High And Dry

Let Down

i got some comments about cliffhangers.....don't kill me for this one....

Ian felt like throwing up. Could he face Mel with David here?

He sighed, “You won’t leave yet, will you?”

“I’ll stay the night if you want.” David replied

Ian shuddered, “No.”

“Ian, not like that. I meant I’ll sleep in the guest room.”

Ian almost laughed. He would’ve had it not been a serious situation.

“I’m sorry I’m just really wound up and nervous.”

“I’m here for you.”

Ian smiled. He knew he could count on David.

“Ready to get out of the car?” David asked.

Ian took a deep breath, “Yeah.”

David got up and out of his seat and waited for Ian.

He closed his eyes and felt his throat contract.

No. Ian thought, This can’t be happening again. This hasn’t happened since I got Anthony.

He took a few deep breaths and he felt better.

Ian got out of the car and David frowned, “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” He nodded, “I’ll be fine.”

Ian knew that Mel could see him, but he didn’t want to see her yet.

She got out of the car, “Ian!”

Ian turned around. Mel hadn’t changed at all.

“I got your text. Sorry I couldn’t answer your call, I was at work.”

“It’s fine.” Ian shrugged, “I just wanted a bit of a heads up.”

“Who’s this?” She smiled at David.

David seemed surprised, “Oh. I’m David. I work with Ian. He helped me move in with my friend.”

She nodded, “It’s nice to meet you.”

Ian took a deep breath, “I’m guessing you want to see Anthony?”

“Anthony?” She looked at Ian, “Is that his name?”

He nodded, “Anthony Padilla Hecox.”

“Where’d Padilla come from?” She seemed genuinely interested.

“It was the last name of a family friend who was always there when we needed him to be.” Ian replied.

She smiled, “Was that him on the phone?”

“Yeah.”

David started walking back inside.

Ian stayed where he was.

“Ian, I’m really sorry.” Melanie frowned, “I wanted this to work out, but I just didn’t think it was working.”

He nodded, “I know what you mean.”

“I know you were let down about it, but I figured if I contacted you after Anthony you’d be upset with me.”

“I am a little upset. I was let down.” He shrugged, “But I just want you to meet him. You don’t have to introduce yourself as his mother if you don’t want to.”

“I was thinking that maybe I could stay the night and explain it to him in the morning since it’s pretty late.” She said, “But if that doesn’t work out, it’s totally fine.”