Fate

Hard

As I walk into the front door of my house the overwhelming smell of chemicals hit me.

Noticing Lisa's face Linda begins to speak. "Sorry darling, I have to get everything sterile and clean for your father. We have to make sure he stays healthy for his final days. They've already come and set his bed up for his hospice care."

Nodding Lisa asks "is he up?"

Linda nods, and Lisa heads to her room. She takes a quick shower and puts on a matching black silk pajama set. She then makes her way to her fathers room. Carefully moving wires, she crawls in bed with him.

"Hey peanut." Her father says taking her hand in his.

"I love you so much daddy." She says placing her head gently on his chest being sure not to restrict his breathing.

"I love you too."

"Has Rebecca came see you?"

"Nah, but I didn't expect her too. Enough about her. How are you holding up?"

Lisa plays with the chain that her father always wore. It was a gift to him from her from 3 Christmases ago. She thinks about the question hard before answering.

"I'm damaged goods at this point, but I don't want to talk about it. I just wanna be here in the present with you."

"You aren't damaged goods sweetheart. I know your heart, you have a lot of love to give, and one day, you will find someone worthy enough to recive that love." He says patting her hand.

Smiling and placing a kiss on his cheek Lisa says "How about you just recive all my love while you are here"

"Deal."

Just then the door opens and she can smell Rebecca's perfume.

"Oh cuddled up to her dad like a little baby!" She remarks

"Becks how are you?" Her father chokes out.

"Oh does it even matter to you father?" Rebecca says shifting her weight to one foot.

"Can you please go wash your hands before coming in here?" Lisa retorts.

"Oh I don't plan on catching whatever this is! I'll stay right here!" She says motioning her hand to all the hospital equipment and leaning against the door frame her natural red hair acting as a barrier between her shoulder and the door frame.

"It's cancer Rebecca, it's not contagious you selfishish bitch." Lisa says mumbling the last part and tucking her head back into her father's chest.

She can feel her father try to rub her back but his hands just falls onside of her.

"Yes Rebecca, it does matter to me how my first born is doing." Her father finally coughs out.

"Well, all you need to know is that I'm living in London now and I manage a very high end business dedicated to helping those in need." She says airily.

"It's good to hear you are doing well for yourself." Her father says.

"It is, isn't it?" She says as her phone begins to ring "Oi! It's my manicurist I missed my appointment today to be here. So I hope you appreciate that father."

Lisa begins to rise out of bed. John notices her tense shoulders and her set jaw. Her father uses all of his strength to grab her wrist.