My Best Friend's Girl

26. Long Lost Sister?

Joe's POV

It was a few months later, and Esme was now two months old. She was a right little character, and so much like Dianne.

Today we were going to Wiltshire as Mum said she had some important news to tell me. I was a little confused, but said we'd go down.

Zoe was also going. We'd found out Zoe and Alfie are expecting another baby, which is so exciting.

''Di are you ready?'' I call from downstairs.

''Almost. 'Me is being fussy,'' She sighs. I walk upstairs.

''Do you need a hand?'' I ask, she nods.

''Yeah, I'm trying to get Ted ready, and she keeps crying for me.'' She sighs.

''Here pass her to me,'' Dianne nods, passing Es across to me. ''hey Munchkin. Are you being a fussy bum for Mummy, hey?'' I chuckle, blowing raspberries on her belly, making her laugh.

''Awww.'' Dianne coos, placing a hand on her heart.

''My little angel.'' I smile, as I see the outfit Dianne has put on Esme, her big blue eyes on display.

''Right I'm ready.'' Dianne smiles as we make our way to Wiltshire.

////

Pulling up outside my Mum's, I get our bags out of the car as Dianne holds onto Ted and grab's Esme's car seat.

We walk up the familiar door and knock, waiting for it to open.

Zoe opens the door looking confused. "Alright Zo?" I ask, she shakes her head. "what's up?"
"Just come inside. I don't know." She says. I nod apprehensive but go in anyway.

As I walk in I see my Mum and Dad- together in one room, but sat on opposite ends of the room. Next to Mum was Zoe and next to Dad was someone I didn't know, a girl about sixteen or eighteen?
"What is going on? Who is this?" I ask.
Mum looking at Dad speaks, "Tell them Graham." She growls at him.
"Tell us what?" Zoe asks.
"Guys. This is Millie," Dad says, taking a deep breath. "Millie is your sister." Wait, what?
"Sister?" I say, looking at Dad, Mum this Millie, then back at Dad again. "I dont understand." I say.
Mum sighing speaks, "Your Dad and I weren't entirely honest with you and Zo when we split up," We nod, still in shock. "the real reason we split up was because," Mum says, pausing as she can't finish her sentence.
"I cheated on your Mum, with Millie's Mum." Dad says.
"I beg your pardon?" I say, my eyes going wide.

I was seven when I was told my parents were splitting up (I know he wasn't in real life, but he is for the story 😂). And I guess at that age you think it's the end of the world. I was told they were splitting up because they didn't love each other anymore, which I guess was true in a way. I was heartbroken, but I'd learnt to live with it. But now, so many odd years later, at twenty five years old, I'm being told the real reason.
"I was seven when you and Dad split," I start trying to work it out. "that means, Millie is Eighteen? DAD." I raise my voice.

"Joe, try and stay calm bub." Dianne rubs my shoulder, to calm me down.
"Yes, Joe, I told Tracey when Millie was born. I couldn't live with the guilt any longer. That, and Millie's Mum left me, when she was born." Dad says.
"Unbelievable." I say. Zoe was in a state of shock, as she cried on Dianne's shoulder.
"Why don't I take the kids outside to the local park? I think you guys all need to talk about it properly." Dianne says.
"Thanks, Di. Stay safe." I say. Giving her a quick peck as she takes the kids out.

"Why now? After all these years?" Zoe asks.
"I wasn't going to tell you, but as Millie has just turned eighteen, she got in touch with your Dad asking to come and live with him. And I figured with you and Dianne coming down to Wiltshire quite often, you would have noticed her and figured something wasn't right." Mum said.
"So you thought we didn't have a right to know?" I ask, anger bubbling up.
"At the time, no. I didnt want any part in yours dad's side, or his floozy. I've got my family. And you and Zoe didn't need another sister. You have each other." Mum says.
"Mum that isn't your decision to make. Not anymore. Joe and I are grown ups now. We have children of our own. You should have told us when we were teenagers at least. We should have been allowed to make our own choices. This, springing this on us now, after so many years is unfair. Not just on us, but on Millie, too." Zoe says.
Mum just shakes her head, tears pricking her eyes.
"Joe you're very quiet." Dad says.
"What do you expect me to say? Oh hi Millie, my sister I didn't know about, welcome to the family. And, oh yes Dad, I forgive you." I reply sarcastically, rolling my eyes.
"Joe she is your sister, treat her with re-"
"No she is not my sister. Zoe is. And Zoe alone. She is just a girl of a slapper of a woman you cheated on Mum with, who is not part of this family, and never will be." I say, getting up from off the sofa. Grabbing my car keys, and my things, I make my way to the local park.
"Joe are you alright?" Dianne asks.
Shaking my head, I say, "Let's just go home."

Dianne, seeing the state I was in, nods and follows me to the car as we head home in silence.