Miles never had his dad. Not really, at least. He was absent most his life, and once he was gone…. you could forget about mom. It wasn’t that they didn’t like Miles or Savannah, but… things were just hard. It was hard being a military kid. Always on the move. So of course Miles and Sav got into some bad crowds. Of course there were babies and drugs and tattoos. But Miles really did want that male authority in his life, and he was glad that he found that in Aleks. Not quite a dad but not quite a brother. Somewhere between. An uncle, perhaps. And that was fitting since he was Nora’s brother. Miles cried and though Aleks’ hand was on the back of his neck, he opened his arms for a hug and Aleks received him. “Sorry, I’m sorry,” he pleaded. “I did’t mean to be like this. This is… not who I am. But you’re right. No one need do it alone or whatever the fuck that poster Nora’s got in her office says. God, I know he’ll be okay. It’s not as bad as it could be, but god I feel so helpless.”
As Aleks was embraced by Miles, it took him back to the younger, scared man he was himself after Viv passed away. He remembered taking every ounce of humility he had in himself and knocking on Nora’s door, a now single father of three, and breaking down, pulling his estranged, foster sister in for a long, much-needed hug. Aleks had come a long way since then, and he was so thankful for Nora’s kindness, now, he hoped to be that beacon of hope and kindness for Miles. “Don’t apologize,” Aleks said calmly, patting Miles back, “The worst thing you can feel as a parent is hopeless. You always want to have the answers to their questions and the things to make their boo-boos and problems better. It’s hard when you can’t. I don’t know if you believe in any kind of God, man, but a lot of praying has really got me through my hard times. I know that sometimes feels like a cop out, but it’s the truth. Well, God and booze and Nora and lots of babysitters all helped me if I’m being entirely honest,” Aleks cracked a small smile, taking another look at the worn down young man in front of him, “Why don’t we go grab a bite to eat? Take a couple of the kids off of Aubree’s hands for a little and I’ll bring along my motley crue too. Might be nice for all of you to get a change of scenario and some greasy food.”
jbbartram-illu
germansingergirl
kaledo-art
blakekathryn
andulkaphoto