The Caring and The Daring {A Patrick Verona Story}

Chapter 16 - Surprise Visitor

"Dad..." He stood there in front of me, smiling a little.

"Hi Skye." I just stared at him. What?? Why is he here??

"What are you doing here? How did you even know.." It felt like the world had suddenly come to a halt. He was here after all these years....

"Mr. Stan has been talking non stop about you for the past week, saying how brilliant you are. When he told me you were here, I had to come see you." I couldn't even speak, my throat felt so tight. Mr. Stan? He knows Mr. Stan??

"How do you even know Mr. Stan?"

"We went to college together way back." I just stood there.

"After all this time, you decide to come see me." Rage was filling me. He looked down at the ground, regret filling his eyes.

"I'm sorry Skye. You're mother and I.."

"Don't! Don't even blame mom for this. You were the one that decided to leave. Not her. And all these years you didn't even bother to pick up a phone and call?? And what, now you think you can just waltz up here, thinking all is forgiven? Think again." Tears were filling my eyes. He tried to grab my hand, but I pushed him away, backing up some.

"Skye!" I turned around, really happy to hear that voice. And surprised. Patrick. He gave me a smile, then he saw my tears, instantly coming over.

"What's wrong??" I looked behind me to my dad, Patrick looking that way also.

"Is that your..."

"Yes."He pulled me in for a hug, doing everything he possibly could to comfort me. I swear he's the best man I've ever met.

"Mr. Martin." His tone was clipped.

"Hello. Who are you?" I pulled away a little, looking at him.

"This is my boyfriend Patrick, Patrick, this is my dad, Jim." Patrick stared at him, clearly pissed.

"You came back. After all this time of causing Skye and her mom pain?" I grabbed his arm, sighing a little from the mere thought of a confrontation with my so called dad. I just didn't have anything to say to this man. Not after all these years of nothing.

"Patrick, you don't have to.."

"No Skye. He hurt you. And now he's made you cry." Jim looked at us, still looking regretful.

"Skye, i never intended to make you cry coming here to see you. And yes I know that all is not forgiven. I just had to see you. I'm sorry for what I've put you through. And your mother." He gave me a little smile, tears forming in his eyes. Then looked at Patrick.

"You've clearly found someone that fills the hole I've left in you. He loves you." I looked up at Patrick, smiling a little.

"Yes. And I love him." Jim smiled.

"I love you Skye. I never stopped." Then he turned, walking back down the hallway. Patrick looked down at me, his body relaxing.

"I'm so sorry Skye. You didn't need that." I hugged him, tight.

"I'm glad you're here. You've filled that hole. And more." He kissed the top of my head, hugging me back.

"And you've filled mine."