When Worlds Collide

Chapter 35

*ELI'S POV*

I walked into the kitchen; Anna had called me in for something. She was standing at the stove, cooking. I kissed her cheek and stood next to her. "You called?" She smiled, continuing to cook.

"Yes, I was going to ask if you could go to the store to get some milk. I was planning to bake a cake later, but we don't have any milk. Take your mom with you as well." I tilted my head, slightly confused.

"Why take my mom?"

Anna shrugged. "She said she needed to talk to you, so I figured this would be perfect for you guys to talk."

I nodded and kissed Anna's cheek. "Ok, sweetie. Thank you. And I'll go to get some milk right now." She smiled as I went into my mom's room. It was empty, so I figured she must be in the living room. I turned to leave when something caught my eye. I looked towards it and saw a picture on the nightstand. I walked over and picked it up. It was the picture my mom and dad had taken the night that he first hit her. I never saw the hit that started all of this, but I heard it, loud and clear. Since then, I've hated my father with a passion. I set the photo back down and went into the living room, where my mom was sitting, watching TV. I tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey."

She jumped slightly. "Yes?"

"I have to go get some milk for Anna; she wants to bake later. Will you come with me?" My mom nodded, standing as she did.

"Of course. Let me just get ready." After about three minutes, she was ready. We got in the Hellcat and began heading to the store. Once we'd pulled out of the driveway, my mom spoke. "Eli?"

"Hmm?"

"About Florida..." I caught my breath. Damn. I'd completely forgotten. Then I needed to decide my whole future right now. There was no way this could end well. I braced myself for an awkward conversation.