AN: I wanted to update before the new year, though with everything going on in the current World, I found it rather difficult to do so. Bare with me on this chapter, I promise things will pick up. Here's to 2017:

Elizabeth kept her thoughts contained in work for the day. Awash with meetings, phone calls, and briefings-she was content.

She was in the middle of reading one of those briefings when a knock on the door broke her concentration.

"Yeah," She answered quickly, a bit thrown off by the interruption.

"Um, Ma'am," Blake greeted upon entrance, "Your motorcade's here."

"Is it really that late?" Elizabeth quipped, gazing down at her watch.

"Ma'am, I tried to get ahold of Henry, no luck."

"That's alright," Elizabeth replied, gathering her bags, sounding a bit defeated, "Nothing I can't do at home"

"Yes.." He added, pivoting toward the door.

"Blake," Elizabeth addressed, as she headed toward the door herself.

"Yes," He answered willingly.

"Do you...I don't know," She paused, "Do you ever feel like your work consumes you?"

"Umm. No….I mean...Ma'a-"

"-Right, wrong person to ask. Thanks, Blake" She smiled as she walked out.

She approached the front door that night like she had the night before-hesitation in her step and a lingering question in her thoughts. She paused.

"Everything Okay, Ma'am?" Matt asked.

"Yeah," She smiled, reaching for the handle, "Night."

Immediately upon entrance, Elizabeth peered into the study, hoping-or not, she wasn't quite sure, that she'd find Henry. Though, the study, like the rest of the house that was in her midsts, was empty.

"Anyone home," she called with a coldness unknown to the otherwise warm phrase.

With the absence of an answer Elizabeth departed for the kitchen, ready to search for a late dinner. It was there that she spotted him. Well, him and Stevie. She leaned against the room's entrance and studied the two; Henry at the table reading, Stevie enjoying a bowl of cereal. It wouldn't have bothered her a week ago, or even a few days ago. Though, in that moment, her stomach hollowed with hurt. More than anything she wanted their recognition: their acknowledgment that she was a part of them and they a part of her. Her defensive-air, however, was quick to block her from the expressing these emotions.

"So this is what we're doing?" She began, gaining their attention, "I come home and you can't even say 'hello?'"

"Hi," They both sighed and were quick to go back to their earlier pursuits.

"Thanks," She mumbled flatly,"That makes me feel a whole lot better."

The room fell silent for a moment.

"Okay, see...this is what I mean," Elizabeth informed, "You guys are avoiding me. Like-like I'm-"

"Elizabeth, please" Henry stood up from the table, "You're making a big deal out of this."

"What's the problem with wanting to spend more time with my family?" Her pitch raised with her defensiveness.

"You know that's not what this is about."

"Then please, Henry, inform me. What 'this' about?" She mocked.

"Elizabeth," Her name hissed through his angry teeth, "We both know you dislike my job-"

"-Hey...still here," Stevie interrupted, "Is anyone gonna tell me what's...happening?"

"Please, just-" Elizabeth began.

"We're having a fight," Henry answered, as his gaze stayed with Elizabeth.

"No, we're not having a fi-" Elizabeth attempted to correct before being cut off.

"-Would you stop trying to hide everything!" Henry raised his voice, "For God's sake, Elizabeth, they're not children anymore."

His words stopped her anger and filled her mind with thoughts of a sentimental nature. "I realize that," she said in defense.

"Umm," Jason said from behind, "Here."

Jason handed his mother a slip of paper, "I-a I didn't know you guys were home-

"-Jase, you're getting a 'D' in Algebra?" Elizabeth's voice shook with worry and anger.

"Hold on," Henry said taking the paper from Elizabeth's hand.

"Yeah, but it's not like you or dad care," He smiled.

"Are you kidding?" Henry laughed, "Of course we care."

"No, you don't," Jason mumbled as he climbed back up the stairs.

"Hey, we're not done, Jase," Henry yelled.

"-Well, I'm going to head out...and pick up some food. Oh, and Ali is at her study group right now, so you might wanna...yeah, okay, bye," Stevie announced.

A silence took over the room, once more. Elizabeth and Henry diverted their eyes to the floor, the sink, the window, or in any direction which would allow them the comfort of not having to address the other.

"Don't say this is my fault," Henry commented as he looked up at her.

"I'm not saying it is."

"Good, then don't ask me to quit."

"Henry, I'm not asking you to quit. I'm asking you to take some time off-We hardly ever see each other."

"Why can't you?" He asked.

"Henry, please. You can take some time off to be with us...the kids. We aren't there for them

"Why is it me...every time, huh?" He shouted back, "I take care of it. It's me everytime something goes wrong. Why should I have to jeopardize my work?"

Elizabeth swallowed before she spoke softly, "Because maybe you'll end up jeopardizing your family."