VIRIDITY • jb

eleven.

My fist touched the wooden door of my parent's house hesitantly, earning a pat on the shoulder from Wilton. Today I had decided to talk to my parents. Not about the case though. Just about... things.

Dad was the one who opened the door for us. I want to hug him, and I can feel he wants to do the same thing to me. But instead, he created a greater distance between us because he probably thinks I'm uncomfortable. That's the father I know. I can't believe he's back.

I walked inside and Wilton followed me after greeting my dad with a man hug. I never saw them do that again before, it was great to see them like this again.

“Is it okay if I leave you guys here as I talk to mom?” I asked, looking around to find any sign of her.

“She's not here, Olive. I told her you declined on paying us a visit today,” Dad said, scratching his nape.

“Why dad?”

“So we could talk properly. If she's with us right now, half of this talk would be meaningless,” he sighed. “Is that okay with you?”

I simply nodded and sat on the couch across them. The house was clean. No bottles, no cigarettes scattered everywhere. It made me smile a little.

“What exactly is happening to mom, Dad? Please tell me.”

He sighs again, shaking his head lightly. “I don't exactly know what was she on, but she grew distant to me. Later on she just decided to get you back.”

“So she's sincere on having me back?”

“I don't think so. But I'm suggesting you guys to leave as soon as you can because I could feel that she's up to something bad,” he shakes his head. “Sandra's gone crazy, sweetheart.”

Tears are now surrounding my eyes and cheeks. “How about you, dad? Did you really change?”

“I won't expect anything from you. I'm gonna understand that you'll be hating me even if I'm gone. But I swear to God, I am so sorry for letting your mom's rage get to me. I completely regret destroying our father and daughter relationship. I... I was the only one you have and I... I betrayed you.”

I can't believe he's saying these. But I reached out to him and embraced him. He was caught off guard but hugged back. “I missed you so much Olivia, I'm so sorry I let these happen to you.”

“I don't wanna leave you here Dad. Please come with us.”

“I can't leave your mom like that, honey. I still love her. She's just blinded with anger. Besides, my brother here is taking such a good care of you,” he smiles down at me. “I'm so proud of what you've become, and I'm so sorry I haven't witnessed it and helped you at all.”

“I love you Dad. Please be careful,” I said as I pull away. “I forgive you okay? Please keep in touch with me.”

“Will do, sweetie. I love you more. I wish I could make it up to you,” he kissed the top of my head while pulling out little boxes in his jacket. “This was supposed to be my birthday gifts to you. I started buying these when you turned nineteen.”

My tears didn't stop rushing down my face and received the boxes he handed me. “Please promise me we'll see each other again.”

“Of course, hun. I'll do everything I can,” he reassured.

“What will you do to Sandra?” Uncle asked.

“I'm thinking of getting professional help. I'll have it sorted. Don't worry,” Dad whispered. “You guys go now and be careful. She'll be back soon.”

With one last hug, we left my used to be house and went straight to the hotel.

Well, that was fast. I wasn't ready to leave so soon. “Are we really gonna leave now?”

“Do you want to? Our tickets are booked in three days. We can—”

“I won't let you spend so much for me,” I decided. “Let's just stay for a bit. And maybe invite dad to hang with us. Just like the old times.”

Wilton lets out a breath. “I wasn't ready to say goodbye too. Maybe we could make it happen by sneaking out on your mother. Just like the old times.”

I used to be around boys a lot so I grew up playing super hero figures as my barbie dolls. Mom wasn't really fond of that because Sophia was very​ much unlike me. Let's just say she's one of the people who questions my sexuality.

Uncle's phone dinged, snapping me out of the trance as the edges of his lips rise. Of course, that would be Claire. “You look like a teenager who got asked to be someone's date on prom.”

“I feel young again,” he cheesed. “She's making me feel like a damn high school kid.”

“I'm so happy for you, uncle. Can't believe it's finally happening. Can't believe you've finally found whatever it is you're looking.”

“I know,” he chuckled. “How about a double date?”

“A double date?” I repeated, taken aback. He knows about that shît? “With who?”

“You and Justin, who else?”

I froze, my jaw on the floor while watching him give me a questioning look as he drinks a glass of water, leaning against the countertop. “We aren't dating, uncle!”

“Oh yeah? I don't think so. I mean, try checking your phone that's been vibrating like mad. I think he's calling.”

It really was him.

“He's just bothering me, I swear!” I defended, declining the call. Wilton just stared at me and laughed once again when my phone started shaking again.

“Oh my God Justin what?”

“Did I wake you?” he rasped. You can't do shît like that, you good looking rat.

“No,” I answered, clearing my throat. “Why the hell are you calling?”

His raspy chuckle rang into my left ear. Is it fûcking morning there in NY? Why does he sound like he just woke up like a sex freaking god?! “I missed annoying you.”

“Go annoy someone else,” I said, fighting the smile that was attempting to show up on my lips.

“When are you coming back? I'm so bored.”

“Don't you have friends Justin? We aren't even friends! Yet you expect me to cure your boredom?”

“Hey Olivia that's rude, watch your mouth,” Uncle butted in, making sure Justin was able to hear him. Boys. “Justin, she's playing hard to get. Don't mind her.”

I whined like a little girl. “Oh my gosh you guys are making this day so stressful. Goodbye Justin.”

“Tell your uncle I said hi,” he laughed again. “See you real soon Liv. I miss you.”

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another filler chapter for y'all because i cannot believe WE ALREADY HAVE 611 READS R U KIDDING ME

i'm sorry if it's just a filler chapter again, school's really keeping me so busy. i promise, we'll make something happen next update.

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