I take in his appearance and notice how tired and worn he looks. There are circles under his eyes and worry lines marring his forehead. His signature blue eyes are bloodshot and his hair is mussed, probably from running a frustrated hand through the locks.
“I’m sorry you had to find out this way,” he says without really looking at me.
“I could say the same to you. I thought you were in on it.”
“You make it sound like a conspiracy theory.”
“It kind of was at first. I wish that’s all it was.” He glances up at me, really looking at me for the first time since before everything changed. “I wish it wasn’t true. Everything is different now.”
His face falls and I’m prepared for him to shatter my heart. “Nothing is different, Flynn. You may not carry my DNA, but you’re still my daughter. I’m the one who taught you to ride a bike. I’m the one who put Band-Aids on your skinned knees, and came to your elementary school play. No matter what your biology says, you’re a Fletcher.”
Tears blur my vision and for once I don’t try to swipe them away before he catches them. He pushes off his chair and rounds the table to give me a bear hug. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you too, Kiddo.” His lips press against the top of my head and a tear falls down my cheek. If my dad can put this aside, so can I. A part of me yearns to know more about my birth dad, but I have all the dad I need right here. He’s the one who’s always fought for me and stood by my side no matter what. Today has solidified that fact.
“What’s going to happen with you and Mom?”
“Truth?” I nod into his chest and he takes a step back as he runs a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure. I can’t talk to her right now.”
“I hear that.”
“I’m angry with your mother for not telling me, but I wouldn’t trade you for the world. I love your mother, but this was a blow I wasn’t expecting.” He sits back down in his chair, his face falling in defeat.
“You could always try therapy. I hear it works for some people.” I crack a smile and he can’t help but smile back.
“Come on. Let’s go put on this movie. I could use the quality time with my daughter.”
We grab two spoons from the kitchen on our way to the living room to pop in the DVD. My mother emerges from the upstairs right as the menu pops up to hit play.
“Flynnie, I didn’t hear you come home. I’m glad you’re okay. I was worried sick about you. Why haven’t you been returning any of my calls?”
“You’re joking, right?” Her frown takes up her entire face and I can barely stomach to look at her. One glance at my dad and I can tell he feels the same.
“Mind if I join you?” she asks, oblivious to the fact that we’d prefer anything but that.
“Actually, I do. I want to watch this with my dad. It’s our tradition. We’ll talk later.” I’m lying, of course, but it’s the only thing I can think of right now to get her to go away.
“You know, your siblings are pissed at me too, if that makes you feel any better.” She scoffs as if she has any right to take a tone with me right now.
“Actually, it does.” I’m glad Carson, of all people, stood her ground. Since she’s a mother, I know she has a soft spot for these sensitive scenarios. I’m surprised to find out I came out on top in her mind here. Maybe because of my similarity in situation to her daughter, I don’t know.
“Flynn Elizabeth—”
“Alice. Another time.” My father’s stern voice shuts her down. I’m glad I’m going to be leaving here soon to stay with Liam.
“By the way I’m going to be staying with a friend for a while.” Maybe permanently if things go well. “Sorry, Dad,” I whisper so only he can hear. He squeezes my shoulder in return.
“If you leave, I’m cutting you off.” My mother has some balls, I’ll give her that.
“Fine. I don’t need your slut money anyway.” She rears back like I’ve slapped her.
“Are you going to let her talk to me like that?” she says to my father.
“Alice, it’s not your money to cut her off from.” With that, she shuts up and storms upstairs.
I don’t know what will happen between the two of them, but this is only the beginning.
Twenty-Four
Liam
“We’re coming up to the end of our sessions. How are you feeling?” It’s been several weeks since Flynn started coming to see me and now she’s been on the meds for a few weeks. I’ve noticed slight differences in her, but I don’t think she’s caught onto them yet.
“For once, I feel good.” She smiles and it’s infectious.
A large part of me cannot wait until she’s done being my patient. It’s tricky, though. Just because our court-appointed sessions are fulfilled doesn’t mean she’s done needing help. I’m the best thing for her, but I’m hoping to be that person for her without being her actual doctor on paper.
Once she’s no longer my patient, my plan can fully begin. It’s in the works at the moment, but nothing can change until we finish our sessions. Then I can have her all
