A Game Well Played

Chapter 5: New Beginnings

After Josh called, Jason started to interrogate me.

“How did you meet him?”

“We met him after the concert we had here.”

“And have you ran into him any other time rather then that time?”

“Obviously.”

“Cara! This is serious business! I don’t want my little sister getting hurt again; you’ve been through enough pain. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, but seriously. I’m a big girl, Jay. I can protect myself.” I let out a light laugh, trying to brush off how he was acting. I love how he is like this, even though I’d never let him know that.

“So… I’m sor-”

“Jason Brody, stop apologizing! You’re my big brother, even if we have different mothers! I understand you. So please, stop apologizing.”

He smiled, looking at me as though he had the world in his hands, and pulled me into a tight hug. “Care-Bear, thank you. I never thought you would ever accept me into your life. I freaking love you.”

I laughed. “I love you too, Boo-Jay.” He smiled at that, then laughed. A lost look getting in his eyes.

I couldn’t help but think back to when we first met.

I walked behind my mom. She said she had a surprise for me. We were at the airport, walking around, looking for someone I guess.

Mom stopped in her tracks, looking straight ahead of us. I peeked over her side, looking at a man and his son looking at us, too. He was a little taller then me with straight blonde hair. His eyes locked on me, as mine did his.

Mom grabbed me by my hand. I knew that man. He’s the reason why mom and I hardly got by; he was the reason why we were having such a hard time. He was my father who abandoned us.

Mom looked at me and whispered gently in my ear, “Cara, dear, say hello to your father again.”

I continued to hide behind my mother, afraid to even look him in the eyes. He caused us too much pain. I’ll never forgive him for what he had done. I mustered up enough courage to look at him and whimper a small hello.

He smiled at me and pulled me into a quick hug and spoke. “You look so much like your mother. My little Care-bear, I’m sorry. It’s been three years… I’m sorry for running away from you. I don’t know how I can make it up to you, but I really am sorry, Honey.”

I looked at him holding a blank stare. He continued to speak. “Cara, this is your older brother, Jason. He’s only half a year older, but still. I had him before your mother had you… I know you are mine now. I never meant to hurt you like I did before. I see how I messed up. I’m sorry. I love you so much, sweetie.”

I looked at him, and gave him a small glare. “Sorry doesn’t cut it when you constantly denied me. When all I wanted was a father, and you were never one to me. I’ve hurt myself because of you. Mom hurt because of you. You ruined our lives. You’re nothing but a dead beat to me. I hate you.”

His jaw fell a bit but after a couple of seconds, he fixed up his composure and looked at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you hurt. I didn’t mean to hurt your mom. I do love you, I always have. I just didn’t know how to show it.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, right.”

Jason looked at me and finally spoke for the first time. “Cara? He really is a good guy. He’s a good dad. Don’t be mad at him. Okay, Care-Bear?”