When Tomorrow Never Comes (23 page)

It would make sense why it felt so good to be with him like this.

In his arms I finally felt that spark of happiness that I hadn’t felt in a very long time.

All too soon, my stomach lets out a loud growl and I’m forced to pull back as Levi chuckles loudly.

Kissing him once more I get up from his lap to make us some dinner.

Levi leaves the kitchen and I listen to his footsteps traveling towards the bathroom located upstairs.

I pull out two containers containing last week’s chicken casserole, which my mother had made, and place them into the microwave to heat.

I hit a few numbers and watch absently as the machine spins the food around.

When the machine beeps and the food is finished heating I dump the containers out onto two plates and wait for Levi to return.

He lets out a loud groan as he walks back in with his phone to his ear. “Yes, Dad, I’ll be home soon.”

He pauses as he sits down. “No, I’m over at Eden’s, she’s making me dinner.”

He grins pointing to the plate and I smile while taking my first bite.

“I’ll be home soon, Dad.” He ends the call and lets out a long string of curses.

I watch him closely as he begins to eat his own plateful of food, spearing the food onto his fork angrily.

We remain silent until all of our food is gone and our plates are nearly licked clean.

“Do you really have to leave?” I ask quietly, already knowing he had to.

“Yeah, I do, Eden. I wish I didn’t, but if I don’t go now you know my father will hunt me down and if he does that then things will only end worse for me.” He explains and I nod my head in understanding.

I already knew that tomorrow he would have new bruises.

“Please, stay with me this time, Levi. Maybe he’ll just pass out and forget all about you.” I plead, feeling a sickness take hold the pit of my stomach.

I rub it absently as I stand and move to sit on Levi’s lap once more.

“You know I have to go, Edie. I will be back tonight, like always, I promise.” He kisses me before standing and placing me on my feet.

I hug him tightly placing my head onto his chest as his hands rub soothing circles on my back before I have to let him go.

Leaning down he kisses me softly before walking out of the house with me following close behind.

Stopping at the doorway I watch as he disappears down the sidewalk before shutting the door.

I lean against it and close my eyes, sending out prayers for him to be safe.

That sick feeling in the pit of my stomach only grows.

God, I hoped he would be alright tonight.

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