"Semi-Short Stories" [ Story Collection ]

Only One Way [] 13/14 []

It hurt to do this. To bring Lu back to the Swans. But he knew that he should, and he knew that if there really was anything there, then Lu would stay in touch. He doesn't outwardly appear affected by what he's doing. He didn't even hesitate to knock on the front door of the home.

When it opened to reveal Samson of all people, he was taken by surprise.

"The hell are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question. Are you here to try and win back your ex-husband? Your son?" Samson motions to Lu. "Well, his son."

"I'm here to bring Lu back. Why else would he be here with me?" Anthony is in front of the other man, protective in a way. He doesn't trust Samson around him. He's losing more and more trust in Samson as it is. Lu doesn't say anything, similar to how he had been acting when Samson had visited Anthony a week or so prior.

"How odd. You were so insistent on keeping him, and now you're just...bringing him back? You'd gotten Him involved and everything..." Samson clicks his tongue with a shake of his head. "What a shame. Would you like to come in?" He holds the door open, acting again as if it were his own home. Anthony steps inside, ushering Lu along with him but keeping him at a safe proximity.

"Where is Valentine?" Pronounced correctly, of course.

Michael, from the couch, answers. "He and Romeo had a few errands to run." He stands, crosses to him, and offers a hand. It's accepted. "Michael Davis. My brother Raphael and I are here until they get back. You are?"

"Anthony Knight. Val's ex-husband. I've given their friend a ride here. I'd rather leave before they return, so I think I'll just be going now." Anthony gives a tight-lipped smile. He gently pushes Lu towards the policeman and investigator, away from Samson. When he turns to leave, he can't help but to stop when he sees the figure standing in the doorway. "Are you here with Samson?"

The figure, his child, shakes their head and makes their way fully into the house. They close the door. "Nah. Here with Seth. He's busy helping someone, but I saw your car from across the street. Wanted to see what was up." As soon as they see Lu, they frown. They understand what he's doing here. "Dad, Valentine's is in two days."

"I know, but that's not important right now. How about we go home, huh? I don't want to be here when Val shows up." He puts an arm around them, turning them to the door and reaching to open it again.

"But Dad-"

Sam doesn't finish their sentence. From the other room, there's a scream, and a crash. Leigh suddenly bursts into the room after slamming a door, shouting some very concerning words. No one stops her, her brothers know that it could cause panic and the others are either too surprised to do anything or just don't care. She's made it to the other side of the living room as she repeats:

"Daddy's back."