Kitten

Chapter 10: It's my fault

Lily's POV:

I could feel my heart shattering in two watching the state of my sweet mother deteriorate. She was the kindest most gentle person you would ever meet, but when she had a breakdown it was bad.

Tears flooded my eyes as the car drove away with my dad staring straight at me through the back window. His eyes held fear and sadness as they took him away from us. I didn't know much about law, but I prayed he would find a way back to us.

Rosie desperately tried to calm mum down, but it was useless. She was inconsolable especially since the main person she went to for peace was taken away all because of a normal human instinct.

After cries and tears Rosie managed to escort my mum inside and try to calm her down. But I simply could not move. My feet were grounded into the gravel staring at the direction where the car was last seen leaving.

I could feel a pair of stern eyes staring me down intensely. But I had no time to care. I had to get my father out of this, after all, it was my fault he was going to jail.

"I hope you aren't blaming yourself for this Lily".

Dean's soothing voice echoed around me as he took a few steps closer towards me, but I could feel his hesitance as he stopped a few meters away from me.

"What else am I doing?" I chuckled whilst shaking my head in disbelief.

"Everything that's happened is because of me. If I had just kept my head down and ignored the affair and hidden the abuse then dad wouldn't have retaliated and be taken to jail. It's my fault".

A strong hand gently gripped my shoulder and spun my body around, but my eyes were glued to the ground not wanting to meet Dean's accusing stare.

"Lily Rose Richardson that has to be the stupidest thing I have ever heard you say. I know for a fact that your father would crumble if he ever heard what you just said. Consider yourself lucky that I'm going to keep this to myself".

Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared into Dean's accusing yet soft eyes. Even though he wasn't an uncle by law I saw him as one, a father figure and one of the kindest men I had ever met. He was strong willed just like my dad and insanely protective of those he loved.

"Now you listen hear Lily. The only person responsible for all of this is Matthew. He was the one who cheated on someone perfect. He abused you in more ways than one. I'm not going to say that what your father did was wrong because if it was my daughter he would probably be dead. Your father knew the consequences of his actions, but by god we will fight to get him out of prison. You are his world Lily, he would always fight for and protect you".

By now I had lost complete control over my body. Tears that I locked away poured out of my eyes like an endless stream. Dean was right, he always was. He knew the exact words to say every single time.

Dean embraced his arms around me and pulled my body into his.

"See your worth. You are strong, smart, beautiful and so incredibly kind. He can no longer hurt you Lily. I promise you that you're going to find someone who will look at you like you are their whole universe".

I smiled against Dean's shoulder taking in his powerful words. I was so much more than Matthew made me out to be. His words couldn't hurt me. His chains were no longer wrapped around me. His hands couldn't cause me more pain. I was going to show him what he has lost and will never get back.

"Thank you Uncle Dean".

"You never need to thank me sweetheart. We are family and family stick together through thick and thin".

Dean stroked his hands soothingly up and down my back until all my tears had gone. Pulling myself away from his body I stared up at him with a huge smile on my lips.

"That's the smile we all want to see. Now, let's go and get your father out of jail".

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1 day later

We had been trying to get through to the police for hours but for reasons which were not explained I couldn't speak to dad.

Dean, Rosie and the kids had stayed overnight with us. Mum was still a trembling mess. I could hear her during the night talking to herself and caught her staring out the lounge window wrapped up in one of dad's suit jackets.

"Mum, please eat something. Dad will be okay" I tried reassuring her, but my pleads seemed to be falling on deaf ears. She simply stared out the window waiting for dad to return home. But he wasn't going to.

"Call the station again. I have to hear his voice" she mumbled emotionlessly. It scared me when she was like this. Nobody could get through to her.

"I will Isabella, but you need to eat"-

"I DON'T WANT FOO"-

Knock knock

All heads whipped over to the door shocked by the suddenness of an unknown person's presence.

Before we could decide who was going to open the door, mum jumped up and sprinted towards the front door.

We all ran after her as she let out a shrill scream.

"MUM! What's"-

"Hey princess". My heart swelled seeing my dad's face light up as he embraced mum tightly stroking her hair softly.

"Daddy" I cried before running up to him and collided my body into his.

He smiled lovingly and nuzzled his head on the top of mine. His arms wrapped tightly around me and kissed me tenderly on the top of my head.

"Wha- how?"

I pulled away from my dad and smiled as he wiped away the tears I didn't even know I was shedding.

"I've been released under investigation".

"What does that mean? Is there a chance you could still get arrested?"

"Yes princess" he muttered sadly but frowned.

"However, I was informed that when the police went back to Matthew to try and get more statements and evidence, it would appear that he was reluctant to give any more details".

"That makes no sense. He reported you to the police so why is he now not cooperating?" Dean called out from behind me.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps he felt guilty because of my intentions? But the police said that he looked like a ghost when they visited him. Maybe he was shaken up by the prospect of a good man going to jail. I'm not sure, but anyway the police are conducting an investigation collecting evidence and statements. They will call me and inform me if I have to return to jail or if the case is dropped".

"Oh whatever! I'm just glad you are home". Mum embraced dad once again squishing his cheeks in a childish way, but dad didn't care, in fact he simply stared down at her lovingly and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Now, who's up for a Chinese takeaway?" He yelled out making everyone cheer.

"Oh I also found this beautiful Lily resting on our gate. Maybe this is a sign of good things to come".

My face paled as dad held up a single Lily flower just like the one I found in my bag and on my car. This cannot be coincidence.

What's up with Matthew? Why would he now not be willing to cooperate?