AN: As most of you probably have noticed, a lot of people haven't been updating. It's because something is wrong with uploading and we have had to cheat our way around the problem. BUT, we did find a way and you guys should be very grateful. I know I am lol.
Anyways, this chapter is somewhat short, but I couldn't think of another way to extend it. Another update will be up within two days so don't worry. ;). The response to the last chapter was absolutely amazing and I now think I have the best reviewers ever. You guys rock my world.
Alright, so the next 3 chapters will be pretty angsty so just bare with me. The outcome should be satisfying.
And to my anonymous reviewer last time, Bobby going to boarding school is no way related to his personality and does not reflect my views of people who attend boarding school. He is the way he is because of the way he was raised. I only had him attend boarding school to show early independence and it gives me an easier way for him to distance himself.
Chapter 7: Distance is Darkness
The pattering rain trickled on the windows of Hyde's car as father and son made their way home. The sound of the evening storm was just to calm for Zach. A hurricane of emotions swarmed around in his insides. He couldn't rid his mind of the source of his rage. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, his fingernails digging into his palms. The piercing pain released endorphins that soothed his anger only temporarily. So many secrets. Zach closed his eyes and rested his head against the passenger window. Where was some angry music when he needed it?
Meanwhile, Hyde was too entranced with the night's events to notice his brooding son. The evening had gone better than he expected. Surprisingly, things weren't too awkward between Jackie and him. They carried on good conversations without burning each other, a big difference compared to the last time he saw her. Just remembering how beautiful she looked excited the butterflies that fluttered around in his gut all night long. He had kept his cool though, no matter how girlish he felt on the inside. There were a few moments when he wondered whether or not his eyes gave away just how much he missed her. It was funny when he thought about it. He hadn't worn his glasses in years, but as soon as Jackie comes back to town and gazes into his uncovered eyes in that certain way that always made his heart stop beating, he wanted to take shelter and hide.
Hyde glanced over at Zach who looked like he was ready to take hostages and never surrender. The biggest difference between he and his son was that Zach always let his face show his emotions. He could shrug off things just like his dear old dad, but he never was able to let the world know that he just didn't care. Hyde took that as one success at protecting his son from ending up like him. He just didn't live a shitty enough life to become numb to things. It had been two days since the conversation at the breakfast table, and Zach had only said a few words to him since then. His destructive behavior was beginning to scare Hyde. Only he knew just how dangerous it could be to be angry.
"So, you haven't said much." Hyde said while turning on his blinker to turn into his neighborhood.
"Neither have you." Zach coolly responded.
Still on this? Hyde clearly saw through Zach's words. His voice was too menacing to just be referring to the car ride. Hyde silently took back all the times he refused to talk about his problems. "Zach, if you really want to talk about this, I'm willing to."
"I don't want to talk about anything." The coldness in his voice chilled Hyde's skin. He could feel his only child slipping away from him. Anger grew like a weed inside him. If the calm, open approach wouldn't work, he guessed his own methods would have to do.
Hyde slammed on the brakes as he pulled into the driveway and quickly spun his body around to face Zach.
"I'm trying really hard here, Zach." The booming in his voice startled Zach's hard exterior. "I've given you time to tell me what has been bothering you, but you just won't come around. I know you're hurt about what a shitty person your mom ended up being, but you don't need her."
He watched as his son's eyes narrowed, getting ready to lash out his own arsenal. "It's not even about her anymore." He screamed. "It's about you! And…" His voice whimpered, chiseling away Hyde's anger. "I'm starting to think that it has always been about you." Zach snapped the door handle open and violently slammed the car door, leaving Hyde shell shocked.
Hyde slammed his head against the steering wheel. He couldn't understand what he did wrong. All of Zach's life he just tried to protect him from the things he had to fight against everyday of his life.
1988
Hyde opened the door of his apartment and let the little child march his way through. He noticed his four year old son wasn't as spunky as usual when he picked him up from Donna's. He silently watched as Zach took his miniature coat off and placed it on the couch. He climbed on top of one of the cushions with a frown resting on his face.
"Hey." Hyde said as he sat next to his son. "What's the matter little guy?"
The child's angelic features formed into a heart wrenching pout as he peeped out his question. "Why did my Mommy leave, Daddy?"
Hyde was sure he could feel his heart tearing at the tears that pooled in Zach's eyes.
"Listen to me Zach, and I want you to listen closely because I'm only going to say this once." Hyde looked deep into his son's eyes and began once he saw he had his full attention. "It is not your fault that your mom left. She just wasn't ready to be a mother. That has nothing to do with you." Hyde closely watched the words being absorbed by the toddler.
"But it isn't fair!" He cried. "All of the other kids have mommies."
Hyde winced at the pain he saw in his child's face. "None of that matters, Zach. Do you know why?" Zach stopped crying and waited for his father's answer. "Because none of those kids have Uncle Eric or Aunt Donna, Grandma Kitty or Grandpa Red, Papa B, and" he paused a moment trying hard not to choke on his words. "…and they don't have me."
"I love you, Daddy." Zach whimpered as he threw himself in his father's arms and wrapped his own tiny arms around Hyde's neck.
"I love you too, son."
Jackie perched herself on the basement couch anxiously waiting for Donna to get finished with popping some popcorn for the two upstairs. Jackie still felt lighter than air from that night. She reminisced with every one of the good old days while still keeping her well refined party guest charm in tact. Now that she was seemingly okay with everyone in Point Place, the others would be easy to face.
Jackie let out a huge sigh and leaned against the comfy cushions. Her skin still tingled from the lasting effects of Steven's eyes. She couldn't help but notice how good he still looked. He might not still have had his muscular physique or his tight clinging clothes, but he was still smoking for a man of forty one. Several times Jackie caught herself looking him over and had to continually remind herself that she was still officially a married woman. Besides, she didn't expect herself to just jump right into the mess that was her and Steven. However, she would be a complete liar if she said she didn't feel tempted.
Jackie sighed again as she slowly remembered why she really asked Donna to go upstairs and make popcorn. She had to call Bobby again. She really didn't want to dampen her blissful spirit, but it had been many hours since she last tried. Jackie picked up the phone and began dialing the number. As each ring sounded she made a little wish to the stars for her son to just pick up the phone, even if he was angry. After the fourth ring, a click on the other line answered Jackie's wishes and loud, unintelligible sounds could be heard through the earpiece.
"Hello?" Bobby loudly asked as he tried to talk through the noise.
"Hi, Bobby." Jackie cooed, incredibly happy that her son finally answered.
"Mom?" He asked, still trying to be heard over the noise.
"Yes, it's me, Mom. Um, what is going on over there?"
"Uh, I can't really hear you mom, I'm sort of at a party right now." She heard Bobby laughing and calling to someone else about returning in just a minute.
"Well, I was wondering if you got my note that I left you. I just wanted to make sure that you weren't upset." Jackie felt her body grow more worried as she slowly began piecing things together.
"No, mom I'm not mad. You had to leave, you had to leave. But hey, can we talk about this later? I'm sort of busy right now."
Jackie felt ice push its way through her veins as she started to comprehend exactly what her son was saying, "Um… sure, I guess…"
"Alright, love ya Mom. Bye." Jackie was met with a click and the drowning dial tone of being hung up on.
Just then Donna returned, steaming, buttery popcorn in a white plastic bowl in her hand. "I got the popcorn Jackie. Now let's watch that movie." She took notice of Jackie's distant stare. "Is something wrong?"
Jackie slowly put the phone down on its receiver and turned her head in the direction of Donna. "He…" She muttered, feeling tears touch her warm face before she even realized she was crying. "He didn't even care that I left."
"Who didn't Jackie?" Donna said as she placed the bowl of popcorn down on the circular table. Jackie didn't answer her. Hard emotion thrust itself inside her body as she began to sob her troubles away. She barely noticed Donna envelope her into a hug. She was just glad she had someone's shoulder to cry on.
AN2: I hope you guys enjoyed. Tell me what you thought. I love to hear your opinions.
