The Bet

Chapter 11

"Well aren't you gonna let me in?", he asked.

"I don't think I should. Mom won't be happy that you're here", I replied.

"Your mom is the reason I left. Doesn't she know that?", he asked.

"She told me the reason you left was because she found out you were cheating on her. Then she told you to leave and you did", I replied.

"She has it all wrong. She was cheating on me. That's why I left. Look I know I haven't been there for you but I'm here now and that's all that matters", he said.

"Mark?", a familiar voice asked.

I turned around and saw my mom standing behind me with a bowl in her hand.

"Hello Rachel. Are you still with that guy who cut my second daughter's umbilical cord?", my dad asked.

"That's none of your business and fyi we broke up", she replied.
"So can I come in or not?", he asked.

"I think you should leave", my mom replied.

"Did you really expect me to come all the way from Minnesota to just stand in the doorway?', he asked.

"You need to leave", my mom replied.

"Not until I see my daughter", he said pushing me out the way.

My mom ran after him but has already made his way to her room. Once he was in there was no stopping him. He looked at Debby and Debby looked at him. Confused on who this man was and why he was in her room.

"Mom. Who is this guy?", Debby asked.

"This man is no one. Just the electric guy", my mom replied.

"Now how could you lie to her like that Rachel?", he asked.

He bent down until he was almost at Debby's height.

"So you wanna know who I really am?", he asked.

She nodded quickly and looked into his eyes.

"I'm your father", he said.

Debby looked at me and then mom.

"Its true. Say hello to your father", mom said.

She didn't say hello. She jumped in his arms and squeezed him so tight he turned blue. Either she wants him dead or she's a really tight hugger.

"Okay Mark. You've seen now you have to leave", my mom said.

"Actually Rachel, I'm gonna be in town for awhile. I'll be back soon. Probably tomorrow so I can take my girls out and take them to the carnival", he said.

"Just go", my mom said.

"Alright alright I'm leaving. But remember I'll be back", he said.

"Amy walk your dad out please", my mom said.

"Alright mom. Debby let him go", I said.

"No. He's my daddy and I can hug him as long as I want", she said.

"Debby", my mom said in a warning voice.

She immediately let him go and went back to playing. Mom and I walked him out. I walked in front of him and my mom walked behind him incase he tried anything. We made it to the door and I opened it to see Caleb there dressed in a hoodie and faded jeans.

"Caleb", I said.

"Hey Amy", he responded giving me a kiss on the cheek.

"Who is this?", my dad asked.

"Didn't think I'd be doing this now but mom, dad this is Caleb. My boyfriend. Caleb, these are my parents Mr and Mrs Monroe", I said.

"I think I'll stay a little longer now. Get to know the boy who stole my daughter's heart", my dad.

"Another time Mark. When your sober", my mom said.

"Is this a bad time?", Caleb asked.

"No no it's fine. Come in Caleb", I said.

I led Caleb inside and we sat on the couch. He didn't ask any questions about what was going on. I didn't think he was going to but he did anyways.

"Are your parents in a fight or something?", he asked.

"No it's not that. My dad came back and him and my mom aren't exactly on good terms at the moment. Then he met his other daughter and now she's afraid that he'll come back and wanna take her away from us. Or even me", I replied.

He scooted closer to me and wrapped his arms around me. I laid my head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat.

"I won't let anyone hurt you or your family. I promise", he said.

"You don't know my dad like we do. He'll stop at nothing to get what be wants", I said.

"Then I'll never stop protecting you and your family", he said.

I heard the door close and then looked over at my mom. She looked relieved that my dad was gone. Caleb took his arms from around me and I stood up and so did he.

"Okay. I think you two deserve a proper introduction. Mom this Caleb. Caleb this is my mom Rachel", I said.

"It is very nice to meet you", my mom said.

"Please the pleasure is mine", Caleb said.

Wow. What a gentleman. Is there any other way to make a first impression? I felt something vibrate and pulled out my phone. I looked at my phone and saw a text from Olivia asking if I was still coming to the party. I texted I have to ask.

"Mom can I go over to Olivia's tonight?", I asked.

"Sure honey. Just call me if you decide to spend the night", she replied.

"Okay mom. Come on Caleb I need you help to pick out an outfit", I said.

"Leave the door open", my mom said as we walked upstairs.

I led him to my room and he sat on the bed. I went over to my closet and pulled my knee length black dress. Then a red skirt and a black blouse.

"Which one?", I asked.

"I think you'll look great in either", he replied.

"Oh just pick one", I said.

"I think the skirt and blouse", he said.

"Thays exactly what I was thinking", I said.

"Then why did you need my opinion?", he asked.

"I always need a second opinion"; I replied.