Like I'm Right Beside You (BEING EDITED SLOWLY)

Chapter 64

"I'm sorry Annie. I wish I was there to protect you," Madeline said over the phone. I told her everything through the phone because I needed a friend right now. 

I sighed, "Yeah well I think we're over and it was my fault again." I held back my tears even though it hurt inside.

"No! Don't say that. I'm sure Brian will come around. Remember how I said he really loves you? He does, but he's just blowing off steam right now. Enjoy your thanksgiving," I could sense her smiling through the phone.

"I don't know, we'll see. I probably will be alone today for thanksgiving. I'm not sure if Mia will come," I stared at the wall and pretended Brian would come through the door any minute.

"Aww I wish I was there. Maybe for Christmas I'll be there. Anyways I have to go because my annoying brother wants to take me to pick up more relatives," she said.

I let a small smile slide, "Ok Madeline I'll see you when you get back. Happy Thanksgiving." We hung up and I felt a lonesome feeling as I laid down.

"Annie, Annie wake up," a jolt woke me up. I groaned, "what?"

When I opened my eyes it was Mia standing over me. "Mia? Why are you here?" I sat up and saw the empty spot next to me.

"You're seriously asking me that? Annie, it's thanksgiving! Why would I leave my little sister alone on this day?" She held out her hand and I took it.

Mia led me to the kitchen and the table was full of food! Was I out that long? "Mia when did you make all of this?" I smelled the delicious food that sat there on the table.

Mia smiled, "Well..when you were on your trip I cooked it. I came and saw you asleep and I heated it up." Mia was the best sister I could ever have.

"Well lets eat then!"

Halfway into our meal I was getting full. "Where's Brian? Is he coming back?" Mia asked the topic I wanted to avoid.

"He..stayed in Las Vegas...I'm not sure, maybe.." a feeling of hurt came over me.

"Oh no.. did something happen?" Mia said before drinking her soda.

I shook my head, "let's just talk about it later. I don't want to think about it right now."

Mia patted my hand, "ok Annie."

Just as I was serving myself more soda there was a knock. I lost the grip on my cup and dropped it. "Annie! Clean that up, I'll get the door."

Was that Brian? Did he come back to see me? I thought as I cleaned up the mess I had made. 

My heart pounded inside my chest as I put the broken pieces in the trash can. I breathed in and out before turning around.

When I turned around I saw the person I least expected to arrive.

"Dad?"

BRIAN'S POV

"Can I come in?" Nick asked me through the door. "Yes," I answered.

Nick opened the door and closed it behind him, " Aren't you coming to the studio today? You know we aren't the Backstreet Boys until you're there."

I smiled, "I know, but I can't think straight right now."

Nick sat next to me on the bed, "Where's Annie?"

"I-I told her we should be apart from each other. That whenever I saw her I would see Nathan all over her.." I put my head down.

"Why? You and Annie are meant to be together. I know you love her Brian. She loves you a lot too you know. I think Nathan is at fault here, he doesn't leave her alone," he shook his head.

"I know and that's why I didn't want him near her.."

"You should at least send her a message. You want to know something?" He turned to me.

"Remember you saw me as Madeline kissing? Well she asked me to come over because she wanted a surprise for you and Annie."

"What surprise?" I asked.

"Madeline said she wanted to give you and Annie a Christmas getaway. She knew I knew you well so that's why she called me over to her house. I gave her a kiss of thank you in return. That's it, there's nothing going on between us," He explained.

"Ohh well you might have to cancel that getaway."

"Why? Because you and Annie aren't here together? Trust me you won't be able to live a week without her," he patted my back.

Maybe, but Annie could easily do it. I knew she could live without me. Even if was killing her to see me.

ANNE'S POV

"What are you doing here?" I asked my father who stood there in the kitchen door way.

"Anne, Mia, it's thanksgiving and I'd thought I would drop by," he tried to smile. He was failing miserably at this father thing.

"Dad you haven't been here in awhile. Why now?" I asked softly.

He sighed, "Girls look I know you think that you're mom and me think you're a disappointment, but that's not the case at all."

I clenched my fingernails into my palm, "Then what? That's what mom always tells us.."

"I know, but that wasn't the reason at all. You're mother..well she left me for her co-worker. We've actually been separated quite awhile. I've been ashamed to say that and your mother is ashamed too," he rubbed the back of his neck.

"You expect us to believe that?" I crossed my arms.

"Annie, your mother says you and Mia are a disappointment because she's embarrassed of her mistake. That's why she doesn't want to set foot here."

"Annie dad's telling the truth. I-I saw mom with her lover a few months ago," Mia blurted out.

"What?! Why did you tell me Mia?"

"I didn't know how, I'm sorry," she sighed.

"See? I wanted to come, but I just didn't have the guts to do so. I know I haven't been there for you, but I want to be a better father to you Annie and Mia."

"I-I don't know. You've been gone so long and neither of you call or come and visit.." I didn't want to cry, not now.

"And you're right Anne. You don't have to forgive me so quickly, but at least give me a chance girls. It wouldn't hurt to do just that. Actually I would like to move in here and start that chance..if you let me.." Why did he have to come back at this exact moment?

"I don't know..." I looked over at Mia.

"Please just 1 chance. That's all I'm asking. If you don't accept me after then I'll leave for good," he begged.

He was my dad after all and maybe our bond could be stronger. Maybe my own dad could take away this heart break I had. "Alright, but only 1 week and that's it."

1 week wouldn't hurt, would it?

*Merry Christmas🎄 everyone! Here are 3 more new chapters for you! Enjoy them and I have you all have a good Christmas and happy holidays!! *