Chapter 21
"Really Athos, you don't need to stay," David said as Athos helped him in the house. David had his arm wrapped around Athos' arm for support as they crossed the threshold.
D'Artagnan and Constance were already on the road back home. Sylvie and the rest left the previous day.
"It's really no trouble, David," Athos said.
Robert followed behind at a distance. Things had been tense between him and Athos. Athos really had no idea how to move past this. Ann had been out of his life for over five years. Their last conversation was difficult. Everything that had happened in the years before that had truly ended anything that was left between them. He just hoped Ann had found some happiness.
His father had not helped the situation. As far as his father was concerned, Ann had been nothing but a leech on their family. And Thomas could do no wrong in his father's eyes.
His mother seemed to fall into a deep depression after Thomas' death. And then a few years later she was diagnosed with cancer.
"Is there anything I can do to help things between you and your father?" David asked as Athos led him to the couch.
"This has nothing to do with you," Athos said wincing at how he must have sounded. It sounded like he was telling David to mind his own business, that he was an interloper. That was not what Athos wanted. He liked David. He was good for his father. They probably wouldn't have gotten this far without David. "It's not your fault." Athos looked over towards the door where his father was walking towards the stairs. "Old wounds," Athos said looking back at David after Robert had gone upstairs.
TM
Athos talked to Constance and d'Artagnan later when they made it home. Then he called Sylvie.
"So, how is it going?" She asked.
Athos told her about his day. It had been quiet. His father seemed to be avoiding him.
"Call if you need anything," she said. "I love you."
Athos smiled. "I love you too." He would be glad when he got home. He missed this family he had made for himself which included not only Sylvie and their children, but three brothers and sister along with their children and partners.
TM
Athos got up early the next morning. He found his father in the kitchen. What he was doing, Athos wasn't sure. He had no food or drink. He just stood leaning back against the counter, arms crossed. He was dressed looking ready to go somewhere.
"Father," Athos said.
"Athos," Robert said.
Athos shook his head. He still wasn't quite used to his father addressing him by his preferred name.
"Is there anything I can get you?" Athos asked.
Christmas is coming in a couple of weeks," Robert said. "I was wondering if you, Sylvie and the children would come over for the day."
Athos really didn't want to get it. He went for the noncommittal response. "I'll discuss it with Sylvie."
The door opened and David stepped in. He was still in his nightclothes. He was sweating and looked exhausted.
"David, you shouldn't have gone down those stairs on your own," Robert said guiding David over to the table in the kitchen sitting him down.
Athos went to fix some toast and get David's pain pills. He poured a glass of juice and brought everything over a few minutes later. When he reached the table Robert was sitting next to him, hand resting on David's shoulder speaking to him quietly.
"Thank you, Athos," David said.
Athos smiled at him returning to pouring himself some coffee.
TM
The next day Athos decided he needed to get home. He was a little worried about David. He was still very weak. He wasn't sure his father could handle everything either.
"Father, hire a nurse if you're going to stay here longer. I'll ask Albert to come in and check on you on occasion," Athos said as he stood holding his bag.
"Really Athos, I'm not about to let anything happen to David," Robert said looking affronted.
Athos sighed. "I know that." He walked through the great room to where David sat on the couch resting. "David, I need to go." Athos rested a hand on David's shoulder. "Please don't hesitate to call if you need anything."
David looked up at Athos smiling. He gripped the hand Athos had on his shoulder giving it a brief squeeze. "Tell Sylvie it was nice to see her even though the circumstances weren't ideal. Oh, how is your friend d'Artagnan? I apologize for not asking earlier."
"He's doing fine. He's young." Athos smiled.
"Watch it," David smirked.
Athos' grin widened squeezing David's shoulder. He turned after his goodbye with David facing his father once more. They exchanged polite far more restrained goodbyes before Athos walked out of the house.
TM
It was early evening and dark by the time Athos arrived home. He wrapped his coat more tightly around him as he grabbed his bag from the backseat of his car.
When he made it to his door he pulled out his key unlocking the door. Taking a step in he was nearly knocked over by his daughter who rushed over to him on her slightly wobbly legs. "Papa." She wrapped her arms around his leg.
Athos dropped his bag to the floor and leaned down pulling Olivia off his leg and bringing her up into his arms.
"Hello," Sylvie walked over more sedately carrying Raoul in her arms. One arm came around his back.
Athos leaned into her arm reaching to press a kiss first to Raoul's cheek, then Sylvie's and finally Olivia's.
"We missed you," Sylvie whispered in his ear.
Athos breathed in letting it out slowly taking in the senses of his home and family. Maybe he could do this one Christmas with his father-as long as he had the rest of his family to lean on.
TBC