House Valentine (GxG)

Chapter 14

   I opened the door to our apartment, holding it open for Rebecca and Blake.

   "You guys really don't have to do this." Blake said.

   "Hey, you're our friend, we don't mind." Rebecca replied.

   After the events at the bar, we decided to let Blake stay with us for a little bit, while Her and Kat figured things out.

   "Aunt Blake!" The kids yelled as they ran up and gave her a hug.

   She smiled, although it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hey, kiddos, how've you been?"

   While Blake and the kids talked, Beth and Kris pulled me to the side.

   "What's up with Blake?" Beth asked.

   I told them what happened at the bar.

   "That's terrible." Kris replied.

   "I can't believe Blake would do something like that." Beth added.

   "Tell me about it." I said.

   Rebecca came out from the hallway. "Ok, Blake, you can have our room, we'll sleep in the kids room."

   "Oh, you don't have to, I'll sleep on the couch." Blake replied.

   "Are you sure? It's no trouble." Rebecca asked.

   "It's ok, really." Blake replied with a smile.

   "Alright, I'll grab some pillows and a blanket then." Rebecca said, heading back into the hallway.

   "Why is Aunt Blake sleeping on the couch?" Max asked.

   "Well, she's gonna be staying with us for a little while." I replied.

   "Yay! Sleepover!" Anna shouted.

   Blake smiled. "I hope you kids don't mind."

   "Not at all, we're gonna have so much fun." Anna replied.

   Blake chuckled as the kids led her to the couch, showing off their games...

   After saying goodbye to Beth and Kris and putting the kids to bed, we helped Blake settle in for the night.

   "Thanks again, guys, I really appreciate it." Blake said.

   "No problem." I replied with a smile.

   "Well, I'll let you guys get some sleep." Blake said.

   "Goodnight." We replied before heading off to bed...

   I opened my eyes and scanned the room, it was still nighttime, but I swore I heard footsteps.

   "What is it?" Rebecca asked sleepily.

   "I think Blake's up, I'll go check it out." I replied, getting out of bed.

   "Alright, I'll hold down the fort." Rebecca said, pulling the covers back over her.

   I chuckled to myself as I made my way into the living room. I flicked the light on and looked around, but Blake wasn't on the couch.

   I stepped further in and took another quick look, spotting her on the balcony, smoking.

   I shook my head as I opened the slider. "Blake."

   She spun around, placing her hand behind her back. "Hey, sorry to wake you, I just needed some air."

   I rolled my eyes. "I saw the cigarette."

   Blake lowered her head, taking her hand out from behind her back. "This is the last one, I swear."

   I sat on one of the lounge chairs, patting the one next to me. Blake sat.

   "How're you feeling?" I asked.

   She sighed. "Not great... I love her, Skylar and I don't know what to do. I fucked up bad."

   I placed my hand on her shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll get through this, I promise. You were there for me most of my life and you always helped me through my struggles. Now it's time to return the favor."

   She gave me a small smile. "Thank you."

   I returned her smile. "Anytime... now put that cigarette out, you're quitting."

   Blake laughed, flicking the cigarette over the balcony...

   After Blake went back to bed, I rejoined Rebecca in our room, thoughts racing.

   I needed to get them back together, but how?

——————————

   It's been a couple weeks since Blake moved in with us. It started out ok, but she's been slowly getting worse. She's been drinking more, staying out late, and I know she's still smoking.

   After putting the kids to bed for the night, Rebecca and I sat at the kitchen table, awaiting Blake's return.

   "What should we do? She's getting worse." Rebecca asked.

   I sighed. "I don't know."

   "Have you tried talking to Kat?"

   "I've called her like a hundred times, she won't answer and nobody's seen her since that day at the bar."

   Rebecca rested her head in her hands. "We have to do something. She can't stay here forever, you know?"

   I lowered my head. "I know, but she was there for me when I needed help and now I'm the only one who can help her."

   Rebecca took my hand from across the table. "Then, we'll do everything we can."

   I smiled at her just as the door opened, Blake staggering in.

   "Hey guys, sorry I'm late." She slurred, attempting to hang her coat up.

   I walked over to her. "Are you drunk?"

   She tried to suppress a giggle. "Only a little."

   I shook my head and helped her to the couch, Rebecca joined us.

   "Blake, we're worried about you." Rebecca started.

   "Yeah, you're going down a path that isn't good for you. Trust me, I've been on that path." I added.

   Blake slumped back and groaned. "I'm fine, ok?"

   "But, you aren't. I know you're hurting but, this isn't the right way to deal with it." Rebecca said.

   Blake shook her head, a few tears streaming down her cheeks. "What the hell am I supposed to do then? She won't talk to me."

   I wrapped my arm around her shoulder as she started to cry. "We'll figure it out."

   She shook her head. "You keep saying that, but there's nothing we can do. She already made her choice."

   She buried her head in my shoulder, crying harder.

   I glanced at Rebecca, who gave me a worried look...

   After Blake fell asleep, Rebecca and I headed to our room, where we laid awake.

   "We have to talk to Kat." I said.

   Rebecca rolled over and faced me. "How? You said it yourself, she's not talking to anyone."

   I sighed. "Then, I'll just have to drive over there and talk to her in person."

   Rebecca rolled back over and stared at the ceiling. "Maybe we should just wait for her to talk to us."

   "It's to late for that, if we don't get them back together, I'm worried Blake might end up hurting herself... or worse."

   Rebecca was silent for the rest of the night, while my mind raced.

   It was settled, I'd talk to Kat in the morning...