Bloodborn (sequel to 'Lucky 13')

Chapter 24: Open and honest

Lily's POV

Catherine was driving the car back to our house. I was seated next to her, Esmee in the back. And it was quiet. There was an uneasy and tense atmosphere, and I hated it.

When we stopped at a red traffic light, I took this as my chance to talk to Catherine. "Are you ok?"

She didn't look at me, she just shrugged.

I looked back in front of me, to the street. "I think you were very brave to have done this."

"Not like I had a choice..."

The light turned green and we were back on our way to the house. I decided to not talk anymore, since she was clearly still processing what had just happened.

When we arrived at the house, Catherine parked the car and got out. As did we. We walked to the front door and entered.

"Hey," Marianne greeted us, she soon noticed the mood. "Is everything alright?"

"And let me guess," Catherine said, looking at Marianne. "You knew about this meeting too?"

"Catherine, I - "

"I thought I could trust you!" Catherine shook her head. "Clearly, I was wrong." She then stormed upstairs, to our room.

Marianne looked so sad then. She looked at me. "What happened?"

"It went well."

Esmee nodded. "They didn't fight, they simply exchanged words."

"And?" Marianne seemed impatient.

"Catherine let him stay at the house," I said to which Marianne raised her eyebrows. She also clearly didn't expect this. "He's allowed to stay there."

"Wow..."

Esmee nodded. "So I wouldn't worry, mom," She said, wrapping her arms around Marianne. "Catherine is just processing her emotions. Vernon dug up old wounds."

Marianne nodded. "It's good they talked."

I nodded. Then I looked behind Marianne and Esmee.

"What?" Marianne asked, she must have noticed my expression.

I walked past them. "Hey honey," I crouched and opened my arms for Emily to walk to me, which she did. "How are you?" I asked as I pulled her up. "Have you been waiting for us?"

"Yes," She hugged me back. "Miss you."

"I missed you too," I then looked at Marianne. "Was everything alright?" I had informed Marianne about Emily's behavior last night. Marianne reassured me it was fine, as did Vernon. Still, I couldn't shake off how weird it was.

"Yes," Marianne then caressed Emily's tiny cheek. "She's a sweetheart."

I smiled then. "We'll discuss this further tomorrow?"

Esmee and Marianne nodded. I then smiled at them and headed upstairs. I walked to Emily's bedroom and helped her change into pajamas.

We played around some more until it was time for her to get to bed. I put her in her bed and then sat besides her. I smiled at her. "Did you have a good day, honey?"

She nodded. "Love you."

I smiled more. "I love you too," I then leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Tomorrow we'll play more, ok?" I said as I caressed her tiny face.

Emily smiled.

"Stay in bed and get some sleep, ok?" I couldn't help but notice the fear that was in my voice. And I knew Emily would notice too.

Her smile dropped, showing me she indeed noticed. She slowly nodded.

"Good," I then kissed her forehead again. "Goodnight, honey."

"Night mommy."

I got up and left the room. I closed the door behind me and let out a breath. I then walked to my bedroom.

I entered the room and noticed Catherine sitting at the edge of the bed, looking down. I closed the door and walked to her. I sat down next to her. "Hey," I reached for her hands, holding them in mine. "What are you thinking about?"

Catherine sighed and shrugged.

I looked down too. "Is this about your dad?"

Catherine looked at me. "Don't call him that."

"Catherine," I looked at her. "He is your dad," Right when I said that, she looked down again. It was clear Vernon left many scars. "I know you want him to disappear but maybe we should appreciate that he's trying to help us."

Catherine looked at me again. "How is he supposed to help us?" She then got up and got undressed for bed. "That monster killed my mom and destroyed my life."

"That's exactly how he'll help us," I got up too, getting undressed for bed. "He'll make sure that the same things won't happen to our family."

Catherine then stopped and turned to me. "You think I'd be able to kill you?"

I gulped. I was thinking about how I could voice my opinion in a way that wouldn't upset Catherine. Though, because I took so long, Catherine grew impatient.

"You seriously think I'd be able to do that?" She walked closer to me. "You think I'd become like my father? A monster? Is that how you see me?" She looked angry, she sounded angry, but I could see right through it all. She was hurt, she felt upset and, most importantly, she was scared. Scared that she was indeed becoming like him.

I didn't reply to her since I knew that'd be useless, instead, reached for her face and held it in my hands. "That's not what I meant."

Catherine still looked angry but didn't say anything anymore, she simply looked at me.

"Your father can help us with Emily, he can help us with how to deal with her," I said to which she seemed to calm down. "And he can help us with you."

She pulled back. "With me?"

I nodded. "Your condition."

She then gulped. She looked away, she seemed ashamed.

"Haewa," I wrapped my arms around her neck, making her look at me. "I don't care that you have problems, I care about helping you get through them."

Catherine gulped once again. "Really?"

I nodded. "You promised me to be open and honest with me," I said to which she slowly nodded. "I really want you to do that. Because I am here to help you, and I will love you no matter what. You have my word."

Catherine didn't reply, she seemed unsure about what I had just said. I don't know why it was so difficult for her to believe what I said.

I leaned in closer. "I pledged myself and my life to you, haewa, and I promised to protect you and love you for as long as I may live."

"I know," Catherine looked down, she finally wrapped her arms around me. "I just don't want you to get hurt."

"I won't."

Catherine looked up at me. "How can you be so sure about that? What if I do change into Bloodborn or the desire for blood becomes too much?"

I couldn't help but show her a small smile. I caressed her face with one hand and said: "Because I know the real you, and I know you won't ever hurt me." I then kissed her.

Catherine kissed me back and finally seemed to relax.

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Merry Christmas to all of you!  🎅🎄

- LxT4ever