No Shame (Book 2 - No Regrets)

Chapter Fifty-Seven - Strangers

KATIE'S POV

Mollie and I sit in the living room. Her sitting in the La-Z-Boy with a bowl of crackers and I sitting on the couch. Mom put on a show for Mollie to watch before she went into her office to attend a firm meeting over the phone. Mollie's old enough to be left in a room to watch television by herself, but I found myself staying in the living room with her.

Slightly because if I knew staying would possibly save me a future lecture from my parents. Mostly because I want to explain myself to Mollie. Even if no one else is willing to understand or take my side, I need Mollie to not see me as a monster.

"Your brother will want to speak with you when he comes to pick up Mollie later this afternoon." Mom said as we pulled into our driveway.

"I won't apologize, I didn't do anything wrong." I replied as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

Mom let out a sigh as she put the car in park. "It's not about what you did, you know that." She said.

I glance over at Mollie whose eyes are glued to the television screen. "Mollie." I say. She briefly glances at me, letting me know I have her attention. "I didn't hurt you because I was mad or for no reason. I hurt you because I love you. I want you to be a good person, so other people will love you. If you hurt others senselessly, people won't want to be around you." I explain. "I am sorry though, that it hurt and upset you. Can you forgive me?"

Mollie is silent, her eyes are pointed in my direction but are looking elsewhere. "Yes." She answers. "I forgive."

"Thank you." I tell her.

~~~~~~~~

Dominick arrives around a quarter past four o'clock. He and I exchanged a look before he leaned over the back of the La-Z-Boy to kiss the top of Mollie's head. "How is my beautiful Buggie?" He asks.

"Good." Mollie answers. She tips her head back and looks up at him. "I'm watching show."

"I can see that." Dominick replies with a chuckle. "I missed you."

"And my toys?"

"And your toys missed you too." Dominick says amused.

Mollie, satisfied, returns her attention to the colorful cartoon on the screen. Dominick gentle ruffles the top of her head. Then, he looks back at me, the warmth in his eyes has been replaced by a wall of ice. He doesn't say a word and walks into the hallway toward Mom's office. I hear him knock on the door followed by the sounds of the door opening and closing.

No more than five minutes later, Mom's office door opens and closes. "Mollie, Aunt Katie and Daddy are going to go on a quick walk. You stay here and finish your show. When I get back, we'll head home for dinner." Dominick says in a casual tone. Mollie, completely engrossed in her show, doesn't answer.

"Okay?" Dominick says giving her a gentle tap on her head.

"Daddy." She squeaks in annoyance as her hands fly to the top of her head.

"Mollie," Dominick parrots back. He gives her a playful look before repeating what he said.

"Okay." Mollie answers back this time.