Pure Seduction

Chapter 29

When I get home I am completely exhausted and find myself regretting the fact that I left. I should've stayed and dealt with our issues but I've always found it easier to run away from them. Some things never change, even when you want them to.

Instead of going to bed, I finally decide to clean up the mess Tammy and her boyfriend have caused. I have been putting it off all week but I need something to take my mind off of things and this seems like the perfect way to. I begin by walking around the apartment with a trash bag, filling it with everything that's broken.

I manage to move the shattered TV to the door but I'll need help getting it out. Then I put the table and chairs with it since half of the chairs are broken and a leg to the table is as well. By the time I've swept, mopped, and finished cleaning it's almost six o'clock in the morning. Walking to my bedroom, I pull off my dress before climbing into bed.

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The next afternoon I go over to my dad's to visit with them and the baby. She's in my arms when Isabelle sits beside me. "I told your dad you're here. He's in the shower."

"Okay," I say, smiling down at Ava.

"So how have you been been since that night with Tammy?"

"Okay. I finally cleaned it up last night. The only things left to clean are the chairs, table, and TV which I need help taking out to the trash."

She frowns. "We can go shopping for new things next weekend if you want."

"Thanks but I'm not too worried about it. I spend too much time watching TV anyways."

Ava falls asleep in my arms as Isabelle talks about my dad and siblings. I listen, only commenting every once in a while. When she brings up Leila, I realize I haven't spoken to her since I found out she lost the baby. "She seems to be doing a lot better. Her boyfriend has been there for her a lot and he managed to get her out of bed. Ever since then she has been getting better. I'm very proud of her."

"Is she here?"

"Yeah. She's up in her room."

"Well, I haven't talked to her so I probably should. Do you mind?" I ask.

"Not at all," she smiles.

After putting Ava in her crib, I make my way upstairs to Leila's bedroom. I knock before cracking her door open and peeking in. She's laying in bed, watching TV. "Hey," I smile. "Mind if I come in?"

She pats the space beside her. "What are you doing here?"

I close the door behind me and make my way over to her bed. "Just visiting. How are you?"

She sighs. "I wish people would stop asking me that. I'm okay," she says, looking into my eyes. "Really."

"That's good. I'm sorry I wasn't here for you. I've had a lot going on but that's no excuse."

She shakes her head. "It's fine. I wouldn't have talked to you anyways. I just needed some time, you know? Even Brendan couldn't comfort me at the time. But he has helped me a lot and I'm pretty content right now."

I smile. "That's great. I'm glad you're doing well and that you're happy with him."

"Me too," she smiles. "So how are things with you and Alex? Dad said you've been with him a lot."

I sigh. "We're dating but we still have a lot of figuring out to do. I don't really want to get into details but we got in a fight last night."

"What happened? Did he leave?"

"No we were at his house so I left but he didn't stop me," I frown.

"He was upset. Plus, he shouldn't have to stop you," she says.

I put my head in my hands. "You see, I'm not normal. I'm a fuck up - I need him to do things like that to keep me in check. I need him to spoil me with love and affection and chase after me or else I'll think he doesn't want me. I'm not good in relationships."

"We're all fuck ups, aren't we?" she asks. I give her a sad smile and she sighs. "Well, so what. We've had shitty lives and we're doing the best we can so screw the haters."

"I love you," I grin at her.

"I love you too."

Kissing her forehead, I stand up and leave the room. When I get downstairs, my dad is sitting on the couch with Isabelle on his lap. The sight makes me smile but I pretend to gag. "Get a room."

They laugh and Isabelle attempts to move but he holds her in place. "Isabelle said you needed some help moving things out of your apartment. I could follow you home and take care of it," my dad says.

"Thanks dad but I'll take care of it."

"We were thinking you and Alex could come over for dinner this weekend if you two weren't too busy," Isabelle says.

I frown. "We got in a fight and I'm not really sure where we stand but I'll let you guys know as soon as I can."

They both frown but don't comment on it. Instead, my dad changes the subject. "Have you still been attending your meetings?"

I nod. "Whenever I can. Kim has helped me a lot and I'm thankful for the support the group gives me. I'm glad I changed my ways."

"Me too, sweetheart. We're proud of you," he smiles.

"Thanks," I smile.

We talk for a while longer before I decide it's time to go. After saying my goodbyes, I drive home, letting the silence consume me. It has been a while since I've seen Jordan so I decide I'll call him tomorrow to see if he wants to hangout. None of us are as close as we used to be and it makes me sad but I know a lot of it was my fault. I regret the fact that we drifted apart when we moved down here.

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{A/N: Happy valentine's day!}