Novocain

Chapter Six

Marcus leaned on the doorbell. He wasn't sure if his daughter was home but he imagined going to church was a little difficult at the moment for the cancer stricken teen.

FeFe answered the door with wide eyes. "Docteur Jones!"

"Is my daughter in?"

FeFe looked uncertain.

"I've come baring gifts." He motioned to the car behind him.

"I will go see if she is in." FeFe shut the door- with him still outside and went upstairs. She knocked on the master bed door quickly.

Malcolm answered. "Are you okay?"

"Dr. Jones is here." She hissed.

His eyes widened. "What?!"

She nodded hard.

He fidgeted for a moment before whispering, "He can go to the living room but I have to ease her into this."

She nodded again before leaving.

Malcolm shut the door and turned to his wife, who was flipping through a book leisurely. "Baby,-"

"I heard." She huffed, not raising her eyes or stopping flipping.

He'd forgotten her hearing. "What do you want to do?"

"I want to see where the wind blows."

He was so confused. "Huh?"

"Ancient Cheyenne proverb. I'll see him."

He watched her close the book so he went to her to pick her up.

"You know I'd rather walk."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. We can go slowly and you can hold my hand if you want."

He actually did want. To do that. "Okay."

N-

Marcus stood when Marceline Anne walked into the living room. "Hullo."

"Hello." She sat in a fluffy chair.

"I have a few presents for you."

"Why?"

He didn't expect that question. "You love gifts."

"Is that why?"

He sputtered, trying to answer.

She lifted a hand. "Just tell me why you're here."

He took a deep breath and tried to use all of his speaking skills. "I want to apologize."

"For?"

He could tell she was unimpressed. "For sending you away again."

She nodded with pursed lips. "I acknowledge your apology."

His heart sank. She may have acknowledged his apology but she did not accept it. "I'm not trying to purchase your affections but I- I am being untruthful. I am trying to purchase your affections.

Sweetpea, I am your father and I love you. I will do anything to see you happy and healthy. But I was wrong. You weren't healthy but you were happy. And I took it away so you were neither.

It was not my place to decide how you spent your last days, how you loved your children. If-, I would have spent the rest of my days in deep regret. I already do.

I sincerely apologize for hurting you, Gutes Mädchen. I'm sorry."

Marceline Anne was unprepared for that and swallowed thickly, tears on her lashes. "I would do anything for my children. Including die. If I had to lock them in a padded cell to keep them safe, I would."