"You do realize how big of a mistake you made, don't you? Man, I pegged you for a lot smarter guy. Why on earth would you think that this was the best move?!"

Those words spun around Alexanders mind over and over. He couldn't even form a response. They were both right, and wrong. How was he supposed to feel?

"Sir-"

"I'm not finished yet. You realize that he's after you more now, right? You fucked up, Son." Washington hissed, he was both mad and concerned.

Alex stood up, he hated being called son.

"What did I tell you about calling me son?!" He snapped "Don't call me son!"

Washington shook his head "Damn it! Why can't you seem to understand that I'm trying to protect your ass?! That's all I've ever done, and this is how you're gonna talk to me?"

Alexander sighed "you're right, I don't understand. I don't understand how being in a gang, is protecting me. I have a family to think about. You of all people should understand that!"

"And I do. But I don't have people gunning after me. My family is well protected because of this gang, and if you want protection for your girlfriend and the little baby you have on the way, you better start thinking if leaving was worth it." Washington said.

"Alex, listen. Kids are expensive. You're gonna need money. I can offer you a raise. But if you don't come back, I can promise that Burr will be right behind you, waiting. And if you come back, we can hold him off longer." He paused "I can make it so you still spend plenty of time with Eliza. And you could come in maybe twice a week, and for calls, but it won't be much. The boys can handle it."

Alexander sighed and sat down on the old couch in the warehouse. "Either way, I'm screwed. Me being in this, worries Eliza. Me being out of this, guarantees I'm dead. I don't know what to do, sir."

"Come back. Trust me on this. Have I ever steered you wrong? You're my right hand man. I need you. And since I'm a family man, I understand you want to be with your girl. And you can. This will only protect your family."

Alexander sighed and stood up, shaking Washington's hand. "Fine."

_________

Eliza sighed to herself as she got out of the shower. She got dressed, and walked downstairs to find that no one was there.

"Hello? Alex? Mom?" She asked as she looked around just to find no one.

She sighed and walked into the living room, curling up on the couch with a blanket and pillow, turning on some Netflix.

Eliza put on a chick flick and relaxed, waiting for anyone to come home. She hated being alone.

A few hours later, the front door opened. A half asleep Eliza tiredly turned her head in the direction of the door to see who it was.

"Alex?" She asked, rubbing her eyes.

For a moment, there was no response. Eliza sat up, and looked at the door again, no one was there.

"Very funny Alex." Eliza said and stood up. "I heard the door." She said and walked out of the living room.

In the kitchen, the sound of a glass breaking could be heard. Eliza jumped "Alex?!" She asked again, not yet entering the kitchen.

___________

Once she built up enough courage, she finally entered to see Alexander picking up the tray he dropped.

"Alex, thank god it's you." Eliza said and let out a sigh of relief.

Alex looked up "I'm sorry baby, I was trying to make you a nice lunch and I tripped."

Eliza let out a gentle giggle "it's okay baby, I got scared, I thought someone was breaking in."

Alex stood up and hugged her "no, no, just me."

Eliza nodded and smiled "where were you?"

"Oh, I just had to run out really quick. It's not important." Alex nodded and kissed her head.

How he hated lying to her. But it was for the best.

Or so he thought.