Dying Wish

Chapter 17

Hey, Andrew? I need you to text me back ASAP. Texted Aubrey.

Hey. What's up? Is Laura okay? Responded Andrew a few minutes later.

Yeah, but we need to talk. It's important. She replied.

K...can you meet for lunch today at Denny's? Noonish? Asked Andrew.

Sure. Thanks. Talk to you later. Closed Aubrey.

At noon, Aubrey met Andrew at Denny's for a lunch. "So what's going on?" He asked.

Aubrey sighed. She didn't want to talk about Steven but she had to. "I have to tell Laura about her biological father."

"What? Well, who is he? You never even told me," Andrew looked hurt. He never wanted to believe that Laura wasn't his own kin.

"Steven Nova," she replied. "I'm sorry I never told you. I've always felt so hurt about it."

"The actor? You're kidding! There's no way Steven Nova is Laura's dad!" Laughed Andrew, assuming that Aubrey was trying to add a little humor. He noticed her solemn expression and began to believe her. "You're serious? I can't believe you never told me."

"He and I were in a serious relationship and we did some inappropriate things, thus, I became pregnant with Laura. He left during my pregnancy because he didn't feel ready to be a father. He never even helped with money," Aubrey said, hurt at the memory.

Andrew held her hand to comfort her. "I'm really sorry."

"Yeah," she sighed, "me too. That's why I was so grateful when you came along. I loved you and you were the missing piece I needed for my little family. Laura needed a daddy, and I needed a companion. I'm grateful that you've still stuck around for Laura, even now. I know this is something you aren't held to because you aren't her father, biologically or by adoption, but you still care enough to be that in her life."

"I love her like she's my own. In fact, I see her as my own," Andrew said. "I'm afraid to tell Laura about Steven. I'm afraid she won't want to be around me anymore after she learns that I'm just her ex-step father. Plus, her real dad is a big celebrity."

"I don't think she'll care about that. Even if she does want to meet Steven, she'll always love you more because you've stayed with her without obligation and allowed her to have a dad even after her real one left. She'll find more value in that than a celebrity," assured Aubrey.

"Okay," nodded Andrew. "We should tell her. I hope she takes the news well."

Aubrey agreed, "Hopefully. Well, let's have a dinner tonight with her and tell her. I'll call Steven here in a bit and let him know we are telling her tonight and that I'll let him know if she wants to contact him."

"Sounds reasonable," said Andrew.

The two spoke a little longer and then Andrew left until supper time when they would tell Laura about her real life.