The Cheyenne Reynolds Story

Chapter 4- Dad?

We're at the burial site in the family cemetery. Mom is being put underground, her grave beside Emily's. Only close family are there: Grandma Alice, Grandpa Eddie, Uncle Ethan and Aunt Brooke. Carly and Sienna came for support as well. However, there's this man here whom I've never seen before today. I remember he was staring at me in astonishment when I was singing, but so was everyone else. I remember him however, because he stood up just as I was about to sing, and kept his eyes on me even after I was off the stage. I didn't say anything to anyone because I knew he couldn't do anything bad with everyone there as witnesses. Plus, I didn't want to be the centre of attention. Today was to honour my mother.

After the burial, my friends and grandparents left. Aunt Brooke was there comforting me, while Uncle Ethan was in an argument with the stranger. The stranger had dark blue eyes and cherry lips just like mine. Both of us had blonde hair, however, mine was dyed brown. When I was younger, I always wanted to look like my mom but she had brown hair and I had blonde, so I started to dye my hair so I could look more like her.

I figured the man was a close relative that my mother just didn't speak to anymore, who felt bad about her death and came to pay his respect. But why was he arguing with my uncle? Uncle Ethan must have a reason to not want him here. At the same time, the stranger seems to be very sorry for whatever he did.

I hear Uncle Ethan say "don't, for her sake" then he went to get something from his car. Aunt Brooke went over to the car as well, leaving me outside alone with the stranger.

The man walks towards where my mother is buried. He kneels down and begins to say a few words.

"All these years have been hard without you. I can't believe I never urged you to stay. I let you walk out of my life so easily. Now I know that I didn't just lose one, I lost two. Well, just know that everything will be alright from now on. I know you'll be looking down and watching over her. I'll take care of her for the both of us."

He stopped as soon as he realized I was behind him.

"I'm sorry, I was just leaving", he said getting up to leave.

"It's okay. Based on what I just heard, you knew my mother."

"Yeah. I knew her back in college. I haven't seen her since we graduated though."

"Why not?"

"I didn't want to leave the place where I grew up, and she wanted to start over somewhere new."

He kept fidgeting with a note that was in his hands. He was waiting for a response because I didn't answer for the longest while. I looked over and saw Uncle Ethan headed our way, but was stopped by his wife who said something to him, and gave a nod to the stranger.

"I'm guessing you must be wondering who I am." I shook my head in response as an indicator for him to continue. "I really don't know how to explain it to you, but this letter will", he said handing me the note he had in his hand.

I opened it and saw that it was written by my mother. A tear escaped my eye when I recognized the handwriting. I'm guessing this was written a few years ago based on the yellowish colour of the paper. It read:

Dear David,
I know you might hate me after this. I know you will be angry that I could keep something like this from you.
When we met in college, we were so in love. I knew you were the love of my life. You wanted to stay in the suburbs and become a part of your family law firm. You were inheriting this huge mansion, and I just didn't want all those luxury. I wanted to go to the city and start my own art gallery. I just wanted to live in an apartment not a mansion. Leaving you was the hardest thing I ever had to do. A month after I left, I found out I was pregnant. I didn't tell you because I knew you were enjoying your new job, and would soon be the owner of your business. I knew a baby would just get in the way. I'm so sorry for not telling you. I know I could've always went back, but I just didn't know how to deal with telling you, or the hate I know you would feel towards me. Cheyenne is your daughter. Please take care of her for me and love her for the both of us. If you're reading this, it means I'm dead and that Cheyenne has not yet reached eighteen. Let her know that I love her. And let her know you didn't abandon her, but that I'm the one she should be mad at.
Sincerely Yours,
Elizabeth Robinson.

I stare at the man in front of me for a while. My father. David is my father. It was all too overwhelming for me. I begin to cry so heavily. I feel two hands around me, my father's. I embrace him. At that moment I knew I was never going to be alone.

A/N: I don't know why, but I really like this chapter, hope you do too.

Please vote. It'll really mean a lot to me.

~XOXO KIKIIBOO❤