Compelled By Love

Compelled By Love Chapter Six

Compelled By Love

Chapter Six-Lost Inside

-Ethan

        I was sitting on a park bench in a random park pondering why in the world I couldn’t get Alina off my mind when she literally came up and sat beside me. I’ll admit, I jumped a little.

        “Hey stranger.” I greeted, half-smiling at her. “You here just to sit or do you actually want to talk to me? Because if so, I’d be a little shocked.”

        “Don’t flatter yourself.” She muttered, looking down at her hands. “After you scolded me, I went to No—a buddy’s house.”

        “Okay?” I answered in confusion.

        “I denied a drink. That’s what should be shocking you.” She explained.

        “And I fit into this how?” I asked.

        “You owe me an explanation.” She answered simply. When I raised my eyebrow, she smirked. “You said it…it ruins people, Ethan. What did you mean?”

        “I’ll tell you what I meant if you tell me why you were scared to go in your house.” I bargained.

        “This is NOT stuff to talk about on a park bench.” She commented, wide-eyed.

-Asher

        “Then maybe I lied.” I said softly, her eyes searched mine anxiously and I sighed. “We can work on us later, but  your love for our son should be enough to make you realize he isn’t safe in our house.”

        “You think I don’t know that?!” Mel snipped, taking a seat on a nearby stool. “I know if. It never leaves my mind! I can’t even have a stable place for my own kid!”

        “So why don’t you stay?” I pressed.

        “Asher, I have to see that you mean it this time.” She replied numbly, locking her jaw. “I’m not about to set myself up for that pain again.”

        “At least stay tonight.” I bargained. She nodded slowly and enveloped me in a hug.

        “I hope you mean it this time.” She mumbled.

-Parker

        “Daddy, why are you always gone at night?” Naomi asked curiously.

        “Well, I have to so I can afford to have somewhere to live and money to care for you.” I explained softly.

        “What’s money?” She pressed.

        “How people buy stuff, baby girl.” I answered.

        “Why do people buy stuff?” She challenged.

        “Because they need it, silly. What’s with all the questions?” I teased.

        “I don’t know.” She admitted, stirring the rice around in her bowl. “I love Carmi and all, I do! I just…I wish my dad could watch me instead.”

        “I wish I could, to.” I replied, kissing her forehead. “When daddy finishes school, you’ll see him more.”

        “Promise?” she pressed.

        “I promise.” I vowed with a smile as she beamed up at me.

-Noah

        I chucked the empty bottle of whiskey at the wall and cursed under my breath. What’s wrong with me? There’s just some poison in me that makes people leave, I swear. First Jess, now Alina? Something MUST be wrong with me. I got up and trudged into the living room, where my mom was cleaning up a broken vase and dad was watching some murder show.