Page 60 of Atlas
“Well, of course,” Mom sighs. “Are you telling me you are too childish to have a holiday meal with your in-laws just because Lauren’s ex is here?”
“No, I’m telling you that I am under strict orders not to be within so many feet of that fucker and I’m not violating that. Lauren, baby, we need to go. It was one thing at the donut shop when he was intimidating you, but this is different.” Atlas grabs my hand and pulls me to the door.
“What? You are under what? Lauren, what is going on? What is he talking about?” I feel the anxiety consuming me and it’s enough to make me want to cry.
He looks up at my mother, his eyes narrowing. “You know I’m on probation. You said you looked into me, you know my charges as well as my sentencing.” Atlas turns to me and sayssoftly. “Princess, I’m not leaving you somewhere with him where I can’t protect you.”
Mom scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Please, Andrew is harmless. Which is more than can be said about you.”
“Mom,” I breathe out and look at her, my eyes filling with tears. “You know Atlas is on probation for hitting Andrew? And you invited Andrew anyway?” I feel betrayed. There is only one outcome if we stay, Atlas is in violation of the protective order, which violates his parole. Anger fills me as I hear Atlas opening the front door. I scowl darkly at my mother, who has the audacity to stand there like we are insulting her. “Did it not occur to you when you found out about Atlas and Andrew–behind my back, by the way, that maybe there was a reason Andrew was hit?”
My mother crosses her arms and rolls her eyes. “It’s obvious that he,” she points her slender finger at Atlas, “was infatuated with something he had no right having and decided to steal it.”
My laugh of shock is garbled as it comes out with a sob. “No, no mom, Atlas did it, after Andrew…” I choke on a sob and Atlas opens the door.
“After I found out that he was beating the shit out of her. Happy Thanksgiving. Goodbye.” He says and ushers me out of the house, leaving my stunned mother behind.
The ridedown the hill is quiet. Until we reach the bottom of the hill, and my phone begins to ring.
“Hello?” I say through a sob.
“Bird,” It’s my father’s voice, but it’s different sounding than I’m used to. It’s softer, like when he told me my goldfish died when I was seven. “Can you come back to the house sweetheart, I need to talk to you.”
“No dad, I–I shouldn’t have to be around the Cambridge’s and Atlas can’t be so–”
“They are no longer here. In fact, they are probably about to pass you if you’ve reached the bottom of the hill, please Lauren.” I sigh and look over to Atlas, who is waiting for my decision. I give him a small nod and he reluctantly turns the vehicle around to head back up the hill once more.
Once we park and head to the front door again, Ferguson ushers us in and I see both of my parents standing in the foyer.
“Why didn’t either of you say anything?” Dad asks, looking at Atlas and I. “Boy, I–I could’ve helped you! Your sentence was bullshit.”
“My sentence is fine for what I was willing to talk about. Lauren’s name stayed out of it if I took the deal. At the time, she was going to be a bigwig at the law firm.” I wince, hating that Atlas took the deal because of me. Though, without it he and I may have never gotten married, never met Howard, fallen in lo–
“And you,” Dad’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “You allowed that man-child to beat you? You? My daughter?” I cross my arms protectively over my torso, only to have Atlas stand closer to me, shielding me from my father’s harsh words.
“You are a Judge, and you,” he motions towards my mother. “Are a doctor, both of you have seen domestic abuse victims, you know it’s not that cut and dry. Don’t you take this out on her, she is a strong woman for coming out the other side of this.” A tear rolls down my cheek at his words. This man is so fucking amazing. So protective, trusting and giving.
My dad lets out a huff of air before looking from Mom to us again. “You still should’ve told us. What’s the point in havingwealthy parents in power if you can’t go to them when you need help?” I am about to make a smart ass remark, but Atlas must sense it because he grabs my hand to stop me, and he’s right to do so. Now isn’t the time.
“I’ll look over the contract you signed when you worked at Cambridge. I am sure there is something we can do to get you out of the non-compete agreement and get you into another firm. Now let’s go and eat.” My dad turns to head to the dining room and–no, no this is my shot, I’m not wasting it again.
“I don’t want to be a lawyer.” I blurt out and my mother nearly drops the wine glass she’s been holding.
“What?” My father asks slowly before letting out a small chuckle. “Bird–”
“It’s Lauren or Ren. I am not a bird, I don’t appreciate being called one just because I’m overweight.” I say as firmly as I can through my anxiety producing shakes. “I love you both, and I don’t expect your support and I don’t want your money. But I am not going back into practicing law. I got a part-time job doing administrative work and I…” I look at Atlas, who is giving me the most encouraging expression I’ve ever seen. It gives me enough strength and courage to keep talking. “I’m going to look into taking classes on voice acting. I would like to be a book narrator, I think I would be good at it and it is what will make me happy.”
Both of my parents stare at me blankly. My mother sits on the antique chair pressed against the wall and shakes her head. “A narrator? So you… read books? Oh God, not this again. Is… is that even a real job? Philip, is that a real job?” Mom looks as though she is about to begin crying, which I am not one hundred percent sure she is even capable of doing such a thing.
“Yes, it’s a real job,” Atlas snaps as he glares at them. “My god, you ask yourselves why she didn’t come to you for help. Look at how you react when she tells you she wants to followher own career path.” He grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Come on pretty girl, let's go home.”
I don’t fight him and I don’t say goodbye as we walk out the door. I knew my parents wouldn’t take my choice well, but a small part of me still hoped that I would be proven wrong.
Most of the car ride was spent with me gripping Atlas arm while silently crying. I am heartbroken over my parents, but more than anything, I’m overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with this feeling for Atlas. His determination to keep me safe, to support me and show me that I am cared for and loved…
Loved.
I stare at my lips on his right hand, his wedding ring that he never takes off on his left ring finger. I’m laying on a custom refrigerator that he put in for me. He does love me… and I… I am so in love with him, it’s terrifying.
