A Father's Love

Ch.6 - She hates me

Poppy's POV

I moved the fur blanket away from tickling my chin and shuffled a little trying to wake myself up. Then all of a sudden last night came flooding back to me, I felt my stomach churn from embarrassment but Jake snapped me out of it. "Hey" he said smiling somewhat sadly though.

"Hey" I smiled back, running a hand over my neck.

"How are you feeling?" Jake asked, rubbing my arm.

"Better," I said smiling, I glanced at the time it was nearly half ten and by the looks of things me nor Jake had moved. My hand reached up to my forehead and massaged it slowly, feeling an overwhelming aching in my head.

"Lisa should be back from her meeting in a minute," he said, pulling away himself, stretching himself.

"You could have woken me up, I wouldn't have minded," I told him, noticing the time; he just shrugged. I had a feeling he still felt awkward about last night and I couldn't blame him; I had just dropped a massive bombshell on them. I had turned this discreet, smooth adoption process into the complete opposite.

"Thank you, for being so understanding, I know it can't be easy" I thanked, breaking the silence, "I appreciate it"

"I was going to invite my sisters and brother around today but I can cancel if you want" said Jake cautiously, switching the TV on and squinting.

"No, it's fine; I want to meet them," I assured him, trying to relax the whole situation. He smiled weakly back at me, squeezing my arm gently. We heard the front door open and then shut and Lisa was in the lounge an expectant look, on her face, like she was waiting for a reaction.

"How was your meeting?" Jake asked, getting up to greet her.

"Good, is everything ok here?" she asked, this time her glance falling on me.

"It's good," I replied, smiling at her. it was going to be ok, right?

Lisa's POV

"How is she really?" I whispered to Jake as soon as Poppy ventured upstairs to shower and change.

"As good as she can be, I think, I think she's just tired," he told me, he looked tired himself; I knew he didn't sleep at all last night after what happened with Poppy. His hair which was usually pushed up in a slight quiff was now flat and falling over his forehead, his arms that usually had a careful touch were sloppily draped around my back.

"Emma and Victoria are coming with the kids later and I think Chris is coming as well, so let's just keep an eye on her," he said warily, it was clear he had done what he always did; over- analyse situations. I rubbed a hand up his arm and kissed his on the cheek.

"It's going to be fine," I assured him, a dithering look, on my face. I heard Poppy moving upstairs from coming out of the shower and I thought I'd go and check on her myself. I left my notes from my meeting and bag on the table and travelled upstairs to meet Poppy. I knocked on the door and she let me in.

"I thought I could do your makeup before Jake's family gets here," I suggested sweetly, she agreed and I led her into mine and Jake's room to do her makeup. She sat down on the bed that I'd quickly made this morning, as I shade matched her foundation with mine.

"You know we really need to go shopping soon," I told her, trying to start the conversation. Noting her fading jeans and her t shirt that had pulls on it.

"Can I borrow a t shirt from you? I'd rather not meet Jake's family in this," she asked rather quietly, tugging at the hem of her shirt. I almost squealed with relief and excitement.