Together

36.

36.

The Christmas holidays flew by and Lizzie's mood couldn't be broken anymore. She was so happy that Chris was home for a while. The children were very happy that their father was home and they hung around him all the time and Dodger also seemed happier.

It had been long weeks for the children without their father and they had a lot of time to catch up on together. Lizzie understood, but she thought it was a shame that all the attention went to the children. She had missed Chris too. Only when the children were in bed and Dodger had been let out did he have time for her.

'I am home again!' Chris walked into the living room and Dodger followed him. 'Have you had a nice walk?' Lizzie asked. Dodger lay down next to her on the couch. Chris nodded. 'We walked a nice long distance.' he told. 'Nice.' Lizzie replied.

"Hey Liz. What is?' Chris took a seat next to her on the couch and put his arm around her. 'Nothing.' Lizzie replied. She didn't want to bother Chris with her problems. It made sense that the children came first. She shouldn't act like that.

'Are you sure? I know this face. There is something.' Chris persisted. Lizzie sighed. "Hey Liz. You can tell me anything.' Chris stroked her cheek. 'I know, but there's nothing there. It is stupid.' Found Lizzie. 'If something bothers you, it's not stupid. Come on, what's wrong?'

"Almost all your attention is on the kids and Dodger." She whispered. She was barely audible, but Chris had heard it. His face fell. 'Sorry. That was not my intention.' He immediately apologized. 'I know that too. I'm also happy that the girls can spend time with their father again. They missed you very much.'

'And you? Did you miss me a little too?' Chris looked at her teasingly. "Of course I missed you." Lizzie replied. 'I was hoping for that answer. I missed you too. I've never felt so lonely.' Chris told. 'Lonely?' Lizzie looked at him in surprise.

'I felt like I was homesick. I've never had that feeling before. All I could think about was home.' Well known Chris. "Oh Chris. I had no idea you felt that way." Lizzie felt guilty towards Chris. She had been so angry with him. Now it turned out that Chris had been homesick all this time. She felt terrible that she hadn't noticed. She had been so preoccupied with her own feelings that she hadn't thought about Chris's for a moment.

'It's okay. Nobody knew. During the day it wasn't too bad either. It was mainly at night when I was alone in my trailer.' Chris told. "That must have been very lonely." Lizzie thought better of it. Chris nodded. "I'm also thinking about quitting acting."

'What?' Lizzie looked at him in shock. 'I'm so far away from home every time and I want to spend time with you and the kids. I don't want to be so far from home all the time.' He explained. 'But acting is your passion. There are probably other options.' Lizzie tried to reassure him. She knew how much Chris cared about acting. She didn't want him to give up his greatest passion. She couldn't allow that.

"Lizzie, you don't understand. When I stop acting I can spend more time with the children.' Chris said. "I know, but what are you going to do all day when the kids are at school?" Lizzie asked. Chris shrugged. "Maybe an office job." he suggested. "We both know that's not for you." Chris sighed. "I don't want to leave you alone for so long again."

'You really don't have to worry about that. We can also look for closer acting jobs. Or the girls and I will travel with you. We will find a solution.' Lizzie promised him. 'Lizzie, I really can't ask that of you. The girls need a stable home.'

'I know that. We will find a solution, but promise me not to just stop without discussing it. We should just enjoy the next few days we have left.' Lizzie said. Chris nodded. 'I promise.' Chris gave his girlfriend a kiss. "Thanks for your advice Liz."