I Love You No Matter What

Chapter 11: Faith

"Faith."

I keep walking. I'm not in the mood to talk to him. A hand grips my arm and spins me around. "What?" I say with an annoyed expression.

"I just want to talk," James says.

"I don't know if you noticed, but my sister left the house, I just got back from a job, and my sperm donor decided to show up," I snap.

He winces. "Ten minutes of you and your brother's time," he says.

"Fine," I huff.

James guides me to the music room, where Charles is pacing. I go stand by him. "I'm glad you decided to talk to me. I realize you are venturing out in the world now. I want you to know I'm here if you need me," James says.

"Is that all?" Charles asks.

"I want to be a part of your lives," he says.

"You could've done that twenty-three years ago," I argue.

"And I'm sorry I didn't," James says genuinely.

"Why now?" Charles asks.

"Stop questioning me," he blurts out.

"Why should we? You have another family to take care of," I say.

"Diana and I have talked. You know she's the reason why I never contacted you. Junior and May are a year away from graduating from college. Diana is okay with me in your lives now," James explains.

"Okay, but this does not mean you are forgiven," Charles says.

James smiles. "I'll take it." He reaches out for a hug. Charles and I step away. He puts his hands down in disappointment. "I should head back home. Goodbye."

We wave goodbye to him. "You think he's serious?" Charles asks me.

"Maybe. We'll find out," I tell him.

"Well, it's good to have you back," he says.

"I don't feel like it's good to be back. I can't believe Mom just let Hope leave," I say.

Charles shakes his head in agreement. "Hope has the right idea, but it wouldn't feel right leaving," he says.

"I should get some sleep," I say sleepily.

"Okay. Goodnight Faith," Charles says.

"Goodnight."

I make my way to my room. It is nice to be back in my bed. Sure the hotel room's bed is comfortable, but it doesn't beat home. Not really home with Hope gone. I wish there is something I can do to do to convince her to come back. She had said that Mom treats Charles and me better than the rest of our siblings. When I think about it Mom does give me more freedom. That's not my fault. Mothers should treat the kids the same. I can't help my siblings if Mom doesn't.

I grab my phone as I lie back in the bed. The shows a message from Nick. It says:

You up?

I smile. Nick and I have gotten really close over the months. I was so relieved to hear Charles tell me to continue my relationship with Nick. His second opinion helped me come out my shell to let Nick in. We would spend our nights together in each other's rooms. Sometimes we went on dates. Our relationship didn't intervene with our jobs. I actually enjoyed my time with him. I hope it continues on to become serious.

I text him:

Yes. What do you need?

It's a few minutes later until he responds with: