Notorious Hope

37. Chapter One: Gladys and McCallister Friar

Northside Hospital, Waiting Room-11: 55 pm

''Look at how in love they were. How could you ever give that up?''

Lucas is in disbelief as he and Riley cull through her mother's journal. How could his father live such a secret life? And for this long?

''I mean, I know my Mom's difficult, but how could he have a secret family? Did we really mean that little to him?''

Their eyes land on a wedding photo. Compared to his parents' wedding photo, this is a million times better.

''I'm sure he loves you a lot, Lucas. I mean, how could you not? I know I do''

His ears redden at his girlfriend complimenting him. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if his parents aren't there for him. He's got, Riley. That's all he could've ever asked for.

''Thank you, Riley, for everything. I couldn't have asked for a better girlfriend''

There's one journal entry in particular that catches her immediate attention.

Fucking Hell

Here I am, 26 years old. Having my first at 16. Second at 18. Twins at 19 and a half. And my last only 6 months ago. 

5 kids before 30. 

Of course, the universe decides to punish me now. But, the worst thing of all, I have an estranged husband who's screwed me over more times than I can count. How can I stay like this?

My children. That's why I need to stay. They need the stability that I was never given. They need both a mother and a father that can give them the world. I can't do that. I can't even supply them with the necessities they need to survive.

That's something I would've said a few months ago. But in light of recent events, I've begun to have questions. Is FP really going to be the father our children need? Am I enough for our children? What would I do if something happened to one of them?

So I can't stay anymore. I'm not gonna be the person they can depend on, the person they can run to in need. 

I can't do this, anymore

They can go kiss Daddy's ass when I'm gone. Not like they cared when I was around anyways. Granted, there are siblings they don't even know about. I have a partner across the country waiting for me who actually cares.

And secrets that can change our lives forever if they ever got out.

But as long as I have control of the reigns

Nobody will know

''So she's basically blaming us for the fact that her marriage fell apart?! If she didn't want us then why did she have children? I'm not gonna take the blame for the mistakes that she made. I still don't even understand why she and my father were ever together. Because whenever they were together, all they did was verbally and physically abuse each other. ''

Flipping through the pages with a heightened pace. Stopping in her tracks as a photograph falls out of the journal.

''What the?''

Their eyes glance down at a faded photograph. This depicts a small brunette girl and a small dirty blonde boy. They'd barely be 4 years old at this point. Sitting on swings and smiling from ear to ear.

''I know that place, this was my favourite park when I was a kid. Mom used to take me and Josh there all the time in the Summer. Although, I have no clue who this little boy is.''

Her boyfriend points at the photograph. Zoning in on the little boy beside her.

''That would be me, sweetheart. My Dad would take me to that park whenever we spent time together. But I never remember what we did. I just remember being around a little girl and her Mom a lot. Only recently did I actually realise that the little girl was you. Because you kept showing me your baby photos. Something inside of me just clicked and I realised that's why I felt so anxious the day we met.''

Intertwining their fingers as Lucas kisses the back of her hand. While affectionately caressing her knuckles.

''So we've known each other practically our whole lives without even realising it?''

Nobody thought Riley Jones would fall in love. But here she is at 17 years old, with somebody who she wants to spend forever with. She's gonna be eternally grateful for Lucas, no matter what happens. 

''I guess so. I love you, Princess''

Kissing the tip of her nose. Resting his forehead against hers.

''I love you too, forever''