Chapter 28 – In the Deep
Another installment. Hope you all enjoy – it is now moving forward! Big things are still coming. Thank you all so much for the reviews. They were great to read. Especially yours, Charlotte! It means so much to be that this story means something to you. Thanks for being a loyal reader. I am back at uni now so chapters won't come as quickly as they have over the break I've had but reviews keep me writing so please review if you want me to keep going! Any suggestions are welcomed too. ENJOY lovelies xx
'Sam. Sam.' I woke to my name being said softly over and over and when I finally accepted that I was awake I opened my eyes to see Mom dressed and doing her make up in the ensuite mirror.
'What time is it?' It seemed too quiet to be later than 7am.
'Almost 10.'
'10! Why did you let me sleep until 10?' I bounced out of bed.
'I didn't realise you were in a hurry to get somewhere?' She said perplexed.
I wasn't but I wanted to find out what the hell went on last night before I heard the watered down version at Dad's. I didn't answer her and quickly headed to the hall to my room. My bed was a mess but empty. So I picked up the pace and almost ran into Lucas' room. But it was again empty. I quickly surveyed the rest of the house and the hoop outside and couldn't find my brothers. 'URGH!' I stomped out loud back to my Mom's room.
'Where are the boys?'
'At the beach house. Why?'
'Why are they at the beach house?' I jumped on her bed with some kind of restful energy.
'Samantha – get off now! Cleaning it up. They left very early this morning so I expect that they should be back any minute as I told them we were going for brunch at your father's around 10:30.'
'Did you tell them to go clean it or did they just go?'
'I didn't have to tell them, Samantha. They made me breakfast too. They're doing their best to get me on side.' She smirked at herself in her mirror. It seemed it had worked as she was a lot more mellow than she was last night.
'Did you find out what happened yet?'
'What is with all the questions? Go get ready! I am leaving in 10 minutes. And you're not riding your bike because I need to you hold the cakes I made.' I didn't argue and went to the kitchen to look out the window, no sign of the boys. I went to my room to pack and get dressed quickly. I hated packing but luckily even if I forgot something I had lots of family members to bring it to me or take me back to get it. Unfortunately all trips were accompanied by irresponsible or unorganized lectures though, so I tried my best to make sure I always had everything I needed. I even kept lists sometimes. Just as I was ticking off my list I heard a car pull in and bolted for the door. I pushed through the fly screen and it swung hard and I was at the car before they even got out.
'Morning!' I said cheerfully hugging Lucas' side.
'Morning Sam.' He still was bummed out.
'How'd it go?' Lucas looks at me suspiciously while Nathan ignored me completely and goes inside.
'What are you up to?' Luke stops and almost smiles.
'I just want to know what went on last night?' I try.
'Samantha, don't be a sticky beak.'
'Don't call me Samantha!' He followed Nathan inside. They were being so annoying! I followed them both in.
'We're home, Mom!' Lucas bellowed from the kitchen. Nathan sat at the table with his head in his hands as Lucas looked in the fridge.
'Are you guys going to tell me or not?' I stood hands on hips.
Lucas groaned aggravated, 'have you packed for Dad's?' He asked me sternly.
'Just tell me what happened!' I cry out just as Mom enters the room.
'Samantha, mind your own business.' She shook her head but at least she half smiled. 'Grab the cakes for me. Boys help her please.' We all got all the food out of the fridge and carried it silently to the car. I took extra food and piled it on top of the containers because Dad's house is crap for food at the best of times, Deb is a terrible cook. But with her gone I assumed it would be mostly sandwiches. The car ride was fairly silent, until we pulled into Dad's street.
'Ok, now boys - remember, calm and apologetic. And just explain what happened. Nathan, remember what he spoke about?'
'Yes, Karen. I'll do my best.'
'Just remember your father is a great man…and Dad, to you all. He does have his anger problems but can also be very reasonable. So let's try and not provoke him and be very respectful. I can't guarantee you won't both be grounded but I can guarantee that if you follow my advice, the unnecessary yelling and force of last night won't be used today.' She smiled at Nathan in the mirror.
'You're right, Karen.' He didn't smile back. He looked like a dead man walking.
'Mom, do you know what happened?' I piped up suspiciously as we pulled into the driveway.
'Sam just stop!' Lucas turned around from the front to give me his annoyed stare.
'What the hell is wrong with you all? Why am I the only one who can't know!'
'It doesn't concern you!' Lucas declared.
'Enough please! Both of you.' Mom pulled into Dad's driveway and parked near the front door.
'I wish you'd all stop treating me like a baby!' I went to leave the car abruptly because I was annoyed but Nathan grabbed my arm. Thinking I was about to get yelled at, I went to shrug him off, but when I turned to face him my reaction mellowed on seeing his face. He looked at me with his big grey blue eyes and his girly lashes and I knew he was about to say something serious.
He exhaled deeply.
'Nathan, what's wrong? You're scaring me.' I told him after a few seconds. I am so impatient. I knew he was trying to get it out.
'Sam, relax. All the crap last night happened because your mate – stupid Tim – heard Hayley and I talking about our baby and he kind of started saying stupid shit and then told people. And I, as usual, reacted the wrong way. And I hit him a few times. And it got a bit out of hand. I had way too much to drink. Someone called the police, they went to arrest me and Hayley kind of went to grab me and stop them and one of them grabbed her so then Lucas got involved – only verbally though but even still, they took him instead. Basically – so can you just relax and shut up with the questions now?'
That all made sense. Nathan has Dad's temper and is fiercely protective of people he loves. Lucas – always has to try and be a voice of reason, even when it is stupid to try. I nodded and pictured it all in my head.
'Do you feel better now, Sam? Ya drainer!' Lucas rolled his eyes at me just being the little sister and wanting to know everything. Mom laughed and we all grabbed the countless Tupperware containers and headed to the door.
'I just remembered, this is Sam's last day of being grounded.' Mom stated and I smiled and nodded. Thank god I thought to myself. She continued, 'and today will be the first for you boys. Because despite a kind of reasonable story – you're still both in SO much trouble for SO many reasons!' She faked smiled at them as they marched to their doom.
Dad was waiting at the door. He still looked angry. A few steps from the door I heard Lucas whisper to Nathan something about a time Hayley was coming. I was confused as to why on earth Hayley would want to be here for this, but I didn't dare ask any questions and proceeded to give my Dad and big hug and hope he smiled. He didn't, but he kissed me and hugged me tightly.
'Run upstairs, Sam.' He said softly while he hugged me, 'Your Mother and I need to talk to the boys.'
I pulled away and looked at him obviously annoyed but before I could express it in words he got in first, 'Don't argue, Sam. Go.' He meant business so I didn't argue as I didn't want to add to the crap already going on, but I stomped up the stairs angrily anyway.
I was so over this family and the fact they treated me like I was 5. I don't really even get why I couldn't hear it anyway! I slumped onto my bed and within 2 minutes was already bored. I was sick of my bedrooms. That line of thinking reminded me – I wasn't grounded anymore! I think technically it was tomorrow that would be my official release day but Mom said earlier today so I thought I could work with that. Most importantly, I could get my phone back. I knew it was in my Mom's handbag so I decided getting my phone was worth the risk of being yelled at. I was so used to it anyway. I crept back downstairs as quietly as I could and tried to gauge where this discussion I wasn't allowed to be involved in was taking place. I hoped the lounge room and that Mom left her bag in the kitchen but as soon as I saw an empty lounge I knew they were all in the kitchen. I crept to the door slowly and could hear my dad ranting. Hardly surprising. As I got closer I could hear Mom telling him to just wait. And he was not understanding why he should wait. I got right up next to the door as I wanted to know what he was waiting for.
'I just think having Hayley here to explain exactly what happened will help us all understand it, Dan.' Mom told him. What the? Hayley explaining last night and Mom encouraging that? I was confused.
'Sam!' I heard Lucas' voice and had no idea how he knew I was there. My initial reaction was to completely freeze and hope his suspicion would pass.
'Sam!' But suddenly he was next to me and he was mad.
'Sorry! I just came to get my phone!'
'No you didn't, you came to be nosey! You're a fucking nightmare!'
'Lucas!' Mom sounded shocked. I was too. I don't think he has ever sworn at me before.
'Both of you get in here!' Dad demanded.
I meekly peered around the corner and all eyes were on me.
'Sorry, I just wanted to come ask if I could have my phone back because I'm not grounded anymore and I'm bored upstairs by myself and it would be nice to catch up with friends while I wait and also I'm not even in trouble here, I was with you guys last night, remember? So I don't know why I am up in my room and getting yelled at for coming downstairs! I'm the good one for once and I think you're all just confused about that, as am I, so you keep yelling at me but I am not doing anything wrong!' My rant started apologetic but I was more convinced I was being mistreated as I said the words out loud. My rant was met wit confused looks and just when I thought I was about to get yelled at again, Mom and Dad burst out laughing. It was a relief.
'Come here you goose!' Dad picked me up and swung me over his shoulders and held me there.
'You're right, Sam. You're not in trouble – for once. But we just wanted to talk to the boys. Which is the only reason you're upstairs.' Mom chimed in but smiled adoringly at me, she was all loved up today. Which was weird because everyone else was on edge.
'Sorry, it was probably me. Sorry Sam. I don't mean to be such an arse sometimes but…' he exhaled deeply and put me down, 'my life is just a bit of a muddle at the moment. I feel like my world has been kind of turned upside down in the last few weeks and I am struggling to kind of feel normal…I guess.' He seemed to try and make sure he made sense.
It made sense to me. All the Deb stuff first and then the Keith situation and his parents. And all the drama I've caused I guess and now the boys getting in trouble with the police. It was a lot for him to deal with. For all of us. But my Dad always carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and I know he would be feeling responsible for all of it. Just as I was about to tell him I understood and it was ok…Hayley came into my head. And all the of the sudden I felt like I was about to have a panic attack. Hayley is coming over to help explain last night – a huge drama that all kicked off over her being pregnant. They're going to tell Dad today. I felt so sick at the thought of him getting mad and losing it. Poor Nathan, this wasn't going to be good.
'Luckily I have 3 great kids who keep me stable and sane. Until I get phone calls from the police on Saturday nights!' He at least smiled. But then must have noticed my panic, 'Are you alright, Sam?'
I looked at Nathan and Luke. I then got Luke's anger and why Nathan was white. My heart was racing.
'Sam?' Dad grabbed my arm.
'I feel sick, Dad.' I whispered.
He looked perplexed, 'just now?'
'Yeah, it just came on suddenly. I feel like I am going to be sick.' And then I was. I vomited all over his shoes and the floor. Mom rushed to my side and held me while Nathan came over with a towel and Lucas with a glass of water. Dad pushed my hair out of my face, some of which was covered in vomit.
'Oh baby! Are you ok?'
'Sam, what happened? Are you alright?'
I had no idea what just happened. It was really weird. Once I confirmed I felt slightly better after that vomit, Dad went outside, presumably to take off his shoes. So gross. Mom then escorted me towards the upstairs bathroom. Lucas followed closely behind. Just as we went up a few stairs, the front door opened and we all turned to see Hayley. Looking as white as I felt. Mom and Lucas said reassuring stuff to her but I felt like I might be sick again so concentrated on getting up the stairs without vomiting. I heard Nathan meet her at the door.
Mom ran me a spa in Dad's room. While Lucas sat on the floor with me and made me do breathing exercises and sip water like he was an army sergeant.
'I think it was like a psychosomatic reaction, Sam.' He told me concerned.
'What's that mean?'
'We learnt about it in psychology. It's like a physical reaction to a psychological stressor I think.'
I had no idea what he was on about. My face obviously reflected that so he dumbed it down for me, 'it's like your body reacted to your panic. You panicked because you realised Nathan was telling Dad about the baby today, huh?'
I nodded. He knew me too well.
'Ok, Sam. It's ready. I won't put the jets on but I thought the spa would be better as it's so much bigger than the bath.'
I waited for them to leave but they both stood there.
'Get in!' Mom tugged my arm.
'I need to get undressed, you pervs! I'm not getting undressed while you're both here.'
Mom laughed and Lucas turned around, 'it's nothing we haven't seen before Sam.' Mom pointed out.
'You used to run around the house naked until you were like 12.' Lucas said and I pulled a face at the back of his head.
'Hurry up, Sam.' Mom turned too, 'I've put in a lot of bubbles to mask your sudden modesty. And unfortunately sweetie, you are very spacey and I am too scared to leave you here alone as you may drown!'
It was nice to sink into a warm bubbly spa. I can't remember the last time I had been in Dad's spa. The boys and I used to have the most epic spas in here as kids! We'd shoot our toys off the jets and run around and try and make whirpools. We'd splash so much water out of the tub we would flood Dad and Deb's bathroom and Deb used to lose her mind over it. I think we got banned when I was about 6. I zoned out and just chilled in the bath. While Luke and Mom sat on the floor and chatted. The spa was elevated up a few stairs so I couldn't see them. It was very peaceful. I must have dozed off. Because the next thing I knew the peace was broken but a somewhat urgent Nathan at the door. Hayley stood by his side. I sat up quickly and brushed the bubbles from my ears to hear what they were saying.
'Just left?' Mom stood up, concerned.
'He just looked like someone kicked him hard in the guts and then he just went outside, got into his car and sped out the driveway.' Nathan looked half relieved and half panicked.
'He didn't say a word?' Lucas stood up too.
'Nothing!'
Mom looked like she knew something we didn't.
'Do you think that is a good or bad thing, Karen?' Hayley asked, noticing too Mom's face.
She shrugged, 'I guess better than him blowing up.'
'What did you say, like how did you tell him?' Lucas sat on the stairs of the spa. I sat still and silent, just listening. I was glad he didn't go off too, Mom was right but I was worried about where he went. He has been dealing with a lot lately and I hoped he was ok. I wanted him to come back. I wanted to hug him and tell him we'd all be ok.
'I just explained exactly what happened last night and about how Hayley is pregnant and that is what caused me to fight and Lucas to get involved. I kind of spoke for like 5 minutes and he sat silently and starred passed me. And when I finished he left.' Nathan sat next to Luke too. Mom stood and hugged him tightly and then moved to hug Hayley.
'At least the worst is over, guys.' She forced a smile. 'You told him and that was courageous and very adult of you both. I think him taking some time to digest it could be a good thing and hopefully he will come back and be more reasonable.'
They both nodded.
'Surely you feel slightly relieved?' She inquired.
'I do.' Said Hayley, 'I feel like a weight has been lifted. Like maybe we can try and be more excited about it, rather than keeping it a secret?'
'Yeah I guess.' Nathan wasn't as enthusiastic.
'Well, let's all go downstairs and have brunch and we will just wait for him to get home I guess.' Mom suggested and Hayley and Nathan stood to leave.
'Kids, the cakes are in the fridge but I think I left a tray of sandwiches in the car so Luke please get them.' Mom grabbed me a towel and motioned for me to get out of the spa.
'Mom, I might go see Brooke. I think she is mad at me about last night.' Lucas pulled his famous squint.
'So am I Luke. You're certainly not going to Brooke's!' She seemed annoyed he even suggested it.
'But Mom!..'
'No but Mom, Luke! You got arrested last night for God's sake! You're in big trouble!'
'Oh but you heard why! Surely I can't be in too much trouble!'
'Lucas!' She yelled this time, 'You got arrested! You aggressively and drunkenly verbally abused police officers!'
'Who were putting their hands on pregnant Hayley!' He yelled back. There I was sitting naked in a tub during this exchange. Talk about awkward, I just wanted to leave but couldn't as Mom had my towel and I wasn't standing without coverage.
'Lucas Eugene Scott! Don't you dare raise your voice at me like that!' Now she was really mad.
'Stop being so unreasonable! You're not even listening to how bullshit this is!' He was still yelling.
'Get to your room, now! You're lucky I am pregnant or I would kick your arse black and blue!' She screamed.
'This is a joke.' He said under his breathe and stormed off. I heard him slam his door.
Man, today was weird. Lukey 'suck-up-to-Mom' was talking back, getting arrested and getting sent to his room. Nathan wasn't exactly in the good books either. And here I was getting babied and waited on because I was sick and the good one – for once. But I was still worried about Dad. And Nathan.
I went to my room and got dressed and went downstairs to meet them all in the kitchen. I was feeling a lot less on edge but I knew I wouldn't feel normal until my Dad was home.
'Mom, can I call him?'
'No, sweetie. Leave him.'
It was quiet for a while. Nathan and Hayley nervously ate Mom's cakes. Mom cleaned the kitchen nervously and I sat looking out the kitchen window, forcing down the dry toast Mom insisted I eat.
Then we heard the door. We all looked at each other. My heart started racing again. I almost started praying Dad was going to be calm. I was scared.
We waited for him to come into the kitchen but after a few minutes, he hadn't so my Mom started calling to him and headed towards the foyer.
'Dan?' Dan?'
I jumped and gasped out loud when I unexpectedly saw Keith standing in the doorframe.
'Dan eh? You'd like that wouldn't you Karen?'
'oh, Keith!' She was shocked too, 'Where have you been?'
'Like you care! Look at you here playing happy families!' He was drunk. And he was not Keith at all. I was scared and move behind Nathan.
'Kids, get upstairs please.' Mom said hesitantly as she stood behind the counter. I think she was scared too.
'Karen…' Hayley hesitated.
'Now! Go!' But Nathan moved Hayley to be next to Mom and then walked towards Keith.
'You're really drunk man and you're being aggressive. So I reckon you go home and sleep it off and speak to Karen when you are a bit fresher.' Nathan stood in front of him, blocking him from the kitchen.
'I've missed you Keith.' I said quietly and stepped towards him, thinking hugging him might turn down this situation. Plus I had missed him. And although he was being scary, it was nice to see him. Just not like this.
Keith just looked at me angrily and Nathan stopped me going anywhere further.
'Samantha, get upstairs, NOW!' My Mom screamed at me. I didn't really hesitate as the look in Keith's eyes frightened me. I didn't even feel like I knew him in that moment. I ran straight into Luke's room.
'Luke! Luke! Quick, Keith is here and he is drunk and being scary!' I told him frantically. He ran downstairs without hesitation. I sat on his bed and cried a bit. I didn't know what else to do. I heard a bit of yelling and I hesitated to go back down. I was so thankful in that moment that I had two big brothers who I knew would look after Mom, Hayley and I. But then I was sad that this was even happening, why should we be unsafe at the hands of our step Dad? And I wasn't even sure we were. Keith would never hurt a fly. But that wasn't Keith.
I crept to the stairs and hid behind the banister as I saw Luke and Nathan either side of Keith escorting him out. He wasn't struggling but he was swearing and calling my Mom horrible names. I heard that. Once they were outside I rand downstairs to find Mom. She and Hayley were hugging and Mom was crying. I hugged them both. We all heard Keith fly out of the drive in his ute.
The boys came back in and Lucas and Mom hugged each other for ages. We were all silent.
'What a great weekend!' My Mom tried to lighten the moment, with tears streaming down her face.
And then we heard the door again. And then Dad was standing in the doorway of the kitchen where Keith was 5 minutes before.
'What the hell is going on now?' He asked. He was confused but definitely still mad.
To be continued…
Haha Sorry guys! Next installment coming soon! This chapter took my story to over 100,000 words! Whoooo! xx
