Snippet #2395164

As the group made their way through the aquarium, Darrin focused on those in his small group. He was happy to see his children so happy. When they were looking at the flame angelfish, Darrin listened to Jane as she spoke about telling the children a story. When Jane reached over to brush some hair out of Sammy's face, the woman's hand gently brushed against Darrin's. It happened so quickly that Darrin didn't even react at all. He merely eyed her as she moved away from. He tried to think nothing of it. It was an accident, after all. Sammy cuddled closer to him as she got ready to listen to Jane's story. Darrin watched the pretty fish that Jane was telling the story about. She was speaking of God. Darrin's parents both believed in him and at one time he thought that he had as well. As he'd gotten older, Darrin had slowly begun developing beliefs of his own. He saw no point in believing in something or someone that he couldn't see. His parents had tried for some time when he'd been younger to convince him to change his beliefs but he'd refused. Darrin was brought out of thought when he heard Sammy say, "That not true!" The little girl laughed. "Daddy says God is just a made up story! Right, daddy?" Sammy was beaming at him, waiting for an answer. He smiled brightly at the little girl. "That's right Sammy." he said.

When Jane looked at him, Darrin wondered why the woman looked as if he'd said something that hurt her. He eyed her..confused. Why would what he said have hurt her? He didn't understand. He didn't like the look on her face. It made him feel..bad. When Jane mentioned heading to the gift shop, Darrin was glad. He could focus on the children and not Jane. Darrin smiled as both children picked out their toys. He would have bought them anything that they wanted. As they were heading back to the car, Sammy asked if Jane could bring them there everyday. This brought a brilliant smile to Darrin's face. It had been a long time since he'd smiled like this. He didn't answer right away but put the little girl into her seat and made sure that she was fastened in. Darrin got into the car and buckled himself in. He looked back at Sammy. "I don't think that it would be as much fun if you all came every day, Sammy. Maybe you all can go once or twice a month." he said. Darrin turned back around and slowly pulled out. He paid attention to the road, not wanting another near accident. The thirty minuted drive seemed to drag on for some time.

At long last, they arrived back at the large home. Darrin parked the car and then got out. He opened the backseat door and gently got Sammy out. He gently woke her. "You need to go and tell Granny all about your trip." he said, smiling. When Taylor heard this he wanted out of the car. "Jane! Can I get out now? Please? I wanna tell Granny about our trip!" he said. When Jane had gotten him out, the little boy took off running towards the house. "Come on Sammy!" Darrin sat the little girl down. He watched as the two children ran into the home. Darrin slowly made his way to the house, Jane near him. "Thanks." he said softly. After a short second, he then added, "For making me come along, I mean." He fell silent once again. He felt as if the woman wouldn't care to speak with him anymore after finding out his beliefs. He couldn't change, though. That was just another part of who he was.

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Inside the home, Judith had been finishing up a few small chores that she'd had left to do. When she heard the children yelling for her, the older woman quickly came into the kitchen to wait for the kids. Taylor was the first through the door and quickly ran into the kitchen. He quickly began trying to tell her about all of the wonderful things that they'd seen at the aquarium. He even showed the older woman the things that he'd gotten. Judith smiled and then looked to Sammy. "And what did you get, sweetie?" she asked.

Darrin entered the house and saw his mother. When she noticed him, she began beaming. It was obvious that she was happy that Jane had been able to get him out of the house. "I hope you two had fun." she said to Darrin and Jane. Darrin said nothing but merely walked farther into the large home. This brought a frown to the old older woman's face. When she heard him heading up the stairs, she sighed. She sent the children into the living room to watch some cartoons. When they were in the other room, Judith said to Jane, "I hope he wasn't too terrible while you all were gone. Now, I'm not going to be staying here tonight. I've not seen my husband in some time and since you're hear I was going to spend some time with him. Let me give you a quick tour before I leave." As the two women made their way about the main floor of the house, there really wasn't all that much to it. Just a few normal rooms and then a large dining room . Heading up the stairs to the first floor, Judith showed Jane where Darrin's room was, the first on the left. The room that Jane would be staying in was right next to his and directly across from the children's room. There was two more several more spare bedrooms and a play room. Judith paused at the steps. "The only place that you can't go is the top floor. It's a rehearsal room that Darrin used to use for practicing with his band when they would come home. He won't let anyone up there." The older woman looked a bit sad. "I wish he'd straighten up. He's barely spending any time with the kids and rarely comes out of his room. He's lost a lot of weight..he hasn't even dyed his hair in months. It's not like him at all. I'm so worried." Judith tried to smile at Jane. "Well, I've got to go. If you need anything just give me a call. My number is on the fridge or Darrin has it as well. Oh! I forgot! If you'd like to redecorate your room just let me know how much you need. We'll take care of it. Have a good night, Jane." With that, Judith headed down the stairs and into the living room. She told her grandchildren goodbye and that she loved them. She placed kisses on both of their cheeks and let herself out.

Darrin was in his room, laying upon the bed and staring up at the ceiling. He was tired and just wanted to go to sleep.. He looked over to his bedside table. He could see the alcohol and the pills. He'd not had to drink any while he'd been out with Jane and the kids but now..he felt as if he really needed to. He fought with himself for some time. He tried to ignore the pull. After all of this time of being on the pills..it was becoming harder and harder for him to stay away from the pills. He could never admit it to anyone, though. He sighed heavily. He felt..lost..as if he had no idea what to do anymore. He rolled over and buried his face into the soft pillow as the tears slowly began sliding down his handsome face. He was silent but he felt as if his life was not worth living anymore. He remained on the bed, hiding his face. He doubted that he'd come out of his room for the rest of the night.