***JJ’s POV***

                I laid in bed as the storm exploded outside. Through a split second of silence, I heard a terrified whimper. I rolled over and crawled out of bed, careful not to wake my wife.

                I walked down the halls as the windows rattled from the force of the storm. I opened the bedroom door and peeked in to see a small form hiding under the blankets.

                I walked over and gently pulled the covers away. Benjamin looked up at me through terrified eyes. I sat down next to him and pulled him into my lap as he whimpered again.

                “It’s okay Benjamin; you’re okay,” I hushed softly as thunder exploded and he trembled. My heart went out to him. Tears lined his eyes and he wrapped his arms around me tightly, burying his head in my chest as I stroked his brown hair.

                I shifted to get into a more comfortable position and he tightened his grip on me. “Please don’t leave me daddy,” he whimpered.

                He looked up at me with pleading eyes. I leaned down and kissed his forehead. “I’ll never leave you Benjamin. I’m right here, okay?” I said gently, laying down and pulling him into my arms protectively.

                Benjamin was still trembling though. I felt terrible for him. I wished that this storm would stop. I knew Benjamin hated loud noises and storms. They terrified him. He whimpered again and I kissed him lovingly.

                “It’s okay Benny, it’ll be over soon,” I assured him. “Can we turn the lights on?” he asked in a small voice. I gave him a sympathetic look. “The power’s out Benny. The lights won’t turn on,” I said and held him closer to me.

                “I want it to be over daddy,” he whispered. “I know Benjamin. I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing what else to tell him. If I could stop the storm, I would. Just to see my little boy smile. I’d do anything to see him smile.

                “The storm will be over soon Benjamin,” I whispered.

                                                                                                ***

                I sat on the couch, thinking back to that night. Ben had only been 5 years old during that storm. I sighed sadly. The things I said to him that night…it was what I had been telling him constantly for almost a month.

                It’ll all be over soon Benjamin.

                I agreed with Ali’s decision to take the boys with her and away from Ben. I had been trying to keep Jeydyn from him too. I hated seeing the pain in his eyes, but he needed to learn how much his actions were going to cost the people around him.

                “Dad?”

                I looked up at Ben. He was standing there nervously. “Can I see them now? I’ve been clean,” he said desperately. “Please let me see my boys!”

                My heart broke in two. But I shook my head. “No Ben. You’ve added another week away from them. Mr. Saccento called me and told me you and Chris were smoking yesterday.” That same pain exploded in his eyes.

                “Dad!” he cried. “I need my sons back! I need them dad! And they need me!” I sighed sadly and shook my head. “Ali’s been doing fine with them Benjamin. You aren’t allowed to see them until you’re clean of your addictions and you know that.”

                “They need their father! They’re only 3!” he pleaded. “Dad please! I’ll do anything if you let me see them today!” I stood up and placed my hand on his shoulder. “You can see them every day if you come clean Benny.”

                And I walked away from my broken son.

                                                                                ***Ali’s POV***

                I was listening to Scary Kids Scaring Kids with the boys in the living room. I had gotten a job working at a park. I brought the boys with me and they could play while the other supervisors and I kept an eye on everyone.

                My parents wanted me and Ben to be able to buy our own apartment, so they bought food and diapers while I stayed here so that I could save the money I was making. I was so grateful to them.

                “Mommy!” Shane rolled his ball to me and smiled. I passed it back to him and he passed it to Shawn. They kept asking me where Ben was. I had lied and told them that Ben was on a trip.

                Shawn yawned and I smiled and stood up. “Nap time boys!” I picked up Shawn and grabbed Shane’s hand. I brought them upstairs to the guest room that we had made theirs. I placed them in their cribs, read to them, and left the room.

                I got myself busy doing the laundry until I heard Shane start screaming. I frowned and made my way up to the boys’ room.

                Shane was sitting in his crib crying and screaming. Shawn was watching him in fear. I walked over and picked him up, trying to calm him down.

                “What’s wrong Shane?” I asked softly. “I want my daddy,” he sobbed. I sighed sadly. “Shane, daddy’s not here,” I said. “I want daddy!” he screamed.

                I was torn. I didn’t know what to do. If Shane had a nightmare, Ben was usually the one who comforted him. That must’ve been what happened. He’d had a nightmare and woke up screaming for Ben out of habit.

                “Shane, daddy’s not here. I’m here,” I said and kissed him. “I want daddy,” he whimpered and began to scream for Ben again. I was glad my parents weren’t here right now. My dad agreed with my choice to take the boys away from Ben until he was clean, but my mom was worried that it was bad for the boys to be away from their dad so long.

                My cell phone started vibrating and I opened it. “Hello?” I asked as Shane continued to cry. “Ali? Is that Shane? Is he okay?” JJ asked in a panic. “Yea, he’s fine. He just had a nightmare. What’s up JJ?” I asked, trying to stay calm. “Ali, it’s bad,” he said, desperation and terror in his voice. “I can’t find Ben anywhere.” My heart stopped. “What?” I whispered. He took a shaky breath.

                “I can’t find Ben and he has his pocket knife with him.”