I needed the truth.
I don’t knock, and when I open the door stepping into my father’s office, he lets me know that I didn’t.
“Dylan, I’ve been quite lenient with you over these last few weeks, but there are still rules that need to be followed...simple ones,” he says with his tone held even and calm, but I know he’s angry and honestly, I don’t care.
“My dismissal of your regimental rules is the least of your worries.”
My father shoots up his chair, toppling over. “You don’t talk back to me. Do you—”
I let out a roar. “Shut up and sit down.”
I would never have spoken to my father like this before. I would’ve been worried about the repercussions. But now, I just don’t give a shit.
“Dylan I’m warning you—”
“I said, sit down. I don’t care about your threats empty or not. I have questions, and I want them answered.”
He doesn’t take a seat; I didn’t expect him too. It would show that he’s giving in, and my father never submits to anyone, so I just continue. “I saw Sarah today.” His jaw twitches and eyes slant, but he remains silent. “What, you have nothing to say? Yeah, I didn’t think you would after her name was mentioned. You know when she first started to explain to me why she left I didn't believe her. I was humoring the woman because I just needed someone to
deflect my anger onto. But as she got further into her story, I started to remember. Nothing huge, just small memories of when she was with us. But I still wasn’t giving her much regard, at least not until she pulled out the envelope full of photos and other keepsakes that were made by Chase and I . You forced her and threatened her out of our lives just like you do everyone
who won’t bow down to the almighty Edward Dandridge.”
My father lets out a growl. “I’m giving you permission to speak your mind but I will—
“You’re not giving me shit. I’m saying what I have to, and you will stand there and listen. After all, I am my father’s son; it’s time for you to now listen to me. She was my world. I loved her so much, and you just ripped her out of our lives. Chase and I could’ve had a mother. Chase would probably still be alive. Your need for control ruined this family, or at least what was left of it. But it ends now; I won’t let you destroy anything for me anymore.”
“If this is about that girl, she’s the one that will destroy you. Heed my words, son.”
I let out a laugh. “That girl you’re talking about...her name’s Velyn. I’ve pushed her away. I’ve treated her poorly. I’ve outright told her that she was a mistake, and all because I thought there was no way her intentions and feelings toward me were true. Once again, like with many things lately, I was wrong.”
“You’re showing your weakness, Dylan.”
I shake my head. “I don’t care. I don’t think I ever did. The only thing I cared about was keeping myself from getting hurt again, but it’s too late because I already let my guard down with her. I love her, and when I leave here, I’m going to kneel in front of her and beg for her forgiveness. Plead with her to take me back because I was wrong. I’m going to promise to love her forever, and unlike you, I will keep that promise.”
My father lets out a roar of laughter. “You’re stupid if you think that she’s any different. You’ll see, she’ll show you who she really is soon enough and when she does, don’t come back here. I’m done with you. You’re an utter disappointment. Both of my sons were. You leave here, and you leave with nothing. You will be nothing. Go knock on her door with that proposition and see what kind of reception she gives you.”
I take a step toward my father, just the desk separating us. “I’m willing to take that chance.”
I turn to walk away, but just before I walk out the door, he yells out. “You’ll have nothing, Dylan.”
I turn to him and smile. “If she takes me back, I’ll have all I will ever need. Have a good life, Dad.”
Chapter 25 Velyn
I’m not sure if my body aches more because I’m still recovering, or because I have not moved from this spot since before two nights ago when Dylan pretty much threw me out of his house and told me never to come back.
I have no energy, and the more I lay here, I start to realize just how easy it was for my father to slip away like he did when my mother died. The only saving grace I have are the dulling memories of my father when he was like that...at his worst. They’re a reminder, and I refuse to let myself get like that.
I sit up, pulling the knitted throw over my shoulders and grab the remote off the table. I was never one for television, but lately, it’s the only thing that doesn’t require me to exert more energy than I have.
I flick through the channels looking for something other than reality television because, honestly, my reality’s enough to handle, and
procedural cop shows because well, I don’t need any ideas. Coming across a channel airing reruns of old sitcoms, I stop when I recognize the show...it was one of Chase’s favorites. My heart tightens at the memory of him. I miss him.
Just as I close my eyes to hold back the tears, there’s a knock at the door. I don’t bother to get off the couch. The doors unlocked.
