*TRIGGER WARNING IN THIS CHAPTER! I'll go ahead and tell you what the trigger is. Mr. Mell is abusive when he's drunk and.. well he's drunk in this. I've seen this done in other fan-fics and decided to add it. If that's too much for you, in the next chapter I'll leave a lil summary of this chapter, helping you understand the story without being triggered. You Have Been Warned. Hope you're enjoying the story regardless.)

Laura, being as confused as ever, asked "So.. we had to run downstairs just because your dad came home?"

"You don't understand," a breathless Michael answered.

"Well, once your breath comes back, can you explain?"

"Yeah, sure. *inhales deeply* So basically, my parents got divorced around the time I met Jeremy because of my dad's drinking problem. My mom still loves him, so whenever he comes back drunk, she lets him do what he does, although she's a little bit scared."

Suddenly, a loud 'OW!' could be heard upstairs from Mrs. Mell. Laura immediately understood the weight of the situation.

"So this happens every night?"

"Almost every night for the past two years."

"I...I am so sorry." She said, pulling him into a hug.

"Don't be. It's his own fault, the bastard."

"I... uh... I can sorta relate, heh. My dad... he uh... died by drunk driving."

"Man... I'm so sor-"

*THUD*

".....what was that?" Laura asked.

"Mr. Mell has passed out, as he often does at this time," The S.Q.U.I.P. explained as Michael started telling her almost the same thing, just with different phrasing.

"Uh, how about you go upstairs while I take a bathroom break?" Michael said, before rushing off to a restroom. Laura crept upstairs to uncover a bruised Mrs. Mell on the couch and an unconscious Mr. Mell, face first into the nachos.

"Mrs. Mell, are you alright?"

"Oh, yes dear. I'm fine, don't worry. This happens."

"'This Happens?' THAT'S what you say after being beat by your drunk ex-husband?" Mrs. Mell nodded slowly.

"This happens almost every night, so I've just gotten used to it."

"'Used To It?' THIS Shouldn't be something you get used to!"

"Call the police," The S.Q.U.I.P. calmly instructed.

"That's it, I'm calling the cops."

"NO, No you can't!"

"Why not?!" Laura said, becoming frustrated with the Latino mother.

"Because they'll take him away and I'll never see him and... and I still love him."

".....after all he's done, you still love him?" Mrs. Mell nodded.

"I can't help it, we've been together for so long and... and then we got divorced years ago and over the past year or two, he's been coming here and... well you know... while being drunk... I never called anyone because... It'd been so long since I last saw him and... I couldn't bear the thought of it being that long, or longer before I see him again."

"Mrs. Mell, this isn't healthy. If he treats you like this, drunk or sober, he doesn't deserve to see you. I'm sorry, but I have to call the police and report him."

"But.. what would I do without him?"

"You still have Michael, and I can come over at any time if you want. But if you still feel empty without him, maybe you could try and find someone else, who treats you right and loves you like you love them."

"I...I guess I could try that... I guess I've just been trying to... resurrect a long dead and, frankly toxic now that I think about it, relationship... Thank you, dear. This just became normal to me.."

"Well, it won't be normal anymore, I can promise you that." Laura grabbed the phone and called the New Jersey Police Department. They arrived quickly and Mrs. Mell confirmed Laura's suspicions. Mr. Mell had finally been arrested when Michael came back.

"What'd I miss?"

"I'll explain in a sec, Mikey," Laura said.

"Well, it has been a long and eventful day. I hope you don't mind, but I need to calm down. Maybe we could discuss musicals some other time?"

"Totally understandable. And just knowing I have someone else who understands musicals like I do? ~That would be enough!~"

"Oh my, Michael never mentioned you were such a good singer! Have fun, you two. But not too much fun." Mrs. Mell exited to go and read in bed.

"So...? What's the verdict?"

"He's gone."

"AW YEAH! We gotta celebrate! Video Games?"

"Hell Yes!" Laura and Michael proceeded down to the basement.