My Safe Place to Land

Chapter 10

Patrick's POV:

This unknown car pulled into my driveway. I closed my car door so they could pull in more and I backed up. They put their car in park, their car turned off and their door opens. Lo and behold, it is Chris Ivery that has pierced my vision.

I took a big deep breath and said, "May I help you?".

I thought to myself, 'I know Ellen is on her way here but I hope she isn't close. I wish I had the chance to hear her voicemail.'.

"Yes, in a matter of fact you can. I went to the grocery store around 11 am to buy some groceries and I went home and Ellen was nowhere to be found. I thought maybe she had to go to work or something and just forgot to give me a call. So I sat and waited for her but it has been almost 5 hours and I've heard nothing. I was coming here to see if you were at work too but I misplaced my phone and I couldn't call you. If I wouldn't have lost my phone I would have given you a heads up. So I was wondering, do you have any idea where my baby can be?", Chris said.

The second he told me he went to the grocery store, I knew his story was a lie. There was no grocery store. He didn't misplace his phone. It was all a phony lie.

"No Chris I'm sorry. The last time I saw her was after the mini party last night after our table read. I haven't talked to her since.", I said knowing I was lying too, but I needed to keep Ellen safe.

"Oh." Chris sighed. "Do you by chance know any other cast members that she would run off to?", Chris questioned.

I thought to myself, 'How do I keep Ellen safe?'. I was going to say maybe Sandra, Justin, T.R., or Chyler but I didn't want Chris to go to any of their houses and cause any more ruckus.

"No, I honestly don't.", I said once lying again.

"Okay. Thanks, man.", he said to me while shaking my hand. He walked back to his car and turned it on and sped out of my driveway. I didn't look back at him because if I did, my face that was full of disgust would've given it all away. I walked back into my house and listened to Ellen's voicemail.

"Hey Patrick, it's me, Ellen. I was able to find a cab with a phone charger and I'm on my way to your house. I'm probably about 2 and 1/2 hours away but I'll be there no later than 7 o'clock. I'll see you there. Bye, Patrick."

'God it was so wonderful to hear her voice', I thought to myself. I'm glad she is safe.

I walked to my couch where Jillian was asleep so I walked up to our bedroom and called Ellen back. The phone rang and right away she picked up.

"Hey Patrick.", she said with happiness.

"Hey, Ellen. I'm glad to know you're safe and sound and you're on your way to my house.", I replied

Hearing her voice made me melt inside and I started to tear up. Not of sadness, but because of all the crap her husband is making her go through.

"Yes, I am. I'll be there in a little less than 2 hours," she said with relief in her voice.

I was glad to know that my home was going to be her home away from home until she figures out what to do with Chris and their toxic relationship.

"Great.", I sighed in relief.

"I'll text you when I'm 5 minutes out. I'll see you then Patrick. I lov-", was all she said before the call cut out.

"Damn it.", I said out loud. It always happens. Whenever she is about to say those three magic words, something magically happens. 'What is wrong with our universe', I thought to myself.

I went into Talula's room and I let her know that she was able to go back downstairs and watch more T.V. with mommy. Then I made my way over to the boy's room and they were both sound asleep.

I walked downstairs to Jillian and Talula watching some Disney cartoon. I started to make dinner knowing Ellen would be here, safe in my house shortly. 

While stirring the fried vegetables together I got a text from Shonda Rhimes saying,

"Hey, Patrick. I've been trying to get a hold of Ellen but she hasn't responded at all today. I'm wondering if you can try to get a hold of her? If so, can you two come into my office at 10 am? We have some scenes we need to talk about. Thanks, Patrick!", the text read.

I didn't want to tell Shonda anything that was going on with Ellen because it wasn't my place to do so. So I typed, "Yes Shonda. I'll be there. I will try to get ahold of Chris and see what is up with her. Maybe her phone is turned off?". I replied back to Shonda.

I set my phone down on the counter and I continued to make dinner, Ellen's favorite, a Garden Salad with fried vegetables on the side and Tequila. Not Ellen's favorite drink choice but it will still satisfy her and her eventful day she has had.  

After I was finished with dinner I heard a knock on my door. I opened my door and I couldn't believe my eyes...