Finding Love

Chapter 3

"Jane. Im so sorry. I swear, I'll do anything. Just come back. Just, Please...Please. Oh god, I don't think I can do this anymore." My father said to the picture frame before he turned to me.

It hurt me to see him like this.

So broken.

He looked like a mess. I knew he was sober the moment he looked me in the eye with shame filled eyes.

"Ellie, Oh hell. Im so sorry." I flinched when he called me my nickname. The one which he called me when she was still around.

"Dad.." I whispered.

"Im so sorry. So sorry. I don't know what happened- I shouldn't have but Oh god, Im so sorry. I didn't know how. Im so sorry." He rushed out so quick it took me a second to understand what he said.

I was confused. So I just stared at him until it clicked.

He was apologizing for his behavior in the past three years.

I didn't know what to say so I ran and gave him a hug.

He was stiff at first but returned my hug with a bone crushing squeeze that took my breath away. We just held each other for a while. Me reminiscing the old memories with him and happiness warmed my tummy as I realized I got my dad back.

He finally let go with a big grin that seemed to light up his whole face.

"Im so sorry Ellie. Honestly I am. Just give me a chance. I cant afford to lose you as well. I know I was a shit excuse of a father for the past three years. Just give me a chance, I'll do anything." He said with a worried look on his face.

Thats when I noticed the changes in him. There were wrinkles in his face. His hair was thinning and had almost turned into grey and he was just in his early forties. He had grown a slight pot belly and all his muscles had become layers of fat. But he was still handsome in a twisted way.

"Its Okay, Dad. Im just glad I got you back.I missed you." Currently my inner daddy's girl was coming out and my feelings were all around the place making me even more sappy.

"I missed you too, Hun." He said and hugged me again.

I smiled into his chest and wound my arms around his waist.

"Freshen up and come down-Kay? We'll talk then." He said as he pulled out of the hug.

I nodded and went upstairs humming to myself.

All through the shower all I could think about was Dad.

Dressed in Pajama's I opened the door to the smell of Pasta wafting through the house.

Dad used to cook for mom pretty often. He was an exceptional cook and was always experimenting recipes if not creating them.

I went downstairs as he finished setting the food on the counter and motioned me to sit next to him.

The only one missing the reunion of us was mom.

"You look so much like her - you know. Scratch that, You look exactly like her except for the eyes." He said. I smiled and nodded digging into the pasta.

"Im sorry-"

"Its Okay. Honestly dad, Its cool. You were just grieving for mum. I completely understand. Its okay." I cut him off before he started again.

He understood and we talked about random things like school and stuff till we finished dinner and after cleaning up we headed up.

I couldn't get the smile off my face. I settled into bed just as Dad came in and placed a kiss on my forehead and we said our good night's.

I drifted off with only one thought in my head.

My daddy was back.