Ready Or Not

Chapter 2: Trouble In Paradise

Darcy understood how important Spencer's job was, that it took him always from home a lot; it was the kids who were the most disappointed, which was why she was so grateful that even while on a case he seemed to put them first. Calling them every morning before school and every night before Mia would go to bed. No matter what there wasn't a day that he didn't call, making sure they he caught up on what was going on.

Still in away she was kind of glad that when Spencer got back things would be different. Despite her anxiousness about meeting the team and being comfortable with the situation, there was still a part of her that felt like a dirty secret. How could you not when your husband had kept you and your kids from some of his closet friends for the last eleven years. For her after this case, it felt like a huge weight would be lifted of her shoulder.

"I'm really sorry guys," Spencer sigh could be heard through the cars Bluetooth system, "I wish I didn't have to go."

"What about my prize giving for soccer," Elijah frowns, feeling slightly upset.

"I'm really sorry Eli you can call me and tell me everything about how it went," Spencer suggests trying to cheer him up a little. Although it didn't seem to really work.

"Yet another missed event by super dad," Charlie mutter under his breath next to her. Unfortunately for him Darcy heard, earning an irritated glare. Not seem to care Darcy watches him roll his eyes out the corner of her eye, before turning to look out the window.

Honestly, she had no idea what to do with him. Nothing she did made any difference. He was still sneaking out, shutting himself in his room. Both she and Spencer had tried to talk to him, but neither could get through to him. Things had been so much easier when he was younger, he had always been a mummy's boy but that had changed, especially after Elijah

was born. It just got worse and worse as he got older, I guess he felt like he wasn't a full part of the family. Darcy couldn't figure put why they always made sure he was ok, Spencer thought of him as his own son. The two of them did everything they could to be there for him

"It's fine honey," she attempts to reassure her, obviously upset husband. "No get off the phone and help your team."

"Alright, I'll miss you all and I will call you tonight," he tells her "Love you guys."

With that he hangs up leaving a tension in the car between Darcy and Charlie as they continued to drive towards the local elementary.

"Bye Mummy."

"Bye Mum."

Both Mia and Elijah wave good bye, before Darcy drives off towards Charlies high school.

"Could you have been any ruder," She shakes her head in disappointment eyes fully focused on the road.

"Well it's hard to respect someone who's hardly here, he's not even my father anyway," Charlie mutters, bitterness clear in his voice.

"You know that isn't his fault Charlie and at least he checks up on us while he was away," Darcy tells him feeling fed up, "there's more to being father than sharing blood. Spencer has been more of a father to you than your biological father ever was. Next time you feel like saying that again, think about what you're saying."

"Whatever," he brushes it off as they reach the front of his school. No sooner had Darcy driven to a stop was Charlie our of the car slamming the door behind him.

Things hadn't been great from the start, when she went to confront him for cursing at Mia after the wake-up call, plus the fact she caught him sneaking home. It had only gotten worse since, especially after the argument that had started after Spencer had left. He didn't need to be bothered by that yet, she would tell him later.