A Selfish Kind Of Love

Memories

~Rayne's POV

I groan at the sound of my doorbell ringing, my hair a mess, I trot down the steps. "What?" I whine. "Delivery!" The man at the door yells. I open to see a bouquet of tulips. "Oh. Thank you.." I say slightly confused, I sign for the flowers and close the door, setting them on the table.

"Just another memory. Hope you have a great day, MJ." I read.

Why is he being so sweet? Maybe he's just making up for what happened. I'll allow it, I guess. It was too late in Japan for me to give him a thank you call. So, I sit the tulips in water and place the vase on the table before taking a quick shower and head to my father's. I know I told myself I wouldn't tell my dad I was home, but how was I gonna hide from him for two whole months?

"Knock knock, dad.." I smile, peaking inside.

"Who's there?" He asks.

"It's not a joke daddy." I giggle, walking towards the kitchen where he sat.

"Why are you home?" He asks, kissing my cheek.

"I just got homesick... Japan isn't as great as I thought it would be." I lie, I couldn't throw Michael under the bus like that. Especially, with him being so sweet recently. My father stares at me for a while, a broad grin on his face. "What?" I giggle, "you're starting to look just like your mother." He says softly. I roll my eyes. "Oh God, Please dad, no"

"your mother was beautiful, there is nothing wrong with looking like her."

"I hated her, Dad. Why would I wanna look like someone I don't even like?" I say slightly annoyed. I knew where this was heading.

"I really think you should visit your mother's grave, it will give you closure."

"I don't want closure with her. She was a horrible woman, who hated her own kid!" I say louder. "God! Stop trying to make me love that woman."

"Sweetie, I didn't want to make you angry. I just want what's best for you, and I really think you wouldn't get so angry every time someone brings her up if you just visit her." My father explains.

I give up the argument and walk to the living room, turning on the television. I wish my father would just understand that everything that woman did to me, made me hate her more and more. There is no fixing or closure, it's done. She's dead.

"Anyway Dad, I'm going to be cooking tonight. Derrick is coming to California with his pregnant wife Leah. I'm making them dinner, did you want to come?" I ask.

I watch as my father stammers a bit, hesitating to answer. "I-I.. I have a date." My eyes scan him as he holds back a grin. "A date?" I ask. "With who?"

"One of my sound people from my movie 'Legal Limit'" he says proudly. I was so surprised, my dad never goes on dates. "Gary Fleeson has a date!" I joke. "Well I guess you can flake on me tonight."

***

I set up the table, the food smoke floating through the house. "Derrick!" I yell hugging him tightly, "Oh my God Leah, it's so good to see you!" I smile allowing them in. We sit at the table eating and talking.

"Rayne, how have you been since the wedding?" Leah asked. "Great, I'm an artist. My paintings and other artwork are being sold everywhere." I smile. "It's so good to see you guys! D, my dad was gonna come but he's on a date." I say, emphasizing the word date. Derrick's mouth drops, "what?" He laughs. "Your father never dates!"

"I know!" I laugh.

After our meal, Leah was exhausted so I offered her a spare room to lay down in while Derrick and I caught up.