Before he could take another breath, they were in the townhouse in a Toronto suburb that he and his brother had lived in with their parents when he was a child. As he and Thomas hovered near the ceiling, he watched his father tell his mother he was leaving her, while ten-year-old Gabriel and his little brother Josh hid behind the sofa.
“I can’t do this anymore.” Blake Daniels stuffed clothes into a battered brown suitcase. “You’re killing me. I can’t take any more of your manic days when all you do is paint. This place is a pigsty. You don’t cook or clean or look after the kids. You don’t even shower.”
“I’m sorry, Blake. I don’t mean to neglect you and the kids, but when inspiration hits me, I can’t stop.”
“I don’t give a damn about your inspiration!” Gabriel heard the frustration in his father’s raised voice. “When did your painting ever pay any of the bills around here? I’m working my ass off and have nothing to show for it because you’re sick all the time.”
“I’m sorry I’m such a burden.” Tears ran down her face. “I’ll try to be better. Please don’t go.”
“It’s no use, Ellen. It’s over. I’ve found someone new. I’ve been seeing her for some time, and she’s going to have my baby. I’m moving in with her.”
He brought Ellen against his chest in a brief, fierce hug. She clung to him and sobbed. But then he put his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away.
“There’s some cash in the coffee can in the cupboard. I’ll keep paying the rent and send money for the boys. I have to go.”
He picked up the suitcase and walked to the door. Gabriel jumped out from behind the sofa and ran to him. He grabbed his father’s arm as he reached for the doorknob.
“Take me with you. Please, Daddy!”
Blake gently removed Gabriel’s hand from his arm. “I’m sorry, son, but I can’t. You stay here with your mother and brother. I’ll call you soon.”
“Daddy, please. I want to go with you.”
“Gabe, I promise I’ll call and then we’ll do something fun together some weekend soon. But from now on, you’ll be living here, and I’ll be living in a different house with my new family.”
The words hit him like a hammer. How could his father have a new family? He and Mom and Josh were his family.
“It’s going to be all right, son. We’ll see each other all the time. And pretty soon, you and Josh will have a new baby brother or sister. Aren’t you excited?”
Gabriel stared at his father. Excited? No way. He already hated this baby. If it wasn’t for this stupid baby, his father wouldn’t be leaving.
