Fourth of July

Chapter 41

I sighed, kneeling down in front of Gee.

"I've gotta go away for a little bit, Princess," I said.

"You're leaving me?" He asked sadly.

"No, I love you," I said. "I just have to go away for a little bit. I promise I'll talk to you on Foldy Evan."

He sniffled, his eyes watering.

"I love you," I said. "I promise I'm gonna be back soon."

"I love you too, Daddy," he said. "Here, Take Seb Seb with you, he's gonna protect you and keep you not lonely."

"Baby, it's okay, you can keep Sebastian," I said.

Gee shook his head, handing me his favorite stuffie. I kissed his cheek and stood up. I took Miles from Jamia, giving him a kiss.

"I love you, Baby Boy, I love you so much," I said. "I'm sorry I'm leaving you, I really don't want to. Mia is gonna keep you nice and safe."

I turned to Jamia next as I cried quietly.

"I love you," I whispered.

"I love you too," she said.

I gave her a soft kiss, gently wiping the tears off her face

"I'm gonna miss you so much," I mumbled.

Jamia wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tight. I handed her Miles, sniffling quietly.

"I should go," I said softly. "If I don't get on that bus now then I don't think I ever will."

Jamia nodded and I got on the bus, sighing quietly. I looked out the window and saw everyone saying their goodbyes to Jamia and Gee.

"Where did Daddy go?" I heard Gee ask.

"He went on the bus," Jamia said.

"Where's he going?" Gee asked.

"He's gonna go play music for some people," Jamia said.

"He's leaving me for other people?" Gee asked.

"He isn't leaving you, he's gonna come back," Jamia said.

"Mommy, I miss him," Gee cried.

It shattered my heart my heart as I watched him sob and Jamia held him close. I sat on the couch, crying quietly as I pulled my knees up to my chest. Everyone got on and the bus started driving away. I waved goodbye, tears rolling down my cheeks.

"Frank, it's gonna be okay," Evan said, patting my back.

"How could I do this?" I asked. "I'm a shitty parent, I'm leaving my kids behind. And Miles is only a baby? He's three months old!"

"You aren't a bad dad, Frank," he denied, sitting next to me. "You love your kids. You're going on tour because it is your job, you're living your dream as a musician. You aren't just ditching them, you're gonna come back in just a little bit."

"Two months," I whispered. "I-I get upset when I don't even see them for two hours!"

"Frank, you're gonna be okay," he said. "You're gonna be home soon."

I sniffled and nodded, wiping my eyes. I sighed as I curled up, looking out the window. The others all talked excitedly but I just wasn't in the mood. I sat quietly and looked down at my phone background. It was Gee holding Miles while they both smiled.

"Frank, staring at pictures of them isn't going to make it any easier," Matt said. "We know it hurts, none of us have kids of our own but we can imagine what it's like to leave your children behind. They're gonna be fine, they're in good hands and yeah they might miss you but when you get home you'll get to just cuddle them all day long."