You Have My Word

Chapter 21: I Was Protecting You

"Okay. Maybe seven thirty, then?"

"Done," Carlos sighed. "Oh, and the twins have been angels."

"Of music?" Catherine teased as she held the phone to her ear.

"We're getting there," Carlos chuckled. "Matt just came and got the twins, and I have to go take care of Amy. See you later."

"See ya," Catherine sighed, hanging up the call as Matt got in the car silently. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Josh and Mari didn't come back last night."

"What?" Catherine frowned.

"Carlos just told me. They didn't come back," Matt said quietly.

"I'll call Mari later. I'm sure they're fine."

"Josh- he feels things differently than me," Matt sighed. "He takes things harder."

"If anyone can handle him, it's Mari," Catherine nodded. "She'll kept it under control."

"I'm just worried he'll try something stupid."

"Like?"

"Like...stuff he's tried before."

Catherine sighed. "Don't worry about him for now. Do we want to go get some coffee?"

"Alright," Matt sighed, clearly distracted.

Cath gently put a hand to his cheek. "He'll be fine."

"I can't lose him."

"You won't, Honey."

"I love you."

"I love you too. Now, do you want coffee or do you want to go home?"

"Home. If possible."

Catherine glanced over her shoulder at her sleeping children. "Yeah, we can go home."

"Yeah?"

Cath gave a quick nod and put the car in gear.

Ten minutes later, they arrived home.

"Why don't you go lay down?" Catherine frowned. "You seem tired."

"I need to call Josh."

"How about I call Mari and you sleep? You need your rest."

"I need to know he's okay."

"Okay," Catherine sighed. "Knock yourself out. I'm going to put the twins in their room."

"Alright."

—————

Josh stared blankly at the hotel wall.

"Hon, are you okay?" Mari asked softly.

"Hm?"

Mari touched a hand gently to his cheek. "Babe, talk to me."

Josh shuddered at her touch. "It's nothing."

"Josh, I can tell something's bothering you."

Josh's eyes flashed up dangerously, ones fire within. "It's just the way I feel right now. It'll pass."

Mari kissed his forehead gently. "Why don't you get some rest?"

Josh grabbed her wrist and looked up with her desperately. "I know the answer. I know it, but I have to ask- you have to let me ask."

"What is it, Honey?"

"Sit," Josh said firmly, his eyes like two pale pieces of unfeeling ice.

Mari complied. "What's your question?"