Take It From Me

chapter two

As Joseph and I walk into the apartment, I notice everything is overturned. WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 

Joseph looks around and runs to his room. 

"Joseph come here, don't go running right now, we need to make sure there are no strangers in here," I say picking him up and walking room to room to make sure there was no one there. After I make sure it's safe I put Joseph down and let him go into his room. 

I look around the place in complete and utter shock, my tables are broken, the chairs are all flung about the apartment. I call the apartment security and explain to them what happened, but they seem to not care one bit. Stupid cheap apartments. 

I hear a knock on the door hoping it's security and I fling it open.

"London-" I hear as I slam the door shut on this mans' foot. I hear a grunt of pain and the foot is moved.

"London, you can't keep this door locked for long, your landlord is stupid and can be easily paid off, " I hear his voice and I press my back to the door, my heart racing. Joseph quickly runs into the room with his eyes looking around wildly.

"Go away," I say as I lock the door and back away from it as if it's going to blow up. "Joseph go into your room right now," I whisper and shoo my child out of the room and he nods closing the door behind him.  

"Open the fucking door, or I'll open it myself," I hear his deep voice and I feel my body go suddenly weak. "LONDON!"

"WHAT? WHAT DO YOU WANT ETHAN?!" I swing open the door, feeling my face get red with anger as I stare at him.

"I want to see my son," he says coldly.

"Why?" I say crossing my arms across my chest blocking his entryway.

"Because I allowed you to keep my son away from me for two years, that's enough," he says pushing past me into my apartment, shutting the door behind him. 

"I have full permission to deny that request if I deem it unsafe," I say standing in front of him.

"Baby, we both know I'm the least threatening thing to our child," he says and I hear the door creak behind me. 

"Mommy? Can I come out now?" Joseph says and Ethan's tough demeanor breaks down. He looks behind me at the child peaking from his door frame, and I tense up.

"You touch my son with a single finger, and I will hurt you," I threaten Ethan and he rolls his eyes.

"Joseph? Do you remember me?" Ethan squats down ignoring me and Joseph comes out of his hiding spot and nods. 

"Yes," Joseph comes closer to Ethan and I feel tears well up in my eyes. I've dreamt of this day since I left, but I must put a stop to it now.

"Ethan you have to go," I say and both of the boys look at me.

"Why? Why should I go? So you could run away again and hide my son from me until he forgets me completely?" Ethan stands up glaring down at me. 

"It's not up to me," I say as I feel myself get light headed. Oh no, not this again. 

"London?" I hear as I feel my body go weak and I welcome the darkness with open arms. 

*****

I sit under a heated blanket with a cup of hot tea in my hands and stare off into the distance.

"When did you last take your meds?" Ethan asks looking at me cautiously as he sits with Joseph at his feet.

"Two years ago," I mumble, it was right before I got the phone call that changed my life forever.

"God you're stupid, hey Joseph could you run and play with your toys for a bit? Mommy and Daddy need to talk about some things alone," he says pulling Joseph up and Joseph casts a cautious look at me and when I nod, he runs off. 

"Why'd you leave London?" he asks staring at me and I look away.

"I can't tell you Ethan as I said, it's best for you to go," I say standing up and Ethan shakes his head.

"I'm not letting you go this time, not without a reasonable explanation," he says frowning. 

"I can't tell you, just know I did it to keep Joseph safe," I sigh shaking my head. 

"If you or Joseph are in any danger, you know I can protect you," he says getting agitated. I feel the tears once again begin to flow down my face and I shake my head.

"Ethan, I can't. I left my life behind for a reason and you coming here isn't helping," I say trying to get him to leave.

"Just let me be here," Ethan says forcefully, and I shake my head.

"You can see Joseph tomorrow, please just leave," and he lets out a huff but stands up.

"Fine, just don't run again. I'll always be able to find you," he says walking out of my apartment.

I lean against the door and let my body sink down to the floor as the tears begin again. I really should've just went to work today. 

After composing myself I stand up and walk to Joseph's room. 

"Bath time?" I ask and he nods running towards the bathroom. 

"Is Daddy gonna be back in our lives now?" he asks as he sits down into the tub of warm water.

"I don't know baby, I don't know."

"I hope he is," he says splashing the water around. 

Oh God, I hope they don't find out.