The One

Chapter 29: Pool arguments.

Alyssa's P.O.V

After my almost awkward breakfast with Devon and Jaeden, we all exchanged numbers they Ivan and I headed back to the suite where mom was already preparing to go swimming. She seemed really excited, and I'm a hundred percent sure it was because she hadn't done anything with us both in an awful long while.

So I was determined to make the best of this.

I changed into a royal blue swimsuit and flips, took a few pictures, then went out to meet my mom and brother.

Mom was fussing over Ivan when I arrived.

"What's wrong now?" I asked.

"He refuses to use sunscreen!" mom answered in frustration.

"It makes my skin itchy." Ivan complained, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Well you're either going to itch or burn up, so good luck with that. Come on mom," I shrugged and took a hold of mom's hand.

Ivan grumbled about us not caring enough about him before taking the sunscreen anyway, pushing past us to go outside.

"I don't know how you do it". Mom laughed.

I winked. "Years of being alone with him." I noticed that her smile dimmed when I mentioned 'being alone', so I tugged on her hand and smiled. "Let's go find him before he does something obviously stupid."

---

We lay side by side on the pool chairs by the edge of the huge outdoor pool. Ivan was off somewhere playing water volleyball with some guys and Jaeden. Mom and I were just having little meaningless talk when she turned over to face me.

"Your dad is getting married." she said softly, I almost didn't catch it.

Suddenly, the juice I was drinking didn't taste as good.

"What? That's not possible," I sat up.

"He's getting married to Christine." She said. It felt like I just got sucker-punched in the gut. Everywhere seemed to slow down.

Dad's finally leaving. Somehow it didn't seem right to imagine such thing. I hated my dad for his nonchalance towards his family. But in this moment, all I could think of was how much I was going to miss him coming over, even when it was just once or twice. Him getting married to Christine meant he had given up completely. I wasn't ever going to see him. He was still my dad, and I loved him as much as I hated him. I felt tears brimming the edge of my eyelids, threatening to drop in large pools.

"How did you know?"

"He told me. We talked about it." she answered.

I scoffed. "Of course he did. I can't believe he's doing this to us."

"Alyssa, you have to understand that we couldn't continue even after the divorce. I see how it hurts you and your brother, but this is the best decision your father has made in a very long while."

Best decision?

"Best decision? That's bullshit!"

"Alyssa, calm down-"

"No, I won't!" I shouted, then realised I was gradually causing a scene. "I have to go," I stood up, leaving abruptly before she could reply.

When I was sure she wasn't following me I got my phone. "Hey. That drive seems good right now."

---

"So can I ask why the sudden change of mind?" asked Devon. We were driving steadily through the streets of Pasadena. I rested my head against the window.

"I needed to think... and get away from something."

"And what might that be?" he inquired.

Devon looked like a genuine person, I really wanted to rant and pour out my thoughts and I probably would never see him after this vacation so why the hell not?

"My dad's getting remarried."

"That's rough." He replied. "I can't imagine what you're feeling right now."

"Angry, betrayed, bitter-"

He cut in. "Hurt? Sad?"

I faced him, nodding softly. "Yeah. All that too. I mean, I knew something like this was bound to happen, it's just, it feels so sudden now."

"No offense Alyssa, but you didn't think he was going to wait around forever, did you?" he said facing me for a second. I didn't want to answer such an obvious question.

"Why didn't he tell us?" I whispered mostly to myself.

"Probably because of the way you'd react. Like you are right now".

Devon was right. "Where are we heading?"

He smiled. "Anywhere. Pasadena is ours right now."

"Let's just keep driving, until we find somewhere to stop". I suggested.

"Sure".

---

We drove around for close to an hour, before we found a little beach. Devon and I got ice cream and just sat there for a while, as he talked about his life and how he was going into modelling and entertainment no matter what his parents say or think. I only laughed and encouraged him to follow his aspirations, since he definitely had the looks and charisma.

When we arrived back at the Bayford Resort it was already some minutes past seven. Mom was definitely going to be worried and might probably kill me. I sighed in distress. Devon picked up on my mood.

"Hey, you got this okay?" He said, putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah. Thanks for everything you did today. You're a lifesaver".

"It was nothing. Now get your ass out and go meet your mom. I don't want to get arrested for kidnapping". He joked.

I chuckled. "You won't". Then crossed  over to peck him on the cheek. "Bye".

---

"Mom relax, she gonna come back," Ivan was saying.

"It's already been close to seven hours now".

"C'mon mom, it's just been five-"

"I'm calling security".

I think it's time to step in.

"I don't think that's necessary," I interjected, stepping fully into the suite. "Plus you left the door open-"

I couldn't finish because Mon had already enveloped me in a bone crushing hug.

"Don't ever do that again, you scared me!" she chastised when she let me go.

I nodded sheepishly. "I'm sorry".

"You should be. Mom was really worried," Ivan butted in feigning annoyance.

"I know you were too, Iv and I'm sorry. I'll learn how to handle my anger better".

"Okay, I guess I forgive you too," he smiled.

I pulled both mom and Ivan into a warm hug. In that moment I realized; maybe dad might not stay forever, but no matter what, I knew had mom and Ivan for life. It was guaranteed.

And that was all I needed at this point.

---

                   Author's Rant.

Have I been forgotten? Probably.

Anyway, The One is coming to an end in the nearest future. I won't say when or how many chapters are left, butttt....

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Mad love,
Reverdii •,•