Page 87 of All of Me

CALLIE - APRIL 25, 2014

The tension from the last few days hasn’t eased, like a heavy barbell that’s been dropped on my chest. Every time I close my eyes, I picture the nightmare Owen walked into with Sabrina and her new husband.

Owen told me everything that happened–the fight, the shouting, Alex storming out. I can’t stop picturing it and wishing there was something I could do to help. I try to convince myself that Sabrina’s strong, she’ll figure this out, but I still worry.

She shouldn’t have to go through this. No one should.

Especially Barrett.

My stomach twists at the thought of him being in the house when everything was happening. Owen got him out of there before things escalated, but I still wonder if he’s seen these things happen before and just not spoken up because he was afraid.

He’s just a little boy. How much of it did he hear? Has he seen Alex shove Sabrina?

I hate that I don’t have answers. I hate that I wasn’t there to shield him from it. He’s Owen’s son, but he’s part of my heart, and the thought of anything hurting him makes me feel sick, and angry. So fucking angry.

I glance across the room, where Ruby is asleep in the Pack ‘N Play and Sara sits at her little art table furiously scribbling on a piece of paper with her crayons. They’re safe here, happy. A part of me wants to speak up for Barrett, about how I think he should stay here until things settle down for Sabrina. But when Spring break ends next week, he will need to return to preschool.

It’s not fair.

I know what it’s like to feel stuck—to wake up every day carrying the weight of choices that never really felt like choices at all. It’s a slow kind of suffocation, the kind that makes you forget what freedom even looks like. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, especially not her.

Owen’s been quiet about it since we got home, but I can tell it’s weighing on him too. He doesn’t like leaving things unresolved, and Alex is a loose end neither of us feels comfortable ignoring. I can’t blame him.

I press a hand to my chest, willing the tension to ease, but it doesn’t. Instead, it spreads, curling around my ribs like a vice. I wish I could do more. For Sabrina. For Barrett.

The sound of the back door creaking pulls me from my thoughts, and Owen steps inside, his presence grounding me in a way nothing else can. His gaze meets mine, and for a moment, neither of us says anything. There’s a weight in his eyes that mirrors my own, and I know we’re both thinking the same thing.

“Any news?” I ask softly, though I think I already know the answer.

He shakes his head, his jaw tightening. “Will is still keeping an eye on her for a while, but she hasn’t filed the police report yet.”

My heart sinks. I shouldn’t be surprised because it’s a scary situation to be in. “Do you think she will?”

Owen hesitates, roughing a hand through his beard. “I don’t know,” he admits. “I hope so. But it’s ultimately her call.”

“What are you going to do if she doesn’t?” I hope I’m not pushing too much by asking, but I’m worried about Barrett’s safety. I don’t want him to go back there until I know Alex won’t be back.

Owen exhales sharply, leaning against the counter, his fingers gripping the edge like it’s the only thing keeping him upright. His gaze drops to the floor, his shoulders tense. I can tell he’s wrestling with something, and my stomach twists in anticipation.

“I don’t know,” he finally murmurs, his voice low. “But I’m not sending him back there, not like this.”

His words are heavy, resolute. Owen’s never been one to back down from doing what’s right, but this situation feels like walking a tightrope, a delicate balance. I see how much it weighs on him.

“What if she doesn’t let you keep him?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Owen’s eyes meet mine, filled with raw determination. It takes my breath away. “Then I’ll fight her on it,” he says firmly. “I’ll go to court if I have to. I’m not letting Barrett stay somewhere he could get hurt.”

The conviction in his voice sends a shiver down my spine. I know he means it. I know he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his son, but the thought of him having to go through a custody battle with Sabrina makes my heart ache.

“Owen…” I step closer, placing a hand on his arm. “That’s a big step. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

He looks at me, his expression softening just enough for me to see the vulnerability beneath the anger. “I have to be, Callie,” he says quietly. “This isn’t about me or Sabrina. It’s about Barrett. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he’s safe.”

I nod slowly, my throat tightens with emotion. “I know you will. And whatever happens, I’m here. We’ll figure this out together.”

He reaches up, his hand covering mine where it rests on his arm. “Thank you,” he says softly. “For being here. For understanding.”

“Of course I understand,” I whisper. “He’s part of our family, Owen. I care about him just as much as I care about Sara and Ruby. We’ll get through this. All of us.”

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