Page 92 of Havoc's Fox
On his end, Havoc was clenching his teeth, and shaking his head. He didn’t know if they really needed her or if it was a convenient issue to help her make an excuse to leave before they’d settled things.
“That’s fine. Have a safe trip,” he said, getting ready to hang up.
“No! Wait, I wanted to apologize.”
“For what? Not giving us a chance?”
“It was my fault, too. What happened between us when we were kids. I didn’t make it easy for you. I was so shy and not willing to expose myself to anything or anyone that didn’t scream home and safety to me. You tried to get me to go out with you and have some fun. All I wanted to do was stay home. I’m not saying everything was my fault, but I certainly did nothing to make you want to stay at my side.”
“’Lise, you’ve always been quiet and timid and so kind and sweet. You did nothing wrong.”
“Yes, I did. I refused to make any allowances for your needs. I drove you away and toward anything that was exciting and adventurous. That was what you needed and I made no effort to accommodate you.”
“I made no effort to accommodate you either. It’s not all on you. In fact, it’s all on me. I made choices that put me on a different path, not you.”
“I didn’t help. I just want you to know I know that. And that I accept my share of the responsibility for what happened between us. It’s not all on you.”
“Thank you for saying so, but it was still me that got us here.”
“Do you think that I could come over and explain to Harley why I can’t take her to feed Kaid’s birds today, and why I have to leave?”
Havoc thought about it, and the only answer he could come up with was no. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. She’ll be heartbroken. She’s grown really attached and I think it would be better if we just tell her that you have to go back to work. I’ll get her to help me make a couple of birdhouses and try to get her mind off of it.”
“I understand,” Analise said.
“I’m sorry, Analise. I really, really am.”
“So am I. At least we’re friends now, right? Nobody has to hide themselves away. We can come back on the holidays and not have to worry about seeing the other.”
“Yeah. It’s a change at least. Feel free to plan whatever you want for next Christmas. I think I might go back home to Maia’s for a couple of weeks, though. So, don’t worry about how things will be here.”
“So, you’re just going to not be here because I will be?” she asked. “I thought we were over all that. Didn’t we just say that?”
“Just seems easier that way, Analise.”
“Easier for who?” she asked.
“Me. Harley. Everybody. Travel safe, ‘Lise. I hope you fix all your stuff that got broken.”
“Havoc…” she said. But silence greeted her, he’d already ended the call.
“Fuck!” Analise shouted, throwing her phone across the porch.
~~~
Havoc pressed the ‘end’ button on his phone and tossed it onto the love seat across the room. He didn’t even want it near him.
“Daddy?” Harley said from right behind him.
He turned around quickly, pasting a fake smile on his face. “Hey, little girl! I thought you were sleeping.”
“I was. I woke up and heard you talking so I came to see if Analise was here.”
He pushed himself up off the sofa and started toward her.
“Why are you crying?” Harley asked.
He stopped walking and swiped at his eyes quickly, looking at the dampness on his hand in surprise. “It’s just allergies. I’m not crying.”