Payback

Chapter 23: It's Unfair, Don't You Think?

"Life can be unfair sometimes but that's no reason to give up on it." -Unknown

I will always regret making everything hard for you, Brielle. If I could turn back time, I would have just let you enjoy the simple things in life. I am sorry, Brielle. I miss you. -Xander

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"How could you hide this from me for so long, Lianna?" Dad asked, disappointment evident in his tone. "You had every chance in the world to tell me."

I couldn't look at Mom. She was selfish. She never thought of the consequences when she hid the truth from Dad.

"I'm sorry," Mom said, drying her tears. "I was scared. I let my feelings get the best of me instead of thinking about the right thing to do," she admitted.

"Do you really think I would leave you once I found out?" Dad scoffed. "God, Lianna! I love you so much! I would sacrifice anything just so I could be with you and you'll question my loyalty and faithfulness to you?!" Dad yelled.

I buried my head in my knees before sobbing.

"I'm sorry, love. I'm sorry," Mom replied, crying again. I felt her stand and walk to where Dad was standing.

I looked at both of them. Mom tried to hold Dad but he stepped away. "If you were too scared that I would leave, why did you kick me out before?" Dad questioned.

"I thought that it's my karma for not telling you so I just accepted it and let you go to her," Mom answered.

Dad closed his eyes. "I didn't even go to her that time," Dad said and Mom shifted her gaze to the ground. "Not once did it come to my mind to go to Sandra."

"Gabriel..."

"You were always like that, Lianna. You think so lowly of me ever since we were young," Dad said, his voice breaking a little. "Some things never change, huh?"

"No, Gabriel, it's not like that," Mom responded.

"Then, what?!" Dad cried out.

"I don't know!" Mom replied before covering her face to cry. "All I know is this is my fault and I'm sorry, " she said in between sobs.

"How about me?" I asked.

Mom looked at me. "Marina..."

"Aren't you gonna say sorry to me?" I wiped my tears. "I paid for what you did. For what both of you did," I reminded.

"I don't get why I have to suffer for the loss of your unborn child..." I looked at Dad. He sighed. "And for your lies, " I added, switching my gaze to Mom.

"I didn't know she would go that far," Mom replied. "Marina, my sorry won't change anything but I deeply regret everything I have done. If only I have known, I would've done something so you wouldn't have to suffer."

"But you didn't know and it's impossible to turn back time now. It's just..." I started to tear up again. "It's unfair, don't you think?" I asked.

Mom walked towards me. "Marina..." she called but I did not look at her.

"I'm going to sleep. Please leave my room, " I said before lying down and turning my back on them.

"Marina..." Mom tried to hold my arm but I dodged her.

"Leave, please," I begged, trying my hardest not to yell at her.

She sighed before walking to the front door. I grabbed one of my pillows and embraced it tightly.  "Dad, you go too, " I pleaded.