Notorious Hope

34. Dollhouse-Pt. 1

Pembrook Avenue-10: 35 am

''Are you sure this is the right address, Princess?''

As her boyfriend's truck rolls down an affluent neighbourhood, the chocolate locked teen's nerves rise to an all-time high.

''I think so. I hope that this is the address that the girl gave me on the phone.''

A wave of anxiety blows over the brunette's body. Shell-shocked by the high-class nature of the neighbourhood.

''How do you think we should approach this, Riles? Cause it's not like we can just rock up to their kids and say ''Hey, we're dating, but we also think that your our half-siblings.'' How do you they'll react to that?''

Heavily breathing, resting her head on the palm of her hand as her elbow leans on her headrest.

''I just don't know how to handle this, Luke. Maybe it would be best if your Dad answered the door instead? I just don't know. We should get going, though, we can't stay in this truck forever.''

There's a slight tension between the couple as they inch closer towards the house. Waiting for a response from a knock on the door, as the suspension rises. A teenager, possibly the same age as them answers the door, looking like a combination between Riley and Lucas. Emerald orbs,  curly chocolate locks, quite tall, about a few inches shorter than Riley's 5'11, although she does have Lucas's tan complexion.

''Hi, is there something you guys are looking for today?''

She squeezes the dirty blonde's hand, encouraging him to introduce himself

''Um, we're actually looking for McCallister Friar, I was told that he lives here. We just need to talk to him about something important''

She nods understandingly to the couple.

''Of course. Daddy! There are some people here to see you''

 Stepping aside to allow them inside. Her father waltzing down the stairs under the call of his daughter.

''Lacey, there was no need to be so lou-, Lucas? What're you doing here?''

Taken aback by his son's sudden appearance without prior warning.

''Um, my girlfriend, Riley. And she and I really need to talk to you about something important''

Leading the couple towards his office, the tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife.

''Okay, you're not pregnant are you?''

Releasing her secret into the world is one of the toughest things. As she could go into labour at any given moment.

''Well, yes, but we'll get to that in a moment. Firstly, I've been told that you were in a relationship with my mother.''

McCallister knows exactly who she's talking about. In fact, Riley looks identical to what Gladys looked like as a teen. The girl he did and still does love. He knows now how his son could fall for those eyes.

''You're Gladys' daughter, aren't you?''

A look of kindness and compassion is sent Riley's way as McCallister reminisces on his former love.

''Yeah, I am. How'd you know that?''

He chuckles as a grin curling across his lips at the brunette's question.

''Because you look just like she did as a teenager''

She grins at the subtle compliment.

''She's told me that you guys really loved each other''

As she learns more about her mother's past, she begins to wonder if her whole life has been a lie.

''Yeah, at least I did. I know that I probably shouldn't say this in front of my son, but I loved Gladys more than I've ever loved anybody. But life moves on and works in mysterious ways.''

She pulls out Gladys' journal. Pages and pages of life lessons and experiences poured onto paper.

''She also said in her journal that you had children together, is that true?''

His mouth goes dry. McCallister never thought he'd ever cross paths with Gladys again, But that day has finally come.

''Yes, we did. After she divorced her husband, we reconnected. It was like time had never passed and we were teenagers again. Fast forward over 10 years and here we are with 3 kids.''

Reflecting on his parents' relationship and the toxicity that his mother's alcoholism caused. Lucas can see as to why his father moved on so quickly after the divorce.

''That's good to know because all we've both ever wanted was for our parents to be happy. Now onto the toughest question, you asked. Am I pregnant?''

Even her mother hasn't heard the full story. This'll be the first time she's fully explaining the story to somebody.

''I am, but, it's not what you think. Just let me elaborate on this. I was in a relationship just a few months before I met Lucas where I was taken advantage of. After the situation happened I filed a restraining order and I wasn't filed with a rebuttal thankfully. I've only seen him once since then. So I'm not sure what's gonna happen when this kid is born, but it's been good to know that Lucas has been here with me. My Mom and Dad both know but, it hasn't been easy.''

It's not the ideal situation, but McCallister knows that Lucas is going to take good care of Riley and this new baby.

''I have to say that I'm definitely proud of how the two of you are handling the situation. Granted, you should never have been a situation where there was an abuse of power in the first place. But, I do hope for the best for the baby. I do, however, also want to be more of a part of your lives.''

His daughter from earlier on wanders through to the office that trio is sitting in.

''Hi, I'm Lacey. It's nice to meet you.''

She looks like she could be Riley and Lucas's child. Shaking the pair's hands, she's confused as to why complete strangers are in her Dad's office.

''Lacey, there's something that we'd like to tell you...''