The Step Brother

Chapter Thirty Eight

Summer is quickly approaching, and I'm becoming more and more anxious. My first semester here at the University of California: Los Angeles has gone by surprisingly fast, and it's given me ample time to figure everything out. I feel like a new person really; for once I'm in a good place.

Just last month, I received a call from Anne. We talk every now and then, but this call was much different from our usually chats-she broke the news to me that she and my dad were trying to work things out again. She wanted to be the one to tell me in case I was upset, but I told her I supported her. At first I was confused, but I know deep down my dad would never do something like that again. He would never cheat on Anne like he had with my mom.

Our talk surfaced a lot of pain I was holding inside of me, but somehow I managed to get through it. I've even decided to go back to San Diego to have dinner with Anne and Dad. Funny how things change. But I'm ready. I've talked to Dad a few times over the phone, and I know it's unfair for me to hold this grudge. I never thought I'd think this, but it's time to forgive and forget; there's nothing we can do to change it, and I know he's trying to make up for it. All I can ask of my dad is that he doesn't make the same mistake again, and that he does not lie to me anymore, and so far, he's managed to do that. So I'm appreciative, and I will give him yet another chance.

There was one stipulation to meeting my dad again, however, and it had nothing to do with him or Anne. I asked that we would meet on a day Harry would not be around, and he would not find out. I didn't want him to know I was back in town for different reasons.

Our contact hasn't been much in the past months, and I still miss him like crazy, but I'm uncertain if that was enough time. I feel that I may be ready, but I want to be 100 percent certain that both of us are, and I'd like him to have more time if he needs it. So for now, we continue our little to no contact and work through our own personal conflicts. One day we'll find our way back to each other, this I know.

Today, I pack a small bag for my trip to San Diego. Colleen, my roommate, and I will still be living in our apartment over the summer, but Dad insisted that I at least stay the night at the house so I don't have to drive so much in one day. I agreed only because he said Harry would be staying at a friend's.

I still know it'll be difficult to go back there, however. The memories in that house will flood my memory as soon as I step through those doors, but I'm finally ready. I'm stronger now.

Colleen is out with her boyfriend Drew today, so as soon as I'm all packed, I make myself a cup a coffee and head out. I have many mixed emotions about going back to San Diego and seeing my dad, but it's time.

I feel much older than my eighteen years lately; I've really made progress with myself by moving here, and although it was difficult on myself and Harry, I hope he recognizes that once (if) we reunite, it will all have been worth it.

"Oh Chloe, I'm so happy you decided to come out here. I've missed you." My dad runs up to the car and pulls me into a tight embrace, like he hasn't seen me in ages. It feels like it's been that long.

"Hi, Dad," is all I can manage. My throat tightens with emotion, and I really don't even know why. I suppose it just feels good to let go of all the anger I held inside towards him. It's a new beginning.

"How was the drive down?"

"Long," I laugh. "Is Anne inside?"

Dad takes my bag from the backseat of my car and ushers me inside to where Anne is making dinner for the three of us. Once again, I feel my eyes watering when I see the bright, happy woman smiling in the kitchen. I haven't seen her since I left, and I've really missed her.