Drowning

Chapter Seven

We pulled up to local fast food joint making me look at Danny. I know he hates pretty much every type of fast food unless he is on his man-period. But this one is Matty’s favorite. “Come on, I’m hungry.” He smiled at me getting out of the car. I put my sunglasses in the cup holder before getting out as Matty jumped around excited. I watched as Danny rubbed the back of his head nervously. I knew this wasn’t good. We ordered and sat down in a booth away from everyone else.

“What are you going to tell us?” I said as I put French fries on my burger. Danny blinked at me not knowing what to say. Matty opened his toy from his happy meal and started to play with it.

“How do you know I want to talk to you about something?” He asked taking a sip from his drink.

“Because I’m not stupid.” I sighed putting my bread back on the burger. “What are you going to tell me that needs to be sweetened with food?” He sighed.

“You caught me.” I raised an eyebrow at him. He took a deep breath. “I’m going to be going on a mission in South America for two weeks. I’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow.” I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. “It will only be two weeks, Ana. Then I’ll be back. You’ll be a week into school, Matty two. I’m sorry.” I shook my head.

“It’s not your fault. I’m just surprised. I thought you said you weren’t going to go so soon.” He shrugged.

“I am. They don’t want to send me on a full deployment so they are sending me on these short missions.” I nodded. I took a sip of my soda and pulled at the end of my braid. “I know it’s a touchy time at the moment with us meshing as a family but I have to go.”

“I know Danny. Have you told my Mother?” I asked him wrapping up my food. I know I can’t stomach anything right now.

“I haven’t. I thought maybe if I told you first you could help her through this.” I stared at him like he was crazy. He must have lost his mind. Matty sat staring at his toy not saying a thing. He moves over and curls into my side.

“Daddy, are you going to miss my first day of school?” He held onto my arm.

“I’m sorry Bud, but I’m sure Diana will take you to school.” I felt Matty tremble at the thought of being alone with my Mother.

“My Mother doesn’t do early morning school.” I shrugged. “I’ll take you Buddy, then after we’ll get yogurt.” He looked up at me and smiled.

“Thank you,  Annie.” He was still snuggled up to my side.

“You’re going to have to tell her. The longer you wait the more anger she is going to get.” He nodded at me.

“Promise me one thing, well two.” I nodded.

“Anything.”

“You’ll take care of Matty.” I nodded.

“Of course.”

“And no more tattoos.” I smiled at him. “Not until I’m back.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I shoved our leftover food into Matty’s kid’s meal bag. “You want to go see one of your friends, Matty? Daddy needs to go talk to my Moth-mom.” Matty nodded as Danny pulled out his phone to call his friends. We walked out with me helping Matty into his car seat.

“Alright, thank you.” Danny hung up and looked at me. “He can come over now. I can drop you off somewhere.”

“No, you want to switch and I’ll drop you off at the house?” I asked him taking a sip of my soda. “I have to go somewhere after anyway.” He hands me the keys. We switched seats before I pulled out and made my way towards base.