Family first ~ a sequel

Chapter 28

"You do realize we live here, yes?" Brooke said rather angrily, as she walked into the kitchen where Julian was. Ellie sat on the stairs in her pyjamas watching them argue.

"Yeah, I understand that." Julian replied "What I don't understand is why we live here."

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because it's our home?" Brooke said meaning herself and Ellie.

"Oh, well, my home was in Los Angeles, a home I gave up to be closer to you, because your work was here." Julian yelled

"And was that so horrible?" Brooke questioned

"No, but at least acknowledge that it was a sacrifice, one that I was happy to make for you." Julian yelled back "But your work isn't here anymore."

"That's mean." Brooke muttered throwing a hand towel in her laundry basket"

"I'm not saying it to be mean. I'm saying it because there's got to be so many more opportunities for you in Los Angeles..." Julian began as Brooke walked up the stairs.

"I don't..." she began pausing halfway up.

"and there's definitely more opportunities for me there."'Julian finished

"I suppose this was your mother's idea?" Brooke questioned placing the basket on the stairs in front of Ellie.

"Come on, don't drag my mum into this, please." Julian pleaded

"Oh, how am I not supposed to?" Brooke questioned "She drags herself into every other aspect of our lives."

"I said please." Julian repeated, as Ellie followed Brooke down the stairs.

"You know, it all makes perfect sense to me now." Brooke said looking out the kitchen window. "You wanted me to lose the company."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Questioned Julian angrily

"It means...You encouraged me to give it up, because it makes it so much easier for you to move us to Los Angeles!" Brooke snapped

"That's ridiculous." Julian exclaimed "I..."

"Is it?" Brooke cut him off.

"I tho... Brooke, look at me." Julian pleaded "I thought you would be happy there, but if you don't want to move there, that's fine. We'll just...We might have to spend more time apart. It's not that big a deal." Brooke didn't say anything, she grabbed her Keys off the table, before grabbing Ellie's jacket.

"Brooke, where are you going?" Julian questioned. As she pulled the jacket onto Ellie. "There's a storm outside." Julian yelled

"It is a big deal!" Brooke yelled slamming the door, behind Ellie.

"Brooke! Damn it!" Julian could be heard yelling as they walked towards the car.

***

"Is that Julian?" Ellie asked as Brookes phone began ringing. Brooke nodded as picked up the phone

"Hello?" She answered

"Where are you?"

"I don't know." Brooke sighed "I'm just driving."

"Brooke, you need to come home. There's flooding everywhere. They're saying that the levee might break, and on top of all that... I'm sorry. And I love you. Please come home."

"I don't know if I can, babe." Brooke tells Julian "I can barely see the road

"Okay, well, I'll come and get you. Where are you?"

"What?" Asked Brooke as Julian cut in and out

"Ok-- I'll get you. Where are..."

"I can't hear you!" Brook repeated