I Can't Believe my Eyes!

Chapter 14

Chapter 14     (Samantha’s POV)

I walked into Starbucks and saw my dad sitting at a table near the back. For a split second I wanted to turn around and chicken out but I have never chickened out before. I took a deep breath and walked over to my dad. As I got closer I got a rush of excitement.

“Daddy,” I said when I was right behind him.

He turned around with a huge grin on his face. He got up and I  hugged him. He hugged me back. For the first time in six years I felt safe. I felt safe wrapped up in his arms with him hugging me. After a moment he pulled back and looked at me.

“I’ve missed you Sammy,” he smiled.

“I’ve missed you too Daddy,” I replied.

He motioned for me to sit down. I sat down in the chair across from him.

“Why did you leave us?” I asked not wanting to wait any longer to know the questions that have been left unanswered for the last six years.

He took a deep breath and said, “You never have liked beating around the bush have you?”

“Answer the question Dad,” I said calmly.

“I guess you’re old enough now. Do you remember the day that I took you and Daren to the park?” he paused. I nodded my head. I remembered that day clearly. It was the day my dad had left us. He let out a puff of air, “Well when we came home I went upstairs and saw your mom. She was on the bed with Steve having sex. The moment I saw them I felt betrayed, useless and unloved. I stood in the doorway stunned. I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. I then walked over to the closet and pulled out a suitcase and filled it with my clothes. As I left the room to go and pack Daren and your suitcases your mom came up to me and yelled in my face. She told me that it was my fault and that I cheated on her first. That’s why she cheated on me for payback. I just shook my head and left the room. I walked into Daren’s room and filled his suitcase and then walked into your room and did that same thing. When I walked downstairs to grab you kids I saw that your mom had gotten rid of Steve and you guys. You guys had been sent over to Chantelle and Brian's house. I was so mad that I left the house and within that week I filed for a divorce. I tried to get custody for you and Daren but your mom won because she lied saying that Steve threw himself at her and that I slept with many women and was a drunk that liked to waste our money on alcohol. When I lost custody I was devastated. I’m sorry for leaving you and never coming back,” Dad had a sad look in his eye. I could tell he truly was sorry for leaving.

“It’s okay Dad,” I reassured him. I wasn’t as mad at him anymore. I actually felt sorry for him. I know what it’s like to feel useless and unwanted.

“What happened to your arm?” he asked me.

“My ex-boyfriend broke it,” I said casually like it didn’t matter.

Dad’s face hardened and he looked angry, “Did anybody do anything at least?”

“Tommy punched him but I’m not sure if Daren did anything,” I answered.

I saw Dad’s jaw lock a little bit, “Your mom and Steve didn’t file a report or anything?”

I shook my head, “No they didn’t. Why didn’t you try to see me or even talk to me?”

“I tried. Within the first month when I left I tried to get you and Daren every other week or every weekend but your mom wouldn’t allow it. I kept pushing to see you guys at Christmas and other holidays but your mom always took you guys away and wouldn’t allow me to see you guys. When you guys turned fourteen Daren called me. I didn’t know where he had gotten my number from but I was glad I was at least talking to one of my kids. He wanted to see me. I told him to meet me at the small diner downtown. I wanted to see you too but Daren said it wasn’t a good idea at the moment. I have been trying to see you for the last two years but Daren never gave me your number or brought you with him. Are you okay? You look like you might murder someone,” Dad said.