Love Riot(A Newsboys fanfic)

Chapter 11: Catching Up

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

Dad stared back and me. His eyes and tears fell to the floor. I hadn't seen him in twenty-two years. He didn't look any different. But I know that to him, I did.

"I got a call from the hospital." He replied, softly. "I hurried over from New York."

Dad walked over to me and grabbed my hands. "I need to tak to you. I need to explain everything. Will you please step outside with me?"

I hesitated to answer. I did want to knwo everything but I was afraid my heart would break even more than it had that day, if that was even possible. I returned my father's grasp and heard a voice in the back of my mind.

It's all gonna be okay. I promise.

"Go on, Mya." Marley chimmed. "I'll stay with your mom."

I nodded and followed dad out of the room. As soon as the dooor shut, my dad hugged me. Tears were flowing from my eyes now, as I returned his embrace. After several seconds, dad pulled away and held me out at arm's length.

"Look at you." He whispered. "Twenty-eight now, right?"

I nodded with a smile. "Yep. It's been that long."

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there." Dad cried. "I wanted to watch you grow."

"Why didn't you?" I asked. "Why did you leave?"

"I was afraid." Dad answered. "When you were five, I got fired from my job. I didn't want you and your mother to worry, so I didn't say anything. For the next year, anytime I told you I was going to work, I was really looking for a new job. I never found one. I felt like a failure. I was so scared and ashamed that I wouldn't be able to provide for you and you mom, so I left. Something in my mind told me that you two would be better off without me."

I felt my heart crack. My chest was hurting as I shuddered and cried. He felt like I did. Working two jobs, barely providing. I once thought the same thing. Mom would be better off without me.

Dad reached out and pulled me into his arms again. "I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." I replied. "I know the feeling."

"Does that mean you forgive me?"

I wiped the tears from my eyes. Do I forgive him? He's still my dad. He showed up. He was concerned for mom. He still loves her....and me.

"I do." I answered.

We embraced once more before going back into the room. "Mom, Marley and I are gonna go. Dad has some things to explain." I said.

"Alright." Mom nodded. "Go get some rest, you two."

Marley and I left, leaving my parents alone. Hopefully mom would forgive dad. I hate to think of what would happen if she didn't.

As we arrived back at my place, we caught the mailman as he pulled up. "Are you Mya Atkins?" He asked.

I nodded. "Yes."

He reached behind him and pulled out a small box and a couple of envelopes and handed them to me. "There you go. Have a good day."

"Thank you." I replied as he drive off.

Marley and I went inside and set the envelopes on the table and turned my attention to the small box. It was wrapped in red paper and had a little sticker on it with my name and address. I gently tore the paper away to reveal a black velvet box. I lifted the lid. Inside was a silver chain necklace with half a heart on the end. Engraved onto the half were the words "His Only." Underneath the necklace was a small folded piece of paper.

"What is it?" Marley asked.

I handed her the necklace and took the paper out and u folder it to see a short message was written on it.

Mya
I wish I could be there for you. I wanted to get you something so you know how much you mean to me. The guys and I are thinking of you. It'll all get better. I promise.
                                                     Jeff

"Who's it from?" Marley asked.

I handed her the note and immediately a enormous grin appeared on her face. While she read the note, I put the necklace on and took a photo and sent it to Jeff.

M: I love it. Thank you.

A couple of minutes passed before Jeff replied with a pic of himself wearing the other half.

J: I'm glad. I haven't taken the other half off since I bought it.

I couldn't help but smile. Seeing that he still cared, that he was still thinking of me made me believe even more that everything would be okay.

That night as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard a small voice in the back of my mind tell me that my life was about to turn around.

And I couldn't help but wonder if that was true but more importantly...

If I was ready for it.