The One For Me(44)

I start my engine and reverse down the road. As much as it pains me, I know I done the right thing. Whether Liam ever talks to me again or not. I know that he got to meet his mom and brother. I know that that is something no one else has ever given him. The one thing he wanted so badly. I gave him what he deserves.





Chapter Eleven



It’s not that I thought Liam would suddenly forgive me and forget about Hayden. But I had hoped. My mom is out in the garden when I get home. She is in her blue jeans shirt, bandana and water proof boots. I smile. Our Saturday tradition. Pulling weeds and watering the garden. I haven’t helped her lately. I’ve been too worried about Liam and our ‘pretend’ relationship.

“How did it go?” Mom asks, taking off her dirty gloves, shoving them into the pocket of her shirt.

I shake my head. “It didn’t go very well,” I say. “He was happy to see them, but not me. I don’t know what to do. I’ve done all that I can think of. He just left me outside,” I whisper. “He didn’t forgive me.”

Mom wraps her arms around me, stroking my hair. “He will come around, sweetheart. He will realize how great you are, I promise.” She pulls me back and looks at me. “In the meantime, let’s go inside real quick. I have something to show you.”

I wipe my eyes and take a deep breath. “Okay.”

I follow my mom into the house and stop short. My dad is standing in the doorway, his hand on the doorframe. He runs his hand through his hair and gives me a smile. I’m glad he has something to smile about. “What are you doing here?” I ask. Did I miss his vehicle in the driveway?

I’m contemplating my escape methods when Dad clears his throat. “I parked out back,” he says. “I knew you wouldn’t come home if you knew I was here. Like you wish you were anywhere else but here right now,” he says.

“You got that right,” I snap, crossing my arms over my chest. I’d rather be sitting in a room with Liam and him ignoring me.

“Sweetie,” Dad says, stepping forward, “I know you’re mad at me and I can’t blame you. I messed up and I know it hurt you and your mom. The harm is done. But, this move is for the best. The best for your mom, you and me. You might not see it now, but it is. It’s a good thing.” His eye averts to my mom’s. “Well, your mother and I have been talking. She told me about Liam…”

I groan. “Thanks Mom, thanks a lot.”

Mom shrugs her shoulders. “I’m worried about you, baby.”

“There is nothing to worry about. We just aren’t together anymore? Neither are you two, should I worry about you?”

“No, we’re adults. You’re sulking around the house like a child. What you done for Liam was nice, baby. But, you’re upset. Your dad and I decided that you need to go spend a few days with your dad. We already talked to your teachers; this will be good for you. You would leave today and spend until Wednesday, then be back in school by Thursday,” Mom says, biting her lip. I notice she has been doing that lately when she is nervous.

“You can’t be serious. I’m not going anywhere with him,” I spit. “I can’t run away from my problems like Dad does.”

“Now, you wait one freaking second, Katy. I may have messed up but I am still an adult and your father and I always will be. You will treat me with respect.” He looks at Mom who gives him a little nod. “And this isn’t debatable. You’re coming to stay with me for a few days. It will help you get your mind off things. There are plenty of things to do in Florida. It’s gorgeous. There are malls and beaches.”

“I don’t want to go,” I say.

“Well, you’re going, babe,” Mom says, pointing to my suitcase leaned up against the hallway door. “Your bag is already packed.”

This is not happening. This has to be a terrible bad dream. I close my eyes and reopen them. Both of my parents are still staring at me. “I hope you’re happy, Dad.” I turn on my heel and march up to my room. I dig my cell out of my pocket but realize I have no one to call. My best friend thinks I’m a self-centered drama queen, my ‘pretend’ boyfriend, doesn’t want to see me, and even my ex-boyfriend that wants to get back to together is mad because I humiliated him.

I shove my phone back into my pocket and finally let the tears that have been fighting me all day, down my face. Maybe a weekend away from everyone will help? Maybe I’ll get back and everyone will talk to me again? Maybe some of them will realize they give a damn about me.

I sit on my bed until my dad knocks on the door. It’s loud and heavy. “Come in,” I whisper. I’m not even sure if my dad hears me.