Eaton

23. Choices

William p.o.v.

"What do you mean you kicked him out?! He's your son!" Marcus shrugs.

"He was being insolent. He needed to be taught respect."

I glare at him. Everything about him is so irritating right now, I have to suppress the urge to walk up to him and choke him.

"Taught respect, Marcus it's Chicago! This isn't like when dad used to do it, this place is not safe. It's freezing out there, he... what's he wearing?

"I don't know. William what do you want?"

"I" I wanted to apologize to Tobias. "I forgot something upstairs I wanted to take it."

"You have two minutes."

I nod and start running up the stairs. Oh God where's Tobias? Probably on the streets, freezing. If only there was someone to help him. I wince. I don't have time for this right now. Pushing down the vehement guilt growing in my stomach as I walk into my nephew's room for what might be the last time. It's your own fault. The sheets are pulled tight on his bed. His books are stacked in a neat pile, all the corners aligned. It's weird really, to think that a teenage boy lives in this room. Everything is clean and orderly. There are no posters, no decorations, nothing. It's almost as if this is a cell in a jailhouse. Tobias is the prisoner.

Isn't he?

I look around. Come on there has to be something in here I could use to find him. I mean, the kid's not stupid, he won't stay outside in this weather. Alright Will, think! Who would Tobias consider? Well there's that Tris girl he likes. But her dad is a friend of Marcus' so he wouldn't risk there. Who else is there?... Zeke! What's his number? Dammit I wish I payed more attention to the kid. Where does Zeke live? What if Tobias isn't there and I just show up, a weird stranger at his door, asking for my nephew and get the kid all worried?

Calm down Will, everything will be fine. It's only eight in the morning. We still have time to fix things. I look around one last time then grab a pencil from his neat arrangement and start walking downstairs.

"Are you done?" I nod.

"Good, leave then."

"Bye Marcus." I think of apologizing for getting drunk. I remember that night, after I sobered up. We didn't talk, we didn't discuss anything, then again there was nothing to discuss. I screwed up and now I was going to pay for it. I hindsight I guess Marcus took it pretty well. He didn't yell at me or insult me. Once I was sober enough to know what was going on all he said, all he had to say, were two words.

Get out.

And I complied, no resistance, no begging for forgiveness or trying to find a miserable excuse to redeem myself. I just nodded, went upstairs and packed. I thought of going to Tobias' room and apologizing but by then he was probably either asleep or hated me. Probably the latter. Jesus Christ in the plethora of screw ups I call my life this has got to be the worst one yet. Moved here to protect nephew, end up getting drunk and hitting him. High five Will.

I left that night and called up Cara who immediately made room for me on the couch to spend the night. For the first time in so long, I couldn't sleep. I thought so much that night I had a headache. Finally I decided on what to do. It may break a heart here or there but it's for the best. I'm no good, no need to ruin the lives of others.

Tobias p.o.v.

"JESUS CHRIST!!!"

I shoot up in bed and look around frantically, not another nightmare, please, no.  I look around and see Hana, Zeke's mom, leaning on the easy chair, clutching her heart. I turn over, swinging my feet over the side of the couch.