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| Harm woke up around six and saw that Mac wasn't in bed. After getting dressed, he searched the house for her. He found her fast asleep on the living room couch, a blanket wrapped tightly around herself. Not wanting to disturb her, Harm went into the kitchen to make some coffee. Mac came in ten minutes later, her eyes red and puffy. Harm nearly dropped his bowl of oatmeal. He set it down and rushed to her side. "Mac, are you all right? What happened?" "Huh? Oh... Harm, we have to talk." He eyed her worriedly. "What is it?" "It's about Evie," she replied, taking a breath. Harm was about to say something, but she held up her hand. "She's fine. She just had a horrible experience last night." "I knew it! I knew that boy was no good the minute he drove that car to this house!" Harm exclaimed, standing up. "I told you I didn't want her dating so young! I-" Mac smacked him across the face. "Will you listen to me? And quit your shouting, you'll wake up the kids." Harm shook his head. "I'm sorry, Sarah. It's just..." "I know, honey. Now promise me you won't be upset with Evie for this. She feels bad about it already and knows she wasn't very smart about it." "I promise." Mac took another deep breath before she explained what happened. She gauged Harm's reaction. He seemed relaxed for the moment. "Afterward, Tom brought her home. She was in tears when I found her on the porch." "Is she all right?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is my baby girl all right?" "I'm fine, Daddy," Evelyn said from the doorway. She ran into her father's arms. "I'm sorry." Harm hugged her tightly. "You don't have to apologize, Evie. I'm just grateful that you're all right." ************* On Sunday, everyone in the Rabb house was up and about having fun. Everyone, that is, except Harm. He just sat quietly in the living room. No one could tell what mood he was in. "Mommy," Nicholas said. "What's wrong with Daddy? I asked him to play a game with me and he just sighed." "He's just upset. Lets leave him alone for now, okay?" Mac said. She didn't know what else to tell her children. Evelyn stood up. "Maybe I should talk to him?" "No, I should," Serena suggested. Christiana and Trisha said they should. Mac shook her head. "I'm going to later tonight," she replied. "You are all going to stay with Uncle Bud and Aunt Harriet." "Really?" Serena exclaimed. "Yeah, so go get your things together." The little ones hurried up the stairs while Evelyn just stood in the living room doorway. "Evie?" "It's my fault Dad's like that," she said. "I shouldn't have gone out with Tony." Mac took Evelyn into her arms. "It's not your fault, honey. You couldn't have helped the way he acted anymore than I could." "I guess so." Evelyn kissed her mother on the cheek and headed upstairs to pack. "Somebody help me," Mac whispered. |
