Beauty & The Freak || Eddie Munson

Chapter 24

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To my immediate knowledge, Eddie and his father had barely crossed paths with one another after their fight in Gareth's driveway. Then again, Eddie has hardly spoken a word about it since. I couldn't blame him, but his silence was bothering me.

I picked at the skin around my fingernails while sitting on our front porch steps. I watched the clouds go from white to gray as they threatened to rain. It had been raining all day, but the sky decided it wasn't done. I never minded the rain.

I draped my hands across my knees, letting out a heavy sigh as I heard the screen door creek open behind me. Dad sat down next to me, following my gaze up to the sky.

"You've always loved the rain." Dad said.

"It's just so beautiful." I shrugged.

"You love it more when something is bothering you. You've been out here all morning. What's up?" Dad asked.

"Just thinking about Eddie, that's all."

"Is everything okay between you two?"

"Yeah. We had a fight the other night, and it was my fault."

"What do you mean?"

"I probably shouldn't tell you. You're going to yell at me, too. Eddie, Wayne, and Steve already yelled at me enough for it."

"Then I won't yell. I'll just listen."

"I think that's impossible for you, Dad."

It wouldn't hurt to tell dad about what happened. I guess I just didn't feel like there was anything to tell him, since nothing technically happened to me.

"When Eddie took me to his band practice, his dad showed up. They got into a fist-fight over me. They were arguing prior, but his dad called me a bitch and Eddie just lost it. I just feel so bad for Eddie because his dad is lurking around and causing trouble, and I know it bothers him." I explained.

"Let me see if I understand this. Eddie and his dad were arguing, and Eddie's dad called you a name. That's when they started fist-fighting?" Dad repeated the information back.

"Yeah." I nodded.

"I still don't like the Munson boy, but I feel better knowing that he was at least defending you."

"I wish there was a way to help him. Eddie's pretty set on his feelings towards his dad, and I don't think I can ever get him to change his mind. I want him to have some peace."

"Would you feel better if I talked to Eddie about it? If he's willing to?"

"I don't think he would be willing. He hardly even talks about it with me."

"It might be hard for him, dear. He might have an easier time opening up to me since I have that fatherly aurora."

"So does Wayne, and he doesn't talk to him either." I sighed.

"It wouldn't hurt to try, anyway."

"But what if he just gets mad at me for involving you?"

"He very well might. But then he also will realize that you're just looking for guidance to figure out how to help in a way that's far more healthy than getting into physical altercations with his father." Dad said.

"You don't see the way he acts when he even remotely thinks about it. It's like he's distant, and it's just frustrating."

"I know, but I'm sure he appreciates how much you care. You have a big heart, and that's good for someone like him."