From Her Perspective (BWWM)✔️

XXVIII

William Devereaux

21 years ago

I ran through the clean, damp sheets hanging on the clothesline as I heard my sister's wild cackle behind me.
     "I'm gonna get you, William!" She screamed as she sped up behind me. I smirked and was about to turn when I saw the tall figure standing near the double doors. I immediately froze and wiped the smile from my face. Emma ran into me and hit the ground with a thud.
     "Ow, why'd you stop?" She asked as she rubbed her jaw, oblivious of our father's presence.
     "He's here," I whispered as he walked towards us.
     "Hi, Daddy!" Emma jumped up and down in excitement. She was always excited to see him. I hated seeing him. His presence always frightened me. I always feel like I'm in trouble when he's near.
"Are you alright, Emma?" he asked while his eyes stayed on me.
"I'm fine, Daddy,"
"Go have your mom put some ice on that," he told her. She nodded and ran through the double doors.
"William," his voice filled me with dread.
"Yes, sir?"
"Your mom says you've gotten A-B Honor Roll,"
"Yes, sir,"
"Aim for all A's. B's do not show initiative. They show failure. Go help your mom with the ice,"

Present

I smiled as I watched Theo crawl around the room. I've only been here a month but I know that moving here was the right decision. I'll choose my family every single time.
"Look at you go, Theo," Jamison praised him as he walked in with Ella. She immediately beamed at him as he crawled towards her. He raised his little arms for her to pick him up.
"Look at mommy's baby boy," she said before covering him in kisses.
"Hi, my Husband," she greeted me before pecking my cheek.
"Hello, my wife," I said before pulling them into me. I kissed Theo's forehead making him squeal in delight.
"Would you be upset if I told you that Emma's coming to visit? She is already on her way. She told me last minute,"
"Of course not. I love your sister. I can't wait for her to meet Theo,"
"Would you be upset if I told you she's bringing our Dad?" I asked. She immediately pulled away and glared at me.
"He's not coming anywhere near my son and since when do you call him Dad?"
"I understand why you may not want to see him, but he's different. He's not the same person you remember. We've gotten closer this past year and I think he would love to see you and Theo,"
     "That man has hated me since the day we met for absolutely no reason. He has never shown me an ounce of respect. I will not allow him to do the same to Theo,"
     "How about I take Theo for a walk while you two talk? Come on, bud," Jamison said before picking up Theo. He quickly helped his nephew into his jacket and strapped him against his chest.
     "Text me if you guys need anything," he said before walking out with my son.
     "I am sorry that I allowed him to treat you so poorly. I was constantly seeking his approval and I should've protected you. I'm so sorry,"
     "He always makes me feel like I don't belong. Like I'm not good enough to be in his presence. I don't want Theo to ever feel that way,"
     "I understand, baby. I will never let him be hurt. You know that. Please, give him a chance for me. If he says or does anything, he's gone immediately," I said. She sighed before nodding slowly.
"Fine. I will give him a chance, but I will also protect my son," she said. I nodded and pulled her into me. I held her for the next thirty minutes until we heard a knock at the door. Ella immediately stiffened under me. I kissed her forehead and sighed.
"We got this, baby. Come on,"