When the Tide Rolls In [COMPLETED]

Chapter Four: Can You Even Cook Waffles?

"Hey Sammy. Are you doing okay?" my mom asked. She was holding a one year old May in her arms and balancing a bag on her shoulder.

"Yes, Mommy. I'm fine," I said, tucking a lock of blonde hair behind my ear. She seemed to take notice of the small action but said nothing.

"Well, Mommy is going to be back soon. She just has to go settle something. You stay here, and don't leave okay? Stay with Grandpa," she ordered, shooting a smile to Grandpa who was lounging in his armchair.

He gave her a tight smile and a small wave.

"Okay Mommy. Why does Sissy get to go?" I asked, standing on my toes to get a better look at the baby. May slept soundly in my mother's arms.

"Mommy can't really explain right now. It's just... safer."

"Well where are you going? To work?" I questioned, pulling at my pink pajama pants. The moon peeked in through the curtains and reminded me how tired I was.

"No baby, I'm going-" she stopped, looking over to Grandpa. "I'm going to see your dad. It'll be okay though. Mommy is going to drop May off at her own Daddy's house and then I'm going to see your dad."

"Oh, tell him I say hi and that I love him very much," I grinned. I was seven years old. I didn't know any better. I'd never met him, but my dad still had earned my love.

"Okay," my mom said hesitantly. Soon, she was gone, and Grandpa began getting me ready for bed.

--

Nick pressed a hand to my back. He had circled the desk and was now comforting me.

"I know, what an odd way to find out. I'm so sorry it has to be this way. I know you'll want to find him and make him pay. I can do so, if you give me your boat," Nick said. He faked sympathy. It was apparent in his voice.

And it's working.

Sadly, Nick Sanduvol had just told me the worst piece of information to ever cross my path.

"You're lying," I accused, moving away from him.

"Call your mother and ask, then. I'm sure she'd tell you," he smiled, but it was no toothy grin. His features were devilish and mean.

Without giving it a second thought, I whipped my cell phone out of my pursue and dialed my mother's number. The cool metal pressed against my ear and the phone began to ring. After two rings, she picked up.

"Hello Samantha, what a surprise. May called me earlier asking if I'd heard from you. I'm assuming you got in a fight?" she asked. I could hear something in the background like a television or voices talking. My mother's house had always been busy with friends and family.

May and I stopped going years ago once we moved out. Time never allowed for frequent visits.

"You were never married to Dad?" I asked, completely ignoring her earlier topic of conversation. The line was quiet, but I could still hear the background noise so I knew she hadn't hung up.

Her breath came through the receiver in a shaky sigh before she replied, "No. I was never married to your father."

"Because you never meant do be with him in the first place," I continued. I needed to hear her say it. I couldn't. Those words couldn't form in my mouth.

"Samantha, where did you hear this?" she asked, clearly trying to avoid talking about it.

"Mom. Tell me."

It was quiet again, even the background noise had dimmed down. Nick was watching me, and the sun was now shining high in the sky. It must've been closer to ten or eleven now. I heard a door shut on the other line before my mother began to speak.