CHAPTER EIGHT, father-daughter moment and intimate sketch

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April 14, 1912

Mckenna and Jack parted ways eventually and she went back to the cabin, dreading seeing her mother. However, her father was there instead, and he was alone.

"Mckenna, sweetie, can we talk?" Her father asked, giving her a hopeful smile.

"Yeah, dad." She replies, her expression softening. "Of course."

Her father gestures to a nearby table, and they sit down. "Your mother isn't here. She went out for a walk. But I want to apologize for her earlier behavior. She's just worried about you. We both are. You're our daughter, and we want the best for you. We're sorry if we're a bit...Controlling."

"A bit?" Mckenna raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a slight smirk.

"Okay, a lot." Her father laughs. "But it's only because we love you and want you to be happy. Same for David. We just want what's best for you." He reaches across the table and takes her hand in his. "I'm sorry if it feels like we're suffocating you, Mckenna. That's never our intention. I promise. We both love you, and we only want the best for you. You're our baby girl, and we'll always look out for you. I'm sorry if it doesn't feel like that."

Her face softens, her eyes shining with emotion. "It's okay, dad. I understand. And I'm sorry for acting so rashly and running out like that. I shouldn't have. I just got so frustrated, and I needed to get out. I'm sorry. But thank you for understanding."

Her father smiles and pulls her into a tight hug. "Of course, sweetie. It's alright. I understand. We both do. Just remember, no matter what happens, we love you. And we'll always be here for you."

Mckenna hugs her father back, her eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you, dad. I love you too." She pulls back and wipes her eyes. "So, where is David?"

"Oh, he went out to find Rose. They've been spending a lot of time together, haven't they?" Her father asked, smiling fondly.

"They have." Mckenna replies, a soft smile on her lips. "I think he really likes her. And she seems to like him too. I'm glad. She could use a good guy like him in her life."

"You think so?" Her father looks at her. "What about her fiancé?" He pointed out, curious.

"Oh, him? He's a jerk. I can't stand him." Mckenna rolls her eyes, wrinkling her nose. "He's a complete pig. She's not uncomfortable around him and I can tell he bothers her. David's not like that. He's a gentleman."

Her father nods. "Well, I hope it works out for them."

"Me too." Mckenna smiles, her heart warmed by the thought of her brother and her friend finding happiness together. "Me too."

The two spent the rest of the afternoon catching up and talking, enjoying each other's company. It had been a while since they had a chance to spend time together, and they were both grateful for the opportunity. It was a rare moment of peace and tranquility in a hectic life.

Later that evening, the family had dinner together, and things seemed to have calmed down. After dinner, Eleanor apologized to her daughter for her earlier behavior, adding that she would try to be more understanding in the future. Eleanor had even promised to let her daughter have some independence, allowing her to make some decisions on her own. Same went for her son. It was a small step, but it was a start.

Mckenna now was on the deck, currently sketching some scenery. It was peaceful and quiet. A nice change of pace from the hectic lifestyle she had been leading lately. She felt free, like she could finally breathe. Especially after having that talk with her parents. She knew it wasn't much, but it was a step in the right direction. A step towards a new beginning.

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