My father's Princess

Chapter 4

Adrian was the best stepdad I could ask for. Every Thursday we went and did something fun together like bowling, shopping, getting ice cream, or just walking around the park and talking. The girls seemed to like him too. Charlie let him hold him, and believe me, that is a huge accomplishment. Selene thought he was pretty cool as well. I didn't think it was possible but me and Selena became even closer. I don't know what I what I would do without her. She always knows the right things to say. She found out her mom is pregnant last month. Selene's an only child, so she is pretty excited. Last night Adrian took me and her out bowling. I won, and Selene came in a close second. Though I'm pretty sure he let us win. My point is everything was perfect. I thought having a step dad would just be a painful reminder that my real dad wasn't here anymore, but it was the exact opposite. Adrian took dads spot without really taking his spot. The best part was I didn't think Adrian wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. After bowling Adrain came to tuck me in. "Goodnight Anne" I smiled. I loved his nickname he'd given me. "Goodnight... Dad" He returned the smile, and kissed me on the head and left the room. That morning when I woke up my dreams became a nightmare. Adrian was gone.
As soon as I came downstairs I knew something was wrong. Mom was sniffling in the kitchen, struggling to make breakfast and fight back tears at the same time. I knew she had worked late last night. I think I heard her come in around 1:00 am. I bet she was drop dead tired. Had Adrian left before mom came home, or did he wait until she was fast asleep? I can't believe I called him dad. My thought were interrupted by a weak voice. "Morning Anne." Anne? Why would she say that? Did Adrian really leave? Maybe he just went into work early, but then why was her face red from crying? "Hey mom. What's the matter? Why are you crying?" "Oh Annie" Was she trying to open scars or was it just a coincidence? Mom handed me a note soaked from tears. "Adrian left. Here read for yourself." She went back to sniffling and flipping pancakes as I read the note.

My loving family-
I want you to know I love you all so much, but I can't stand the guilt. Sam, Riley. I can't keep letting you think your mom left because of you. She loved you, but she hated me. We wanted a divorce, but she said she couldn't do it to you guys. I don't know why leaving and never seeing you guys again was a better answer, I honestly don't, but I want to. I want to know how leaving you guys was even a consideration. I gave you another mom who hopefully is a better parent then you could ever ask for. I gave you more loving siblings. I want to give you everything you want and more. I must sound like an idiot right now. Going on and on. I guess it's time to stop stalling. I found where your mom went I'm going to get her back. You need your mom in your life. Sarah Lynn- I don't want to leave you. I love you so much, and I promise to be back in a month at latest. I hope you understand why I'm doing this. Please watch my kids while I'm gone. I love you. Anne, Lexi, Lucy, Genevieve, Elizabeth, and Charlie- You guys are amazing. I think of you like my own kids. I will miss you guys.
I'm sorry I couldn't tell you guys in person, but I was just too nervous. I love you.

He loved us? Ya, I'm sure. Sometime while I was reading the note, everyone else came downstairs. I passed the note to them, and everyone was silent. Except Charlie. He wanted us to read it to him. After they finally read it out loud Riley said, "Are we really that terrible of kids?" Mom replied quickly in shock. " No! No not at all. You guys are amazing."
"Then why did both our parents leave us! At least mom gave an honest note, but dad had to make up some dumb excuse."
"He just wants the best for you guys. For all of us." We talked for a while and mom calmed the girls down. The next day it seemed as if nothing had happened. We went to school. We did homework. We ate dinner. Then we waited. We waited for days. We waited for weeks. We waited for months. We waited for a year. Still no Adrian.