Life's Little Bumps

Chapter Five

"So.... I have big news. It mainly concerns you, Elle," my mother claimed in the middle of Olive Garden. I was chomping on a breadstick when she said this. With my mouth full, I raised my eyebrow out of confusion. "It includes your father.." she trailed off to. I rolled my eyes.

"What about him? That I haven't seen him since I was 3? That he has wanted absolutely nothing to do with me for the last 10 years? Or is it that he moved to Albuquerque and never told us?" I asked, a little too defensively. My "father" was a deadbeat Dad who wanted nothing to do with me after he and my mom got a divorce. I've stalked him on Google and Facebook, but I could never pull myself to text him.

"I know you haven't had the best relationship with him, but he called me today. He's getting married Elle, and he's moving back. He wants to be a part of your life. He wants you to meet your new sister. He's a lot better than he was Elle," my mom claimed. She had always seen the better side of him and I never understood why. He was the one who cheated on her. He was the one who abused her and me. He was the one who left us.

"I don't care. He hasn't tried to be my dad for 10 years. Why should I let him just waltz into my life like he just went out for a grocery run? I've been okay without him. He's been okay without me. That's that and there is really no changing it," I whisper-screamed. 

"Elle Lilly Jones. He is your father! You will visit him and treat him with respect!" my mom shouted in the crowded family-friendly restaurant. Silence. John didn't make eye contact and Madi just stared at her phone to avoid the conversation. Hell, the whole restaurant was silent. My mother's eyes stared at me in rage.

"Have fun with that," I said under my breathe before sliding my chair out and walking towards the exit doors. I slammed them open and immediately started to cry. My father could live his happy-go-lucky fucking life. I wanted to be no part of it. I pulled out my phone with tears streaming down my face. I shook while scrolling through my phone to find Gage's contact. I clicked on it and waited for him to pick up.

"Hey beautiful. What's up?" He asked so innocently with that sweet voice of his.

"Pick me up," I tremble.

"Baby what's wrong? Where are you?" He asked, concern in his voice.

"Olive Garden on 5th and Robin. Please.... Just pick me up," I sob. Families walking by looked at me like I was a hurt puppy. So much pity in their eyes. It was disgusting.

"On my way. Just stay there," he said in his sweet calming voice.

"Okay," I manage to get out before hanging up.