One Month Later...

Jason's POV

I opened my eyes for what felt like the millionth time to yelling.

"Regina, I can't do this anymore!" My dad yelled.

"Do what? You always say, 'oh this is so hard for me.' What is hard? I told you 100 times, I am not having an affair with Robin! You are my husband. I love you and Jason."

The yelling stopped for a second as my dad thought this over.

"I want to believe you Regina, but I don't. That story is garbage. Enjoy your life with another man."

I heard footsteps recede down the hallway and the stairs.

"Daniel!" My mom shrieked desperately. "please…" She said more softly, ending in a sob.

I threw off the covers and ran down the hallway to the master bedroom. The dresser drawers were open and empty. There were hangers scattered messily on the floor. My dad's suitcase wasn't in the closet.

"Mom?" I asked, entering the room.

She was standing next to the bed with her arms around herself. Tears were streaming down her face as she sobbed silently. I quickly approached her and put my arms around her. I was a few inches taller than her these days, so her head rested on my shoulder.

What should I say?

'He'll come back?'- As much as I wanted to believe that, I really didn't know. The man didn't even have enough decency to say goodbye to me – his only son.

'We don't need him?'- Wouldn't that just make her even more upset?

I decided on saying nothing. I felt like someone to hug was comforting enough. After about two minutes, I let go slowly and Looked her in the eye.

"Let's go downstairs. We can have some breakfast."

She nodded as she put on a sweater over her shirt.

"Should I call Mary Margaret? Or Emma?" She sniffed.

"No, Emma is too busy with the baby. Call Mary Margaret." She confirmed.

She walked down the stairs and I grabbed my phone. After three rings, Mary Margaret picked up.

"Jason?"

"Hey, yeah"

"What's up, is everything OK?"

"Actually, no. My dad left this morning."

"Woah. Like, left left?"

Well, I think so."

"Oh my gosh! What can I do?"

"Well, my mom really needs to talk to someone, and, well I don't think I'm the best person…"

"Of course, yeah. Be there in 10."

She hung up the phone and a wave of sadness hit me.

My dad left us this morning. I let out a deep breath. I had to stay strong. I knew about my mom's troubled past, and I knew she was sensitive to things like this. Right now, I was one of the only people she can count on.

After I made my mom a cup of coffee and a bagel (which she barely touched), I heard the doorbell.

I opened the door to find a nervous looking Mary Margaret in sweatpants and a coat. "Thanks for coming."

That's all for this chapter! I know it's been two weeks since I posted, but that break was really needed. I've now written the rest of the story (which has a total of 12 chapters) and I will be posting again regularly (Tuesday and Saturday) . Sorry for the short chapter!! Please leave reviews and tweet me at @EllaHill_Crouch

Xoxo Ella