I love you, Im sorry - Derek Hale

2

The following weekend arrived with an unusual tension in the air. Vivian was at home, organizing some old family photos in an attempt to keep herself busy, when she received a text from Allison.

Can we meet? it read, followed by another line: I think we need to talk.

Vivian took a deep breath. It had been years since she and Allison had been close, and Allison's loyalty to the Argent legacy was something Vivian had avoided, knowing it could strain any hope for their reconnection. But here she was, asking to meet. Maybe things could be different.

Vivian quickly texted her back. How about the coffee shop on Main?

The reply came instantly. I'll be there.

---

The coffee shop was bustling when Vivian arrived, the hum of conversation blending with the clinking of cups. She spotted Allison at a corner table, a hesitant look on her face as she fiddled with her phone.

"Allison," Vivian greeted, sliding into the seat across from her.

Allison looked up, surprise and relief mingling in her expression. "Vivian," she said, her voice a mix of emotions. "Thanks for coming."

They ordered coffees and sat silently for a moment, unsure how to start. Finally, Allison broke the ice.

"I'm sorry," she began, her eyes fixed on her cup. "For... everything. For the way Dad treated you. For the way I treated you." She glanced up, her gaze softening. "I never understood what you went through."

Vivian felt a lump rise in her throat, memories of the years she'd spent avoiding her family, feeling like an outcast, bubbling up. "I appreciate that, Allison," she said, her voice steady but thick with emotion. "It isn't something for you to be sorry for. But I got through it."

Allison nodded, her face thoughtful. "I know. And I understand now, more than ever. There's so much Dad never told me. About our family. About the real history with the Hales." She hesitated, searching Vivian's eyes. "I'm learning things now that make me question a lot of what I was taught."

Vivian felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this was the start of something new, a chance to rebuild trust. "Well, you don't have to face it alone," she offered, reaching across the table to give Allison's hand a reassuring squeeze. "You've got family here."

Allison's eyes brightened, and she squeezed back. "Thanks, Vivian. It's good to know I can turn to you. As you know, my sister"

For the first time in years, Vivian felt that familiar warmth of sisterhood. The Argents' strict code had driven a wedge between them I mean they hadn't seen each other in years, but maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to bridge it.

---

Back home later that evening, Vivian was surprised to see Derek waiting for her outside the McCall house, his posture tense but hopeful.

"Vivian," he greeted, his gaze softening as he saw her.

"Hey, Derek," she said, a gentle smile on her lips. "What brings you here?"

"I was... wondering if Alexis would like to meet me again, not just the dick head who wasn't here but, as a nice guy who wants to be her father" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know she's still unsure, but I thought... maybe if she saw me making an effort..."

Vivian looked at him, seeing the vulnerability that lay beneath his usually guarded exterior. "I'll talk to her," she promised, her heart aching at the determination in his eyes. "Wait here."

Inside, Vivian found Alexis reading on the couch, lost in her book. She sat beside her, gently touching her arm.

"Lexi," she began, her tone gentle. "Derek is here. He... wants to talk to you."

Alexis looked up, her expression shifting between curiosity and hesitation. She set her book down slowly. "Is he... staying for a long time?"

Vivian nodded. "Yes. He wants to know you, sweetheart. But it's up to you."

After a long moment, Alexis nodded. "Okay. I'll... I'll talk to him."

Vivian felt a surge of pride as Alexis stood, her small frame filled with determination. She followed her daughter to the door, watching as Alexis stepped out to join Derek, her steps cautious.

"Hi... Derek," Alexis said, her voice soft but steady.

Derek crouched to meet her gaze, a warm smile softening his face. "Hi, Alexis. Thanks for coming out to talk to me."

They stood there, the quiet of the evening wrapping around them as they talked. Vivian watched from the doorway, her heart swelling as she saw Alexis begin to relax, a small smile forming on her lips as she spoke with Derek.

Maybe, she thought, they could finally begin to heal.