Euphoric but Empty

Dan

When they entered the kitchen he immediately noticed his mom but tried to avoid direct eye contact. Then he noticed the other person. It was an adult female in a fancy pantsuit with a briefcase. Dan knew what this probably meant but he refused to believe it.
      "What's happening? And who are you?" Dan said gesturing to the pantsuit lady.
      "Hello Daniel, I am Paige Jeanette, I am your parent's lawyer."
      "You're father wants a divorce." Dan's mom replied. Not able to meet Dan's eyes. Dan was hurt and angry, mostly at his mom. His dad deserved to be happy so the divorce may be the best option. But, Dan couldn't help but feel that this was all his mom's fault. There aren't words to express how Dan feels.
      "Please take a seat." Paige said, motioning for Dan to sit. Dan chooses the seat farthest from his mom and Phil sits next to him. The two are still holding hands.
      "Now Dan, we know this is a lot to take in. Your father should be here soon and then we will discuss in detail but there are a few things we need to discuss with you. Is that alright?" Dan gave a quick nod in response. He took a deep breath and looked at Phil for strength. "Alright, so the obvious question we need to ask is, how old are you?"
      "17" Dan answers without hesitation.
      "Ok. So now the nitty-gritty. Custody. Your mother is going to move out, obviously. And you need to pick a parent you want to have custody of you. Usually, the parents would make this decision. But, because of this particular... situation and your age, you will only be with them one more year. You can pick for yourself." Dan was sure his dad was the correct choice. He didn't trust his mother and loved his father so obviously his dad was the right answer. In fact Dan was about to answer when they heard a door slam. His dad came wobbling through the door, clearly drunk as hell.
      "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS." He slurred, with an unbearable undertone of anger.
      "Hello, Mr. Howell! I'm..."
      "What the fuck are you doing in my house?!" He glared at Paige. Eyes basically burning holes right through her.
      "I should go. We can continue this tomorrow." Paige said while gathering her things. Phil's grip on Dan tightened. Phil was quite obviously scared that Dan's father would hurt him. Dan was worried too. He had never seen his dad like this. His dad usually refused to drink because it was unhealthy and unsafe. Dan knew one thing for sure, he wasn't going to let Phil get hurt. He began to pull Phil towards the exit, but his dad was still in the doorway completely blocking the exit.
      "Where the hell do you think you're going buddy?" Dan's dad asked him. Dan moved Phil behind him and shielded him with his own body.
      "Out of the kitchen." Dan replied.
      "You're the whole reason for this fucking mess! If you hadn't been born, your mother would still love me!!!" And with one swift move, Dan's dad slapped Dan across the face. Hard.
      "DAN!!!!!" Phil screamed and quickly ran to his aid.
      "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!!!" Dan's dad yelled at Phil.
      "No! Dan I won't leave you." Phil whispered between cries.
      "Phil, it's fine, I'm fine, you should leave."
      "No Dan please I can't..."
      "Phil. Leave. NOW!!!" Dan said. Phil walked away slowly never taking his eyes off of Dan. When he reached the front door, he sprinted to his car, still sobbing.
      "As for you mother fucker, GO TO YOUR ROOM. I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR YOU, I DON'T EVEN WANT TO KNOW YOU'RE THERE." Dan's dad screamed. Dan's mom just stood sobbing in the corner. She did nothing to help. Dan shot her a lethal glare as he walked to his room. When he got there he flung himself onto his bed and erupted into sobs. Dan's dad angrily stomped up the stairs and administered beatings until he thought Dan had learned his lesson. Dan silently whimpered as he drifted into the painless dimension of dreams.