A single tear rolled down my cheek, and I quickly brushed it away.
“I wish I could have had you as my daughter. I know I don’t get to talk to you much lately, what with your being busy and growing up, but I want you to know how proud I am of you, Delilah.”
“Proud?” I sniffled.
“Of course. I know life hasn’t been easy for you. I blame myself.” He squeezed my hand.
“How could you blame yourself? You didn’t know.”
“That’s not an excuse. I knew how you came about in this world. A child needs a father figure in her life—and a decent mother for that matter.”
“She was just a kid.” I shook my head to rid the image of Brock’s gray eyes from my thoughts. “Sometimes the truth isn’t always that cut and dry.”
“I’m just glad I get to spend the little time I have left on this earth with you.” He kissed my forehead with dry, cracked lips then released my hand and cleared his throat again. He picked up his spoon and took a bite. I watched him for a moment before picking up my spoon as well.
“I’m glad I’m here with you too, Uncle Greg. For what it’s worth, you make a good father.”
He smiled as he shoved another bite into his mouth, and we finished our meal in silence.
I cleared our dishes and washed them quickly, not caring if I ran a little late to class. Greg settled back into his recliner as another fit of coughs racked his body.
“You want me to stay home today? We could watch movies and gossip about movie stars.”
“Would a good dad let you skip school?” he asked playfully, and I stuck out my bottom lip.
“Take the Beamer. Keys are in the garage,” he wheezed out.
“Thanks.” I smiled, thankful I wouldn’t have to take a bus.
“Hey. Promise me you’ll call Marie today. I know there’s stuff you’d rather not talk to me about, but you need to have someone.”
In that moment I wished I could share all the painful memories that plagued me, but our relationship was just starting to blossom, and I didn’t want to taint it. Greg was overwhelmed when he had thought my worst problems were a mean mother and a boyfriend who had broken my heart.
“If you promise me you’ll call a doctor.” I gave him a stern look.
He sighed loudly but smiled. “I’ll do it for you. Promise you’ll call her?”
I nodded as I stepped into the morning sun. I just wanted to get back to my routine; classes would be a great distraction. I typed the security code for the garage and pulled open the door. There were three cars inside, and I smiled as my eyes landed on the silver Beamer. I’d always loved this car, but Greg always had been afraid to let me drive it.
I grabbed the keys and slid into the driver’s seat. I hit the button next to the visor, and the large bay doors slid open. I backed out carefully and pressed the button again as I pulled out onto Sunnyside Road. It was a beautiful day, the clouds blocking the sun to keep it from being overbearingly hot. It probably wouldn’t be long before they let loose.
I made it to campus as large drops began to patter against the windshield. I grabbed my purse and dug out a hair tie to throw my hair into a messy bun. I pulled down the visor and stared into the mirror as I gathered my hair and secured it at the back of my head. As I flipped the visor closed, I suddenly was staring into the eyes of a soaked Abel, his hands shoved into his jeans pockets. I froze, not sure what I should do next. My eyes fell to the keys that dangled from the ignition. I could run, like I always did. I glanced up again. The rain was coming down hard and heavy, but Abel stood still.
“Shit.” I grabbed the keys and shoved them into my purse as I pushed the door open and made my way to the front of the car. “What are you doing here?”
“I go to school here, remember?”
“What do you want, Abel?”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said any of those things to you last night.”
“Little too late for that. Do you have any idea how scared I was of you with that gun? You have no idea. No idea.” I shook my head as I tried to maintain my composure; I was dangerously close to losing it. I went to step around him, but he grabbed my arm and turned me toward him. His short‐sleeve white shirt clung to his chest.
“Will you just stop for one fucking minute and listen to me? I fucked up, Lie. I know that. Let me try to make it right. Can we go somewhere dry and talk?”
“No. I’m done listening to your bullshit. I’ve had enough of you and Trish and all you other assholes.”
He clenched his jaw as he smoothed back his wet hair. “You didn’t have to run away, Lie. I won’t go back to your place if that’s what you want. I already told Trish we’re done. You don’t have to ever see me again, but please give me a chance to explain.”