The Outcast

The Promise

"Daddy... " 

Eight-year-old Mona Elara Mayfield knocked hesitantly at her father's study.  She doesn't want to disturb her father, but she must.  She wants him to sign a waiver for the school camp in the Northern woods that will be from Friday until Sunday.  She placed her head on the door to hear what was going on.  It has become her habit, actually.  But this time,  she shouldn't have.  She heard her father's laughter and another high-pitched giggle. It has gone quiet for a while. Mona knows that she shouldn't disturb him now. Apparently, her father is having a good time with another girl. 

But even if he signed the waiver or not,  his father doesn't care what she will do anyway.  Her father cannot stand her presence, and she doesn't know why. But she actually has an idea,  based on what she hears from the murmurs of their neighbors and what the other kids are calling and teasing her. Their accusing looks make her cower in a corner.  Her father has not said a word about her mother's death, but she knew he was blaming her for it. 

On the other side of the door,  Bill was having a good time with her new girl, Brenda.  She's just 27 and is definitely a bombshell.  Sexy,  alluring,  young. But he just can't push it through for a face he won't forget keeps popping in the back of his mind now and then,  smiling brightly back at him. Brenda was pressing kisses onto him, and he pushed her away. He saw defiance painted across her pretty face.

"Shit!" Bill cussed under his lungs. 

"Bill, honey,  what's wrong?" Brenda asked.   "Come on... " she coaxed him and reached for his arm, but he yanked it off.  

"Get out!" he forcefully said. 

"What the heck, Bill?!?" she protested.

"Get your ass out of here!!! " he exploded.  Brenda whimpered,  fixed her clothes, and reached for the door. 

"I don't want to see you again!" he said with finality. Brenda looked back as she glared at him.  

"Just so you know, Bill?  You are an asshole!" she spat at him and closed the door with a thud.

Bill paced back and forth in the room, his hand unconsciously combing his hair.  He grabbed the bottle of vodka and gulped it down.

"I'm sorry, Claire.  I'm so sorry.... " he said while looking at her portrait on the wall.  Claire was beyond beautiful.  She had long, dark brown curls.  Her green eyes were full of life and mirth, her red lips were always smiling, and Bill knew that he missed her more than ever. 

"I miss you,  my darling. So,  so, so much," he pressed his hand towards his eyes to stop the tears that were trying to escape.  A knock on the door brought him back to his senses. 

"Daddy,  can I come in? " said the little voice. It opened slightly, and Mona stuck her head in.  She looks apprehensive at him.

"What do you want?" he said coldly. 

"I-I just want you to sign this..." she held a paper to him, her hand trembling. He grabbed the paper and read it.  

"Camp? Three days?" he said. She tensed up.  Looking more afraid.  

He opened a drawer and rummaged for a pen and signed it without second thoughts.  He pushed the paper to her and looked at her intently.  The little girl can't hold his gaze. 

"Th-thank you, Daddy... " she stammered and took the waiver. She was about to leave when he said sternly. 

"And Mona, don't cause any trouble again. You know what will happen if you do." Bill reminded her. She nods her little head and leaves as swiftly as she can.