Progressive Properties is aggressively taking over where small neighborhoods once flourished. Now Angelique's Shelter, St. Gabriel's, is under attack. Who shows up at her door to deliver the news? John McDougal, now a prominent property attorney, an...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"May I take you to him? Or do you have your car?" John asked, tucking an unruly curl behind Angelique's ear.
She hesitated. He knew he was asking much but thought perhaps he could give a little back, but mostly he was just being selfish. He wanted to keep her by his side for however long she could stand him.
"Okay," Angelique agreed, not knowing why but feeling like it was the right thing to do.
He helped her to her feet and stood facing her. "Thank you."
"For what?" Angelique asked.
John shrugged. "For allowing me to help you."
Angelique smiled. "You're welcome? I guess."
They left together for St. Joe's and to see her father. It was a long trip, so John insisted on takeout for the road, knowing Angelique needed some food. He called it in and picked up the Chinese food on the way.
Angelique devoured her sweet and sour chicken with vegetable fried rice. She couldn't remember anything tasting as good, but food always tastes better when you're hungry.
"John?" Angelique began not quite knowing where to start, but she had to know. "May I ask...how did your father die?"
John's grip tightened on the steering wheel. She could see the white of his knuckles.
"I'm sorry. I just... I shouldn't have..."
"Why do you want to know?"
The question surprised Angelique. "I've only recently had to face the thought of my father's death. That I can lose him never occurred to me before now. I've taken him for granted. But that wasn't how it was for you, was it?"
John's shoulders slumped some as if the weight he bears suddenly got heavier.
"No. As you know, he struggled with depression. The possibility of losing him seemed like an everyday occurrence. I didn't know how to reach him and in the end, it cost him his life. You, in fact, were the only brightness in his otherwise dark existence. I don't know how you broke through, but you did. I always envied you a little for that."
"You envied me?"
"Angel, it's not a secret I'm not well-liked, and that is putting it mildly."
"Your intentions are good. Just not always well placed," Angelique told him.
John laughed. "Only you, Angel, would try, after all I've done, to still see the good in me, but I'm uncertain there's any good left."
Angelique reached out to touch his arm and felt the muscle underneath flex involuntarily. "You tried so hard, John. Your Father loved you and Michael so much. He always wanted what was best for you both."
"He gave his life trying to get a few thousand dollars from an insurance policy. He was a fool," John retorted. "His life was worth so much more."
"We can deem his actions foolish, but it's not foolish to love your child, or to give up your life for the ones that you love. There is no greater sacrifice."
