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" I don't know about all of you, but I really don't want to talk about what happened right now", Henry sighed, raking a hand through his hair.
" That's alright sweetheart, you talk when your ready", his mother said immediately, rushing to him and taking his face in her hands. " We're just so relieved that you're okay", she said, then pulled him down to kiss his forehead.
Anne turned to his father and brothers, " Why don't you guys go on home, I'm going to stay with Henry and make sure he's comfortable", she said, turning back around to stare at Claire.
" Thanks mom, but I'm fine. I need to get a shower and take something to ease the pain in my ribs, I'm probably just going to crawl in bed and watch some tv, and Claire is going to stay with me", Henry said, silently begging his mother not to argue.
Her eyes snapped over to his. And they were angry. Shiiiit. " You're MY son and I almost lost you today! How dare you ask her to stay over me!", she squawked.
Henry reeled in his temper, not wanting to upset his mother more then he already has. " I understand that mom..."
" Obviously you don't!", She snapped.
Christian muttered something about he was gonna be sick and fled from the room. Sebastian was standing by the window, arms folded over his chest, shaking his head. Henry could see that he was annoyed. Quinn's face was unreadable as he sat quietly on the couch, watching. His father was also still sitting, taking in the whole situation like he always did. And he remained silent, like he always did.
" I gave birth to you! I have been here your whole life! I should be the one to take care of you after almost loosing you! Not her!", Anne shouted, pointing at Claire, who was standing wide eyed at Henry's side.
Henry pinched the bridge of his nose. How could he explain this to her without hurting her? Jesus Christ. It was impossible.
" That's it Anne! I've had enough!", Henry Sr. snapped as he shot up from the couch.
Everyone turned to stare at him in shock, including Anne. " Henry?", she asked, confused.
" For Christ's sake Anne, can't you see the man wants the kind of comfort from Claire that he can't get from you! You need to let these boys go. They can take care of themselves and they don't need you to kiss their boo boo's anymore. I've sat quiet for too long...", Henry Sr. sighed, shaking his head, looking at each of his sons, " I'm sorry for that".
Anne stood there gaping at him. Henry Sr. stopping in front of her.
" I've had enough of you interfering in their love lives. It stops now. Henry wants Claire to stay, not you, so just accept that and lets go", Henry Sr. said, his voice low and full of warning for her not to argue.
" But he's my son", Anne whispered.
Henry Sr.'s eyes flashed angrily, " He's my son too, woman! You think I don't want to just stay here and be by his side all night just to make sure he's really alive?! Believe me, I do! But I can't and neither can you, so let's go and give the man some time to wrap his head around what happened today", he snapped.
Henry stared in awe at his father. For years, his dad hadn't said a word to their mother about her behavior when it came to the women they brought around. Henry wasn't even sure if he had even noticed it. Apparently he had and was fed up. Claire must have been the breaking point. Henry had always known his father would love Claire.
Anne opened and closed her mouth a few times before just spinning and storming out the front door, slamming it behind her. Henry Sr. sighed heavily and moved in front of Henry and Claire. He took Claire's hand and kissed her knuckles.
" Take care of him, sweetheart", He said, flashing her a smile and a wink.
Claire blushed slightly, " Absolutely", she replied quietly.
His dad then pulled Henry into a hug. " I love you son", he murmured, kissing Henry on the cheek.
" Love you too dad"
" Sorry about your mother", Henry Sr. said as he pulled back, " I should have stepped in a while ago, maybe it would have changed some things", he said, sending a glance at Sebastian.
Sebastian shook his head and moved to put his arm around his dad's shoulders, " Victoria would have still left me, don't think that was your fault"
Henry Sr. nodded. " Henry, call me tomorrow", he said and started for the door.
" Will do", Henry replied, walking him to the door.
Claire hung up her phone. She had just called her dad who was more then willing to stay with Ethan for the night. She was sitting on Henry's couch waiting while he got a shower. He said he smelled like the river and couldn't take it anymore. Sebastian, Quinn and Christian only stayed about a half hour longer after their father left. And Henry had jumped right in the shower as soon as they were out the door.
