where are you taking her?"
"I'm going to take her to Center of Hope." Hank told, he placed a kiss to his wife's cheek, "You guys eat. Don't wait up." He said as he walked back towards Erin.
"Come on." He grabbed Erin's arm gently guiding her out of the house and to his car.
The car ride was silent; aside from a few groans that came from Erin because Hank would keep nudging her awake.
"I'm very disappointed in you Erin." Hank said as he paid attention to the road. "I thought you were doing better."
"I don't know." Erin sighed as she looked out at the street.
"How am I suppose to help you if you don't even know?" Hank tried his hardest to remain calm. He took a few deep breaths in and out before continuing the mostly one-sided conversation. "You have to let me know when you need help. Pills are only going to numb the pain, they are still going to be there when the high is over." Hank explained. "I've seen too many young boys and girls on the streets waste away. "That is not going to happen if I have anything to do about." He looked over to Erin who had dozed off.
Hank slowed to a stop, putting the car in park. He walked around to help Erin out of the car. He swung her arm over his shoulder, steadying the teen and they walked slowly to the rehab clinic. Erin mumbled something incoherently as they entered the doors.
The clinic smelled of bleach. The walls were painted a stark white. There were nurses attending to patients, supplying them with water and some food.
Hank helped Erin to a seat near the check in window. "I need to do a walk through."
The woman behind the glass window looked at Hank, an annoyed look on her face. She spoke through the small holes that were poked in the glass. "This isn't a museum."
Hank sighed, his patience wearing thin, "I know." He grabbed his badge that was tucked in his pocket. "I just need to shake some sense into her," Hank pointed to Erin who dozed off, propping her head in her hands; her elbow resting on the chair arm. "Hey!" He snapped his fingers, causing Erin to jump awake.
The nurse noticed the teen in the chair, a small sigh escaped her lips, "Let me see if there is a doctor available."
"Thank you." Hank gave her a desperate grin. He watched as the nurse left the office, disappearing behind a cubicle wall.
A few minutes later the nurse returned, a clipboard in her hands. "Read this over." She instructed. "This form is basically saying that you give us permission to evaluate her. If we see fit that she needs more than an evaluation and does indeed need treatment; then we enroll her in a detox program."
"Okay." Hank read through the forms, filling out the information. He slid the clipboard back to the nurse.
"Do you know what she took?" The nurse questioned, filling out the 'staff only' portions.
"Oxycodone." He shook his head as he said it. He thought she was doing better. He knew she had a few tough days, he tried to get her to open up, but it was hard.
"How long ago?"
"She said after she got home. So about three hours ago."
"Has she abused drugs in the past?"
Hank nodded, "Yes, Heroine."
"Is she still using?"
Hank proudly shook his head, "No. That I am sure of."
"Okay," The nurse file Erin's paperwork and stood up, "I'll buzz you two in; then we go and talk with a doctor."
Hank assisted Erin down the hall to a waiting room. He looked over at the teen that was slowly becoming alert.
"What are we doing her?" Erin groaned, her speech clear.
"You are here to help you with coping with your feelings. Instead of turning to drugs."
"Hank, I'm fine." Erin pleaded. "I just slipped. I don't need rehab."
"We'll have the doctor decide that." Hank said sternly, not letting the teen get her way. "You have to learn how to deal with your feelings. You have to be able to open up to me; to Camille. We have to know what you are going through so we can be there for you." He looked to Erin, who just nodded, "You aren't alone Erin."
Erin began to cry; her soft sobs echo the quiet room. Hank embraced the teen in his arms. Hugging her tightly. He let her cry into his chest, soothing her like he had done when Justin was a baby, "It's okay, Erin." He hushed, "I'm here."
I hope this chapter wasn't too dark for you guys or that it wasn't out of character.
Let me know what you think. Please and Thank you. :) Only 5 more reviews until 50! *hint hint*
