The Surprise I Never Wanted

Chapter 3

They've been married for 23 years

23 y e a r s

23.

And now they decide to get a fucking divorce?

How can this be happening?
This can't be happening?
Why?
They were happy!
They are happy!
Well, so I thought.

I just continued to stare at my mothers emotionless face, refusing to believe the truth. Why is everything I ever loved leaving?
Is it me?
Is it my fault?
Am I really that annoying that I'm driving everyone away?
Why was dad leaving?

Racing towards the kitchen, I dashed towards my emotionless father. Wrapping my arms around his broad frame, nothing could tear me away from him.
My best friends leaving I refuse to let him leave too.

Looking up into his usual jade green eyes, I noticed how bloodshot they were. Also realising the amount of stubble that was scattered across his jawline, I could see that this marriage was really starting to take its toll on him, he looked so depressed.

How did I not see it?

Am I that blind?

How didn't I see my Mother's and Father's marriage falling apart, right in front of my eyes.

Snuggling into his chest, a never-ending stream of tears dripped down my face.

"Daddy, please don't go!" I pleaded but it came out as a muffle, barely above a whisper.

"I have to sweetie; it's the only way." Guilt laced each word he whispered into my hair.

"Only way? You're really just going to get up and leave?" I spat harshly.

"Where are you even going to go? Or is that why you're leaving because you've been having an affair?"
Jumping to conclusions, I couldn't stop myself.
I know I was sounding harsh but he deserved it.

Staring back at me as if 3 testicles had appeared on my forehead, he shook his head repeatedly emphasising his answer.
"What are you talking about? Me and your mother love each other and we always will, we're just at different places at the moment." he said lovingly.

"Well if you truly loved Mom, why are you leaving? WHY ARE YOU LEAVING?" Poking his chest with each word I spoke, irritation took over my body and I couldn't control myself as I continued to push my father, desperate for answers.

Stumbling backwards at my sudden force, he grabbed my wrists firmly in his hands.

"Sweetie, I need you to calm down for me, you need to stay strong for Jake and Penny"

And then realisation hit me, sending my dad a look full of hatred. I interrogated him further.
"Do they know?"
"How do they know?"
"How did they take it?"
"Where are they?"

Question after question rolled off my tongue and my mind wouldn't focus or remain calm. I was sending myself insane.

Softening his tone of voice, he licked his lower lip before replying.
"Penny is on her way home from school right now and Jake is at Jenni's"

Scoffing, my mood continued to get worse.
"Jakes always at Jenni's, ever since he's been with her I've barely seen him! Penny is too interested in her damn bratz dolls to care!"

Irritation spread across my dad's face as he harshly replied.
"Brooke, she's nearly 14 for fucks sake."

"Exactly, so you're not even going to be here for her birthday!"