Page 57 of Ethan's Sky

I didn’t plan to do anything with Candi the other night other than dance. Candi instigated the kiss, and when I saw Skyler watching us, I took the opportunity to taunt her a bit. I wanted her to feel what I feel every time she and Cash are together in a room. It was stupid of me, I know. Once Skyler left and Candi came back looking to take things further, I shot her down gently. She said she understood, and I spent the rest of the night drinking. Stuck in my own head.

Mack walks into the sanctuary and Gabe slams the gavel calling church to order.

“We have the dash cam footage. The cameras were both covered, but we have audio.” Mack states.

“Hawk.” Gabe barks. Hawk opens his laptop and a few seconds later the tv on the wall turns on with a black screen.

“If there really is a God, I need you to watch over our girl. Elizabeth, I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I did what I thought was right. Hopefully you can both forgive me someday.” George is talking out loud in the cab of his truck.

There’s the sound of tapping and some rattling noises, like a phone being placed in a metal holder, or maybe on the dashboard.

“Daddy? What’s wrong?” Skyler’s worried voices comes over the line.

“Hey Butter Bean.” George greets, using her childhood nickname only her family calls her by.

“Daddy, what’s happening?” There’s rustling in the background.

“I’m sorry, baby girl. I’m not going to make it home for our date this time. I’m afraid I’m stuck in traffic with no way out.”

“Was there an accident?”

“No sweetheart, but there’s a lot of cars and not much moving. I don’t see an alternate route either. I’m so sorry, Sky.”

He knew he wasn’t going to make it out.

“Can you call for help with directions?”

“No. I’m afraid there’s no one available now. I checked in, left a message, but I’m going to have to ride this one out.”

There’s a whispered run of curse words where Gabe and Ghost both sit.

“Fuck!Fuck!”Skyler shouts into the phone.Did she know?

“It’s okay, sweetheart. Listen to me. I need you to calm down and listen, Sky. Can you do that? I’ve only got a few minutes here, Butter Bean.” His voice sounds desperate, pleading.

“Yeah, Daddy. I’m listening.” Skyler’s voice shifts. She’s put up her guard, playing it tough for George. I can hear it.

“I need you to call your uncle Chris and tell him I can’t make our movie date. Ask him if he’ll be there in my place. I promise I’ll do everything I can to get there, but I don’t want you to go alone if I can’t be there. Do you understand?”

He’s telling her he’s pretty sure he’s about to die.What the hell?

There’s a silent pause.

“Butter Bean? Sky? Did you hear me?” George sounds frantic now.

“I-I’m here. Sorry Daddy. I understand. I’ll pack the snacks up and meet him at the theater as soon as I get done here. I wish you could be here too.” Her voice cracks.

“I’m so sorry, Bean. I need you to know, if I could be there…if there was any way out of this mess, I would be right there for you. But I can’t. Not this time. I’m afraid I’ve taken the wrong turn off and gotten myself stuck in some shit I can’t get out of. But no matter what happens, you need to know that I love you. So goddamn much. You and your mother are the best things to happen to me in this life and when I see her, I’m going to tell her how fucking proud I am of the woman you’ve become. And then we’re going to find a nice porch swing and a tall glass of sweet tea and enjoy the sunset together. But I promise, we’ll be keeping an eye on you. Don’t you ever forget that.”

He's crying now. There’s no question in his mind he’s going to die.

“I love you, Daddy. So much.”

“I know, baby. I need to call your uncle and let him know you’re going to meet him. I don’t want to let go, but…” he chokes on the last word.

“I know. Daddy, do me a favor?”

“Anything.”

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