Retake Our Home

Chapter 12

Three days had passed since Adrien was 'grounded' and not a word had been said between father and son. Gabriel had canceled everything Adrien was to do and had the boy locked in his room. Meals were brought to him, and he had his own bathroom so he didn't need to leave. At first Gabriel thought this revolt would end quickly with an apology, but Adrien offered none. The designer was amazed with how long his son could stand being locked up unable to go anywhere. Little did he know Adrien had left the house to explore the underground a number of times.

Gabriel was trying to design a new dress, but his creative vision had been clouded. His thoughts now revolved around his son. Was he doing the right thing? No, he was doing what he needed. Adrien would see that one day. Still it pulled on his mind preventing him from completing his work.

Two hours would pass and the page Gabriel was to put the new dress still remained blank. Nothing would come to the great designer's head. He sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Pushing back from his desk Gabriel moved to a cabinet full of glasses and a very expensive bottle of Bourbon he had come to enjoy the company of. It might still be early, but he needed a drink.

After pouring himself a glass, Gabriel sat back at his desk. Just as his lips touched the glass Nathalie opened the door. She stared at Gabriel wanting to clearly say something, but waited. He downed his drink quickly enjoying the strong flavor. The enjoyment was short lived and he shifted back to Nathalie.

"Yes, Nathalie?" Gabriel asked.

"Sir," Nathalie began. "Can I speak with you as your friend?"

Gabriel leaned back in his chair and sighed. He had been doing that a lot lately. Nathalie had been his wife's best friend and one of his oldest. She had practically raised Adrien and she was someone Gabriel trusted deeply. Anything she said he was sure to think on greatly. This close relationship also allowed her to speak her mind without fear of punishment.

"What do you want to speak about?" Gabriel asked pushing away from his desk.

"It's about Adrien." Nathalie said.

"What has he done now?" Gabriel questioned.

"Nothing," Nathalie replied. "He hasn't left his room since he was grounded. Actually he hasn't left his bed, or touched his food."

"Your worried about him?" Gabriel asked.

"Aren't you?" Nathalie shot back.

Trying to avoid her eyes Gabriel looked back to his blank paper. He did worry about his son, but could he really just forget what happened? Adrien had raised a hand against him. Sure the more Gabriel thought about it the more he saw he was out of line he had been. Still he couldn't just forgive Adrien, could he?

"What should I do?" Gabriel Asked.

"Forgive him and let him be a little freer." Nathalie him.

"After he hit me?" Gabriel said still trying to hold onto his power. "This grounding is just a slap on the wrist."

"Your pushing him away Gabriel." Nathalie told the Fashion Designer. "You hardly spend time with him other then when it comes to work, and then you tried marrying him off all the while trying to tell him he couldn't see the person he does love."

"I take no pleasure in that Nathalie." Gabriel said.

"I know, but you should try to let Adrien feel more free." Nathalie said. "Back when Emilie died Adrien didn't just lose a Mother, he feels he lost his Father as well."

Gabriel flinched at that, but understood. He hadn't really been acting like a Father. If he didn't start now he would lose his son forever. The last reminder he had of his dear Emilie.