Novocain

Chapter Thirty Nine

Marceline Anne looked over the letter Malcolm the First left her- again. It was the sweetest, most infuriating letter she'd ever had penned to her. She reached for her phone and turned it on.

Dozens of missed calls and texts poured in. She ignored each to call her father. "Daddy?"

"Sweetpea." His voice was hushed. "Why did you never tell me?"

"What was I supposed to say? The love of your life hated your kid?"

"You were her child as well. She should have loved you through everything. I never knew her quirk was so severe."

"Quirk? You knew?"

"No. I did not know she hurt so you badly. I knew she was strange about mental health but I thought it was a quirk. We all have them. But that was no quirk. I am so sorry you have lived with this. I was not a good daddy, was I?"

"Oh Daddy." She rolled her eyes.

"I am serious, Marceline Anne. I'm not a good daddy."

"You're not a bad one. We just don't know you."

"I do not understand."

"I know-"

"No, Sweetpea. How have I failed you? You must tell me. Before Malcolm Sr. makes good on his promise."

"Promise? What promise?"

"He said he would take you and the kinder away. Some place where you'll never cry again."

Marceline Anne sniffled. "He said that?"

"I understand that you are tired of being strong. When Momma died, I did not take it well. She was the love of my life. I suppose I did shut down. I apologize for that. You did not deserve that. I worked more and kept you from your family. No worries you hate me."

"I don't hate you, Daddy. We thought you hated us."

"What? No!"

"We reminded you of her so you didn't want to be around us." She scrubbed at her face.

"Sweetpea, no. I do not hate you. I have never hated you. I will never hate you. Do Princess and Marcus feel as you?"

"Yes."

"I have not been a good daddy."

"We just wish we knew you. Even before Momma died, you worked. But now-..." She shrugged, knowing he couldn't see her. "I don't know."

"I know. I am burying my grief. No longer! I will spend time with you and cherish you. Before I can't."

"You might want to hurry."

"Because of Malcolm Sr.?"

"Because of cancer."

N-

Jeanette waited for Michael the Third to come home. "We need to talk."

He frowned. "You sound upset. More than usual. Has one of the kids further upset you?"

"Yes. But it was necessary."

He couldn't believe that.

"We must talk in the office." She led the way.

He followed her dumbly then was surprised when she shut the door. "What is going on?"

"Malcolm came to see me at work this morning."

"What did he say?" Michael felt nervous and he had no idea why.

"A lot. He said he resented the way he grew up and I realized he was right. I had the same exact grievances towards my parents but I've turned into them."