Loving Her (Book 2/2)(RE-WRITING)

Chapter 22 Danni/Andy

Danni's P.O.V

I traced the promise ring on my finger and couldn't help but smile. Andy had no idea how happy she made me. With everything that we've been through, her promising me that she won't ever leave again makes me feel reassured that I have her in my life forever. We were all on our way to the pub to celebrate graduating. I ended up getting top student in every class I studied except for Literature which Andy got. Narla got the music award and Yvette just cheered all of us on.

"So I'm thinking Tacos," Yvette blurted our as we pulled up to the pup.

"With alcohol?" Narla laughed.

"Well I'm designated driver so I'm not drinking,"

"So it's just us?" Narla asked looking at me.

"I'm not in a drinking mood," I replied. Andy went home with Patricia but she said that she'd see me tonight at hers. All I wanted to do was celebrate graduating with her. I felt like I was third wheeling with Yvette and Narla.

"I can't drink on my own," Narla whined.

"I'll drive," I told Yvette, grabbing the keys from her.

"Alright, lets go my lovelies," Yvette smirked, guiding us into the pub. It wasn't too busy tonight. There were a few people here and there but it was defiantly one of those quiet nights. We sat at the table next to the windows and grabbed the menus.

"Well I'm still getting tacos," Yvette smiled, throwing her menu down.

"And what drink?"

"Surprise me,"

"I'll just get the Mediterranean salad," I told Narla, filling my glass with water.

"Okay," she smiled, getting up and heading towards the counter.

"Missing your lover huh?" Yvette asked, putting her hair up into a bun.

"Yeah, it would've been better with her here,"

"True, But she has a lot of things to sort out with her mum,"

"I know, I just hope she doesn't run off again," Yvette leaned across the table and held my left hand.

"You know, when she got you that ring, we were in the store for three hours because she couldn't decide which one to get,"

"Three?"

"Yes, without food before so I was so hungry. Anyway, she wanted to get the perfect promise ring to show you how much she loves you,"

"And it is perfect," I breathed, looking over the ring.

"She gave it to you to prove she isn't going anywhere. If anything you've turned her into a big girl,"

"I'm just scared she'll become closed off again. She just started opening up to me,"

"I know, but you just have to give her some time. Let her come to you," I nodded. I hope her and her mum sort things out.

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Andy's P.O.V

Patricia had picked me up from graduation. She said that we needed to talk about everything that's happened and I agreed with her. With Beatrice getting locked up and me shooting Francis, Patricia was the only blood family I had left that I talked to.

"I'm happy you graduated Andy," she smiled, leaning back in the chair.

"Thanks,"

"I went and saw Beatrice,"

"How is he?" I asked, she sighed.

"It's hard seeing him in there. I knew him as a sweet and innocent boy,"

"I asked how he was, not for his life story,"

"He's recovering. He's seeing some psychiatrists and doctors to get better,"

"Did you tell him about Francis?"

"I did, he was a little upset but said he knew he was a coward," I nodded. Beatrice always looked up to Francis. I guess it wasn't until he realised that he was abusing him that Francis wasn't a good man or father.

"Have you seen him yet?" I shook my head. There wasn't a reason why I hadn't seen him, I just didn't feel like I had to.

"We need to sort out our differences Andy. I know that you don't like me very much anymore and it hurts me everyday knowing what had happened but we need to stick together Andy,"

"How do I know you're not a murderer or a secret hitman or something?"

"Don't joke about that Andrea," Patricia scolded, drinking her tea.

"Do you hate me for it?"

"For killing Francis?" I nodded.

"I can't hate you Andrea. You're my daughter. I didn't know that your father was involved with these people and I didn't know the kind of man he was. I knew that you wouldn't hurt you family unless they were hurting someone you love,"

"You don't hate me at all?" I asked shocked.

"No, you were defending Danni and yourself. I have no reason to hate you,"

"Shouldn't you be upset though?"

"I am Andrea, but it's about how we cope mentally than the actions we take verbally or physically. I may be upset but that wouldn't change the man that he was or what had happened. It's best just to accept and move on,"

"And you want to move on with me?"

"Yes, But I cant sail the ship on my own Andrea. I know it'll take some time to gain your trust and love again, but you're my daughter and seeing you graduate today made me realise how much I've missed in your life,"

"Well you can't change the past can you,"

"You can't,"

"Do you accept me and Danni?" I watched as a smile formed on her wrinkly lips.

"Yes, if you love Dannielle for who she is her gender doesn't worry me,"

"So you accept me being gay,"

"I always have Andrea. It was your father and brother who tried to make me believe it was a disgusting lifestyle but deep down I knew that if you believed in something it was because that was who you were,"

"Then why didn't you do anything?"

"Because I didn't want to stand up to Francis. I was a coward,"

"I missed four years of your life Andrea and I'm hoping I won't miss anyone,"

"You won't," I reassured her. She got up and held her arms out. I smiled and held her into my arms. I knew that we had a lot of things to talk about and to overcome, but at the end of the day she was my mum. And deep down I know I love her no matter what happened. At least I still have her.