He Claimed Me (On Hold)

Chapter 2

I knocked on the door, holding in a breath. Everything felt like it was going so fast but so slow at the same time. I heard noises coming from the other side of the door. It was like slow motion. The door opened and my eyes landed on a face that I had only remembered from pictures.

"Marianna." He breathed out. If you looked at him, you wouldn't think he was in a gang. Sure, he was still fit, but he looked dorky. Big round glasses, spiky hair as though he had been tugging at it. He didn't have the air of confidence around him like I was told when I was younger. His shoulders slouched over, and he looked extremely nervous.

"Jace." I spoke. I wasn't comfortable with calling him dad yet, and I wasn't sure if I would ever be.

"Please, come in." He opened the door and stepped to the side, leaving room for my entrance. I looked around. It seemed homey, but clean. He must make a lot of money because it was a huge house in the middle of LA.

"Thanks."

"I hope your trip was okay." He spoke quietly.

I just stared at him, giving no response.

"My room?" I asked, looking around.

"Oh! Of course!" He jumped and sped off up the stairs. "Follow me." He shouted.

I took in my new room. It was huge. I even had my own private back porch with a grill and chair to sit.

"I wanted you to have enough space to have as a sanctuary. Feel free to have friends over to barbecue or hang out. There's a private entrance down those stairs. I don't ever want you to feel trapped. If you're anything like your mom, the more space the better." He laughed.

I took a sharp intake of breath.

"Sorry. I wasn't trying to make you uncomfortable. I know it'll probably be a while before we can talk about her." He looked genuine. I could see the pain and sadness in his eyes.

"It's fine." I spoke, setting my bag down on the bed.

"All of your clothes and necessities are in your closet and bathroom which are right there. I don't have any rules other than please stay safe. I know we don't know each other well, but I'm your dad. If you ever need anything, feel threatened, aren't safe, it doesn't matter. Anything. I won't judge you for what's happening, and I won't punish you because as long as you call me, everything will be okay."

I nodded.

We stood there in silence, a big elephant in the room I didn't want to address.

"M, I'm sorry I left you after your mom died, I-"

"I think I'm gonna unpack my bag and then go for a drive. I wanna find my school and get situated." I cut him off. I wasn't ready for that conversation.

"Oh. Of course. I'll let you be. Dinner is at 7 if you want to join me."

"Thanks."

He walked out of my room, closing my door behind him. At least he could do one thing right. Nobody ever seems to close my door once they leave.

I pulled out my picture frames, placing it on my nightstand. My phone was at 3% so I plugged it in, and I hid my burner phone under my bed. I decided to check out the closet first. He seemed to have every different style for me. It ranged from leather jackets to light pink dresses with mini flowers. Kinda cute. I filed that away in my mind for an outfit idea. My closet was combined with my bathroom. They were both huge. Was this the master bedroom/bathroom? It felt like it. I walked over to the bathroom sink to splash water in my face. I needed to cool down, it was a lot to take in at once. I dried my face as I walked over to the vanity with bulbs around it, shining bright like one of the mirrors you see in the movies. There was a makeup organizer with a bunch of different types of mascara and lipstick. There was a little not written next to it.

M, I wasn't sure what shade you are in makeup, and there are too many for me to just guess. I hope you like your room and clothes. Please take this credit card. Its for you to have. Feel free to buy your makeup, clothes, and anything you need to make your stay here more comfortable.

-Dad

I grabbed the card and walked out onto my balcony. It was huge. It would be fun to hang out there with my friends, and the private entrance was a huge bonus. I went back into my room, grabbed my purse, and left through my private entrance, locking the door. The stairs led write by the driveway. I hopped in my car and punched in the address for my school. I wanted to drive there so I wouldn't get lost on my first day. The school was huge. Beachside High School. Home of the Crabs. Weird mascot, but okay, I thought. I pulled into the parking lot and sat there for a while, looking around. I got out of my car and walked around the campus. It was empty since it was a Sunday. As I walked farther back behind the school, I saw a group of kids about my age. Most of them were on skateboards with a few propped against the wall, watching as the others did tricks and jumps riding around the campus. Thank god nobody saw me yet. I didn't want to be seen, as I was still in my airport clothes. I stared for a few moments, but just as I was about to leave my eyes met a pair of deep blue orbs that seemed to be staring into my soul.

Fuck.

I was caught.