Hello readers! It's been a while, hasn't it? Well, after several months away from fanfiction and a hectic lifestyle filled with schoolwork and exams, I've finally managed to return to bring you the 10th chapter of Staying. Hope you enjoy!

P.S - I own nothing, except for the plot!

Golden streaks of sunlight poured into the room as the green-clad chipmunk gradually woke. He peeled his eyes open and was met by the sight of his beloved laying next to him, still asleep. Her hair was tousled, and spread out across the pillow. Not a worry could be seen on her delicate features – just as it should be, and soft sighs escaped her plump lips. Gazing lovingly at his partner, Theodore basked in the glow of this still, peaceful moment. Uninterrupted. She almost looked like her younger self. He couldn't help but long for that Eleanor back... But, what happened in the past could not be changed. He knew that. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, he left her to sleep and pulled his dressing gown on.

Figuring as he was the first awake, he could make a start on breakfast. He plodded down the stairs, thinking about what to prepare. This morning was more of a toast morning, as opposed to a bacon and eggs morning. Whatever took his fancy, he supposed. Theodore peeled back the curtains in the living room, letting more light greet the household, and switched on the television for his favourite breakfast show, when suddenly something caught his eye.

It looked like a bright light, almost like a screen...

Damn! Had they left the computer on last night? Frustrated, he approached the machine to switch it off until he realised that the e-mail service they used last night was still open. That alone wasn't the thing that took his surprise.

One new message.

His heart stopped. This wasn't his e-mail account – it belonged to Eleanor. And, considering her activity on this account, it could only be one thing. Jake. The bold text at the top of her inbox grabbed his attention, luring him into clicking and reading. His hand veered forwards towards the mouse-

No. He mentally scolded himself. He couldn't. He would be invading her privacy, and then what? Risk breaking their trust? No. Whatever Jake had to say, it could wait until Eleanor was awake. Trying to find a distraction, Theodore headed for the kitchen to prepare breakfast. As he placed the bread into the toaster, his mind wandered into thoughts of the e-mail. What if it was something bad? What if he didn't want to get divorced? What if he still loved Eleanor? Absently, the chipmunk dropped the knife he was carrying with a clatter. Deeply inhaling, he steeled himself and picked up the utensil. Eleanor doesn't love Jake – she's moved on. Besides, nothing could possibly be as bad as his mind was telling him, right?

As he waited for the slices of bread to toast, he couldn't help but think back to the unread message on the computer. It would be a lie if he were to say that he wasn't itching to read it. The clock hanging on the kitchen wall ticked mindlessly away, only fuelling his longing to open it. Tick. Tick. Tick.

Throwing his hands up in defeat, Theodore quickly turned on his heel and scampered into the living room. It was waiting patiently, teasing him, taunting him. He had to check it! Grabbing the mouse by his chubby hand, he moved the cursor until it hovered over the e-mail's subject, and after a brief moment – probably consideration – he clicked it. He could have sworn he heard the toast popping out of the toaster, but none of that mattered the moment the text was displayed before him, because after that – everything went still.

Dearest Ells,

I have to say, I'm touched that you would take time out of your busy lifestyle to send your husband a message. No, really! Thank you for messaging me. I've been so alone out here in Sydney, in our little home. Feels empty. It's weird to sleep in a bed built for two – it's cold without you Ells. So, imagine my surprise when I check my inbox to find that none other than you sent me a message. Only, its contents alarm me a little, if I'm being honest.

Why on earth would you be considering bringing our marriage to an end? All those months together – years even – and we were happy, weren't we? Everything was great. It was that punk Theodore that messed up our lives. He came uninvited into our home and stole you away from everything you worked so hard for. Me, our home, your job. Whatever happened between us, we can fix! It was his fault, not mine! You know me, and I know you. Do you really want to throw that away?

Don't you know what you've put me through, Ells? Those two years being apart have been the worst years in my life. I tried everything to take my mind off of you but it still doesn't erase the fact that my wife is halfway across the world when she should be wrapped up in my arms. Seeing your message it just- God, I need you badly Ells. It's given me an opportunity, and I thank you. I guess I can finally put that gambling money to good use. God knows, all those winnings would have been wasted on cigarettes and drink. I'll be seeing you soon. Just send me the time and place you want us to meet, and I'll be there. California awaits, and I'm awaiting my wife. By the time you read this, I'm probably already on the flight. Until then.

Much love, Jake (your estranged husband)

Theodore didn't know what to feel – he wasn't aware of much going on around him. He didn't even realise his clenched fist. He didn't register smoke escaping from the kitchen, and he certainly didn't notice footsteps from upstairs. Jake was- Jake was coming to America? His heart panged at such a possibility. He feared. He feared for himself after reading this message, and most importantly, he feared for Eleanor. If she ever find out- Oh God! He couldn't imagine what this would do to her. All that progress would simply come to nothing. Back to the beginning. What if she still loved Jake? What if seeing him provoked her to go back to him?

The smoke alarm wailing suddenly jarred him back to reality, and he quickly closed the message and dashed to the kitchen. Frantically, he waved a dishtowel around the room, trying to get rid of the smoke coming from the toaster. Damn Jake – whip – and his – whip – e-mails – whip. After a few more swings with the old dishtowel, the alarm suddenly stopped blaring, and a voice came from the doorway.

"Is everything okay, Teddy?"

"H-huh? Oh, everything's fine Ellie. Just burnt some toast, that's all." Theodore puffed, putting down the old rag. He peered inside the toaster, realising that indeed the toast was crisp and black.

"Are you sure? I can take over, if you'd like." She rubbed at her arm, looking amused by the sight.

"But I woke up first. I insist! I want to make breakfast for you!"

"It's fine, Theodore. You still look a little tired, why don't you go sit down and I'll make something?" She was giggling.

It wasn't until Eleanor approached the toaster that Theodore realised that she was awake and in the kitchen, obviously still oblivious to the message. He went silent, and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. She looked so happy and carefree, laughing at the poor excuse for toast. Sighing dejectedly, he wandered back into the living room, and looked at the computer. Could he risk it? Show Eleanor the message and have her upset and afraid again? Like hell he would!

He grabbed control of the mouse and hastily clicked on the reply button, making sure to be quick in his actions before his counterpart appeared.

Jake,

Meet me outside the old warehouse a couple of blocks away from the public park. You'll know it when you see it. Don't know how to get there? Ask directions.

Sincerely, Eleanor.

Clicking on the send button, Theodore felt a mixture of emotions well up inside. Guilt? Regret? No, those surely weren't the ones. Once deleting the message that Jake sent to Eleanor, he made his way back the kitchen, where Eleanor was buttering two slices of golden-brown toast. She turned her head and remarked.

"I wonder if Jake will get back in touch." Her words startled the chipmunk slightly, but with sweating palms, he wrapped his arms around her and replied.

"Well... we left the computer on last night, and when I was passing, it looked like you left your inbox open. From what I saw, there were no messages from Jake."

The lie felt horrible passing his lips, even more horrible when he kissed her cheek with those lips, but something inside sparked. He knew that emotion now.

Vengeance.

I promised you that I hadn't abandoned this story! It just took some time, that's all. I'm a beta reader too now, btw, in case you'd like to send some stories my way (shameless self-promotion!) Things are starting to heat up with this story and it's only going to get better from this point onwards! I admit, the quality's a little rusty because I've been away from the AATC fandom for a while, but I'm back! Please don't forget to review and tell me what you thought of this chapter! I like to hear your opinions as they always help and encourage me! Thanks for your time.

Peace, love, and COOKIES! ~ MissSteph22 x :)