Dressed For Death

CHAPTER 18

JULIETTE

Seriously. I really couldn't catch a break?! Dealing with a very questionable detective with strange assumptions and now my fucking drunk father yelling profanities in the lobby to get my attention.

For fuck's sake, I'm not in the mood to deal with that man who fucking ruined everything between us. I hated him, but a part of me couldn't fully cave to that hatred I felt towards him.

It was hard to fully hate him when I could remember so clearly all the memories I shared with him before shit hit the fan and he lost himself to alcohol.

Hayden whispered my name and I ignored him. I was torn apart; I didn't know which choice to make. Go see my dad or keep my word and walk out of there. Obviously, I must have lost a couple of brain cells in that questioning room because I was already walking toward him.

When I got in front of him, he did what I least excepted him to do. He bent down and hugged me. The cops that were previously holding him back were shocked to see him hug me. The shock was mutual, I was frozen in my spot and confused about the sudden affection he was giving me.

"I'm sorry my little pumpkin. I promise I'll do better. I promise I'm going to try harder for both of you. You deserve better than an alcoholic as a dad" He said rapidly to me as he hugged me tighter against him.

I blinked rapidly, trying to contain the tears that were about to spill. I patted him on his back and squeezed my eyes shut. This wasn't real, he's drunk right now. I could easily smell the alcohol as if he drowned himself in a container of whiskey.

"I know dad, I know," I said to him, maybe trying to convince myself a little that he would keep his word this time... even if I knew it would mean nothing in the end. I would still end up with a broken heart that I would have to put back together again.

"C'mon let me take you home," I said to him and I took his arm and put it around my shoulder as support. I looked at Hayden and silently begged him to not protest my decision. I still had the urge to take care of my dad even if he continued to hurt me in the way.

I just wanted my old dad back... My funny and caring dad would fight anyone who dared to hurt his little pumpkin. Was it too much to ask?

Hayden opened the door and we walked out of there. I helped my dad get in the car and buckled him up before climbing in the passenger seat. I knew Hayden didn't understand why I decided to bring my dad back home when I specifically said that I wanted nothing to do with him anymore.

I didn't even want to question my motives right now. My dad was already in the back seat and I couldn't undo my actions anymore. Plus, he was already passed out with his head resting on the window.

I rubbed my face and looked ahead, trying not to think how fucking dumb I was right now. I looked at Hayden whose jaw was clenching so hard it must be breaking his teeth.

The rest of the car ride was silent and uncomfortable. There were a lot of unsaid things that were waiting to explode and cause a lot of damage. The worst in all of this, it was all because of me and my stupid brain.

Hayden helped my dad get inside the apartment and laid him down on the couch even if I knew he didn't want to do this. I filled a glass of water and placed it on the coffee table in case my dad would woke up and be thirsty.