Color flushes the Father's face. He firms his lips, then marches past me and into the room. He glances about the space. "What the fuck took you so long to get to the door."
I blink. Whoa, hold on. The Father used the F word?
When I don’t answer, he turns on me, "What?"
"Um...you swore?"
“It happens,” he grumbles, "I'll have to atone for it, of course, but fine."
I shake my head, "You okay, Ed?"
"Question is, are you?"
"I'm in stupendous shape." I snort. "Can't you see?"
"You look like you haven't slept in a few nights."
Welcome to my world.
"So?" I thrust out my jaw. "You here to preach?"
"No," he holds up his hands, "aren't I allowed to drop by to see my friend?"
"Who's that?" I glance around the space. "I don’t see anyone here."
He groans, "Really? You going to play that card now?"
I blow out a breath. "You're right," I jerk my chin at the door, "I'd prefer it if you leave."
"I'm not going anywhere." Edward smiles.
"In which case..." I head for the door.
Edward draws in a breath.
I pause, turn to glare at him over my shoulder. "What?" I frown, "What is it."
"You been whipping yourself again?"
"You're not the only one who gets to indulge in his nightmares."
A nerve throbs at Edward's temple, then his expression relaxes. "I'll let that pass, for now."
He walks over and seats himself in a chair.
"The fuck are you doing, Father?" I growl over my shoulder.
"Making sure you don’t hurt yourself."
"Too late." I’d already had my legs cut out from under me. My heart had been carved out too, but whatever.
"So, you're giving in to self-pity, I see?" He quirks an eyebrow.
I pause, then swivel around to face him. "The hell are you talking about?"
He looks me up and down. "You, my man. I'm talking about you."
"Don't put me in the same box as you, Father."
