He Saved Me

Chp 63

Mia's POV
     It's been about a week since Paris left. Nothing has been the same. Initially I thought that Paris moved out because of me. But everyone at home tried to reassure me that I was wrong. Apparently Paris went somewhere "modeling" related, but I don't believe that. I heard a lot of yelling and crying downstairs before Paris left, so I know something is wrong. But nobody wants to tell me.
     Daddy's been really different lately too. He just always seems sad. I don't remember the last time I saw him smile. I tried cheering him up by making him cards and writing him letters before bed. But nothing seems to cheer him up. Grandma's been staying with us too. Daddy and her talk for hours everyday. I wish I could make him feel better.

Michael's POV
     It's been an exhausting week. Emotionally, I'm just not all there anymore. After Paris left, I pretty much had a mental breakdown. I'm sure the kids notice it too. I don't come out of my room much. I have the kids join me in my room sometimes, but even that is a rare occurrence. My poor Mia has been trying really hard to make me feel better. She's been behaving really well recently, trying her best to not stress me out. The boys obviously know what's happening, so they're trying to give me space. On the other hand, Mia has no clue. She thinks Paris went somewhere for work. Bless her innocent mind.
I woke up to yet another letter from Mia, wishing me a good morning. She picked up this habit from me. I like to leave notes for friends and family whenever I can. Even when I don't have anything to say besides "I love you." I noticed Mia has started doing the same thing. Today's letter was no different than the other ones.
Dear Daddy,
Thank you for being the best Daddy in the whole world. I hope you slept well. I love you so much. Maybe if you're feeling better, we can go to the zoo today. I'll see you after school.
Love,
Mia J.
~
Seeing things like this obviously warms my heart, but it also makes me feel guilty. I feel guilty that I'm not there for her or the boys as much I should be. I know Prince and Blanket are old enough to handle themselves. But Mia's going to need me soon. I already know. I'm surprised she's lasted this long. Mia doesn't exactly understand what giving me space means. She's my little shadow. I'm sure Mother had to convince her day and night to leave me alone. She's been staying with us ever since Paris left, helping me out with the kids.
Mother interrupted my thoughts with a tray of food in her hands, as she entered my bedroom. "Mother.... you don't need to do that. I can get myself food," I said as I rushed over to her and took the tray out of her hands. "You know I have people here, who I pay to do stuff like this," I said with half a smile.
"I know baby, but that doesn't mean I can't do it. Plus, I wanted you to have one last comfortable meal in your room," she smiled. I looked at her with my brows furrowed.
"What does that mean?" I mumbled with my mouth full. Mother lightly swatted my arm, displeased.
"Michael, swallow first," she chuckled. I gulped down the scrambled eggs before looking at her like she had 3 heads. Mother always had something up her sleeve, and this time I had no idea what she was talking about. I guess she could tell from my face that I needed answers. "What I mean is.... baby you need to suck it up and take care of your babies. Now I gave you a week to get yourself together. But it's time to be an adult now. Those kids need you," she said gently.
     I stared down at my plate of food, feeling guiltier than ever. I knew she was right. I've been drowning in self pity and hatred for days now. It was time to suck it up. I can't let all my kids suffer because I'm hurting. Paris should be a warning call for me at this point. Granted I can't stop worrying about her, but it's crucial that I don't let the other 3 feel neglected. I nodded my head to what my mother was saying, acknowledging that I understood.
     Once lunch time rolled around, the kids were done with school. I decided to go down and join them today, they were surprised to say the least. Mia came running into my arms, squealing with joy. "Are you feeling better Daddy?" she asked excitedly.
     "Yes baby, much better," I chuckled. "Thank you for being so good for Grandma." I placed a kiss on the top of her head, as I proceeded to do the same to the boys. They both groaned but I knew they couldn't resist my love. My babies filled me in on everything I missed this week. All the shows we had to catch up on, all the staff gossip, and of course all the snitching. And I must say, I missed every little second of this. There was lots of laughter and yelling, haven't felt the house this alive in days.
     "Daddy?" Mia called out as we were clearing the table.
     "Yes sweetheart?" I replied.
     "What's a pephile?" Mia asked innocently. Everyone went silent.
     "What??" I asked in almost a panic. Is she saying what I think she's saying?!
     "A pephile. I read online a few days ago, someone calling you a pephile," she answered. My heart stopped beating. Where the fuck did she read this? How did she even google me? I have all the devices in the house censored. Fuck.
     "You mean pedophile?" Blanket corrected her. I shot him look that told him shut his mouth real quick, or else.
     "Yeah! That's what it said. What does that mean?" she asked again. I ran my fingers through my hair, with absolutely no idea how to explain this to her.
     "Mia. Please go wash your plate," I said trying to avoid the question.
     "Daddy you didn't answer meeee! What's a pe-do-phile," she annunciated.
     "UGH MIA! Stop saying that word! It's not a nice thing to say. Stop asking questions, and do what you're told!" I said annoyed.
     "But—" she began.
     "GO!" I yelled pointing to the kitchen. She poked her bottom lip out and left with another word. Great! As if my week wasn't bad enough, now I have to go explain to my 10 year old why the media insists on calling her father a pedophile. Fuck my life.