Sister Payne (n.h.)

Chapter Nineteen

Skyler's P.O.V.

My dad and I went outside and sat at the glass table on the deck. This is the closet I have been to my dad since he left, and honestly it's nerve wracking. I have so many things to say to him, but I at least want to give him a chance to explain himself. I'd really like to have him back in my life, I've definitely missed him. If I would've had the constant father figure in my life, then maybe I wouldn't have gone down the path I have.

"So..." I started but was cut off.

"I'm so sorry. Skyler, you don't understand how incredibly sorry I am. Leaving you and Li was the worst thing I've ever done in my life. It's my biggest regret." My dad had the saddest, most heartbreaking look on his face.

"Why did you leave then? If it hurt you so much?"

"Sky, things weren't well between your mother and I. We fought all the time. We only stayed together for you and Liam. But finally, when you were about ten and Liam was thirteen, it became too much. Our fights turned kind of physical. Your mum would throw things and hit me. I don't know if you remember, but we slept in separate ends of the house. We both mutually agreed that me leaving would be best for everyone. Liam took it a little better because he was older, and I guess that's why he was okay with talking to me. Whereas you were completely distraught and wanted nothing to do with me. I'm very Skyler. No matter what, I have and will always love you. And I realize that walking out made it seem like I didn't, but I was just trying to do what was best for you and Liam."

My dad's explanation left me a complete mess. I was sobbing. I shot up from my seat and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head.

"Dad, I'm so sorry for not keeping in contact. I missed you so much. I just blamed you, because to me, it looked like the separation was all your fault and I didn't think you cared about me. I love you, dad." I sobbed into his chest.

"Hey. Look at me." He tilted my chin so I was forced to look at him. "It's okay, Skyler. It's okay. Stop crying, it's your eighteenth birthday for god's sake! Let's go back in and celebrate! Plus, I'd like to get to know your boyfriend a little better. He treats ya right, yeah?"

"Of course, dad. Niall's amazing. I wouldn't date him if he didn't treat me right."

"Well, I don't think Liam would hesitate to beat him to a pulp if he starts acting out. So I don't think I have much to worry about." He gave me a wink and I chuckled.

We headed back inside with his arm wrapped around my shoulder. I heard shouts coming from the living room, where I found the lot playing twister? I looked to see who was still in the game and I saw that it was Louis, Harry, and Niall. My boyfriend was kind of in an awkward sandwich between Harry and Louis.

"Are you that deprived that you needed to have action with Larry?" I asked while laughing at the three boys' positions. Everyone laughed with me except the three of them.

"Shut up, Skyler." I heard Niall groan.

"I'm gonna go cut the cake, so you guys finish twister and eat later." I turned towards the kitchen, but halted when I heard shouts and groans.

"NIALL. YOU ARSE." I head Harry scream.

I turned around to see Harry lying on top of Lou. Niall was walking towards me. He gave me a small smile and then pecked my lips.

"What happened?" I asked, even though I kind of had an idea. I mean c'mon, it's Niall we're talking about.

"You mentioned food and Niall instantly got hungry! So he removed himself causing us to topple over!" Louis groaned.