Back to You (Sequel to Take Me Away From Here)

Chapter 5

Faith POV: 

Tim's been out for three weeks now. It's been surprisingly uneventful, which is a godsend. Sara picks the girls up when it's their turn to stay with them, making the transition a little easier as well. They've been with Tim and Sara this whole week, so it's been rather quiet around here. I'm always excited for when they come back, even if that means that intimacy with Weston is damn near impossible. 

Weston's out writing today, and I'm at the studio - on my own - making things a little less than exciting. I was supposed to co-write with Sara, but she bailed at the last minute, because Colton is apparently running a fever. She told me to take the studio time for myself, which was kind, in theory. I don't think she understands that I don't really have any plans for a new album. I'm kind of enjoying the break from music for a while, just until we get our family situation back in order. So, long story short, I'm writing in the studio. 

"Wheels are turning in my mind...Don't want to leave, but I might this time...Seconds from whispering goodbye..." I sing quietly, tapping my pen to a beat. I lean back into the couch, staring at the mixing board while I blank on lyrics. I sigh, shutting my eyes for a moment. I hear the door open, meaning the secretary is coming in to offer me yet another bottle of water. "Britt, I'm still good." I say without opening my eyes. I could honestly fall asleep right here. The lack of response comes off a little odd to me. I open my eyes, before feeling my blood run cold. 

"Hey baby girl." He lets out, making my stomach twist. I look around the room, trying to find something I could use to shield myself, if need be. 

"What do you want?" I release, my throat feeling like it's closing. He laughs slightly, leaning against the wall right next to the doorway, blocking my only exit. He smiles down at the ground, his age clear on him, as his thick wrinkles and gray skin show. 

"I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you." He says with a sick grin. "You finally saw the light." He remarks, holding out his hands. I glare at him, my chest pounding as my fingers go numb. I stand up, mustering the strength to attempt walking out. I pass by him, causing him to grab onto my arm tightly. "Faith, if I ever see you around that man again, I will not hesitate to take action... I will not leave this world, with a daughter who has no shame in making a damn fool of herself." He growls, delivering a painful squeeze to my arm. "I have no shame in taking on my own grandchildren either, if it has to come down to that." He threatens, suffocating me. 

"You will not touch them." I snarl back, watching him laugh, as if I were weak. "And they're not your grandchildren. They're nothing to you... just like you aren't my father." I state, pulling my arm out of his grasp, and marching out. 

"Whatever you say, darlin'." He shouts condescendingly, as I rush outside. 

I get into my car with shaking hands, quickly peeling out of the parking lot. I speed home, eager to lock the door behind me. Once the lock clicks, I feel myself start to shake, as I feel safe for the first time since leaving the studio. I walk into the kitchen, before putting my head in my shaking hands. 

The doorbell rings, making me jump. I take a couple deep breaths, before glancing at the clock. Sara said she was dropping off the kids earlier than usual, in an attempt to keep them from picking up Colton's cold. That's probably them... I walk to the door, opening it just as Gracie goes to put in her key. She smiles at me, dropping her key into her pocket. She walks in, and Maggie follows, talking to each other about something that has to do with Lacrosse. 

I feel my heart sink as I see Audrey standing at the bottom of the stairs, trying to grab onto the heavy bag Tim's holding up for her. He refuses to come up and drop it off himself like Sara usually does, in an effort to not cross any lines. Audrey drags it along the ground, before turning around and looking at him. She always packs far too much. I simply stare, feeling like I'm still in a complete state of shock from the encounter earlier. Tim watches me, before grabbing the bag and slowly walking up the steps. He goes to hand it to Audrey again, but she's running inside already, completely ignoring him. He takes a deep breath, looking down at the bag, before looking at me. He holds it out for me, while I continue to stare. I see his mouth move, but I'm not processing a word he says.