The Truths that are Hidden Away [ANGST]

Part 9 ~ Dad

TW: Abuse, neglect

Alec and Fiore finally finished their lunch. Alec looked down at Fiore.
"Fiore, would you mind going out to see the others? They're worried about you." Alec asked. Fiore hesitated. She didn't want to see the others, but she thought it couldn't hurt. She doubted anyone would be mean or mad at her after the events of this morning. She silently agreed by nodding. The two walked out. Heads turned yet again to see Fiore and Alec. Nobody said a word. Not a single thing. Nobody knew what to say or how to start a conversation after what had happened. Finally, Ashley decided to stand up. She walked up to Fiore. Fiore was scared. She knew how much Ashley hated her. To her surprise, Ashley kneeled down to get to her level.
"Fiore. You haven't been the nicest to me or to the others here. You've actually been very, very rude. And while we certainly aren't friends, at all, that doesn't mean I want you dead." Ashley said, sighing after she spoke. It didn't sound completely sincere to Fiore. Ashley looked like she was waiting for something.
"T-Thanks?..." Fiore replied, not knowing what to say. Ashley stood up and walked back. Nobody else really stepped forward. It was so awkward. Why did Alec ask her to do this? Nobody seemed to care. At least, not to Fiore. She looked back up to Alec, Alec could tell she was overwhelmed. He gently grabbed her hand and the two began walking back to their room. Alec whispered back to the others.
"She's had enough for today, she needs a break." The two walked back into their room, sitting on the bed beside each other.
"You really scared me this morning." Alec said. Fiore looked away from him, she felt guilty. She didn't mean to scare him, but what did she mean? She didn't think anyone would care if she disappeared. Why should they? She's been a horrible person. She doesn't deserve their pity, or their kindness. "Fiore?..." Alec muttered. Oh shit. She'd completely forgotten to reply.
"I never meant to scare you...I...I didn't think you'd care..." She admitted. Alec was shocked.
"Why wouldn't I care?" Alec asked. Fiore had no reply. "Look at me." Alec said. Fiore slowly turned to face him. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Fiore, I never thought I'd admit this, but you're like a daughter to me. I feel like, you're a way for me to have a second chance. I was horrible to my son. And I lost him. I don't want to lose you too." He admitted. Tears welled up in Fiores eyes. She was like a daughter to him? But why? All she had done was betray and be mean to him. Why would she be like a daughter to him? Alec gently pulled her into a hug. She was still shocked. She had nothing to say, so she just cried. She cried as he hugged her. She didn't want to admit it, but he was kind of like a father to her, in a way. Much better than her actual dad. She continued to cry as he rubbed her back, something he did often when she cried.
"Why are y-you being so n-nice to me?...I-..." Fiore stuttered. Alec shushed her.
"You know I care about you, right?" Alec asked. Fiore didn't reply. Alec sighed. He gently pulled her away, holding onto her shoulders.
"Fiore. I care about you. Deeply. Like I said, you're like a daughter to me." Alec said. Fiore still had tears rolling down her face. She couldn't believe he cared so much. He was the first father figure to do so in her life. Her actual father never loved her. Yet, he wanted to share custody when him and her mom divorced. She never knew why. But, being at her dads was better than being at her moms. At least her dad didn't hit her. He didn't even acknowledge her. He'd usually just leave her alone to fend for herself. Fiore was still crying when Alec pulled her into another hug. She cried into his shoulder.

. . .

A few minutes of crying later, Fiore was finally calming down.
"...I...I love you...dad..." Fiore said. Alec's eyes widened. She...she called him dad. Alec couldn't help but smile. His eyes began to water too. He thought about his son. He wished he was better to him. But, he was glad he had Fiore. At least, until the show was over.