Puzzle Pieces/Modern AU

Part 4/ She Confides In Me

//I just want to make it clear that Philip doesn't die in this story.

// This and the next one might be long, cause I'm takin a road trip so I have plenty of time to write.

I turn to see Angelica standing in front of me, cake in hand. She turns and goes into another room. I follow her while thinking, 'how did I not see her there?'

I walk into the room and see her gesture for me to sit. I sit on the bed next to her.

"Are you okay?", she says, clearly concerned.

"Yeah sort of.", I say not wanting to look into her eyes

"I don't know Philip. You came in kind of dazed. Just stood in the doorway staring through me."

"They told me." I say, with a somber tone.

"Oh Philip." She gives me a crushing hug. I wouldn't say it wasn't a good hug, but I felt kind of emotionless at the moment.

"Eliza told me last weekend. Your father has gone into the sun hasn't he? It reminds me of that Icarus and Daedalus fable. All anyone could do was watch. I told your mother that she had married an Icarus. He has flown too close to the sun."

I just nodded

"But I know everything will get better.", she said

"Do you know why they are separating?" I said looking up at her.

She took a deep breath and shook her head saying, "It's not my place to say, Philip. I'm sure later, when you're older, Alex has a lot of explaining to do."

———————...1234567...———————

4 months later...

I was at my house trying to teach Angie the piano. Despite all my efforts...

"No, it's B, D, F#, G, F#, D."

She tries only to end up slamming her hands on the piano in frustration. I tried. I go check on Baby Alex, as he had started to take a nap. That key slamming might have woke him up.

Nope, still asleep. I go to Mom's room, and see her laying her bed watching a movie. Lately, she's been staying in her room, just doing nothing except be in her bed. I've been filling Dad's spot, taking care of Alex, Angie, and Mom. Mom stays at home, cooking and cleaning. I'm not old enough to get a job, so basically, there is no income.

I just hope she hasn't fallen into a depression. Grandma Catherine has been around more to help with Alex, but it's still hard for her.

"Hey Momma you all right?"

"Oh hello Philip, yes I'm fine. I've had a headache for the past five minutes, but otherwise I'm fine."

"Ok call me over if you need me.", I say stepping out of the room.

—————————/-\————————

2 months later.

"Philip! Angelica! Time to go!"

Dad has finally gotten his own place, a small apartment. It's kinda shabby, but it's all he can afford at the moment. We've been going to his house every other weekend, so this is his weekend.

"Coming!" I shout.

We get into the car.

////

We get to his small apartment, set down our bags, and I immediately flop face first on the couch.

"Hey Philip. You ok?" Dad says.

"Yeah. Totally." I say sarcastically.

I admit I've been a little hostile lately. Since he isn't home anymore, we don't have much to talk about.

"Angelica, can you come here sweetie?" He says.

She strolls into the living room, and sits on the couch.

Dad starts talking, "So.. um... Do you remember Maria? The lady y'all met at Angie's soccer game?"

We nod silently.

"How would y'all feel if she was my girlfriend?"