A Night Without Gatsby

Chapter 13- I Can Explain

Several hours went by. I laid on the bed, taking a nap as Daisy and Rose played out on the beach. I had convinced Gatsby not to go to Tom's place, but rather let Tom come to us. I figured once he realized what he had lost, he'd fight back for her. It isn't what I wanted, but I just couldn't see him again... I don't know what it was.... I couldn't put my finger on it.

I groaned softly as I tossed and turned, uncomfortable in the bed. I got up, putting on my shoes and going out for a walk. Bradley walked next to me, holding leash in his mouth. I smiled softly and put the leash on him, opening the door and walking outside.

The denseness of the forest kept the ground level cool, a few breezes passing along, leaving a tingling feeling against the skin. The smell of damp wood and fresh grass filled the senses up, lungs peaked with fresh air. The only sound to be heard was the crunching of leaves and the soft pitter patter of dog feet amongst the dirt.

Bradley stood proud as he walked alongside me, getting lost together in nature. A small creek flowed along the trail. Bradley splashed in it and barked happily.

"Gatsby?"

I looked around to see Daisy walking up to me. Her hair was damp, and her self still dripping wet. "Yes?"

"I just got through talking with Tom... He wants us to come back..." My brain stopped working for a moment. "What did you say?" ".... I agreed. I want an explanation..." I couldn't say that I blamed her. If I was her, I'd want one too. "... Alright..." "... I wanted to ask a favor of you... could you let Rose stay here? I... I don't trust Tom fully..." I nodded. "Of course." She nodded softly, her eyes showing she was in a far away place, shrouded with thoughts.

Rose came running up to us. "Mama! Mr. Gaststy is here!" She pronounced adorably. I smiled. "Thank you, Rose." We walked back to the quaint cottage, unexpecting what was to come.

As soon as we caught sight of the place, we saw Tom walking up to the door. Daisy panicked. "O-Oh God... if he sees Gatsby..." I walked up to him before he could knock on the door, alerting Gatsby of his presence.

"Nick. I didn't expect you here." "This is my house." I wasn't ready to take his bullshit. "What do you want." "I want to see my Daisy..."

Daisy looked at us both. "T-Tom?" I noticed Rose wasn't by her side, making me think either she was behind a tree or took the back porch to get inside where it was safe. I took a mental sigh of relief; but I knew anxiety would build up again when Tom went up to Daisy.

Tom held Daisy close, gently caressing her cheek. "Oh Daisy... God I was such an idiot for hurting you..." Daisy let soft tears cascade down her face. "T-Tom..." "Daisy... Please.... Let me talk to you.... in private..." He shot a look at me that I barely missed. "I want to apologize to you...." She nodded softly, gasping quietly. The two left to Tom's car, getting in and leaving. "..." With a heavy sigh, I walked in the house. Gatsby smiled and stood up. "Old sport."

"Hey..." I smiled softly.

"Where's Daisy? I wanted to take her out on a date to help her clear her mind with this.... mess." Ooooooooooh boy. Don't screw this up, Nick.

"........ Her and Tom left... they're going to.... Talk things out..." I explained in the least amount of words possible. I didn't want to go out and spew everything like I usually did. "...." Gatsby looked at me like he was ready to shoot me.

"Why didn't you stop her?"

"Look, she wanted an explanation... She still loves--"

"You don't dare finish that sentence. Don't. Even. Fucking. Dare." Gatsby gritted his teeth. "If he truly loved her he wouldn't have--"

"Gatsby, focus on what you're saying! You knew her long ago! Now time has passed and she found someone else! Feelings change!" Silence followed, an eerie, uncomfortable silence.

"You can't relive the past, Gatsby..."

"..."

Gatsby stood up and looked to me. "Of course you can." He left, closing the door behind him and heading home. "...." I took a deep breath and sat on the couch. Rose peeked up, staying behind the couch. ".... Come here sweetie, it's okay..." Silently, she crawled over the couch and laid in my lap, sniffling. She clutched her stuffed animal for dear life.

"Where's Mommy?" I sighed softly, holding her close. "She went with your dad to talk to him." "... About why he hit her?" I nodded softly. She said nothing more in response and fell asleep. I held her close to my body. No child needed this in their life...

Bradley's little collar jingled as he walked up to the couch and jumped up on it, twirling around three times before finally nestling down and falling asleep as well. I looked up to the ceiling, chuckling to myself. "What have I gotten myself into..."

Author's Note: I'M SORRY IT'S SO LAAAAAAATE I HAD WRITER'S BLOCK!!! I SORRYYYYYYYYY!!!

Well, now that we have this here, I will say, yes, in later chapters, violence will occur. How or when, stay tuned for that.

Thank you, also, to ARaceToTheFandoms for all the support! You're really helping me out with continuing this story! I'll keep on writing this, and I may even upload Part 14 today since I have nothing else better to do today! Hope you all enjoy, please leave a comment on any ideas!!

Until then, Ciao!