It's really early to be updating, but I was afraid I wouldn't have time later today. But before I go on with the chapter I would love to thank all my wonderful reviewers. I finally reached my 100th review and that felt spectacular.

I hope this is a good present to all you guys.

Without

"Without him, I feel his arms around me." ~Eponine Thénardier, Les Miserables

Clare laid in the bed she and Eli shared, running her fingers down the side of the bassinet which Luke was fast asleep in. She could see his content face through the grated lines. He looked so peaceful, without a care in the world.

She smiled and looked up at the clock on the dresser. 9:43. She frowned and looked back down at her baby. She sighed and pushed her fingers through the side, running them down Luke's face. He smiled cutely, bringing another grin to Clare's lips.

The only thing that troubled her at the moment was how late Eli was. It wasn't that it was really that late, but he said he'd be back at 8. This was just another one of his promises that he broke. He'd been doing a lot of that lately.

She closed her eyes slowly, letting herself relax. He'd be back soon. If she didn't think about it, it would be quicker.

That very moment, Eli walked in the door to their bedroom. He was so quiet Clare didn't even notice. He saw her half asleep on the bed and without taking off his street clothes, laid next to her, wrapping his arms around her.

She started awake and looked back at him. "You're home," she pointed out in a low whisper.

He nodded and placed a small kiss on her lips. "I'm sorry I left…I promise I'll stay with both of you tomorrow."

"You really think you can promise that?" Clare asked, facing forward again. She stared at Luke, feeling for him. He deserved to know that his dad was truly going to be there.

"Yes."

In the morning, Clare was awake with Luke while Eli was still out cold. She kept looking at the hallway, waiting for him to walk out. Of course, she'd always be disappointed and would look back down at her son.

"Daddy is such a bum sometimes," she joked, talking to Luke. He smiled like he had the night before. She leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.

It was another hour before Eli finally woke up, making it 12:30 in the afternoon. Annoyed, Clare turned to look at him walking into the room.

"Good morning," she said, irritation laced in her voice. He grumbled incoherently and walked into the kitchen.

The younger girl stood and followed him into the kitchen, rocking Luke gently. She watched as he grabbed a granola bar and ate in curiously. He was looking at her the whole time with his eyebrows raised.

Once he was done chewing, he spoke. "What?"

Clare rolled her eyes, "When you're done eating I was thinking that we could take Luke for a little walk. You know…get out for a little bit."

"Why?" he asked, throwing the wrapper away from his "breakfast."

"I don't know," she said, angrily, "Spend some time together…like a family."

He mumbled something under his breath in return and walked into the living room. Clare followed him yet again.

"If you're so hell bent against it, we don't have to," she continued.

"Whatever you want to do," he said, irritated.

"You're mad now."

"No I'm not…I'll just go get dressed…whatever," he exited down the hall. Clare felt her eyes welling up for no reason. She looked down at Luke. He still had a smile on his face.