After Forever & Ever

Chapter 120

Tessa-Present

Hardin never came to bed....which didn't really surprise me after our fight....I never intended to fight with him.

Emery had a bit of a rough night so I felt like I was up on and off with her all night. I realized around 5 when I walked past the living room to go to the kitchen to get Emery a bottle he was sleeping on the couch.

While Hardin slept the day away yesterday after his drinking endeavor Vance was talking to lawyers about getting appointed as his mental health power of attorney which would give him the power over all his medication and treatment...and well basically everything. I argued with him all day that I don't want that for Hardin and I know that Hardin having control or feeling like he does is everything to him so if we take that way it will destroy him.

Vance said he would let it go for now but if he gets any worse he was going to try and get it court ordered immediately....he says it's to "protect him" but I think Vance wants to control him.

He also had the alarm system activated and automatic locks installed...

Hardin is hurting worse than I have ever seen him right now....and it's destroying me.

We all want to see him get better. He has been through more than anyone should have to go through...

Vance is going into the office for the first time today and Smith starts school. So it will just be me, Hardin and Emery home which I am looking forward to.

I decide to make breakfast for everyone since I can't fall back asleep.

As I am making breakfast Hardin wakes up. He comes into the kitchen and leans up across the island from where I am preparing breakfast.

"Good morning babe." He says actually smiling at me.

I am kind of taken back by him.... "uh good morning." I reply.

"I wanted to go for a quick run can you unlock the door?" He asks me.

I feel horrible that it has to be this way... "yea of course." I reply.

He goes into the bedroom and comes out in his athletic shorts and ties his gym shoes and puts in his ear buds.

"I'll be back in 30" he says and gives me a kiss and walks out.

Only 30 turns to 40 then 40 into 50 and it's an hour later....Vance and Smith haven't come downstairs yet and I'm not about to give Vance a reason to do the POA...

Luckily just as they are walking down the stairs Hardin walks in...again covered in sweat and I give him a look as in where the hell were you..

He comes up from behind me covered in sweat and wraps his arms around me and whispers in my ear "sorry I lost track of time." And kisses me on the cheek.

"Eww you are all sweaty." I say jokingly pushing him away and throwing a dish towel at him.

He backs away " my bad" he says cracking a smile.

"Where were you?" Vance asks Hardin.

"Shooting coke and banging strippers." Hardin responds sarcastically.

Vance gives him the dirtiest look as he walks away.

"How long was he gone?" Vance asks.

"Only about a half hour." I lie.

"It smells good." Smith says.

"Thank you...everything is ready have a seat." I tell them.

As we are sitting down eating breakfast Hardin still hasn't come to the table.