Forced Into Marriage ✓

Chapter 29

Eleanor's POV

The next morning I woke up early and did an eight minute morning time stretch, making my body primed for the day. Staring outside the window at an amazing view, I could never get tired of the sunrise. From here one could spot beautiful chirping birds in a nest, hanging on the nearby tree branches.

After my morning routine, I was dressed and stuffed from breakfast, now figuring out what my plans are for the day. Just then the sound of a knock on the door distracted me from my thoughts.

"Who is it?"

And why show up early on this day so young...
I wondered, whilst making my way over there.

"It's Andrea, I need to speak with you." Came the voice from outside.

One could hear that she tried to sound flippant, but she didn't sound very good.
In a flash, I managed to unlock and open the door, stopping short when I spotted her on the front porch.
Her eyes were a little puffy, yet they welled up. A short line appearing between her brows.
She bites her lip.

"You've been crying." There was a hint of question behind my words. And I give her a bemused frown.

She entered the house instead, ignoring my words.

"What's the matter? Did Nathan do something?" I followed her to the couch where she sat down.

"No, it's about dad." Her voice croaked. "He died last night." Andrea stared gloomily.

A long pause.

"Died?" I questioned, dazed. "This must be some kind of joke." My voice suddenly shook. "Andrea how is that possible in a prison?"
I feared that it might be true.

"You mean out of prison." She corrected. "It's no joke, do you see me laughing?"

My eyes rounded as I took a step forward. Right in this moment I began to experience mixed emotions.
Intense shock. Sadness. Frustrated. Relieved.
Safer than ever.

"I have no idea how I'm supposed to feel." She shook her head, eyelids drooping. "Mom's in tears, crying about everything. We need some time processing it all. It's just too much."

"Oh Andi,I feel you." My heart clenched. "Tell me what happened. How did father escape?" I asked eagerly.

"I'd rather not tell you. I'm afraid you'll worry and stress too much. That's why I couldn't call you last night about the news." She hesitated for a second.
"I...Hell,I didn't even want to come to you this morning, but little Andrea just couldn't help herself." She babbled on. "You've already got enough on your plate and a baby on the way. I didn't want to bother you with this. If something goes amiss with the..."

"The baby will be fine." I whispered. "Now speak."

"Alright." She sighed deeply, shifting in her seat. "Mom recieved a call last night from the police officer and he said that they found dad's body lying in an alleyway,along with a bottle of alcohol in his hands." She clarified.

"Alleyway!" I gasped. "So he drank himself to death? Is that what you're trying to tell me?!" I exploded, turning pale.
My heart stopping in midbeat.
Why Eleanor, you shouldn't even be astonished!

"Yes. Apparently dad's brother, Rodger bailed him out yesterday morning. He wanted to help dad sober up and get treatment. To seek professional help so he could get a little better. That's what Officer Cliff said when they took Uncle Rodger in for questioning. "

" Knowing dad, he wouldn't listen." I snarled, shaking my head.

"Exactly." Andi whispered. "Rodger took him to his place. They sat and talked until it got dark." She finished. "Somehow he managed to escape the house without Rodger noticing."