His Only Savior | #Wattys2019

Chapter 18

"Isaac move over!"  I used my foot to push him across the floor, giving myself more room to wiggle.

"Would you shut up," Becca's voice was muffled by the pillow she had her face buried in.

"His elbow was in my back though," I complained.

"You're welcome," his laugh echoed through the living-room.  "Oh, and happy birthday Em."

"The next person to talk gets a pillow to the face."  Becca shot us both a warning look, her eyebrows pulled together attempting to make a serious grumpy face.

My ears perked to attention as I heard the distant sound of my mom's cry.  "Do you guys hear that?"  They both sat up, the house falling into utter silence, all except the ragged breathing of my mom.  Slowly pulling myself to my feet I spotted her sitting at the dining-room table her face hidden by her hands, her body shaking uncontrollably.  "Mom?"

Her grey eyes locked onto mine, they were damp and dull, the life drained from her typically perky facade.  "Honey," she choked out.

"What is it, what's wrong?"  I ran to her side, throwing my arms around her the minute I reached her.

"I didn't want to wake you last night," she choked out.  "Did your father not speak with you?"

"No?  He said goodbye as he left for work, other than that no."  I backed away so I could search her face for some sign of what was going on.  My eyes begging her to tell me.

"He came by the firm last night."

"Okay?"  I shook my head in confusion.  When Becca and Isaac made their way over my mom glanced between the three of us, hesitant to answer.

Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for sharing the most devastating news any young girl could hear on their birthday.  Fuck that the worst news any girl could hear ever.  "He left sweetheart—"

"Where?"  A nervous laugh escaped me, but my stomach sank.  I knew the answer I just didn't want to admit it.  My parents had been fighting for years, refusing to share the same bed.  The previous months he had even begun pushing me away, telling me things no little girl should be told, especially not by their own dad.

"I don't now, but he won't be coming back."  Slowly finding strength she made her way over to me, wrapping me in the most vulnerable hug.  Our emotions channeling through one another as if we were one.  "There is nothing I can say to make this easier, but you are not alone.  I will always be here."  My body convulsed as the tears broke free, leading a charge down the delicate skin of my cheeks.  Becca and Isaac timidly walked forward engulfing my mom and I in their arms.  Somehow knowing my two closest friends were there eased the pain in my heart.  I was surrounded by the three people who loved me more than anyone, the three people who would never abandon me.

After the news I wasn't really in the mood to celebrate so Becca went home, needing to work on her sixth-grade science fair project.  Isaac being Isaac refused to leave my side, doting over my every need.  I took a short nap and when I awoke his arms were wrapped snugly around my waist. 

"Hey, you're awake," he whispered as I rolled over on the couch to face him.  "How did you sleep?"

"Well it wasn't terrible if that's what you're asking."  A small laugh escaped but my face quickly fell flat.  "You know you don't have to stay.  I know I'm depressing to be around right now."

"Not at all, besides I wouldn't abandon you."

"You know my dad told me that once, when him and my mom started arguing."

"Whelp, lucky for you I'm not him.  Remember you and I, through thick and thin we're in this together until the end," he smiled.

"Isaac, this is serious.  That's just some silly saying we came up with when we were—"

"They are words I will live by until I grow old and die," he interrupted.  "I promise you Emily Lahey I will always be by your side."  I wanted to protest but he leaned his head against mine, causing my breath to catch in my throat.  "I promise I will never abandon you."