4.8 Last Request

"What the hell." Blake said coming up behind them as they left the restaurant.

"I told you I had to leave," Andrew told his irate date. "Come on let's go," he said turning to Charlie.

"Not so fast," Blake said grabbing Andrew's arm "I'll take you..."

Jumping between them Charlie demanded "let him go."

Eyeing him up and down "and if I don't?" he challenged.

"Blake please," Andrew struggled to free himself "I have a family emergency. Let me go."

"Fine. I'll take you," Blake said without removing his gaze from Charlie.

"No you won't," Charlie's deep voice vibrated with barely contained anger.

Andrew looked over at his friend. He had never heard him sound so angry before. It reminded him of Charlie's dad the night they had taken his car without permission and neither of them had anything more then their learner's permit.  "Charlie?" Andrew said unsure what he wanted to say at the moment.

"Andrew I'll handle this," Charlie told him glaring at Blake. "Let him go" he repeated.

"Or what?" Blake demanded with a smirk "will you make me?" 

"I'll go with him," Andrew offered hoping to diffuse the situation.

"No" Charlie said explosively "let him go." As he spoke he took a step closer, hands bunched into fists.

"Make me," Blake taunted sneering at him "you're all talk and no action." Laughing he shook his head "what's the matter? Scared?" His condescending laugh was cut off by a fist smashing into his nose. Shocked he put a hand to his nose. Anger soon replaced the shock as he turned to his attacker "what the hell was that for?"

Without responding Charlie took advantage of the moment. Grabbing Andrew by the arm and ran across the street to his car. "Get in" he ordered.

"Maybe we should ...."

"No," Charlie shouted at him as they piled into the car. 

"He might be hurt" Andrew protested.

"No," Charlie repeated throwing the car into gear. Glancing in the rear view mirror he caught a glimpse of the angry visage of Blake watching them "trust me he's fine."

***

The sound of the slamming door echoed through the house as Caleb gathered his wife into his arms."Why does she hate us so much?" she sobbed.

"She doesn't" he said despite his own misgivings "not really. Not deep inside. I know she doesn't." 

"Then why?" Drew cried "why is she embarrassed by us? We're her family. Doesn't that mean anything to her?"

"I don't know. I simply don't know," he tried to think when Indira had started to despise them. He was sure it started after she went to that private school. Her best friend had gotten in and of course Indira wanted to go to. He hadn't wanted to separate the girls so he gave in to her pleas. Now he wished he hadn't. She had only been there a year but she wasn't the same since she came back. That was the beginning of her looking down on everything they, as her parents had accomplished. Nothing was ever good enough

Sniffing Drew looked up at him "it was that school wasn't it?" It was like she had been reading his mind. Not surprising really, it was something they had discussed numerous times before

Nodding he stroked her long purple hair "I think so. Someone must have had strong opinions about what was acceptable and what wasn't. I never thought doing what I loved would be a cause for embarrassment. 

"It's not" Drew confirmed leaning her head on his shoulder. He had always been her rock but she knew he was hurt by what Indira did as much as she was. "Caleb what are we going to do now?"

Sighing he squeezed her tight "we're going to let her go out on her own and hope she comes back."

"If she doesn't?" she asked her words hang in the air.

"I don't know," he caressed her cheeks "I wish I did but I don't."

***

Indira followed the helpful airline attendant as he carried her bags to the check in counter. Smiling her thanks she noticed the disappointment in his once eager eyes. Turning she bestowed her smile upon the man at the counter effectively dismissing the attendant. Why should she tip him for doing his job?

Once she had her ticket and her multiple bags were taken from her to load onto the plane. Indira was free to roam the airport at her leisure. However her first priority was to locate her departure gate even though it was hours before her plane would take off. She sat down, pulling out her tablet to review her life goals and crossing off the one titled move out from parents house. Frowning she wondered if she had done the right thing. She had expected to finish college first before taking that step.

The image of her mom's stricken face appeared in her mind. The harshness in her dad's voice. She closed her eyes trying to blot out the memories that bombarded her. It had to happen sooner or later. 

Today was just as good as any other day.

She looked up groaning softly as she saw a familiar person walking towards her. Her heart skipped a beat before hammering out a steady bongo beat. As he sat down beside her she said "I thought you were on a family vacation?"

"I was. Now I'm not," he shrugged as he set his bag down by his feet "my boss called cutting my vacation short."

"So just like that," she snapped her fingers "vacation over." She nodded her approval "I admire your dedication."

His cheeks burned a fiery red "if I do well during my summer internship I'll be up for a promotion when I finish school."

"So what is it that you do?" she asked with genuine interest.

He gave a stiff thin lipped smile "now that you think I have an impressive job you want to get to know me."

"Why would I waste my time on someone who doesn't have a good prospective job or worthy goals?" she asked "it's perfectly reasonable to want to know that a prospective date has a good job and a good income. Employers look at those types of things and I want to be sure all of my acquaintances and associates share my ideals and goals."

"Really? Do you honestly think that's for the best?" he asked squirming as if his chair suddenly became a smoldering pile of cinders "what difference does it make whether my associates share my ideals and goals? What if my dad was an unemployed house husband? Why would that make a difference to my future job prospects?"

Shrugging she said "it just does," she crossed her arms frowning at her companion.

"That's not a reason. It's a cop out. Give me a solid reason, one good reason why my credentials are less worthy then my pedigree; especially if I can do the job better then the next person." He held her gaze until she nodded accepting his challenge.

***

"Andy" Emmaline cried as she threw herself into his arms.

Hugging her tight Andrew asked "what's happening?" He looked around frowning as he heard the muffled sounds of his mom crying upstairs and his dad's voice attempting to comfort her. "Was there an accident? Where's Indira?" He held Emmaline at arms length peering into her eyes. 

"She's gone," she cried.

Gone? Andrew swallowed imagining his sister laid out in the county morgue after some terrible car accident. Heart beating fast he asked again "what happened?"

"She was so mean to them," Emmaline blubbered "I should have tried to stop her. I should have done something."

"Will you just tell me what happened" he demanded at the end of his patience. It was times like this that he was reminded just how young Emmaline really was.

"Indira left" she screamed "packed her bags and left."

"She did what?" Andrew let his hands drop limply to his side "why?" He knew Indira hadn't been pleased with his decision to accept himself the way he was. She hadn't liked him accepting the date with Blake but that was no reason for her to leave. "This is all my fault isn't?"

Shaking her head Emmaline wiped her eyes dry "it's her fault not yours. She's the one who told mom and dad that they were ruining her future. She told them they needed to grow up and live in the real world. Well she's the one living in a fantasy. She's...."

"I think I should probably go," Charlie spoke for the first time moving towards the door.

"Charlie you came," Emmaline attacked him by throwing her arms around him in a tight bear hug as if she hadn't seen him standing there before.

"You called him" Andrew asked.

"Of course I did. How else was he to know someone was moving in on his territory?" Emmaline demanded "a little jealousy is a wonderful motivator."

"Who says I was jealous?" Charlie asked

"You're here aren't you?" Emmaline giggled at him as he turned several shades of red.

"You could have told me you called him" Andrew grumbled.

"You wouldn't have gone out with Blake if I had."

"A pleasure I could have done without," he mumbled.

***

He sat outside their house staring up at the dark windows. Some emergency he mumbled to himself. Where were the flashing lights? The wail of sirens? Police officers in uniform? 

It was all a lie. A ploy to end the date. He rubbed his sore, swollen chin. Anger made his stomach roll and twist inside him. He would get even. No one get's away with punching him in the face and making him look like a weak little fool. 

Who did that guy think he was? Andrew obviously knew who he was. Calling him by name. Charlie that's his name. He smiled into the night rubbing his chin. He was looking forward to meeting him again.

***

As they talked, well she talked and he nodded his head at appropriate moments as her words washed over him. She had yet to prove to him why pedigree was more important than performance. It seemed the more she talked the more she talked in circles. He saw the slight frown crease her brow as he reached for his ringing phone. No doubt she thought he was being rude for not ignoring the call when she should be the focus of his attention.

"Hello" he said with forced cheerfulness "yeah I'm waiting to board my plane." He rolled his eyes as he continued "of course I'm at my designated area. I'm not an idiot." He grabbed his bag that was on the floor by his feet before walking away. "You owe me big for this," he growled "no I don't like her. She's a pain in the a...."

Indira watched him walk away talking on his phone. No word of apology or a mumbled goodbye. She had the sinking feeling she had been dismissed. Why did she even care? She didn't even know his name. She followed him with her eyes. She ducked her head as he looked over at her and winked. She got up, grabbed her bag and made her way to the ladies room. She couldn't shake the feeling that his eyes followed her all the way causing her cheeks to burn. What power did he have over her that left her wanting more?

"Dad why do I have to babysit her?" he asked once he knew she wouldn't be interrupting him. 

"Wouldn't it be better if she had a guard she didn't know by sight?" He rolled his eyes "I know she's a wild card. She's also one of the most irritating people I've ever met." He sighed heavily "I just wish..."

He disconnected the call. He hated this assignment. Why couldn't he watch over Andrew or even Emmaline? When he was at college he was assigned both of the twins. Now that Indira was leaving home the dubious pleasure of being her guard fell on his shoulders. How was he going to manage it? He couldn't forever keep bumping into her. She would eventually grow suspicious.

***

"I don't want to go to bed," Emmaline glared at her brother "I'm not a child."

"I never said that," Andrew protested "I simply meant that we're all tired."

"That's not what you said" she pouted proving without a doubt she was only fourteen.

Pulling his sister close he kissed the top of her head. "There's nothing we can do tonight. Tomorrow if mom and dad want to, we'll look for Indira."

"We could call the police..."

"And tell them what?" Charlie interrupted "she's over eighteen. She's an adult fully capable of making her own decisions. They'll tell you she's within her rights to come and go as she pleases. They won't look for her."

"You think you know everything," she pouted crossing her arms.

"Not everything," Charlie smiled at her "I do however know a thing or two about police procedures. After all my dad was a cop. I was bound to pick up a few things."

"You know I'm sorry about your dad," Emmaline said moving to give him a hug. 

"I know" his voice hushed "I'm sorry too for shutting everyone out." He looked up catching Andrew's eyes as he continued "I'm sorry that I hurt you. I never meant to do that."

Feeling uncomfortable with the way Charlie was looking at him Andrew glanced away mumbling "it's ok." It wasn't. Not really. It didn't take the pain of being rejected away. He was glad Charlie was there when he needed him. Was gratitude enough to make up for the months of silence between them? He just didn't know how he should be feeling?

"Andy is that all you have to say?" Emmaline demanded looking at her brother in disbelief "he came here to see you. You left your date to be with him. Doesn't that tell you something?"

Charlie put a gentle hand on her shoulder "Emmaline your brother and I need to talk. It's not so simple..."

"Of course it is," she jerked away from him "you just tell each other how much you love each other." She crossed her arms "well I'm waiting."

"I should be going" Charlie said moving towards the door.

"I'll walk you out" Andrew offered ignoring his sister.

"Goodnight Emmie" Charlie said as he opened the door and walked out.

"You're both impossible," she yelled at them "why do I even try?" she stomped up the stairs oblivious of their bewildered stares.

***

"She's certainly persistent" Charlie said as he stopped beside Andrew.

"She is," he mumbled "why are you here?" he asked turning his gaze from the night sky to Charlie.

"Um," he sighed looking away "I came to see you."

"Again I ask why?" Andrew persisted "you were pretty clear when you told me to go live my life." He shuffled his feet kicking at tiny rocks "when I do you show up. Why? Why now?" he demanded. "For months my calls go unanswered. My texts and emails ignored. What changed?" His voice was cut off by Charlie pulling him close and pressing his lips against his. Struggling against him Andrew demanded "what the...."

"I love you," Charlie declared "I've loved you since we were fifteen."

"You have a funny way of showing it," Andrew grumbled taking several steps back.

"Andy please," Charlie took a step towards him "let me explain. I know I've hurt you. I don't deserve your forgiveness..."

Andrew opened his mouth to speak only to find Charlie's hand pressed against his lips. "Don't say anything at least not yet. When I'm done if you want me to go I'll go." He removed his hand when Andrew nodded. "That morning when we woke up in each other's arms," Andrew nodded to indicate he remembered but the pain in his eyes wasn't lost to Charlie. "I was going to tell you I liked you. My nerves got the worst of me and I chickened out. I was afraid you didn't feel the same."

"But I..."

"Then I hit you," Charlie continued as if Andrew hadn't said anything "I felt awful. I didn't think I deserved your forgiveness or love. When you told me at the funeral that you had feelings for me I...." his voice choked up.

"You were punishing yourself, weren't you?" Andrew asked.

"Yes," Charlie took a deep breath to steady himself. "While I felt I didn't deserve you I felt like I was letting my dad down." 

Andrew looked at him curiously "how? I don't understand."

"Before he died," Charlie took a large gulp of air "I didn't think I'd get another chance to tell him. I told him how much I liked you and how I was afraid you didn't feel the same. He woke up briefly....he told me...to tell you."

Andrew closed the gap between them and pulled Charlie close. "It's ok you told me," he rubbed his back as Charlie fell apart sobbing on his shoulder.

Between hiccups Charlie said "it was the last thing he said to me." He leaned into Andrew's embrace "when Emmie sent me that picture..."

"What picture?"

"The one of you and Blake at the beach. I knew I had to tell you. I needed you to know even if it was too late."

Bright lights coming from a car peeling out of the horse stables across the street illuminated them briefly. "That guy was in a hurry," Andrew mumbled.

Frowning Charlie watched the taillights of the car until they faded into the distance. "What kind of car does Blake drive?"

Shrugging "I don't .... " something in Charlies manner had Andrew casting his memory back to earlier that evening. "It's pretty similar to that one. I could be wrong. I'm terrible at makes of cars. Why?"

"I'm sure it's nothing," Charlie shook his head. He had a feeling he finally understood what his dad meant by a gut feeling. .

4.7 Moving On

Charlie stared at the picture Emmaline sent him. Andrew looked so happy smiling up at that guy beside him. Something twisted inside him clenching his stomach tight. Who was that guy? They were standing so close to each other. Was that his hand? Frowning Charlie made the picture larger. The image of that guys hand on Andrew's shoulder took his breath away.

He let the phone slide through his slack fingers to land face down on the carpeted floor. His knees felt weak as he slumped into a chair shaking. This was his fault. If he hadn't told Andrew to go on with his life this wouldn't be happening. He just .... didn't think that Andrew really would.

Tears dropped onto the backs of his hands unnoticed as his mind replayed the past. The time when he woke up beside Andrew in the same bed, his arms wrapped tight around him. A smile played across his lips as he remembered how he had pretended to be asleep knowing that Andrew wouldn't move for fear of waking him up. He had meant to tell Andrew then how he felt but he let the moment turn awkward. So much so that Andrew had asked his Aunt for a sleeping bag preferring to sleep on the floor then next to him in the bed.

After Charlie lost his dad he had tried not to cry but the tears came anyway. Andrew had heard him, offered his support by holding him the rest of the night. Shaking his head Charlie drew in a deep breath as memories bombarded him of what he did next. He pushed Andrew away. Destroyed the only good thing he had left. His hands curled into fists as he relived hitting his best friend, how he fell into the wall. He should have apologized. Andrew would have understood. Instead he ran and he hadn't stopped running yet.

Wiping his eyes dry on the backs of his hands Charlie sniffed looking around the familiar room. The apartment he had shared with his dad. He had to let go of the past. Uncle Jeff had been trying to tell him that since he ran here to hide. It was his safe zone. The only place he could still feel his dad's presence. There were so many things he still wanted to ask him. So many things he needed to know. Now he never would. His dad was gone. He'd never walk through the door again no matter how long he waited. He'd never feel his dad's strong arms holding him, reassuring him everything would be ok. He'd never hear his dad's deep voice or baritone laugh. It was time to let him go.

His dad would be the first one to tell him to go on with his life. It was time to move on. Time to live. He couldn't hide here forever. Picking up his phone he saw Andrew's smiling face staring up at him. Was it already too late? There was only way to find out, but was he ready to put himself out there?

***

Jogging down the road Indira's brow furrowed as her thoughts turned towards the conversation that happened several days ago. Everyone sided against her. Was she the only one who was concerned that Andrew was going down a path that would lead to a lifetime of ridicule? He wasn't strong enough for that. He needed a nice girl by his side nudging him in the right direction. Speaking of which, why hadn't Sheree returned her calls? She stopped to pull her phone out. No missed calls. No messages. The girl was definitely ignoring her.

Glaring at the unresponsive phone she was startled by a deep chuckle directly in front of her. "If looks could kill...."

"Are you following me?" she demanded recognizing the voice of the boy from her dorm. 

"Don't get your panties in a bunch, he smirked "you're not that entrancing."

She felt the familiar irritation she always felt upon encountering him. "Then why are you here?" she demanded.

Crossing his arms he leaned back into a tree that was lining the road. "It certainly wasn't to see your beautiful face."

Wait, what? Her scowl slipped as she looked up at him in surprise. "You think I'm beautiful?"

Shrugging he smirked at her "yeah until you open your mouth and shit comes out."

"Why I..." she made an inarticulate scream stomping her foot.

He turned mumbling "truth hurts."

Grabbing his arm to keep him from leaving she demanded "why are you here?"

"You're a broken record," he tugged his arm free "if you must know I'm here with my family. A family vacation. I was told there was a beach around here."

"There is but it's private," she told him.

"You have your own beach?" he asked unable to disguise his astonishment.

"Don't be ridiculous. The beach is owned by the horse ranch across the street." She laughed. It felt good to be able to shock him. "So are you ever going to tell me your name?"

"Maybe .... one day," he grinned at her "if you ask."

"I did ask" she put her hands on her slim hips frowning at him.

Shaking his head "no you asked if I ever would tell you my name." He turned and began to jog away from her.

She snapped her mouth shut as she realized she was standing there gaping at his retreating back. It was so rare that anyone ever stood up to her she was intrigued despite herself.

***

Emmaline was watching Andrew rummaging through his closet. Tossing one outfit after another as she shook head silently rejecting them. Sighing she said "we need to go shopping."

He stopped holding a couple of shirts frowning "what's wrong with the clothes I have?"

Shrugging she wrinkled her nose "they're ok if you're a hundred."

"Are you saying I dress like on old man?"

"Well..."she ducked as he threw the shirts at her "maybe an old business man. Who else wears suits anymore?" She giggled as Andrew pinned her down to tickle her.

"You just want an excuse to go shopping" he said letting her up.

"Maybe" she leaned into him "but I do want you to look your best for your date."

"First you want to dress me. Next you'll want to do my hair," he shook his head "what am I? A doll?"

"I never said anything about your hair" cocking her head to the side she gave him an appraising look "now that you mention it you could use a new look."

"No" he shook his head loosening a few strands from his bun.

"If you let me style your hair you don't have to go shopping" she told him reaching up to pull his hair free.

Jerking his head back he reached up to fix his hair "get your things. We're going shopping."

"I knew you could be reasoned with," she said skipping towards the door "I just need to grab my bag then I'll be ready to go."

"I've been had," he groaned slapping a hand to his head.

***

Turning from the mirror Andrew asked "do I look alright?"

Smiling from the bed where she watched her brother primp in front of the mirror. Emmaline sat up "turn around" she commanded twirling her finger around in a circle.

Feeling slightly foolish he did as was requested "well?" he asked "do I pass inspection?"

Getting of the bed she reached up and tugged on his bun "you really should let me style your hair..."

Slapping her hands away "I like me hair just the way it is."

"Leave it down" she told him as he reached up to secure it "Blake might want to run his fingers through it."

His hands stilled as he contemplated her words. Shaking his head he resumed tying his hair back. "Why do I let myself listen to you?"

"Because I know what I'm talking about," she replied with an impish grin "trust me. Guys like to run their fingers through long soft hair."

Giving her a strange look he asked "how do you know that?"

Shrugging she moved towards the door "I'm not as innocent as I look."

"Get back here and explain yourself," he demanded as she walked away laughing. He found her comment unsettling to say the least. She was much too young to know what guys liked. At fourteen she was light years ahead of him in the romance department. He didn't have much time to dwell on it though as Blake was due to arrive any minute.

***

Indira watched as her brother left on his date. She wanted to run after him and beg him not to do this. She nibbled on her bottom lip forcing herself to remain silent, motionless while her parents fell over themselves to be nice to this Blake person. What was wrong with these people?

Groaning she ran from the room refusing to acknowledge anyone once her brother and Blake left. She said all she was going to on the subject. If her brother wanted to ruin his life then that was on him. She did all she could to dissuade him from following this path. Her parents were just as bad if not worse than him. Not one of them could see what a dangerous path he was on full of ridicule for himself and anyone associated with him. As much as it pained her she would just have to distance herself from her family. She had great things planned for herself and she couldn't afford to let anyone or anything get in her way.

She felt her parents disapproving glances as she went past them. Please she silently begged don't let her mom follow her. She didn't want another lecture about being tolerant and understanding. She was so past what they thought anyway. She would be nineteen next month. Old enough to be her own person and she didn't need an old has been rock star or his paranormal fanatic wife trying to change her mind. There was nothing she could learn from them. All they could do now is hinder her from accomplishing the things she wanted. A gay brother was the least of her worries but one she thought she could control. She threw open her bedroom door muttering to herself.

There was only one thing left to do. She had to cut off all ties with the family that had begun to feel like a mill stone around her neck. She wiped a few tears from her eyes as she began to pack. She spared little room for keepsakes or pictures. What good were those things when she didn't plan on coming back? She knew in a remote part of her brain that what she was doing would devastate her parents but what choice did she have? If she stayed they would destroy all of her dreams by just being them. Always weighing her down keeping her from what she wanted. Striking out on her own she could reinvent herself unhindered from her past and family.

When she was ready she could always come back. Once she had accomplished everything she wanted. Once she was successful it wouldn't matter who her parents were or what sexual orientation her brother was. She'd be able to deal with it then but first she had to get there. Looking around her room nodding with finality mumbling to herself "this is for the best."

***

"You look good" Blake complimented Andrew as they sat down at the table.

"Thank you" Andrew looked down fiddling with his napkin. He could feel the heat in his cheeks rising. A waitress approached them saving him from having to say more.

"What's your best wine?" Blake asked the waitress. Andrew glanced up about to interrupt them when the waitress turned and walked away.

"I'm not old enough to drink yet," he mumbled just loud enough for his companion to hear him.

Shrugging Blake said "she didn't card you so you're in the clear." 

His casual dismal of her error bothered Andrew. He had never done anything illegal before "I..." he fell silent as the waitress returned to pour the wine. He should say something but his tongue felt like it was glued to the roof of his mouth. He turned his eyes towards Blake silently pleading with him to do something.

Shaking his head Blake's lips twitched as he winked at Andrew increasing his discomfort. Blake proceeded to place their order without inquiring what Andrew wanted. Embarrassed Andrew remained silent as the waitress gathered their menus and walked away. He sat back letting his anger wash through him replacing his embarrassment and discomfort. "What?" Blake asked "you don't have to drink it if you don't want to." He reached across the table to take Andrew's glass away.

Andrew's hand shot forward as if it had a mind of it's own and lifted the wine glass before Blake could remove it. "I'm not a child" he mumbled glaring over the rim of the glass at him. He took a large gulp and barely kept from spewing it over everything. It was like drinking liquid cotton balls, it left his mouth with a dry parched feeling.

Watching him with interest Blake took a sip of his own wine "it's a very good dry wine." He smiled "you'll love the entree. This restaurant has the best steak in town."

Andrew opened his mouth to explain that he didn't eat red meat when he was distracted by a sight he never expected to see again. Despite his best efforts his eyes followed the man walking towards them. "What is he doing here?" he gasped under his breath.

***

Charlie checked into the hotel and walked across the street to the restaurant. It had been a long tiring day of making one flight connection after another with no time between to grab a bite to eat. He stopped just outside the restaurant door taking in his surroundings. He had no idea what he was going to do. At least he was here. He tried not to think too far in advance but an inner voice kept asking him what he would do if Andrew didn't want to see him. What if he had blew his shot and this was all a waste of time?

He walked into the busy restaurant waiting his turn to be seated. His stomach growled loudly causing several nearby individuals to snicker and turn their heads to look at him. Maybe he should just leave. Find a fast food joint that would give his stomach fits for the rest of the night. Before he could make up his mind his name was called.

He got up to follow the hostess to his table. He nearly bumped into her when she stopped in front of him. He had let his eyes wander to look at the other patrons in the restaurant. The man of his dreams was sitting at a table almost directly across from the table the hostess had brought him to. Absently Charlie sat down taking the menu and using it as a blind to hide behind.

While he pretended to read the menu he kept glancing over at Andrew and his good looking date. His brow creased in concern as he watched Andrew sipping wine. Since when had he taken up drinking? He looked around the busy restaurant wondering how he had managed to get served alcohol. Averting his eyes to the menu he wondered if he dared turn him in.

Deciding against it he continued to pretend to be engrossed in his menu while he watched the couple. He didn't like the guy Andrew was with. He was too suave. Too smooth. Who was he kidding? The guy would be too anything. He just didn't like the guy because he was where he wanted to be. What was he going to do now?

***

Drew walked into Indira's room "what's this?" she asked upon seeing her suitcases out.

Rolling her eyes "what does it look like?" she snapped at her mom.

"You're packing...but why?" Drew asked her eyes large with confusion.

"Ding ding ding we have a winner," Indira announced moving towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Drew asked her following her into the hallway.

"Anywhere but here," Indira told her not bothering to give her mom an explanation.

"You can't be going back to school. The term doesn't even start until the fall." Drew blinked back tears as she watched her daughter struggle with multiple bags at once. In too much of a hurry to be gone to take the time to make more than one trip.

"I'm going to stay with a friend until school starts," Indira informed her.

"But .... you just got here," Drew protested.

"Well it's refreshing that you have a firm grasp on reality," Indira turned to glare at her "it's not like I'm wanted here. None of you appreciate my opinions ...."

"That doesn't mean we don't want you here," Drew told her desperate to keep her daughter here a little longer.

"Oh grow up mother. I know you don't understand anything about me. Maybe if you and dad had grown up jobs you'd know how the real world works." Indira turned intent on leaving when she gasped finding Caleb standing in front of her.

"Don't talk to your mother like that," he told her crossing his arms and frowning at her. His eyes held a hot boiling anger in them. 

"I'm..." Indira swallowed suddenly unsure of herself in the face of her fathers anger "I'm tired of always having to walk on egg shells around here. I'm never able to voice my opinions without someone taking offense." She moved towards the door.

"Indira please," Drew cried out to her.

The heart wrenching cry almost had her rethinking her actions until she heard her dad talking behind her. "Let her go Drew. If this is what she wants we can't stop her."

"I know," Drew sobbed "but she's so young..."

Whirling to face her parents "I'm not a child," she shouted "I'm an adult with my own opinions. I'm leaving and you can't stop me." She half expected them to try. She half wanted them to try just so she'd have an excuse not to do what she planned. It hurt to hear her mother's sobs as she opened the door. It hurt to hear her dad trying to comfort her. It hurt above everything else that no one came after her. that hurt fueled her anger as she got into the taxi that was waiting for her.

***

Emmaline stood hidden, silently observing as her sister tore her parents hearts out. Good riddance she thought as Indira stormed from the house. They didn't need her chock a block archaic opinions on things. It was bad enough that the year she and Andrew were away at school she had all but destroyed his self-confidence. Now she was making her parents feel like failures. Why couldn't she accept them for the wonderful people they were? Why did she feel the need to change them to fit some stupid mold of what she thought was acceptable?

Hearing her mom sobbing Emmaline moved unobtrusively to another room wishing she had done something to help. Maybe she should have tried to stop Indira from leaving or tried to defend her parents in some way. Sighing she sank onto the couch feeling awful. After a moment she pulled out her phone sending a text to the only person she knew would drop everything to help her.

***

Pushing the rare steak around his plate Andrew was thankful for the distraction answering his text afforded him. Frowning he looked up at Blake saying "I need to go home."

"I'm not done eating yet," Blake informed him around a huge bite of red meat.

"It's an emergency..."

"So" he continued to chew ignoring Andrew's attempts to get him to take him home.

Growing impatient Andrew flagged down the waitress "can we get a couple of to-go boxes?"

Frowning Blake said "I told you we're not going yet."

"What part of emergency don't you understand?" Andrew asked his voice rising causing several nearby people to turn in their direction.

"Don't be so melodramatic. I said we'll go when I'm ready," Blake told him sitting back in his chair crossing his legs and arms.

Andrew's eyes narrowed as he thought about his options. He refused to let Blake dictate anymore of the evening then he already had, not when it came to his family. Nodding he tossed his napkin onto his plate as he pushed his chair back. He got to his feet striding over to where Charlie sat pretending to be engrossed in his food. "I need a favor."

Looking up Charlie nodded tossing enough money on the table to cover the bill and tip. As they moved towards the door he said "my rental is at the hotel."