Flawed Perception

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

"Dad, what are you...?" I was still having trouble comprehending the situation in front of me. I had not seen or heard from my father since everything changed. When he left, that was when I knew nothing would be the same. I went from having what I believed to be a happy childhood and a complete family, to a broken childhood, pleasant memories now tainted with the perversion of what had happened to me. I was left with a family that was torn to shreds the second I realized that my disturbing dreams were actually a reality. My memories tore our lives apart.  

First reconnecting with Nick and Jeremy, now my father mere feet away, my past was shoving its way back into my life. I had never thought about what would happen if my father came back; what I would do, what I would say. I did not think I would see the day. I figured he was gone for good, and I was fine with that. Seeing him again was never a part of my life's plan, and even though he resented my father for everything, I knew it was not in Andy's either. Andy and I were healing. I had my own issues with my father, but now I only thought about Andy. He would not want to see him. 

"What are you doing here?" I asked as if in a daze. He began to take steps toward me and with each one I took a step back. He stood in his place upon noticing my apprehension. "Don't. Just tell me why you're here." 

"I heard about Andy, and I- Wow, look at you. You've grown up. I've missed you guys. You know that, right?" he asked. His outward expression was calm and collected but I noted the sweat on his brow, heard the quiver in his voice as he tried to initiate conversation with his former child. "I would have called you guys, but you know." 

I knew.  

"I don't care how much I've grown. I could not care less that you missed us," I began. My words began to crescendo as my anger grew. I felt a shooting pain in my right hand and realized I was clenching my fists so hard my nails were digging into my skin. The lone tear drop that fell moments earlier was now accompanied by a flood, which I could not hold back if I tried.  

"I wanted to contact you guys, I really did," he assured me. He took another step toward me, and then raised an arm toward my shoulder in an effort to comfort me. I jolted back. 

"Don't touch me!" I screeched. It echoed through the hall as if to warn all hospital patrons of my disdain of human contact. No one spoke as my words echoed. I looked toward Andy's room at my mother, who was staring at me with tears in her eyes. I could not do this to her, not now. I inhaled and brought up a hand to wipe the tears from my eyes. I tried my best to collect myself before speaking again. "Just go, before Andy knows you're here." 

"It's been years since I last saw you and you're brother. I'm not leaving until I see him," he informed me. I pursed my lips and rolled my eyes. 

"Trust me. He doesn't want to see you. You're better off leaving now. You'll only piss him off." With that he conceded. He pressed his lips together in a harsh line.  

"Fine, I'll leave," he said, throwing his hands up in frustration. Finally, he turned around and started walking toward the main exit. With every step he took relief swept across my body.  

"I'm sorry Willa. I shouldn't have called him, I-"my mother began. I noted the tears that were still rolling down her cheeks.  

"Oh, mom," I said. I quickly walked to her side. Upon reaching her I threw my arms around her, patting her back as a form of comfort. "It's okay." It broke my heart to hear her sob with every breath she took, so I held her tighter. 

"Mom?" Andy called from inside his room. He broke from my embrace and wiped away any stray tears. She put on a smile and walked back. I followed.