Her Escape, His Safe Haven

Chapter 38- And That's Okay

Athena's POV

This morning when I woke up Eli was already up and in the shower. I got up and quickly threw on an outfit then I made us a quick breakfast. Breakfast burritos. It's Monday morning so we have to go to school unfortunately. 

"Good morning." I said when Eli came out of the room dressed in a pair of black jeans, a white t shirt, and a light blue denim jacket. He had a pair of clean white converse on his feet and his hair is all but dry from his shower. "I made you breakfast."

"Thanks." He said taking the plate and placing a quick kiss on my cheek before sitting down. HE didn't once look at me. 

He's upset. This isn't the same as the other say when he was jealous. This is different. He looks... sad. He's just sitting there eating his breakfast with a vacant lost look on his face.

I sat beside him and rested a hand on his arm. He looked up at me and the look in his eyes broke my heart. Without thinking I pulled him to me resting his head on my chest.

"What's wrong baby?" I asked when his arms wrapped around me. 

"It's just a really hard day today."

"What's today?" I asked without pulling away. I can feel how much he needs this.

"Today is her birthday." He said with such despair in his voice allowing me to feel the pain he is in.

"Your mom." I stated rather than asked. There was no need for clarification. 

He nodded and I squeezed him just a little tighter. I lightly rubbed his back with my hand trying to provide as much comfort as I could. 

"Let me drop you off at your dad's place. You can spend the day with Deliah and Charlie. You should take the day off school." I told him "Wait does Charlie work today?" I asked as an afterthought.

"He always takes today off." He said shaking his head. I lightly nodded before pulling away. 

"You can take that in the car with you." I said pointing at the burrito. 

We grabbed our necessities and got in the car. I took the driver's seat today so Eli didn't have to focus on the road. The drive was silent and we made it to Charlie's pretty quickly. I wasn't planning to get out, I figured they could spend the day together as a family. So I let Eli get out without even sparing a glance and my childhood house.

Eli took two steps towards the door before turning around just realizing I didn't shut the car off "Please stay." He whispered so quietly that I wouldn't have caught it if I wasn't watching him. I nodded and shit the car off before quickly getting out and racing to his side. I grabbed his hand and we made it inside the house.

"Hey." He said to Charlie who was sitting quietly on the couch. He looked up at the voice and a tiny barely there smile graced his face. 

"Hi. I should probably yell at you for not going to school, but I'm glad you guys are here." He said before motioning for us to sit on the other couch. 

"Where's Deliah?" Eli asked.

"In her room. She didn't want to come out. I tried everything. This day is just so hard. She hasn't said anything or even moved from her bed." Charlie looked so heartbroken I wanted to cry for him. "Could you try?" Eli nodded.

"I'll be back baby girl." He kissed my cheek and headed to D's bedroom. 

"How are you doing today Charlie?" I asked quietly, afraid that if I were too loud something would break. I don't know if I was afraid of breaking something in him or myself, but I didn't want to take the risk.