"At least that hasn't changed."I chuckle and unwrap the lollipop for myself. I keep looking out to the street as he speaks. "You have a point. Sometimes... I wish I wasn't like this. I wish I wasn't positive all the time, but i can't change. No matter what lies I tell myself." I look at him as something flashes on my face before I turn to a smile again."Anyway, if you are going to smoke that's fine. Just not infront of the children."
br]I turn towards Megan and smiles, "Will do" I stop and frown as Meg rushes inside with curses flying through her mouth Z she rushed back inside. I look at Jack to find him glaring daggers at the truck that had parked infront of the house. I stand when he does and watch the interaction with a netrual face. I nod gravely as he speaks. "I will go get the kids and meet you there."
I nod in return towards his father before entering the house after the family. She pursed her lips and walked to her children.
They, sensing the tension, quickly followed me out the door, "Not a word in the car, okay? Jack is not doing well" they both nodded and got inside.
I got into the driver's seat and started the car. I glanced at h put of concern as i lowered the window. "Just a couple days." I reach out and grab his hand. "Just a few more days and you are home free. He won't bother you while I am around"
I put out my cigarette as I see Alix and her boys come walking out, and as much as I'd rather continue I make sure to flick the butt away so the kids won't see. The moment the car was unlocked I got in and leaned back already starting to relax a little as she and the boys get in the car. I close my eyes and listen to her speak, it was nice that she offered, but I was sure that no matter what she did the old man would want to talk. Although I felt a jolt as she grabbed my hand and for a moment I wanted to move my hand and wrap our fingers together, "thanks" I instead muttered and pulled my hand away to run it through my hair acting as if I was brushing it back.
The car ride itself was more relaxing then I'd thought as ever second we moved further away as did my anger for the man. I looked, sober, better then the last I'd seen him. It didn't matter though, he was still the man that made mom leave, my brother leave, me leave. He was a monster that I thought I'd finally put behind me, but there he was with what looked to be a new family. I shook my head and looked to Alix, "just drop me off at Mike's Bar...or if that's gone too then some bar...anything" I say completely forgetting, and in a way not caring, that the boys were in the car.
My face flashes a hurt expression when he pulls away, but I turn my face away so he can't see it. I pull my hand away slowly and keep driving. I remember the last time I saw his father... It was a couple of days after graduation. Jack had been out of touch for a while and no matter what I texted, it just seemed to be ignored. I was going to leave for college in a few days and wanted to say goodbye. So, I went to his house to check up on him, only to find out that he was gone. His father had been sober at the time and I had gone... angry. We may have said something, more me than him before leaving. I went back home and left the town for college.
I kept my eyes on the road as we drove forward, but my mind wandered a bit. It was only brought back when he made his request. I tensed up and my little girl spoke, "Mom, is daddy at the bar?" I glare at him before smiling at my daughter, "No, honey. He was kidding." I look back forward and keep driving to my house, my grip on the steering wheel tight.
It takes about 10 more minutes before I park and get out of the car. I unbuckle the kids and smile, "Go ahead inside. I will join you in a bit." The kids giggle as they run forward, most likely using the chance to snatch some cookies from the kitchen. I turn around sharply and stop him from going inside. "Now you listen to me" I glare as I poke his chest with my pointer finger, "I don't care if you go and get drunk, but if you do find somewhere else to stay. I will not have you come home drunk out of your mind. I get that you hate your father, but you are an adult! Deal with your emotions like an adult! You are strong Gentry! Always have been, the only one that doesn't see it is you."
I sigh and turn around. "No smoking or drinking in my house. Now, let's go. I am pretty sure that Alix and Jaxon are already plotting what game to play with you."
I ignore the words of the kid in the back and just rest in the seat, that was until we'd made it to Alix's home and she began to speak to me. I'll admit I was impressed with her, she was being straight with me about things. Truth was I wasn't really a drinker either way, I just figured that it was better and easier then finding a dealer and getting high, but I shrugged and gave a nod. "Okay" I said softly and got out of the car and grabbed my bag from the floor and slinging it over my back.
"I will make you something to drink, okay?" I smile as I open the door and find the children running around. "Who wants hot chocolate?" I call out inside and get to squealing children running from the living room. "Yes please!" They said at the same time at which I giggle and nod. "Go wash your hands and you guys can get into more comfortable clothes." The kids nodded and scurried away and up the stairs. "Do not leave your clothes on the floor!"
I look back and smile, "Let me get the milk heating up before showing you to your room." I walk to the kitchen. I grab the milk from the fridge and a pot before placing some milk to boil.
Standing there somewhat awkwardly I look around the living room. It was, well you knew kids lived there for sure with toys and other things kind of thrown around, but all things considered it looked like a nice place really. Much better then my little studio back home. I set my bag down and just kind of walk around taking in the room, the feel, the smells, the general layout. It was odd to be in a place this big after living with some little for so long, hell my bed back home was no bigger then the couch. I slept on a plain twin mattress and had a flat screen tv, which was about the most expensive thing I currently owned. I didn't have a car really, I had one, but it was technically a company car so I only ever drove it to and from work.
"Nice place" I call out and move to take a seat on the couch and honestly I hadn't meant to, but I was out within a few minutes.
I smile as I turn back towards him but look surprised before my face softens to a smile as I spot him sleeping on the couch. There is a commotion down the stairs and I quickly go to the stairs to intercept my children. "Hey guys, Jack fell asleep. So we have to be real quiet, okay?" I smile as they nod and we all head to the kitchen.
I finish the hot chocolate and give them a cup each, "Go to my room, we can watch a movie there." I send them off and grab a jug. I put the rest of the chocolate there and head upstairs. I place the stuff down and smile. "Choose the movie, I will be right back"
i grab extra pillows and blankets and head back down. I move his head gently and place the pillow under his head before draping the blanket over him. I grab his bag and head back upstairs, placing the bad down in the guest room before going into my room and enjoying the night with the kids.