I Loved Her

11

Nate looked at his nephew, who was trying not to cry. Nate walked over to him and hugged him as Leo folded into him and cried.

'I-I only wanted to find out what was wrong with Cam,' the boy struggled to get out as Nate shushed him and continued rubbing his back.

'He was worried Leo. You worried us.' Nate replied, trying to calm him down. Leo slowly pulled away after a while, sniffling.

'Give him time to calm down. Go take a shower.' Nate replied as he ruffled Leo's hair. Leo nodded sadly as he trudged into the shower.

Nate shook his head as he pondered on what was the most grown up thing to do. He walked into the kitchen and scoured it for any clues. Ah-ha!

He walked over to the fridge and a list was on it, being held up by a magnet. They were emergency contacts, having Edward's number, Sunny's number, Katie's number, Jay's number and Jade's.

He pulled out his phone and quickly dialled the first number written down after Edward's own. It ringed for a minute or so before a person picked up.

'Hello, Sunny Dillon here!'

'Hi Mr. Dillon, it's Nathaniel Raine.'

'Nathaniel Raine... Ohh you're Hallie's brother aren't you? How's America?' 

'Wonderful, thank you. I've called you because Edward's not in the house.'

'Not in the house? What do you mean by that?'

Nate took a deep breath and began to explain the whole story, starting from How Leo went into town and how Edward stormed out. 

'Oh my days, this boy of mine. Thank you Nathaniel. I'll find him and knock some sense into him.' Sunny thanked, ending the call.

Nate let out a sigh as he went onto the McDonalds app and began to order food. Nate didn't know how to cook. The only cook in the family was Edward and he wasn't here and he highly doubt that Leo could cook.

Leo walked into the kitchen, smelling better and dressed in a Mickey T-shirt and sweats. Nate gave his outfit a look and Leo didn't say anything but sat down playing with his fingers. Normally he'd say something like, 'Just cuz you wear boring suits to work doesn't mean I can't have any fun!' or 'What! Mickey's my hubby!'

The father and son duo were close, seeing it was only the two of them for a long time. They had banter, emotional moments and they both loved each other extremely. Nate saw the look in Edward's eyes when he found out Leo wasn't home. They were a mixture of terrified, worried and mad. Would his little boy come home? Was his kid mad at him? Nate also saw Leo's eyes when Edward had stormed out without saying a word to him. They were filled of sadness, hurt and a fear that his father wouldn't forgive him.

And that scared the boy incredibly.

Nate sat down next to Leo and squeezed his hand reassuringly. 'He's gonna forgive you bud.'

Leo half shrugged as he laid his head on the table, shutting his eyes so the tears brimming in his eyes wouldn't fall.

~~~~
Edward was at the park for who knows how long. He got there and put his head in his hands, trying not to sob. He could've lost his kid tonight. The Town Centre was dangerous and anything could've happened to Leo tonight. 

But he's ok Edward, a voice in his head said. However he couldn't shake the feeling off. He felt the cold wind hit his body as Ed regretted his decision not to take his coat. He was in a cargo jacket and it was a cold night. He hadn't gotten changed from his teacher clothes after school; he was too worried about his kid.

'Edward Matthew Jackson.' Sunny said as he sat down next to his son. Edward looked up at his dad, wondering how in earth he found him. 'Don't you dare run away again boy.'

'Dad- how?'

'I know you better than you do Edward.' Sunny replied looking at Edward tightly. Ed sighed and Sunny put a comforting hand on his thigh.

'You have a heart-broken boy at home.' Sunny said as Edward shrugged.

'There were so many things that could've happened him to him today. He could've been kidnapped, he could've been-'

'But he's fine. He's a bright boy. I get you're mad but you shouldn't have left. Maybe explained it to him. He's been like this since he was a kid. He's a people pleaser. He hates people being mad at him and giving him the silent treatment.'

Edward nodded, picking his fingers.

'Go home. You don't need to forgive him yet. Just go home.'

Edward nodded and sniffed, 'What would I do without you and mom?

'I would love to sit and talk about how awesome I am but we need to hurry up.' Sunny grinned as Edward gave him a smile as they walked home together.

~~~

Nate and Leo were eating McDonalds. Leo didn't tell Nate what Edward liked so he just got him a Chicken wrap, fries and a coke. For some reason, Edward gave off wrap vibes.

The door opened and both men turned their head around to see Sunny and Ed in the house.

'Great to meet you Nathaniel. I'd stay and have the feast but Katie would murder me alive.' Sunny smiled, shaking Nate's hand. 'Be good, Lee.' he said before kissing Leo on the head and giving Edward a stern look.

'Behave.' he said, clapping his shoulder before walking out of the house, shutting the door behind them.

An awkward silence was established as Edward took his coat off and sat down. 

'Get me anything?'

'Yeah.' Nate replied, pulling out Edward's meal. Edward looked at it and smirked.

'Who told you my order?'

'You give off wrap guy vibes.' Nate shrugged. Edward chuckled, unwrapping his wrap. Leo continued dipping every single bit of his lettuce in his sauce before popping it in his mouth. He hadn't said a word to his dad since he got home.

'Leo, look.' Edward began, putting his wrap down and looking at Leo. 'I'm still mad and I need time to be able to forgive you. It's going to take a while though. You've lost your whole life. I'm taking away being able to walk home alone permissions. I'll be there to pick you up and you can come to work with me. Or I'll allow Nate too. You're grounded for a month and you've lost TV privileges and your playstation.'

Leo nodded, taking all of his restrictions in.

'For now, I need time to be mad, Lee. I'll always forgive you... I just need time.' Edward said as he dumped his rubbish in the bin before stalking off into his bedroom.

Leo waited for a few more seconds before he burst out into tears again. Nate held him again as he tried his best to compose himself. But he couldn't. This was the first time his dad was so mad at him he didn't even say a comforting word to him.