HER

Chapter 46

Dana and Catherine sat in the same booth across from each other just like the night before. They each had a drink in front of them and a plate a French-fries which they both wanted, apparently, that was something they had in common asides their father.

Catherine was lost in thought as Dana watched her and waited for her to say her first word since they arrived at the diner together.

"So, I spoke to my mum after you dropped me off last night." Catherine finally said.

"I figured." Dana said.

Catherine looked at her and sighed, she let out a snort.
"She told me what happened. Everything."

Silence filled the table again.
"I honestly don't blame her, if I were in her shoes, I'd have done the exact same thing."

"Your mum is a much better parent than either of mine. I'm just glad you didn't have to grow up the same way I did."

Catherine frowned.
"What do you mean?"

Dana smiled a painful smile.
"My mum and our dad were never really there for me. Yes, I was given some of the important things in life like a roof over my head, food on the table and a good education but the only thing I craved for growing up was my parents' attention, their love which they might have shown in the best way they knew how but..."

"You didn't feel it." Catherine said.

Dana nodded.
"They were always so busy with work or functions or other things, they never made time for me. Most of the time, I ate alone in the massive dinner table with my nanny in the kitchen. It was...lonely growing up."

Catherine heard it in her voice and saw it in her eyes even though she tried to hide it.

"I learnt to deal with it and after I graduated, I thought I could finally leave and be on my own not having to deal with wanting and needing their attention. But dad had other plans for me, he didn't want me being on my own He said the world was a dangerous place for me to be on my own even though I was going to be staying with my friend Lily; they didn't like her very much either." Dana said. "Dad said if I wanted to leave, I'd have to get married to be able to do whatever it is I wanted to do. I agreed because I was desperate to get out."

Catherine frowned.
"Why didn't you just...leave?"

Dana smiled.
"I've had two people ask me that." Dana said. "I didn't know it before but some part of me still wanted to be the child they wanted so they could see me and see what I needed from them. Love." She said the last part with a shrug. "It's stupid to admit it now after everything, but I don't regret any part of it because I would never have realized the kind of life I was living if I hadn't gone through the sham that my marriage is."

Catherine was speechless. She had wanted to know how Dana grew up with a complete family because her family sounded and seemed perfect. But how wrong she was. It's true what they said about not judging a book by its cover.

"I don't know what to say."

Dana chuckled.
"You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know that my life wasn't perfect like the media makes it out to be. Every family has their own down side and I want you to know that you're lucky having to grow up with even just a parent who loves you unconditionally. Someone who would risk it all just to keep you from the horrible truth."

"Yea, but I'd rather hear the horrible truth than a sweet lie."

"I won't argue with that. I also know it's better growing up with a parent who loves you than two who doesn't or does but doesn't know how to show it." Dana said. "All I'm trying so hard to say is don't be mad at your mum for keeping the truth from you."