Different But Same (Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz)

XCIV. Figure It Out

Three days, that's how many days it's been since my dad basically disowned me.

Three days since my future changed forever – (Technically, if you don't count the sex.)

Three days since my own father kicked me out of my childhood home.

Funny how it takes seconds, and a single conversation for your life to seemingly be ruined forever...

Three days, that's how long I've been staying with grandma. She knows how to take care of me, Eli too. She's always offering him food after his daily meditation.

Yes – He meditates now. Out on grandma's patio. He refuses to show up at Miyagi-Do again until dad apologises to me. Besides, dad will probably try to kill him if he sets foot onto Mr Miyagi's property – He'd probably say something dumb like 'you ruined my dojo, and now you've ruined my daughter'

He can be such an asshole when he wants to be. And this is one of those times. I just feel so lost, my own dad hates me for a mistake. A mistake I made. Yes – This wasn't planned but I am not getting rid of this baby.

At least Sam and Anthony have called over a few times, good to know I can always count on them. Mom stopped by once too, but I understand how difficult dad can be and I don't want this putting a strain on their relationship.. Even though it probably has–

Lainey dropped the pen onto her notebook as the tears spilled from her eyes. She was so emotional – All of the time.

Eli was on their bed, eyes closed until he heard her sobbing quietly. He sat upright with a frown.

"Princess, what's wrong?"

"Oh." She exhaled and wiped her face. "Sorry, I thought you were asleep."

"I was."

"Sorry."

"Why are you apologising?" he asked as he approached her, he engulfed her in a hug. "Journaling?" he asked as he looked down at the notebook filled with her pretty cursive.

"I was." Lainey nodded. "The session with Doctor Miller went well yesterday and she said the next few sessions are free of charge because of the situation going on."

"Doctor Miller is a badass."

"She's so kind. I really have to do something to thank her one of these days."

"So, what did she tell you to write about?"

"Everything." She shrugged. "Which is why I'm crying I suppose."

"I know you miss your dad," he explained as he knelt beside her. "Don't you?"

Lainey rolled her eyes. "I don't have the time of day for assholes like him."

"Princes I think you–"

"What?" she snapped in response. "Do not tell me to give him a chance because you're not talking to your mom, either. She said some fucked up things to you too. This entire situation is so messed up and I'm just so over it already!"

"You need to calm down."

"Calm down?" she repeated.

"You always act like this when.. When your grandma has gone out."

"I don't want her seeing me like this, okay?" she stated through sobs.

Eli frowned. "I know, princess. I don't like seeing you like this. It kills me knowing that you're hurting and I can't do anything to help you."

Before she could respond, he took her into his arms and picked her up softly. He took her to the bed and set her down.

"I need you to listen to me," he said as he looked down at her, hands either side of her head as she looked up at him. He wiped her tear stained cheeks as she nodded slowly. "You have to take care of yourself. Fuck what anyone else says about you being a teen mom or all that stupid bullshit. Sure, we made a mistake. We didn't intend for this to happen – But it is. Am I scared? Fuck yes but–"

"You're scared?" Lainey asked.

"Of course I am, princess."

"You never told me."

Eli took a breath. "I'm terrified – What if I'm a shit father?"

Lainey frowned. "You never could be."

"How do you know that?"

"It doesn't count... But it kind of does."

"What?"

"The way you are with Anthony when you talk to him about the stuff you enjoy – If you're like that with our child, it will simply make my heart burst."

Eli smiled. "Really?"

"Yeah."

"Do you think you'll show the baby all your nerdy stuff?"

Eli chuckled. "Maybe."

"You have to show them Doctor Who."

"It's a given at this point, princess." Eli heckled. "Maybe start with Peter Pan first?"

"Oh yes." Lainey's expression softened. "Yes. All of the Disney movie marathons. Would you be a Disney Dad?"

"A what?" Eli chuckled.

"We can be a cute Disney family!"

Lainey lay back on the pillows, a happy expression on her face — Then it faded.

"What?" Eli asked.

"What about college?"

"What about it?"

"We'd be starting next year..."

"And?"

"I'd have just given birth, so I guess I won't be."

"There's no shame in starting a year later," Eli explained.

"Yeah?"

"Of course not! Your body is doing something fucking incredible right now, you need to cut yourself some slack. Besides.. Do you even know what you want to do in college?"

Lainey shook her head.

"Well – This gives you time to figure it out."

"Maybe I'll be a stay at home mom and you can be my sugar daddy." She laughed loudly, and it turned into a snort.

Eli chuckled when she slapped her hand over her mouth – her face turning red from laughter.

"Sugar daddy?" Eli mused. "I think you've got that all wrong."

"I'm just kidding anyway. Respect to the stay at home moms, but that could never be me."

As Eli lay beside her, the doorbell rang.

"Grandma must've forgotten the key."

"Stay here," Eli said as he touched her stomach softly - a warm smile on his parted lips. "I'll get it."

"You sure?"

"Of course, princess. I'll help her with the groceries too."

Lainey smiled. "Okay, handsome."

"Just relax for me, okay?"

"Okay, Eli."

He headed down the stairs, chuckling softly to himself as he opened the door.

"Lucille, did you forget your key?" he asked.

When he looked up, it was not Lucille who stood in front him.

"Mom?"

—

Oh, Josie is back. What do you think she wants?

Do you think Daniel will eventually come around?

What do you think will happen next? Let me know!