Starlight :||: Duty. Family. Honor. #1

Chapter Eleven

Honor
My father stood in the doorway of the living room, his jaw on the floor, a cup of steaming coffee in one hand. My gaze flickered around the entrance hall, at the new photos and the rearrangement of the old ones. One in particular, right beside the door stood out and I stared back at a picture of my three brothers and I when I'd been about ten on the beach, the house in the background.

Dad cleared his throat, gaining my attention and he straightened, gesturing to the lounge room. "Come, sit."

"Would you like a coffee?" Sylvia asked, standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "I'm just finishing up feeding the twins. Would you, would you like to meet them?"

My body gripped with fear as I stared past her into the kitchen, even though I couldn't see anyone. My father looked to his wife. "One thing at a time, Sylvia." He said gently and she nodded.

"Erm," I managed finally. "No coffee for me, thank you."

"Okay, darling." She left us alone and I entered the lounge room, the most untouched room so far, despite the updated TV on the cabinet.

As I walked around the room, my father sat in his usual seat, the leather all worn from years of use. My mother's chair sat beside it also worn and used, a single crocheted cushion on the seat. I decided the best place to sit was on the long sofa, adjacent to my father. He sat back in his seat letting me relax. "What's it been? Four years since you've been in this house?"

"I think it's five."

"Wow," He nodded, tone still light. "You hold an impressive grudge."

"I'm stubborn like that."

A laugh echoed through the room. "You get that from your mother."

"I get that from you." I countered.

"Why's Ice out in the street? You know he's always welcome to come in."

My eyes went to the carpet, noticing a new red stain in the middle of it which looked similar to red cordial. "I wanted to speak to you alone first. Wanted to apologise for my behaviour, for not listening to you and shutting you out of my life."

The words came out in such a rush I felt like I was about to word-vomit our news before I realised to stop myself. Mike inclined his head, watching me carefully. "It's okay, Honor, I forgive you. I'm sorry for not looking after you properly, for not being there when you needed me. I'll forever miss the years we never got to have. Will you forgive me?"

I nodded, unable to speak. Christ, these hormones were making me tear up everywhere. "Of course, I forgive you, dad." We both stood and embraced each other. "I missed you, dad."

"I missed you too, sweetheart."

He stepped back, frowning at my face and wiping my tears. "I don't think I've ever seen you cry, outside of the funeral that is. What's going on?"

Hurriedly wiping my face, I shook my head. "I think Ice can come inside now, he's been waiting out there for a while."

Before my suspicious father could question me more, Sylvia bustled into the room, carrying a tray of tea and biscuits. "Ooooo, would Ice happen to be the devilishly handsome blonde standing outside?"

A chuckle escaped my lips at the cheeky grin she shot me and I nodded. "Yes, he is."

"I'll let him in, shall I?" She turned and went back down the hall to the door.

Mike frowned. "Is my wife hitting on your boyfriend?"

"Oh god, no," I clapped him on the shoulder. "It's girl talk, dad. You should be excited about this."