Blurry
Puddle of Mud
Chapter 13
….
He walked though the automatic doors of the hospital. Ellie wasn't answering her phone. He hated when she got like this. He hated how she would block out her own needs and become overly consumed. Searching for his dear wife. She had given her soul to this organization. And to him. her body could not handle this stress anymore. His feet on a mission, his eyes zoned in on the ginger who sat near a group of teens. Shaking his head, he placed his hand through his hair as he saw the bags underneath her eyes. She was on a caffeine overload.
When she called him and told him about Adam. His mouth dropped at her panicked, frantic voice. Even with his bipolar meltdowns, and his attempted suicide once ago….he still hated the idea of it. Knowing that others were at their breaking point and wanted a permanent escape. And just like Ellie didn't give up on him. He knew she wouldn't give up on Adam.
"Ellie…wake up." He touched her cheek as his voice calmed her nerves. Seeing a curly haired girl rest on one shoulder and a red head on the other. She loved her job. And he loved her, but she would get sick if she kept doing this.
"Craig…." Her eyes gently opened as she felt him kiss her forehead.
"El…you need rest…"
"but I can't leave them…" She looked at the tired teens around her and Audra and George in the room with Adam.
"I know. I know…but you aren't any use to them with caffeine withdrawals. I know you haven't eaten since you came and you haven't checked in. I was worried about you."
"Craig…stop overreacting…I am fine. I can handle this."
"I know you can. But you have to take care of yourself. Remember what your biggest flaw is…..you help everyone but yourself….I can't let this happen." Craig held her hand as the two girls sat up. Their eyes adjusting to the light.
"Umm…Bianca and Katie…this is my husband Craig." Ellie felt the awkwardness as they nodded in acknowledgement. She didn't have to look at the two teens to know they were curious about the man. The only man who could truly understand her struggle to gain sanity. The only man who she wasn't afraid to love. The only man who wasn't afraid to love her.
"If it will make you feel better. You can bring them all to the house…because you guys can't go back to camp now…not without a good sleep." He pleaded as the ginger knew he was right. He had to make her understand that Adam wasn't here by himself. His parents were. And she had to stop blaming herself for his decisions.
Audra and George sat in his room. Together. Holding both of his hands, they could only stare at him. Not expecting much. Just for him to open his eyes. For once, his face was peaceful. Lacking the scowl from fighting so hard to be himself. Lacking the scowl of worrying about his own safety. George saw his ex-wife rest her head on his bed. She needed the rest herself. maybe she would dream a good dream. A dream where they were once a family again. And he was a good husband who loved unconditionally. No she wouldn't waste sleep like that. Because that was his dream. Standing up, he kissed his son's forehead.
"Adam…I'm sorry that it took this for me to find out that you are twice the man than I am." The man began as he squeezed his hand. "you never hid. No matter how hard your life got. You faced it head on. And that is what makes me want to be more like you. But I am not." He heard the beating from the heart monitor.
"I am afraid that I will hurt you more because I don't know the first thing about being a good father…or a good husband…and when you guys were trying to teach me…I was doing my best to go against that. And I am so sorry for that."
"Right now….how about we just focus on you…and what you need for once….and things won't be the same when you wake up. I promise." He kissed his forehead as he shook Audra gently.
"Is he up?" She asked instinctively as the man shook his head. Looking outside the room, she saw his friends who had not left his side yet. She wouldn't allow this any longer. Seeing the counselor talk to another man, the ex-couple became curious.
"I just…its my responsibility….." She didn't see the concerned parents walk out of the room. "Adam he needs me…..I can't believe I dropped my defenses like that. I should have seen this coming. I should have known." The ginger held herself as her husband put his jacket on her.
"El…it is not you." He kissed her forehead as he heard Audra and George's footsteps.
"Craig Manning…..Ellie's husband." He shook their hands as the counselor blushed.
"Ellie…he is right….you guys go. Rest…we will stay…." George stated.
"But…."
"Ellie….listen to your husband. He is right…go home…rest…..you need this." The ginger nodded as she woke up the tired teens. Her husband was right. She was not Superwoman.
….
Mike was more than grateful that Marisol was teaching him how to read. He was actually seeing the letters now. Holding her hand as they walked through the cemetery, he hoped she wasn't scared. He hoped she knew he would protect her no matter the cost. As their feet drug through the glass, he pulled out Ellie's phone. The phone she snuck in his pocket. The moon wasn't bright enough. And he hoped somehow Jordan was looking down on him. Or was near him to show him the way. So many graves, but he would never give up. Never.
"You know you can talk about Jordan to me right?" Mare didn't want him to disappear within himself.
"I know….but I am sure you don't want to hear about the misadventures of the dynamic hoodlums."
"I actually would." She looked carefully at the graves. "I mean you can't forget where you come from. Or else you will get lost again…"
"Jordan was my best friend. And worst enemy. I wanted everything he had. Girls. Money…he lived the fast life….the quick life….and when I got a taste of it…I wanted more too. But he watched out for me….one time….I stole some bandages and ointment from this convenient store. My parents had kicked me out. Their rendition of tough love….Jordan let me stay with him. His parents kicked him out too. To be honest. I don't even know why I stole from the convenience store. It was like I was a klepto or something…but when the cops blocked me in an alley…he knocked out one of their windows….he looked out for me….." Mike softly said. "But where was I to look out for him?" He cried as Mare rubbed his back.
"Mike he is not mad at you….."
"You don't know that Marisol…you don't…"
"I do…because I can tell by the way you take care of me…of us….he knew you were loyal….he loved you…just like we love you." She touched his cheek. Not realizing what she said. But he did.
"I'm not worth loving Marisol….I'm not…and don't get caught up ." He did his best to defend his own heart. Looking at the chocolate girl with dimples. And love in her eyes….in her heart. He was falling hard. He couldn't do that now…..
"No…no…stop it." She touched his face. "No way in hell am I going to let you down yourself. You have to understand that Jordan chose his life. and you are not responsible for him…or Adam…only for yourself….and you have to stop underestimating yourself…and see you how we see you…"
"Marisol…why are you….so…so….why are you always there for me….helping me….being strong…making me feel these things that I shouldn't….you shouldn't be around me. A girl like you…if this hadn't of happened….we wouldn't have crossed paths….and if you saw me you would run." He stated.
"And you would have probably tried to steal my purse or something. That is the past and this is the present…that doesn't matter…..who you are at this moment does….." She pecked his lips. "And we cant let Jordan down."
"No…we can't." He agreed with her. Maybe one day, he would be brave enough to tell her how he felt. For now, he would wait.
…
Ellie Nash Manning was more than grateful that she had a husband who protected her against her will. And that she finally had a balance. A home. Watching her high school love pull many sleeping bags from their closet, she rubbed her eyes as she helped give them to the teens. One day, she would tell them her story. She would let them know that there was always a happy ending in despair.
"No sharing bags." She looked at Katie and Bianca who hesitantly nodded. Blushing, they were surprised no one was uncomfortable with their relationship. But everyone was much more concerned with Adam. This was the silver lining. Everyone was concerned about what they should be concerned about.
The teens were so tired, they didn't take the time to observe the simple apartment. With music posters and albums hung across the rooms. With comfortable black sofas and love seats around….with the guitar in the corner. Unfolding their bags, the two girls settled by each other…..grabbing each other's hands ….they basked in each other's presence.
"Are you going to be ok?" Bianca asked as the red head shook her head. She didn't honestly know.
"I know I walked away from her…but after seeing Adam with his parents….a part of me wont let Gwen go. I still want to give her another chance. But it's me who needs to be checking up on you." She brushed her hands through Bianca's curls.
"I told you…"The rebel began.
"And you need to stop lying. You aren't ok….you just saw your mom after years of abuse…"
"I don't know how I am supposed to feel ok….." She released her frustration. "i feel so much towards her. Because of her, I was forced to run away. I was forced to do things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. And it's because of her. Because she didn't love me enough to save me….because she loved that man more than her own daughter….and then she shows up like I am supposed to run into her arms….like I am supposed to forgive….I can't….I can't….and I won't….hours of counseling could never make me forget and move on…all the hurt….being held down….being slapped…being hit….being thrown away…being used…" She cried as Katie moved closer to her. Resting her arm around her.
"I'm not leaving you….i'm not….." The red head held the girl who gripped her hand tighter. Forgetting the twins were on the other side of the room.
Becky looked at the ceiling….not being able to sleep. Not just because of Adam. But because of her father…her father who…..
"Becks….go to bed." Luke commanded as the sunny girl shook her head.
"I can't….seeing Adam in that bed…makes me think of Dad….thinking about how alone he really feels. How doesn't have the energy to fight. He has given up on life. on himself…on us…..he's gone from us." Luke listened to her words. Doing his best to put himself in his dad's position.
"Have you ever hated someone as much as you loved them?" He saw the girl nod. "That's how I feel about dad. All the shit he put us through. All the shit mom put us through. You would think that they would think about what they did to us…"
"Dad has an illness." Becky defended.
"And who's fault is that? Yes I want to help him…but I can't help but be angry with him. and I am not going to pretend that I am not. I am…and you are too. And that's alright. But when I get out of here…. I am going to find mom….make her look…make her see what she left behind. Because its her that I am angriest with….I know we should forgive…but that is hard to do. And she is the reason for this. When you don't love someone, you divorce them….not run away making others around you feel as if it is their fault."
"At times. I thought it was my fault." The girl stated. "I thought I wasn't good enough for mom. Sometimes I feel as if I never was. No matter how polite or how graceful I was…it wasn't enough…..i remember staring at her as she put on her makeup…I wanted to be her…I was so wrong…because I could never give up on my family. Why can't I be like you Luke…..more experienced…less naïve."
"You aren't naïve…you are just forgiving…an angel in disguise. You turn the other cheek every time….and that is what makes you you. And don't stop being that way …..just like Adam…." He saw the girl blush as Luke noticed this.
"Do you think he would want to see me when he wakes up. What if I make him inadequate? Less of a man. But he is one of the greatest that I know."'
"Who is the other?"
"You are." Becky stated as Luke rolled his eyes.
"Shut-up. Get some rest." The two turned over as sleep welcomed them.
….
Squinting his eyes at the bright lights. He let out a disgruntled moan as his eyes began to hurt. Sitting up, he felt the i.v.'s in his hand as he moved slowly. Looking down at his parents sleep. His dear mother….and….
His cruel father. His memories flashing before his eyes. The warm water rushing through his nostrils. His brain. Placing his hands over his face, he wished it did its job. He wasn't supposed to survive. Shaking he rubbed his arms at the cool breeze. He was in purgatory. Mentally and physically. Not happy to be alive…and yet not sad. But his mind couldn't stop his heart from beating slower. He was ashamed to face them. Humiliated with himself. Knowing that his father would judge him. that he judged himself for being a coward. For running away….instead of battling his father.
Removing his hand from the man's hand, he heard his words. Now he was his father's pride and joy. But what would happen in the next months. When he was no longer the son who attempted to commit suicide. When he was just Adam….or to the man….Gracie…..the living Pinocchio. Looking at his mother's hand. He hated how he worried her into this dark sleep. He hated how he was supposed to protect her. But no matter how hard he tried…he could never do it. Hearing their light snores, he laid back down…shutting his eyes. Maybe they could stay asleep forever. But he knew that could never be.
….
She hoped Adam was doing well. She hoped that he knew when he woke up that he had second chance. To make things right. She had only wished Jordan realized the same thing. Dallas was so strong. To lose his grandfather…and then his best friend….her heart only swelled with love and admiration for the strong boy.
He found it. After an hour of searching. He found it. The place where his brother was laying. Resting. Sitting on his knees, he touched the letters. Feeling the coldness of the stone. Feeling Mare beside him. giving him what he needed most. Distance and comfort at the same time.
Jordan Evans….an angel gone to soon.
"I'm sorry Jordan. I'm sorry I left you…..why did you have to be so stupid? Why did you have to throw your life away? Why did I let you. I should have tried harder…and I hope you can forgive me for that. Quicker than I can forgive myself..i didn't mean to miss your funeral….i didn't know….I didn't…." feeling Mare touch his shoulder, he kept talking.
"I don't even know what to say right now…I don't…because whatever I say…its not good enough to make me feel better. I couldn't even grieve for you. I didn't even know you were gone. And I know why our parents did it…but I hate them all for that….because they took away my choice…and you have to know that….."
"He does know that." Mare comforted him as she sat on her knees….beside him. feeling him lean into her, she held him.
"I hope he does….I should have done better to help him. but I was scared he would be mad at me….tell me I was wrong. I couldn't lose him….and now I did." He held her. The moonlight cascading them. Consoling them.
….
"Come here." Craig cradled his wife in his arms. After years of dark secrets and betrayals the two had found inner peace with one another. Tucking her hair behind her ears, he rubbed her back. Hoping she knew she did everything in her power to help Adam. To help him. To help them all.
"Adam is strong….."Craig kissed her forehead as she laid on his chest.
"That's what I thought about my mom. But she is back in rehab. Why can't I help the ones who are most important…."
"Because… people make mistakes…..you can't stop that….."
"It just makes me realize my insecurities. How I can never be in control of anything again. How no matter how hard I talk to these teens…and see us in them…..I know that I am still breakable."
"We all are." Craig held her cheek as he looked at the clock. 3 in the morning. Hearing the loud snores from the living room…at least the teens were getting rest. But El was too tired to rest. And scared.
"I want to call Michael and Camille. Tell them that Mike found out. But I am scared too. I overstepped my boundaries. I should have made them stay…but I know I have to tell them. And when I do…let's just say I have to look for another job. But I just keep getting worse at this."
"Are you serious Ellie? Everything you have done for these kids is more than anyone ever did for us. The only mistake you made was loving to much. And you have to be doing well that Becky wants to come too."
"I just feel as if my best isn't enough. And it is not. If Becky joins us…..I don't want to have another teen that I am responsible for…"
"But what about her connection with Adam."
"That's just it….what if her presence will only remind him that he isn't physically a boy. He is to us…but this is all about how he sees himself. Maybe we can put her in another group."
"No….i think her best bet is you guys. I mean it would be good for her to be with her twin. Someone who is in her mind…you can't let fear dictate your judgment El."
"That's easier said than done. you don't work there. Not saying that playing different gigs is inferior than this…but I am dealing with kids' emotions…their circumstances…..I just hope I don't regret this…"
"You wont." He enveloped her. Hoping she would fall asleep soon.
…..
Audra saw her son's chest raise slowly. Kissing his forehead, she began to sing a lullaby. The song to make the monsters disappear from under the bed. Knowing her tone would help him heal. Her eyes widening, she saw his eyes move. Thinking she was dreaming as his eyes opened….slowly. her beautiful son. He didn't leave her side. And she would never leave his. He returned to her finally.
"…I am so sorry mom." The teen cried as their foreheads touched. This wasn't his fault. Nothing was. Feeling his nonstop tears, she did not wipe his or hers. This was comfort they needed.
"You did nothing wrong Adam…..nothing…" She sat on the side of the bed as he sat up. Holding her hand. Wanting nothing more than to run away again. To another place. And to bring her with him. Rubbing his arms, he saw the cruel man gone.
"Where is George….." Audra noticed the word choice as she gripped his hand tighter. His face with disdain. His eyes reddened with tears and hatred.
"He is going to the vending machine….he hasn't left your side." Doing her best to relieve the tension she knew would never go away.
"You mean since I tried to kill myself because of him." Adam said tartly as his mother folded her lips. For once she was speechless. She knew this resentment was long overdue.
The quiet teen was glad his father was gone. Because this was how it was supposed to be. Just him and his mother. And his friends. No more of George's lies. No more of his judgmental ways. No more suffocation. Even though he felt as if the walls were closing in on him. and no matter how much he fought for air, it would never come. And he hoped he would never get used to this feeling of numbness, emptiness and despair.
"Don't think about that now…how do you feel?" She inquired. Touching his soft locks as the boy fidgeted with his hands.
"You mean after I attempted to kill myself….you can't ignore that fact. No matter how much you want to." He saw her eyes sadden more and he released a cynical sigh.
"just grand mom….I am even happier knowing George is here." He slowly folded his arms. "how long will this guilty father sham last? I give it a month…." He stalely said. Thinking about his friends. The best friends he had ever had. How he worried them. How they never left his side during his pain.
How Becky…..
Becky the beautiful tall strawberry blonde….
Becky the girl with the brightest brown eyes….
He heard her voice in his dreams. She cared for him. She wasn't stupid. So she must be naïve. And worst of all…pitied him.
Of course it was….it was just compassion for a boy who attempted suicide.
"Adam….it's not…I know we have always battled with your father…but he wants to be with you. He does. He is ready to be a real father to you." She knew he didn't believe in his father. "Your friends didn't even want to leave you..."
"I don't even want to see them…or go back to that camp." Sitting up as his voice raised.
"Adam you are just saying that….."
"Its true….how could George turn the best thing that has ever happened to me into something I can barely stand. I can't look them in the face. I can't….I won't be Adam anymore. I will be Adam….the kid who attempted suicide…the boy who failed at another thing. How can you even love a failure?" He put his hands over his face as he wiped his eyes.
"Because you are not a failure. And you are my son. I love you no matter what. And you are Adam…..their friend. The boy who….." She began.
"they wouldn't say that if they knew the truth." He cut her off. Seeing her face change. What happened when he was asleep. O no. he knew that look in his mother's eyes. His father….and now his friends. He would be welcomed with instant hate when he got back to camp.
"…..they already know….." His mouth dropped as the words left his lips. Audra could only nod.
"Its alright…they love you anyway….they see you as a boy. I swear." The woman calmed her son as he cried harder and harder. Could he really believe this? Did they really not care? He didn't want to put himself through more pain. He couldn't take his world shattering more.
"No they don't….they pity me….." He gripped the woman tighter.
"No Adam….they only love you more. I promise. I have always protected you. Believe me….they love you." The boy held his mother tighter. Maybe something good could happen from this.
…
Dallas put his jacket over the girl as she lay in the back seat. Kissing her forehead, she stuck by him in his darkest hour. Closing the car door, he sat in the passenger seat. Beside her father. The man who had the same name as his "resting" friend. Buckling his seatbelt, he had to concentrate on anything to keep from looking at the muscular man. The good father who came to his daughter's rescue. He was grateful she called him to pick him up. Looking through Ellie's numbers, he would call her home in the morning.
"I know what this looks like…but you have to understand. I won't let anything happen to Marisol." His eyes were straight as the man kept driving.
Jordan didn't know what to expect when his daughter called him around 3 in the morning. Hearing her tired voice, his mind thought of the worse. He was scared that maybe she had tried to run away from the hospital. And he hated himself for not trusting his child. His beautiful daughter who has proven herself over and over again to them. And seeing her friend show so much care for her, he couldn't hate him either. Especially when his daughter explained the situation to him.
"I see the way you look at my daughter." He attempted to be cordial. "And I know she is just like her mother who can never let go of anything…." The man continued to drive. "I am sorry about your friend."
"Jordan was more than a friend. He was brother. And right now I just feel as if I should been in the ground just like him. We were the same person." He was too tired to be sleepy. And he felt the deep bags form under his eyes.
"no you weren't…" The father saw the boy look at him with curiosity.
"You don't know what I was like before this. You just know what Mare has told you about me." The reformed thug said softly. Hoping the man would not take offense of his words.
"But I trust my daughter. And her judgment skills…..you didn't want this life any more. That is what makes you different. And it alright to not want that life any more." The boy tried not to cry anymore.
"I wish my parents were like you and your wife. I wish that they trusted me enough to tell me things that mattered. That I needed to know…I want to call them so badly. Tell them that I know….but I might say something that will anger them…and cause them to lose faith in me again."
"And you should call them. " The man put himself in the teen's shoes. "…..you should never pass up the opportunity to speak up for yourself. But I can actually say that parents make mistakes for the sake of our children. Sometimes I wish I had never listened to her dreams to become a model. Then she would have never gone through these hardships. We didn't prepare her enough…." The man began to beat himself up. The teen did not expect to hear these words.
"Mare is stronger than you think….I know that. I have seen that. She is my strength Mr. Lewis." He felt himself blush. Never had he shown respect to a girl and her father. That was how he knew she was special to him. Hearing her light snore, he laughed softly.
"That's not the point." Jordan listened. "we should have talked to her better…then she would have never…."
"But then if she wouldn't have gone through that….she would have never been able to have been my rock." He looked at the man. "I know it doesn't mean much. I know you probably still see me as the thug but Marisol got better for you guys. So you would be proud of her. So she would be proud of herself." The man could only nod.
As Mare laid in the back seat. She said not a word. She only hoped this would be one of the moments the two would share.
…
Serena laid in her bed. Another restless night, she sat up. Grabbing the scrapbook. Looking at her daughter's old baby pictures. The daughter she was finally claiming. The daughter she finally wanted back. The years she has missed. The school dances she would have seen her daughter go to. Her first experiences that were forced on her. Wiping her tears away. This was no time to cry. Only time to make things better. She was not done. she would never be done. grabbing her cell phone, she didn't care what time it was in the morning. She needed to talk to Barbara. Now.
Waiting. Her heart began to sunk at each ring. She wasn't going to answer her.
"Damn it." The rough woman through the phone on the floor. She would make her presence known one way or the other. But she would do it the right way.
…
Katie held her legs to her chest. Smiling at Bianca's gentle breathing. Wishing she had the answer to both of their lives. Wishing she could give them the love they both wanted from the mothers. She was too tired to go asleep. And her scars hurt. Mentally. The weight they held on her heart. The wait that Gwen had added. And yet…she wanted to go the funeral…..she meant the wedding. Laughing at her pessimism, she knew this wouldn't work out for the blonde. She knew this romance would end before it started. So why was she wasting her time? Maybe she wanted her mother to experience heartbreak like she did. Folding her lips, she felt a hand on her back.
"Come back to sleep." Bianca looked at the athlete. Playing with her soft red locks. Seeing her beautiful blue eyes look into hers. Debating a question.
"….if I go to the wedding…..will you come with me?" The jock asked genuinely as the rebel did not hesitate.
"Yeah….why wouldn't I?" the badass asked as the other looked away from her.
"I guess…I want to believe in us…and I am so scared that you don't….."Katie felt the girl lace their hands together. Smiling at the gesture.
"I want to believe in us Katie too…you know that….."
"Then do it Bianca...I'm not like your mom or your pimp….or anyone in your past…..I know we keep having this conversation…but I need to hear you say it. I want to make sure that you are here with me."
"I am here Katie. I am…I care for you so much….if I didn't do you think I would do my best to….." She began.
"that's not the point….I just want you to know that this isn't a fantasy for me. This is my reality. You are my reality."
"Are you mine?" Bianca looked at the girl's urgency. She loved her more than life itself.
"Yes….." The rebel kissed the girl. Laying her down. Taking her ponytail down, she felt her red tresses in her fingers. Both of them laughing as the rebel felt the jock put her hands underneath her shirt. Rubbing her lower back. Making sure this wasn't a dream. Looking in the tough girl's eyes, Katie didn't want to say so much to soon. Biting her lip, she felt the girl get off.
"We will have time for that later. Now. Back to bed. " The two kissed.
….
He didn't know how long his mother had been gone. But she did this on purpose. Nothing she did would make him look this man in the eye. And he would wait hours. Days. Until he died. Taking his memory with him. Hearing the heart monitor, he kept his face turned to the man who was offering food to him. He wanted nothing from this man. Nothing.
George could only persist. Hoping his son would talk to him. If that meant yelling at him. cursing him. he would accept that. But with the plate in his hand, Adam only huffed in disgust. This would take time. And he would wait forever. Placing in on the nightstand, Adam violently pushed it off. Seeing the contents spill on the floor. Hearing the shattering of the tray.
"I told you I don't want any food. I am not hungry." He turned his head away from his father. Seeing him flinch. Good. Now the tables were turned. He would cause the pain. Not the other way around.
"You have to eat something Adam…..please just eat." The man pleaded.
"Because you care about my best interest. It's sad how it took me..." He paused. Relieving the incident again in his mind. Feeling himself preparing to die. To leave this world.
"….to try to take my life for you to see how important I was….." Adam faced the man who looked with defeat.
"You have always been important to me son." George exclaimed. "I haven't shown it because I was wrong. And I hate myself for that son. You have to believe me."
"Don't call me that. I am mom's son. She is my mother. You are nothing to me…..nothing…and you are wrong. Wrong to be a man. To be a father. And to be here. And you know it." The teen's voice raised as the man dropped his defenses more.
"Adam…I know I can't take anything away from you. But I am not going anywhere. I will prove to you." He began.
"What don't you get. You are getting your wish. You can disown me and walk out. I don't care. I just don't want you here. You are dead to me." His voice raised seeing the tears in the man's eyes.
"Adam….you …..don't…." The man tried to approach him
"Yes I do…everything about you makes me hate you. And myself. Over and over again. You basically spit in my face and now you want to be father of the year. I am from stupid. And you are far from dumb. Go away….now….." He voice yelled as the man left. Not caring about the tears in his own eyes.
He ignored his mother's presence as she walked into the room. She knew what he just did. And she could do nothing about it. He knew. She knew. That that man would never be his father again.