What I Wish You Knew | ꪜ

Chapter Forty Two

41. Learning the truth.

Parker's POV

Longer chapter ahead!
2713 words!

The sky–at least what was made to resemble the sky hovered above my head, much like the real thing. I never really paid much attention to it until now. I always thought it was a bit childish, especially seeing as this was a place mostly teenagers and adults came for consultation. I guess when you really think about it, it's more beneficial than expected.

"Parker, how's Hayley?" I hadn't realized that I slipped into a daydream-like state the moment she asked me how I was doing. I'm guessing by the smug expression on her face she knew at the mention of Hayley I would have snapped out of my reverie. Well played, Doctor Maxine.

"What? Hayley has been with me since she was thirteen. She tells me everything. Surely I would have found out you two were dating." It still struck me as odd that Hayley and I had the same psychiatrist, went to the same school and also attended the same anger management classes.

When I think about it, fate has always been pushing us towards one another, but we were always blinded by our own issues to see the other's faces as we walked by, unaware of the fact that our hope for even the slightest amount of relief from this dreadful world was standing right before our eyes. It's crazy how the world works. "She's as good as she could be."

I don't know how she is on the inside, I can only speak on what I see. "And how's everything at home?" My father returned from the hospital this week. He's been on bed rest for the past few days but still finds it in himself to work. I don't know if he's stupid or strong.

"Jingyi and I made up–" her eyebrows arched upwards and a smile slid onto her lips, "really?" She inquired, astonishment dripping from her voice. I tore my gaze away from her and peered back up at the ceiling in hopes the make-shift sky comforts me.

"Yeah, we're taking it slow. He even tried to take care of me when I was sick. I mean I didn't allow it but it was nice having my brother back. I forgive him, but it's gonna take time till we get back to normal. For now, I'm good with where we're at." Doctor Maxine was a tactical person, given her job it's to be expected.

That's why I was the least surprised when she asked me the following question: "what about your dad, have you forgiven him?" I fought the urge to scoff as my eyes flickered towards her. Forgive my father? Hell, he hasn't forgiven himself, why should I? "No."

Doctor Maxine sighed, "Parker have you ever thought about your dad's side of the story? There are always three sides to a story: his, hers and the truth. Don't you think if you hear his side maybe it'll change things. . .maybe you can forgive him?" What does she think is gonna happen?

We're gonna sit in a big circle and pass the truth stick around and air our feelings whilst we sing kumbaya? Regardless of whether or not I want to hear his side of the story, he still won't tell me because we don't have that kind of relationship. "If there's a possibility of me forgiving him, it will never happen. We don't talk, when we do it's only about me being the successor of his business or we argue.

My father isn't an easy-going man, he has never been one. All my life all I wanted was his love, the same love he gave Jingyi. He thought buying me toys and game consoles and giving me money would make up for not having a father figure in my life 24/7. But when it was that time he took it by force, shut my mom out and then discarded me like a plaything.

I'm only good for his business, not as his son. So no, I don't want to hear his side of the story. All I need to know is he screwed my mom over when she needed him most and tore my life apart. He burnt his cake and now he has to eat it. That's if he even cares."