Misinterpreting Fate (Book 2)

35. Forgiveness

Chapter 35: Forgiveness

Sam

Walking into the kitchen the next morning, I slowly sank down into my chair, sore from yesterday. Poppa placed a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of me. "How's the pain?" he asked.

"It kinda hurts," I muttered, rubbing my lower back. My eyes widened as soon as I realized what I had said. "Uh... I mean..." I had no words to even try correcting myself.

Poppa smirked. "Yeah? Are you two being safe?"

I nodded slowly, picking up my fork. "You're not mad at me?"

He sighed, sitting down across from me. "Honestly, I wish you weren't having sex. But... Ryan is much better for you than Owen was. If you're happy with him and you think this is the right thing for you to be doing, then I'm not going to forbid you."

I gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Poppa." After a moment, I put down my fork and looked back up at Poppa, who had gotten back up to continue making breakfast for himself. "How did you know?" I asked him. "Did Dad say something?"

"Actually, he didn't have to. His face told everything. As soon as he told me Ryan was upstairs with you, I knew."

I groaned, putting my head in my hands. I felt so embarrassed. And it was my fault too, I was the one who initiated that whole thing between us yesterday. I had been hoping they'd stay out later than they did, not that I even knew where they were to judge the time they'd be out. Maybe that was the problem.

I lifted my head up. "Where were you guys yesterday anyway?" I asked, suddenly curious. If they went somewhere together, they usually mentioned it at least once or twice either before or after. This time, there wasn't a single comment.

"Oh, we had to meet with the lawyer. Went over some last minute details before today's hearing."

I nearly choked. "What? You got a court date - which is today - and you didn't tell me about it?"

"Sam." I turned in my seat to see Dad standing in the doorway. "We didn't tell you because we didn't want to disappoint you if things didn't go our way."

"I wanna come." There was no way I wasn't going to be there. Regal was my sister. I should get to be there too.

"No," Poppa said. "You have school."

"Please, Poppa? Dad? Regal's my sister! I want to be there!"

The two looked at each other, having one of those silent conversations they were good at. Eventually, Dad let out a sigh. "Fine. But we're leaving soon. You better get dressed quickly or else you have to go to school."

"Thank you!" I was out of my seat immediately, going over to hug Dad, then Poppa. "Thank you!" Then I ran upstairs, only slowly down halfway up because I had forgotten how sore I was. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to go all the way with Ryan last night. I had forgotten how much it could hurt afterwards. Although the feeling during it was definitely worth it now.

Fifteen minutes later, the three of us were climbing into Dad's car. I had never been to a court hearing before, and I was actually pretty excited. Today could be the day we brought Regal into our home. I couldn't wait.

When we pulled into the court house's parking lot, I was practically bouncing in my seat, any pain I had been feeling earlier completely forgotten. I didn't know what to expect, but I was anxious to find out.

I followed behind my parents as we headed towards the front doors of the court house. I kept looking around, watching the fancy dressed people rushing around, trying to stay out of the little bit of snow that was starting to fall. I was also trying to see if I could find Sarah and Regal. I wasn't even sure if Regal would be here. Was she old enough to give her say on the matter? Did she even understand how bad of a situation she was in?

"Sam?"

I stopped in my tracks when I heard that voice. Dad and Poppa hadn't heard it, having been talking to each other, so they kept going. I couldn't though, not now.

I turned, slowly, to see Owen sitting on the steps, leaning against a large pillar. He looked a lot skinnier than he used to. His hair had grown out to the point where it was practically a tangled mess. Even his beard was no longer short and clean-shaven, but an overgrown wilderness. If I hadn't heard him say my name, I never would have recognized him.

"Owen?" I questioned, still not completely sure it was him. "What are you doing here?"

He let out a dry chuckle. "I live here now. Isn't that just great?"

"On the streets? What happened?" I had a strong feeling I already knew. But I just had to ask anyway.

He looked up at me with sad eyes. "You happened, Sammy."

"Don't call me that," I said automatically. Then the rest of his words sunk in. "And it wasn't my fault, Owen. You were the one that decided to quit. You were the one who outed me to my parents. You were the one that betrayed me in every possible way. I thought I loved you, Owen. Turns out I was wrong."

"You don't understand," he countered.

He went to go on, but I cut him off. "It doesn't matter. I've moved on, Owen. And, honestly, I don't care about why you did what you did anymore, because I forgive you."

"Sam!" Dad called from the top of the stairs. He was holding open the door and I could just barely see Poppa's retreating form just inside the building.

Without saying another word to Owen, I turned and hurried up the stairs. I didn't need to say anything else to him. He was obviously paying the consequences of his actions. I had come to the understanding that I didn't cause him to be homeless or broke. He did that to himself, which is why I forgave him. He was lost and confused, and his actions did eventually lead me to Ryan. If he hadn't betrayed me, I probably would still be strung along by him.

"What were you doing?" Dad asked when I got to him. I glanced back at Owen, only to realize he couldn't be seen from here.

I looked back at Dad, shaking my head. "Nothing." I gave him a smile, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

The only thing that could make this day better would be having Regal be part of our family.