If Addie Lost the Fight

Chapter 5: One Last Day Together

Addie woke up about an hour and a half later and looked at Eric. He was still asleep and had an arm around her waist. She smiled a little. He looked so peaceful when he slept.

Part of her wanted to let him keep sleeping, but the other part wanted to wake him up so they could spend more time together. As she was thinking about what to do, Eric woke up and kissed her. "You're up."

"Yeah," Addie said with a smile. "I didn't want to sleep for too long."

"I know. " Eric said. "Is there anything you want to do?"

"I just want to spend time with you, the kids and our other friends and family. If I won't be able to see you guys anymore, I want to make some good memories before I leave."

Eric nodded. "I understand... I still don't want you to go though."

Addie sighed. "I don't want to go either, but I have to."

"I know..."

Addie huffed. "I wish I could just go back in time and tell myself not to make this stupid decision."

"Addie. Nothing you have ever done is stupid."

"Then what do you call this?"

"I call it you being the bravest and most thoughtful mother," Eric said. "You made a sacrifice to ensure that your children at least would be safe."

Addie's eyes shone with tears. "But I won't be able to see you hardly at all anymore... Or the kids..."

Eric kissed her. "We'll figure something out. We always do."

Addie sighed. "But I really messed up this time..."

"We can find a way through this mess."

Addie looked into his eyes. "I hope you're right."

"I know I am. Now, let's text all our friends and tell them to meet us at our house."

"But Eric. It's the middle of the night. They wouldn't come."

Eric grinned. "We'll tell them it's an emergency and that they have to come!"

Addie smiled at his ridiculousness. "Isn't that basically lying?"

Eric grinned back at her. "No. This is important. They'll understand. If it's important to us, then it's important to them. They're good friends that way."

Addie smiled. "You're right."

***

Fifteen minutes later, Eric and Addie were sitting on their couch, snuggling their kids while waiting for their friends to come in.

After a bit, all their friends burst through the door at once.

"What's wrong?" Percy asked.

Annabeth looked at Eric and Addie curiously as they sat on the couch, trying not to laugh. "There's no emergency, is there?"

Eric grinned. "Not exactly."

"Not one we can fix, anyway," Addie added.

"Then, what's wrong?" Nico asked.

"We thought you guys were in trouble," Leo said.

Addie sighed and told them the entire story. When she was done, the room was silent.

"So, you're leaving?" Haley asked softly.

Addie nodded sadly.

"But, why do you have to?" Felix asked, sorrow evident in her voice.