The Best of Intentions

by Starr Williams

Following the events of Flashback, Brooklyn's protective instincts goes into overdrive and he finds himself with a tough decision to make. When he chooses his path, he has to face the fallout of his choice, and what it means for all of those nearest him. (This one goes out to J, who kept asking for more Brooklyn and Skyler. This one is all your fault!) :)

4. Chapter 4

THE NEXT NIGHT

It hadn't been an easy day.

Elisa had spent the majority of the day trying to help Skyler, but there was only so much she could do.

After the emotional purge last night, in the light of day, Skyler seemed unwilling to talk about it. She was wandering around, her usual smile on her face. The only sign that something was wrong was the sadness in her eyes.

By afternoon, Elisa gave up and called Beth.

After Beth got off work, she had swung by Elisa's and made noise about exercising an "auntie's" right to take her nephew and spoil him rotten for the night, making it sound like it was her idea for the impromptu visit and not letting on that she knew anything had happened.

Liam loved his Auntie Beth, and was excited at the prospect of spending his Friday night with her.

The moment that the door closed behind them, Skyler's face fell. Elisa told her to go get some rest, to have a long bath, a glass of wine and to enjoy the night off.

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Skyler was doing just that when Elisa left for work a few hours later.

Not that she didn't appreciate the night off, but without Liam there to distract her, she had too much time on her hands.

After soaking in the oversized tub, she got dressed. On a whim, she put on her favorite jeans and her cute white button-up shirt with the cap sleeves and decorated with faded pink rosebuds. She even did her hair and put on a little makeup. It made her feel a little better, and for the first time in almost two days, she didn't look like a total zombie.

Now that that was done…

What was she going to do with herself? She looked outside out of habit, realizing that the sun was about to set, the last gold and pink beginning to fade from the sky.

She'd usually be heading to the castle right now, She though sadly, then gave herself a mental shake.

No. She was not going to sit at home, alone, and dwell on this. Couples broke up every day, and went on with their lives, so could she.

She grabbed the keys to her small, second hand Toyota and headed for the door. If nothing else, maybe she'd go get some coffee.

Suddenly, being in a big, noisy coffee shop surrounded by other people sounded amazing.