Breathe Again

Just Talking About It

The morning after we got home was hell. We didn't let the aloe dry before lying down and when we woke up it literally felt like our skin was peeling off. In some spots it did. 

Chris comes out from the shower, "Never again. Will I fall asleep on a fucking beach. Do we have plans today?" He asks slipping on his boxer briefs. "I agree. I actually was planning on talking to Derek about the whole moving out of state thing and kind of see where he's at with it." I tell him. "Are you really willing to move your whole life for me?" He asks sitting on the bed with me. 

"Chris, you met me when I was broken. Then things were fine and then you became one of my close friends and were there for me when I really needed it. After the divorce I was more broken than I've ever been and you found all the pieces. But you put me back together a better person. So yes. I would move my whole life for you." He wipes a stray tear that slid down his face.

"You give me too much credit. I love you. Well while you're doing that, I'm going to get some things done around here." He kisses me and heads downstairs. I text Derek and see if I can come by. He says yes of course.

An hour later and I'm at my old house knocking on the door. I hear Derek shout come in from the other side of the door. I walk in, "I'm in the kitchen!" He calls out. "How was the honeymoon?" He adds. He comes into view and turns to face me. His eyes go wide. "What?" I can tell he is stifling a laugh. "Maggie, did you forget how badly the sun hates you?" I shake my head and sit at the bar. "No, I didn't. We actually fell asleep on the beach after we..." He waves his hands motioning for me to stop.

"Alright, I know we're all getting along and shit but I still don't need to hear about your sex life with another man. I get the gist of things." He explains leaning against the counter. "Well I actually came over here for a reason. I wanted to talk a few things over with you." He motions for me to move to the kitchen table. Once we're seated and he pours us both a cup a of coffee, I slowly sip on my coffee.

"Well, get on with it." He sips his coffee. 

Here goes nothing.

"Chris and I are married now." That's how I start this conversation? I question my own tactic. "Yes, I know I was there." He responds with his best sarcasm. "Look, what I'm getting at is eventually Chris and I want to move to Boston. My question is the kids. Would you want to go back to court and work out something. Or could we work out something on our own?" I see him gulp and I know now that this wasn't the conversation he was expecting. Derek runs his hand down his face. "I don't want to go back to court. It sucked the first time. Why don't we just ask them what they want to do?" He suggests.

I stare at him and think why didn't I think of that. "They will be home soon. They just went to Liv's real quick. Ask them when they get back. When are you moving?" He's bothered by this conversation but is trying his best to be supportive. "It's unknown at the moment. Why are they down at Liv's?" He leans back in the chair folding his hands behind his head. "They're helping her set up for some yard sale. The whole block is doing it." He explains.

"Maggie, is it weird for you being here? I mean are you uncomfortable?" Derek asks me and I'm not sure what he means. "No. This was once my home as well. I'm very comfortable by the way. Besides with all the changes you made it feels more like your old place in New York." He laughs and looks around the room. As he's about to say something the kids walk in.

"Hey, mom. Too much sun." Elijah jokes as he gently hugs me. "Don't tease mom, Eli." Alaina scolds him and kisses my cheek. "Where's Chris?" Elijah asks as they both head to the fridge, one grabs a water and the other grabs the fixings for a sandwich. "He's at home. But your dad and I want to discuss something with you guys." I tell them. Their attention is solely on me now so I tell them what I had previously told Derek.