Compelled By Love

Compelled By Love Chapter Four

Compelled By love

Chapter Four-Never

~Ethan

          “Lots of reasons…” She trailed off, glancing at the broken bottle. It was quiet a long moment as she just gazed over in that direction.

          “I’ll give you a ride.” I said, leaving no room for argument, “Where’s your house?”

          “You’ll see.” She muttered, walking with me to my car in silence.

-Samantha

          “Mel, can I stay at your place tonight?” I asked once she got Eden into his seat.

          “Yeah, if you want to go through the chaos and destruction that awaits.” She muttered.

          “I don’t get it. Why don’t you just move back in with Asher?” I asked as I drove.

          “Sam!” She scolded, “Are you stupid?!”

          “You know it’d be a better home life for Eden.” I reminded gently.

          “I don’t care!” She snapped, slapping her knees.

          “Mel…” I trailed off, shaking my head slowly. “He really has changed.”

          “You guys say that, but how can I know if it’s true? I can’t. Until I see it, I won’t believe it.” She ranted.

          “Seeing isn’t always believing.” I mumbled, pulling into her driveway.

          “Just come on, Sam.” She said, getting out and letting Eden out of his seat. When we got up to the door we heard screaming and breaking glass. “Fine. We’re going to Asher’s. But only to talk.”

-Ethan

          I pulled into the driveway at her house and she stared at the front door, fear in her eyes. I didn’t say anything, just cut of the engine. Her lower lip trembled, though she fiercely tried to stop it. I glanced over at her thoughtfully when she wasn’t paying any attention.

          Alina’s way stronger than people consider her to be. After what I’ve seen today, she has more strength and courage than anyone I’ve known. Plus, she’s really pretty, regardless of her ‘social group’.

          “Uh…thanks.” She muttered, opening the door and hesitantly stepping out.

          I watched her go inside before pulling out, totally lost in thought. I thought my home life was bad, but that’s almost nothing compared to what she goes through-the fear in her eyes just said it all.

          “Come on, Ethan. Pull it together.” I mumbled, cutting off the engine by my house. “You don’t know her…”

-Parker

          After school, I headed over to Naomi’s daycare to pick her up before spending the few hours I could with her until I had to head to work.

          “Daddy!” Naomi wailed from her bedroom--I was doing my homework in the kitchen.

          “Coming baby-girl.” I replied, setting down my stuff and strolling down the hall. She was standing in her room frantically searching for something. “What is it?”

          “I can’t find Joe!” She whined, turning to face me. “What if he lost?”

          “Hey, he’s probably just at Carmi’s. You got nothing to worry about.” I assured her, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead. “Hungry?”

          “Rice!” She cooed, nodding and grinning widely at me.

-Melanie

          “Sam, you are SO lucky I love you.” I grumbled, shutting the door as she unstrapped Eden.

          “Mel, I have some faith. Who was the one who was by your side, wide-awake all twenty-nine hours you were in labor with him? You know who. Now chill.” She scolded, slinging her bag over her shoulder and taking Eden’s hand in hers.

          “We aren’t staying!” I snapped as she grabbed his diaper bag.

          “Yes we are.” She corrected. “Now swallow your pride and grab your crap.”

          “Sam--” I started.

          “You know I’m right.” Sam said, shooting me a look and going into the apartment building. I followed her up the two flights of stairs and waited anxiously while she let herself in with her key.

          “Sam? I thought you were staying at--” Asher started, stopping when he saw me. “--Mel’s…”

          “Don’t you think this means I’m saying yes.” I mumbled, my lower lip starting to shake.

          “Never.” He agreed, his eyes tearing up.

          “Don’t cry Mama and Daddy! You’re together!” Eden exclaimed, looking up at us innocently.