The Distance Between Us

3

Lane

The days at the office go by slowly as I spend more and more time at the desk about Alice's case. Lacey found out that I've started staying later than usual, and she sometimes lingers after hours in my office. She'll sometimes keep me company without suggesting anything more, but on several occasions she has hinted that she wanted me to go home with her. I'll admit that the temptation to go with her is getting stronger. I'm getting to were I actually enjoy her company, but is that such a bad thing? We're just friends, and I can talk to a woman without cheating on my wife. No big deal.

Andrews came into my office this morning asking about the case and we talked for an hour about everything that's been happening. Later on I called Alice and scheduled a time to meet and talk about the game plan. Things were going smoothly and soon I found that I had enough time to get off at 8 tonight.

I found myself missing Lacey on the way home, but that's crazy right? So maybe she's the only female I've been able to talk too in a while, but I'm going to get to see my wife tonight, it'll work out.

As I pull into the driveway, the clock turns to 8:32. I get out and make my way to the door. I feel a strange urge to knock, and I laugh wondering where the thought came from. Opening the door, I step into the house and make my way into the living room. They're watching TV and laughing their heads off at some show. I walk in and suddenly the laughter dies away.

"Lane." Rachel chocks. "I didn't know you were coming home early."

I feel a nervous wave wash over me as Ross grabs the remote and mutes the TV.

What's going on with me?

"Hey dad," Abigail says sheepishly.

I smile over at her. "Hey sweetie, y'all had a good day?"

"Yeah," Ross starts. "My team won another game this afternoon."

I immediately become confused. "A game?"

He clears his throat as everyone looks from me to him. "I'm playing baseball now." He mumbles.

I take in a breath, trying to stop myself from gasping. When did that happen?

Rachel pops up from her seat. "How about I get you something to eat?" She grabs my hand and quickly leads me into the kitchen.

I feel a small jolt leap through me at her touch. When was the last time I held her hand? It's lost its familiarity, and this fact stings.

"What are you doing?" She hisses.

I take a step back. "What are you talking about?"

She places her hands on her hips. "What are you doing here so early?"

"I was able to get off work early, so I came home. Is that such a crime?" My voice rises with my frustration.

"No it's not, but you can't just come walking up in there like it's the most natural thing in the world." She shoots back. "You neglect us and then decide that we should fall head-over-heels for you when it's most convenient for you."

Here she goes again with her raging emotions.

"Neglect?" I feel the agitation growing. "I have to stay a few extra hours at work and suddenly I'm the criminal of the century!"

"You're not understanding. You're never there anymore, Lane! And when you are there it's awkward. The kids don't know you anymore and I'm starting to feel the same way. Things have changed and you can't just ignore our feelings about it."

"What are you even talking about? The kids know me. I'm their father for crying out load!"

She rubes her forehead as I hear the kids rushing up the stairs. She calms her tone. "I know that, Lane, but you're still not seeing the problem."