Because Of The Lie

Chapter 14

I stand there shocked.

I look over him. He looks like me. His dark hair, blue eyes, strong facial features, it's all just like mine.

"C-come in." I stutter and he steps inside. "W-would you like some water or s-something?"

"No, thank you." He shakes his head politely. "I'm guessing you never expected to see me?

I sit on the loveseat across from him. "Uhm, no. My mother told me you were probably dead."

He laughs. "That doesn't surprise me, but no. What all did she tell you?"

I clear my throat and look him in the eyes. "She told me you were a deadbeat and you didn't care about me. She said you hated me and that's why you left."

He looks disappointedly at his hands. "That isn't what happened, Arielle."

"Then tell me."

He looks at me with a serious look. "You're mother is a liar. About a month after you were born, your mother got addicted to Heroin. She was on it so bad. I tried to leave and take you with me. I never wanted to leave you Arielle. I wanted to get you away from her. You were so young."

He shakes his head. "Your mother took you away when I was working late one night. I was busting my ass trying to come up with extra money to hire a lawyer. I was going to get you away from her. I never got the chance to, though. Your mother moved states with you and kept you hid from me. I started my own business about 3 years ago and tracked you down."

Tears fill my eyes and I try to force them back.

"I'm so sorry it took so long, Ari." He shakes his head and a tear falls from his eye.

We both sit in silence for a minute.

"I forgive you." I smile at him.

He looks up at me with a serious face. "Really?"

I laugh and nod my head.

He stands up and come to hug me.

"I missed you, Sweet pea." He cries and my heart squeezes.

"Why'd you call me that?" I frown.

"What?" he looks confused.

"Why'd you call me Sweet Pea?"

"I called you that when you were a baby." He says still looking confused. "Why?"

"Come on, Pea. For me?" Ryan asks, with a sexy pout, which is completely irresistible.

"I'll try to cancel my plans, but I can't promise anything. Wait, Pea? Why'd you call me that?" I ask Ryan.

"It's cute. You remind me of a pea because you're so small and cute." He laughs and pinches my cheek.

I look up at my father and smile. "My best friend called me that."

"Well she's smart." He laughs.

My smile falters. "He was."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Ari." He smiles, sympathetically.

"Honey, I'm home! Are you ready to-" Jace comes through the door and stops midsentence after seeing me hugging my dad.

"Hey, babe." I say and my dad lets me go.

He comes and kisses my forehead while staring at my dad.

"Jace, this is Christopher." I tell him. "He's my father."

Jace's face fills with relief and he smiles at my dad. "Nice to meet you, sir, I'm Jace."

My dad smiles and shakes his hand. "I should really get going. Arielle, this is my card. Next time we see each other it'll be on your terms. I understand if you need time."

I nod and take the card.

"Bye, dad." I smile as he leaves.