How Everything Changed (Book 4)

Chapter 76

*Jeff*

I leaned up against the wall front ways, trying to keep my emotions in check. I didn't know what to do, Alexis forgave me but Avril...she still hated me. I couldn't do anything about it. I didn't know what the hell was going on with me lately. I put my daughters in danger and I shouldn't have done that.

I snapped out of my thoughts when someone cleared their throats. I turned my head around to see Avril standing there with an extremely guilty look on her face.

"Jeff," Avril said, "I'm really sorry for what I said...I-I didn't mean it. It's just...my biological father used to beat on Alexis and I, and scream at us all the time...I just didn't want to go through all of that again. I just didn't want to go through all that again. I really didn't mean to yell at you like that. You know that's not really how I am. I'm sorry."

I shook my head and went up to her. "You have no reason to apologize to me. I've made you feel horrible and from what you just told me, I'm guessing that didn't make me any better. Like I said, Zack was right. I don't deserve to be anything to you."

Avril walked up to me and wrapped her arms around my shoulders and hugged me tightly. "I have every reason to apologize...I just snapped on y'all for no reason. Coby's right...we should give you another shot." She was saying all that through tears.

"Oh, baby," I said, also breaking down. Avril shouldn't have to feel this way about herself. I started it by putting my hands on her and Alexis. I understand she didn't want the relationship that her and her father had. I wouldn't want that between me and my own father.

"I'm sorry...daddy," she said holding onto me. I kissed her forehead and rubbed her back, running my hands up and down her back.

"Its okay, baby," I responded. "Its okay...Its okay. Its my fault."

"No...no it's not...I was being selfish," she told me. I don't know how, she really had every right to yell at me like she did.

Zack walked out and Avril went over to Zack to hug him. I just watched as Zack kissed his cheek and hugged her back. i was really glad that he was there for Zack, and I knew why he was calm.

"Listen," I said, turning my attention to Zack and locking eyes with him. "I really am sorry for flying off the handle."

Zack opened his mouth to say something, but then shut his mouth. What? What?

"Zack?" I repeated. Zack looked towards Avril and kissed her cheek.

"Baby girl," Zack said. "can I talk to him in private?"

"I don't want you fighting," Avril said, a flash of concern going across that pretty face of hers.

"I promise we wont fight," he told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Avril turned her head to me, and I gave her a smile, and then she turned towards Zack, who gave her the same smile.

"Okay," Avril said before walking back in the room. After the door shut, Zack turned his attention towards me.

"Zack, I-" I was interrupted by Zack holding up a hand to me.

"Jeff..." he started. "I know what you're going to say, you're going to apologize for everything...but sometimes an apology wont fix everything..." He was taking short deep breaths and that was a little too concerning if you ask me.

"That's all I can do, Zack," I said before looking at him closer. He was holding his front like he was in pain. "Are you okay?"

"No, thanks to you," he said. I had a flash of confusion go across my face, followed by understanding. he was hurting from the two times I lashed out at him for no reason.