Be Alright: Somebody To Love #6

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Justin’s POV

         I decided to sleep on the couch that night. I knew Madelyn was upset with me, so instead of facing that awkwardness, I just made myself at home on the couch. I fell asleep watching football, feeling like a total bachelor.

         I was awoken abruptly at eight when the kids came running down the stairs for breakfast. I sleepily got up and followed them into the kitchen, where Madelyn was already dressed and making breakfast.

         “Good morning kiddos.” I sat down across the table from them. Aniston made it a point to not look at me. The other three seemed cold as well.

         “Hi Dad.” Aria finally said.

         “Hi baby.” I smiled, but she was done talking. Other than that four word conversation, it was completely silent. I had no idea that they would be upset with me, too. I felt like I just couldn’t win. Everyone was upset with me.

         “Guys, go get your backpacks. Carin will be here any minute.”

         “Why is Carin taking them to school? I was going to take them on my way to the studio with Stella.”

         “I’m taking Stel today.”

         “No you’re not. You can’t leave.” I said harshly.

         “So what? I’m in jail now? I’m just supposed to stay here by myself all day?”

         “No. Kenny will be here with you.”

         “You are going to tell me whats going on when you get home.” She said angrily before leaving the room.

Madelyn’s POV

         “Mom, what is going on?” Aniston stomped into my room.

         “I don’t know. Ask your Dad.”

         “We aren’t talking to him!” Stella yelled. 

         “Okay girls,” I sat down on the bed and they hopped on, sitting down next to me. “No matter what is going on, no matter what is happening between your dad and I, he’s still your father. Don’t be mad at him. He’s just,” I tried to think of an excuse, but I was interrupted.

         “Don’t defend him. He’s being mean! He should love you! He shouldn’t be mean!” Aniston screamed.

         “Yeah! He is out of line.” Stella had to add her two cents. I hadn’t ever seen Stella act like this towards Justin. She was a daddy’s girl.

         “Love is complicated. Sometimes people are mean to the people they love. Just try and be nice to your dad, okay?”

         “You can’t make me do anything.” Stella hopped out of the room.

         “I can’t make any promises.” Aniston said as she left. I sighed. At this point, I couldn’t blame them for being upset with Justin. I had tried to talk them out of it, so now it was his problem.

Justin’s POV

         The car ride was silent. I took the kids to school and then went to the studio with Stella. As she went to hair and makeup, I sat down to read the script that Scooter had sent me last night. I was in major need of something to occupy my time and mind, and it seemed like the perfect film for me.

         “I’m done.” Stella said flatly three hours later. I had been so absorbed in the script I hadn’t even looked at the time.

         “Oh okay. Let’s go.” I gathered my stuff, but she was already half way to the car. “Want to grab lunch or something before we go home?” I tried to spark a conversation, but she just stared out the window. On a normal day, she would’ve loved to go to lunch with me. She loved one-on-one time with me, letting me spoil her. But today she wasn’t going to have anything to do with me.