My Safe Place to Land

Chapter 44

Patrick's POV:

I was awoken from my nap when I heard the doorbell ring. I sighed knowing who it was. I opened the door and saw my kids and my ex-in-laws. They stepped into the house and I felt all the positive energy that was once in my house turn into negative energy very quickly.

Ron placed the kids in their cribs upstairs, Talula went to watch T.V., and it was just Kristin and me. The fact that Talula didn't even hug me or say "Hi, daddy" like she always does made my heartache. I looked back to Kristin after I saw Talula run away from me. She had the dirtiest look on her face. I made brief eye contact with her and she turned away and started to break down and cry. I didn't want to make this situation more awkward and harder. I would've gone to go comfort her but I knew that she was angry at me.

Luckily, Ron came down very quickly and made himself comfortable at the kitchen table. Kristin sat next to him. I sat across the table. "So, what's going to happen?", Ron started the conversation. 

I stood up to grab the papers from the trial to show him the evidence from the court, so he wouldn't fight me. 

I sat back down and opened up the folder. "Listen, I know what Jillian would want to happen with our kids. I know she wants to go back to Maine and live there but, I ca-can't let that happen. I know how much you love your daughter. I use to love her the same. But, I need my kids in my life. I want to walk them down the aisle. I want to go to their soccer games and dance recitals. I want to be in their lives. If these next six months are the only time that I will be in their lives until their older, I'd be happy with that. Who knows what is going to happen at the hearing in six months.". I grabbed the papers to show them what the Judge has ordered. "Look, this paper says I get custody of them for the next six months, however, Ellen and I are... expecting. And we are planning on moving out of this house before the baby com-.".

"WHAT THE HELL! YOU SLEPT WITH ANOTHER WOMAN WHILE MARRIED TO MY JILLIAN? ARE YOU INSANE!", Ron said interrupting the calmness in the room. 

"Ron, it's more than that. I love Ellen more than anything. Now, I loved Jillian so much but Ellen is just, is such an incredible, strong woman. She went through so much with her ex-husband. I was there for her and we fell in love. It's more than just sex with your co-worker. I love my family, my kids. I don't want them to be confused with the moving and the baby and everything. I'm asking you, to listen. I would like you, two, to have custody of them during these six months. However, I ask that I see them, at least for one full week, seven days. Just to spend time with them before their, my, our lives change. That's all I ask.".

Ron looked at Kristin and he squeezed her hand. "We will receive."

"Thank you, thank you so much.", I said while shaking their hands. "I know these next few months are going to be crazy, and confusing for everyone. I'm just grateful that you will compromise during these times.".

"Of course, Patrick. But we will never, NEVER, forgive you for the stunt that you pulled on our daughter.", Kristen spoke.

"I completely understand.", I said. "I ask this, can I have them for this week?".

Ron took a deep breath, "Of course.".

I stood up as I let them out of the house, "Thank you.".

I watched them get into their car and drive off. I approached Talula, who was enjoying whatever cartoon that was playing on the T.V. I sat down next to her, "Hey, T.", I said as I hugged her.

"Daddy? Where's mommy? And why did grandpa and grandma go?", she asked.

I never thought at 5-years-old, she was going to ask such a confusing question that I didn't even know how to answer for her to understand. 

I let out a sigh, "You'll see grandma and grandpa in a week, seven days. But mommy, she has to go take care of something, very important, but she'll be back. I promise.", I said while her head fell into my lap. "It's going to all be okay.", I said while playing with her hair.