**Chapter Four - Cave**
**December 25, 2013 - 2000 Hours**
The bedroom was empty when Abby entered, though from the sound of the water running in the master bathroom, she knew that Tony was showering.
Releasing a quiet sigh, the Goth sank down on the edge of the bed, chewing on her lip nervously as she waited. She hated the thought of embarrassing Tony in front of their family and friends, but she let the stress she was feeling get in the way of her common sense.
Glancing down at her hands, she sighed again and reached up, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers. She knew that Tony wasn't going to be a happy camper when he stepped out of the bathroom and found her waiting for him, but she knew that Bradley and Gibbs were right. They had to work this out.
Pushing herself to her feet, she made her way over to the dresser, intent on changing into her pajamas when the sound of running water stopped abruptly, followed by the shower curtain being pushed back.
Her stomach was in knots as she paused her task, glancing back to the closed door with a dark frown. She closed her eyes as Tony opened the bathroom door and stepped out, one towel wrapped around his waist and another in his hand, scrubbing his short hair dry.
He glanced up, surprised to see that she had come up to the bedroom so soon after their argument. "Hey."
"Hey." The Goth turned back to the dresser drawer, pulling out a pair of pajamas. She changed as they sat in the uncomfortable silence, each waiting for the other to say something.
"Its kinda early still, you wanna watch a movie before bed?" The Goth asked innocently, silently hoping to avoid another argument.
"No, not tonight. Could you hand me a pair of shorts?"
"Oh." She nodded sadly, making her way over to her lover and offering the boxers to him. "How 'bout a back massage? You seem a little tense."
The Italian scoffed, rolling his eyes discreetly as he dropped his towel and pulled the boxers on. "Not tonight, huh? Maybe in the morning."
Abby sighed, worrying the inside of her cheek. "Okay. Tony, look. I'm not proud of what I did down there."
"Then why'd you do it?" He replied firmly, his hazel eyes meeting her green ones for the first time since they had come upstairs.
She faltered, her jaw slacking slightly before she schooled her expression back into a small scowl. "Because, Tony! You know, you couldn't just let one holiday pass without incident. You *had* to start somethin' with Zee and Tim."
"And you're lucky, otherwise you'd have to search for somethin' else to fight with me about."
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked, placing her hands on her hips.
"What the hell do you think it means, Abby? You told me once that I like to argue. And maybe I do every once in awhile." Reaching up, he ran his hand through his still damp hair. "But, fuck, you love it! You manage to take picking fights to a whole new level."
"Asshole."
"I'm an asshole now? I didn't wanna fight with you. I came up here so I *wouldnt* fight with you! If there's one thing you know about me, Sciuto, its that I'm not one to avoid a public display. I might be an asshole, but you've been acting like a bitch all night." He spat.
He stood up, intent in climbing under the covers when she hit him from behind. Turning to glare and ask what she hell she was doing, she struck him in the face with her open hand, her palm stinging against his cheek.
A low growl escaped him when she moved to hit him again, but he caught her wrist in his hand, holding it firmly. "You have two seconds to knock it the fuck off, because I swear to God, Abby, you hit me one more time and I'm outta here." He warned.
Her eyes were filled with tears as she struggled against him, trying desperately to pull her hand from his grasp. "Let me go!" She cried.
"Then stop acting like a crazy woman!"
She didn't respond, though tears were streaming down her cheeks.
Despite his anger with her, the sight of her crying hurt worse than her hands. Releasing a frustrated breath, he pulled her against his chest, holding her as her breaths came out in ragged gasps.
"Shh..." He cooed, kissing her temple as he smoothed her hair back, holding her tightly against him as she struggled to pull away. "Its okay, its okay."
The Italian knew that he should be more upset with her for picking fights with him, but he couldn't bring himself to be. He wasn't sure why she did it, and whenever he asked her about it, she immediately clammed up. It wasn't something he was comfortable talking to anyone else about, even under the guise of gaining insight into the woman he was about to marry, out of concern that everyone would blow their petty arguments out of proportion.
Once she relaxed in his arms, he set her on the edge of their bed and knelt down in front of her, placing one hand on either side of her in an attempt to keep her from moving away. "Abby...we *can't* keep doin' this. We were doin' so good, baby. What...what happened?" He hesitated, searching her eyes with his. "Are you havin' second thoughts about me?"
She sobbed quietly as tears began falling down her cheeks again. "No! Wh...why would you think that?"
"What am I supposed to think, baby? The last time we fought this much, you took off to New Orleans without a warning." Moving his hand, he grasped hers, lacing their fingers together when a sudden realization dawned on him. "Y...you're pregnant again?"
"Oh God, no!" She cried, chuckling as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. "No, no. Not that we don't have enough practice, but no." She teased. Leaning forward, she wrapped her arms around his neck and slid into his lap, hugging him tightly. "I'm sorry, Tony."
"I forgive you, Abs. Just...what's goin' on? I mean, can I at least know why you're pickin' fights with me?"
Abby pulled back and smiled sadly at him. "I'm just overwhelmed, I guess. You know...I was concerned about how you'd deal with havin' Bradley and everyone stayin' in the house, but it turns out I'm the one havin' all the coping problems."
Tony wrapped his arms around her thin body and pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her head. "Just tell me what you need, Abby. What can I do to help relieve the stress?"
She took a deep breath, inhaling his scent and allowing it to comfort her. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to relax as her lover ran his hand over her back, rocking them back and forth slowly.
"C'mon, baby." He whispered, sighing quietly when she didn't answer his question. "Let's go to bed, huh?"
The Goth nodded, crawling out of her fiancé's lap and straightening her nightshirt. "Sorry. I didn't..."
"Hey. No more sorries, okay? Let's not go to bed upset. Now..." He pressed a kiss to her lips and smiled. "I know an overworked forensic specialist that needs a massage." Leaning forward, he pulled the blankets back and helped her into the bed.
Moving around to the other side of the bed, he slid in next to her, massaging her lower back as he pressed kisses to her neck and shoulders.
"I'll try harder, sunshine. I promise."
**8 Days Later - January 1, 2014**
Despite the fact that they had gotten off to a rocky start after Christmas, the week had progressively gotten better. Abby still hadn't come clean about what she needed from Tony to make dealing with the stress easier, but he stepped up to the plate in ways she never imagined he would, helping out where he could to ensure that she had all the help she needed around the house.
Rolling over in the bed, the Goth forced her tired eyes open at the feeling of a much smaller body than she was used to snuggled up against her side, soft curls tickling her face. She couldn't help but smile at the sight of her daughter's goofy grin as the little girl giggled, pushing her hair back out of her face.
"You wake now?"
"Mmhmm..." Abby managed, barely stifling a yawn. "What are you doing in here so early, Birthday Girl?"
"Daddy say up. S'my birfday."
"Where is Daddy?"
"Ki'chen wit' Auntie Bee." Emma explained, pushing herself up on the mattress. "You wake now?" She asked again.
"Yep, I'm up." She smirked, pushing herself up against the pillows before standing up and pulling her long black hair into a sloppy ponytail. "Let's go see what kind of mess Daddy's makin'."
The little girl hopped off the bed and watched as her mother ducked into the bathroom to brush her teeth quickly before heading for the bedroom door. "Le's go, Mommy! B'eakfas' almos' done!"
The raven-haired woman growled playfully as she scooped the toddler into her arms, tickling her as they made their way downstairs. "Okay, monster, let's go! What's the Princess havin' for breakfast on her birthday?"
"Smiley face chocolate-chip pancakes." Tony said, smiling at his girls as they walked into the kitchen. "Happy New Year, sunshine." He whispered, leaning in to give her a kiss. "Sleep good?"
"I slept great until you sent Birthday Girl here upstairs to rouse me." She grinned, tickling her daughter again before setting her on the ground. "I'm surprised you're up this early, considering how much you and BB drank last night."
"What can I say? Your sister-in-law makes some awesome coffee."
"Kiss ass." Britty chuckled, kicking his leg as she sat on the counter near the stove. "Flip 'em, Tony, they're gonna burn."
"Oh, I see. A cooking lesson. She's gonna turn you into a gourmet yet, T."
The redhead rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I doubt that. I can guarantee that it'll be semi-edible and that he won't burn your kitchen down in the process though. I will admit at least he *wants* to learn, which is more than I can say for *my* husband." She called the last bit over her shoulder into the living room, only to receive an incoherent grunt from Bradley. "See? Completely disinterested. The only thing he can do is char a steak."
"An' pa'cakes!" He called, his voice still slurred slightly due to his hangover.
"Ah, yes, the ever popular pancake. And here we are, full circle with today's lesson." She grinned, reaching over and smacking Tony on the back of the head. "Burning. Quit starin' at Abby's legs and pay attention."
"Its not my fault she looks so damn good in my dress shirts."
Abby chuckled. "I'll go get the babies ready for breakfast so I don't distract you anymore. C'mon Em. Where's your cousin?"
"Icky Jer'my s'eepin'." She said, pointing toward the stairs.
"Hey, now. We don't call people names, especially not our family." The Goth scolded.
Emma frowned. "But Mommy...Daddy call you 'ba'ge bunny'!"
Her eyes went wide as she turned back to look at her lover, who froze as soon as he heard what his daughter said. It was everything Britty could do to keep herself from laughing as she watched the silent exchange between the two of them, resorting to small snorting noises as she covered her mouth with her hand.
"It...it was only once, baby. I swear! And...and it was a joke. I would never say anything like that about you and mean it!"
Narrowing her eyes at her soon-to-be husband, Abby barely contained the giggle that threatened to escape before she lifted Emma into her arms.
"We are not done here, DiNozzo." She warned playfully, shaking her finger at him. "You just wait until later. You're gonna pay for that one."
"Abby...baby! Can't we talk about this?" He pleaded as she made her way up the stairs before he turned back to Britty. "Uh oh. Busted."
"I warned you about saying things in front of small children, but nooo, you never listen to me! You're as stubborn as Bradley!"
"I heard that!" The older man called from the living room before he sat forward in the chair with a groan, rubbing his hand over his face and willing his stomach to stop turning.
"Good! I wanted you to." Britty called back. "Wake Jack up, please, and then get in here and help set the table."
"Yeah, yeah." Bradley muttered, pushing himself to his feet with another groan before he made his way over to the couch, ruffling his son's hair with his hand. "Up, boy." He commanded.
"Ugh." Jack whimpered, burrowing under the blankets on the couch. "Leave me the hell alone." He muttered miserably, though as soon as he felt his father's hand connect with the back of his head, he nearly fell off the couch. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I thought you were Jeremy!"
"What are you doin' talkin' to *anyone* like that?" Bradley growled. "Especially your little brother!"
"He...he kept buggin' me yesterday afternoon!"
"That's not an excuse, Jack. Now, get your butt up and get in the kitchen. We're goin' to the aquarium today for Emma's birthday."
"'M not goin'."
"The hell you're not!" Bradley hissed, pulling his son to a sitting position. "Its your cousin's birthday, and you're coming. End of discussion."
"Why can't I just stay home?" He asked, pushing himself to his feet sluggishly. "I don't feel good."
His father scoffed. "Everyone else had it for 24 hours, Jack. You're not sick anymore."
"You don't know, Dad. I feel sick to my stomach!" He cried, heading into the kitchen to get a Sprite from the refrigerator. "Mama, do I have to eat?"
"No, baby. You don't have to eat if you're still not feelin' good."
"B..." Bradley warned.
"But you have to go with the family today."
"But Mama!"
She shook her head. "No. Your Dad says you have to go, you have to go. Sorry."
"This is ridiculous! No one else had to do anything when they were sick!" He shouted, taking off for the stairs.
"Hey!" Tony called, dropping the frying pan in the sink and taking off after Jack, passing his girl as she stepped into the kitchen with Emma and Jeremy in tow. "Get back here!"
Abby watched as her lover chased the teen upstairs before turning to Britty and setting the toddlers on the floor. "What's up with them?"
"Oh you know, Jack's emulating his father again."
"Ah..." She nodded, fixing plates for her daughter and Jeremy while Britty got them drinks. "I see."
"That's not even fair, B. When I was his age I was raising my 9 year old sister and coping with my parents' deaths."
"I have a name."
The sandy-haired man turned to look at his sister, who was staring at him with her hand on her hip. He reached up and ran a hand over his face, dropping into his chair with a sigh. "Sorry. 'M just..."
"Hungover? Yeah, we know." Abby smirked, placing the plates of pancakes on the kitchen table.
The women took their seats at the table just as Tony came down the stairs, running his hand through his hair frustratedly. "Sorry 'bout that."
"Tony, you and Bradley really should cut him some slack. He's not feelin' well."
He took his seat next to her and started piling it high with pancakes. "Abs, it's a 24-hour bug. He's over it. He's just tryin' to get sympathy."
"Well, it's working." She retorted, taking a bite of her pancakes. "Just because it was a 24-hour thing for you and Em and JR, doesn't mean that he's still not sick, T. You guys all got plenty of rest, in a real bed. He's been sleepin' on a couch in the most populated room in the house. He's not really gettin' any rest."
The older man opened his mouth to speak again when Jack entered the kitchen, showered and dressed.
"C'mere." The Italian said, motioning for the boy to come over to him. "Say it."
He dropped his head, his voice low as he spoke to his parents. "Sorry." He stood up straighter when his uncle nudged him in the side. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked back."
"Better. Hungry?"
"No, my stomach is still upset. Mama, do I really have to go? I just don't wanna be a drag for everyone else." He pleaded, taking a seat next to the redhead.
"Jack..." She sighed, noticing the glare her husband was giving her. "You know I can't let you stay."
"JJ! You come! 'S my birfday!" Emma cried, her mouth full of pancake.
The teenager sighed, unable to help the smile that spread across his face at his cousin's excitement. "Of course, Mimi. Wouldn't miss it for the world."
The little girl beamed, taking another bite of her pancakes. "We go now, Daddy?"
"Soon, baby. Everyone has to finish their breakfast first."
Though the morning had started out pretty rough, it wasn't long before everyone had finished eating and piled into the car.
The ride to Baltimore wasn't a long one, but Tony couldn't help but feel bad when he glanced in the rearview mirror and caught sight of his nephew fast asleep, his head resting on his mother's shoulder as she ran her fingers through his hair.
It seemed almost cruel to wake the boy after he finally found a parking space in the upper level of a parking garage down the street from the inner harbor, but thankfully his mother did it for him.
"Wake up, Jackie. We're here." She smiled, pressing a kiss to her son's forehead.
"Mama..." He whined, rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"I know, J. Let's go, though, before your Dad gets upset again."
The teenager nodded and climbed out of the car, groaning quietly when he saw that Gibbs, McGee, and Ziva had arrived. Everyone greeted the birthday girl, then the group made their way out of the garage and down the street toward the aquarium.
Jack trailed behind the rest of the group, pulling his jacket tighter around his body as he walked.
"Let's hustle, Jack. The sooner we get inside the better you'll feel." Bradley called over his shoulder.
Gibbs glanced back at the teen and frowned, seeing that he looked pretty sick. Dropping back, he started walking next to him, nudging him with his shoulder. "You feelin' okay?"
"He's fine." His father grumbled, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Just wants attention."
"Oh. Sounds like someone I know." He smirked, cocking an eyebrow at his Senior Agent.
Turning back to glance at his boss, Tony didn't miss the look on Gibbs' face. "I heard that, Boss."
"You were meant to." The older man replied before he turned back to Jack. "Sure you're alright?"
"'M fine." The teenager sighed, reaching up to rub his face with his hand. "Just tired, I guess."
In front of him, Bradley snorted before he turned back to his son. "Stop complainin', J. Don't ruin this for Emma."
"Dad! I'm not..." He trailed off at the angry look on his father's face before he dropped his gaze to the ground, glaring at the sidewalk beneath his feet.
"Uncle Bra'ley!" Emma scolded, peering at him over her father's shoulder. "You not yell at JJ!"
"Hey, that's enough, Em." Abby chastised, reaching out to swat her daughter's bottom gently.
The little girl turned to her mother, her eyes wide with tears as she rubbed the spot where she'd been hit.
"C'mon, Abs." Tony groaned, shifted Emma in his arms as he tried to stop the tears he knew were coming. "Did you really have to do that?"
"She's not going to speak to her uncle like that, Tony. It's rude and disrespectful."
"So then you tell her that. You don't need to hit her." He scowled, pressing a kiss to his little girl's cheek.
"It won't hurt her to get her bottom spanked every once in awhile." Abby said. "That's how my Mama and Daddy taught us our manners. I didn't even hit her very hard."
"Not the point, Abby. I thought we agreed we'd try talking to her before we'd resort to spanking."
Britty stepped forward, pushing herself between the couple. "Can we save the discussion on spanking until later? Don't think your daughter's birthday is the best place for it."
They stopped outside the door to the aquarium and looked at each other before they nodded.
"Alright." Abby said, reaching up and smoothing Emma's hair back. "I'm sorry, baby."
"How many we got here?" Tony asked, running his hand over his fiancée's back as he did a quick head count. "10? 8 adults and 2 kids, right?"
The Goth nodded and took the little girl from her lovers arms as he moved to pull out his wallet and pay for the tickets. "All ready to see the fishies?"
"Yay! We go now!" Emma said, her tears gone at the mention of the fish housed inside the aquarium.
**A Few Hours Later**
"Mommy!" Emma squealed, hopping up and down in front of the Australian exhibit. "Ewww! Mommy! Look! Is a snake!"
"Oh gross." Britty complained, turning to hide her face against her husband's shoulder. "Did we really have to come this far down here?" She asked.
"C'mon, B." Bradley laughed, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulder. "It's behind a glass. It's not going to bite."
"It doesn't matter." She frowned, pinching his side. "It even has a nasty name. Look at that! A Death Adder? What the heck is an animal like that doing here?" She shuddered.
Laughing at his girl's sister-in-law, Tony knelt down, lifting Emma into his arms so that she could get a better look at the snake, chuckling quietly when she hid her face against his shoulder.
"Ewww Daddy! Dow'!"
"Aww, you're not scared, are ya?" Tony teased, turning away from the snake exhibit.
"Look at this one, Em." Abby called, peering into the Black-headed Python tank, pointing out the large snake when Tony brought the little girl over.
"Oh icky!" She whined. "I go dow'!"
"Looks like Em inherited her auntie's fear of snakes." Tony teased, nudging Abby when she pointed to the redhead, who still had her face hidden against her husband.
"And her cousin." Abby snickered. "You're lookin' awful green over there, Captain Jack. You aren't afraid of a little itty bitty snake, are you?"
"Dow' pease!" The toddler cried, squirming around in her father's arms.
"Okay, okay!" The Italian said, setting his daughter down. "Where you goin', anklebiter?"
She stuck her tongue out at her father before running over to where her cousin was standing near McGee and Ziva. "JJ? Up, pease?" She asked politely, reaching up to her teenaged cousin.
McGee looked down and frowned before crouching in front of his niece. "Emma, why don't you let me or your Auntie Ziva hold you, huh? Jack's not feelin' very good."
"Okay." The little girl shrugged, allowing the Junior Agent to pick her up awkwardly. "S'older ride, Uncle Goo?"
"Uh...sure." He said, lifting her onto his shoulders as best he could.
"Better not drop her, McDeadMan." Tony called, giving him a pointed look as he wrapped his arm around Abby's waist and pulled her close to his side. "You won't live long enough to see your own kids."
"Daddy no call names! Time out!"
The raven-haired woman looked up and smirked at her lover. "She got you there, T. Time out for you when we get home."
"Ooh...can it involve cuffs?" He teased, grunting when she hit him in the stomach. "What? It was a valid question!"
Emma gripped her uncle's hair, holding on tightly as he carried her around the exibit. "Auntie Zeebra? Why you laugh?" She asked, watching as the Israeli tried to refrain from laughing.
"Oh, do not worry about it, sweetheart." She smiled, squeezing McGee's hand.
"JJ?" The toddler asked, her attention diverted when her cousin suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Stop Uncle Goo!" She cried, pulling on his hair. "JJ sick!"
The agent turned around and eyed the boy carefully, making his way back over to him. "You okay, Jack?"
McGee watched as the teenager literally turned green in front of him, just barely making it to the trash can before losing what little he had in his stomach. Pulling Emma down from his shoulders, he handed her off to Ziva before rushing over to the boy.
"Britty? Abs?" He called, looking up when the two women ran over to him. "Think we got a little problem over here."
Stopping next to her son, Britty rubbed his back gently as he continued to heave, despite the fact that nothing else was coming up.
Turning back to glare briefly at her husband, she offered Emma an apologetic smile. "I think we're gonna have to finish up here, sweetie. Jackie doesn't feel very good."
Forcing himself to straighten, the teenager swiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his body trembling slightly.
"You okay, baby?" Britty asked, running her fingers through his hair.
"I feel...a little bit better now." He managed, allowing his mother to pull him into her embrace. "We don't have to go if...if Em's not ready."
"We've seen everything anyway." Abby said dismissively. "We need to get you home, sweetie. You're still green." She teased.
"But Mommy! Daddy p'omised we go have lunch!" The little girl whined, stomping her feet.
"Emma..." The Goth warned, lifting her daughter out of Ziva's arms. "This is what got you a spankin' before. Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean Princess Brat gets to come out and play."
"It's okay, Auntie." Jack managed, sitting on a nearby bench. "I'm feelin' a lot better. We can still go to lunch. I just won't eat anything."
"You sure, Jack?" Tony asked, joining them. "We can pick somethin' up on the way home."
He nodded, pushing himself to his feet and offering a smile. "Let's go."
They all left the aquarium and crossed the street to the Hard Rock Cafe. Everything went smoothly for the most part, as everyone chattered and carried on conversations with each other about various subjects.
"Mama..." Jack whispered, watching as their waiter served everyone's meals. "I'm not feelin' so good."
"What's the matter, baby? Is it the food?"
The teenager nodded, taking a deep breath and swallowing hard as the waiter walked away. "Can I go wait in the car?"
Britty hesitated, not necessarily wanting him to walk to the parking garage by himself. "I don't know, baby...are you sure?"
"Let him go, B." Bradley said, feeling guilty for making his son go with them in the first place. "If it's okay with Tony and Abs."
"Of course." Tony said, offering a reassuring smile to his nephew and tossing him the keys. "Go ahead and lay the seat in the back down, okay? You'll be more comfortable."
"Thanks, Uncle Tony." He said, smiling weakly as he pushed himself away from the table. Stopping behind Emma's seat, he leaned down and pressed a kiss into her blonde curls. "I'm sorry, Mimi."
"It okay! You no feel good." She said, hugging him gently.
Nodding again, he zipped up the jacket he had borrowed from Tony and headed outside, making his way down the street to the parking garage.
Stepping into the parking garage, Jack released a quiet sigh as he pulled the jacket tighter around his body, frowning as he shivered slightly. Though it wasn't as cold as it had been, he was still freezing as he made his way past the rows of cars.
"What the fuck do you mean you don't have my money? I told your ass that I wanted it three weeks ago. Pay up, Marine!"
Picking up the pace at the sound of raised voices, Jack kept his gaze straight ahead, trying desperately to block out the sight of the three men arguing just behind the black Mercedes on the other end of the garage.
His stomach clenched uncomfortably in fear as the voices grew louder and it was all he could do to keep from breaking out in a run. As it was, he apparently hadn't drawn any attention to himself and he wanted to keep it that way.
"No... Please, don't..." The sound of the plea was silenced by the loud crack of a gunshot and despite his earlier attempts at remaining unnoticed, Jack couldn't help but cry out when he glanced over and saw the man slump to the ground, blood already pooling around him.
"Fuck! Chris..." One of the remaining men hissed, pointing at Jack.
Another cry tore from Jack's throat as he broke into a run, tears already burning behind his eyes as the sound of footsteps behind him reached his ears.
He felt a large hand clamp down on his shoulder before he was pushed roughly against the wall, the concrete digging into his skin.
"What did you see?" The tall one hissed, shoving Jack harder against the wall. The teenager could feel the barrel of the gun pressed against the back of his neck. "What the fuck did you *see*?"
"Chris! We gotta go!" The other man hissed.
In the distance, the sirens were screaming. "Tell me! What did you...?"
"Nothing!" Jack cried, tears running down his cheeks. "Nothing! P...please!"
"You're damn right, you didn't see nothin'." The man spat. "You let me find out that you said otherwise, and I'm comin' after your whole fuckin' family." He promised before he slammed the boy against the wall once more. Releasing him from his grip, it was all Jack could do to remain upright, though as soon as he heard the retreating footsteps, he took off for the car, tears blurring his vision.
Reaching the car, Jack pulled the car keys from his pocket, his hands trembling as he tried to unlock the door. He could feel the bile rising in his throat as he dropped the keys. Another cry escaped him as he dropped to his knees, retching violently despite the fact that he had nothing in his stomach to bring up.
Chapter End Notes:
"Cave" by Muse