Chapter 7
Derricks POV
pand rubbed my eyes. The inciories of the previous night came
1 opened my eyes to the bright light coming through the winslow. Winking, I sat up i rushing in. I glanced back at my phone and saw the notification from Maya
“Let’s just meet once and for all,”
I smiled at the message knowing that deep down she wanted it more. Finally she was ready to talk. I pushed myself over to the side of the bed and stood up, streiching out the stiffness from the night,
The aroma of breakfast reacheil use where I was in my rom, making my stomach numilde witli excitement.
I pushed the door open and walked downstairs, the smell of pancakes and bacon grew stronger. I followed the scent into the dinning mom and stopped in my tracks when Espotted Emelia seated at the talde, her hair slightly messy.
“Good morning. Mr Clayman” The mail, Martha greeted me, blowing my cover of sneaking in from behind to surprise Emelia-
I smiled wryly and waved at her.
Emcha still didn’t turn to look at me and I walked over and kissed her on her head from behind. “Good morning, sweetheart.” I said to her softly.
She was back from the sleepover and with the look on her face, she probably didn’t enjoy it.
She mumbled a response, not looking up from her plate. “Morning”
I ignored her forced reply and turned to look at my food which sat beautiful on my plate.
“Thank you for the breakfast, Martha,” I sail to the muid who was clearing the dishes.
Martha smiled and shook her head. “I aldn’t prepare for it, sir. Emelia did?
I was both confused and slightly shocked, glancing at Emelia who continued eating without acknowledging me. “You made breakfast?”
She shrugged, still not meeting my gaze. “Yeah” She replied, still sounding like she was angry. I couldn’t understand if she was angry at me or
try at me or about something that happened during her outing-
copposite her, trying to catch her eye. “How did you find time? Weren’t you out In your friends last night??
I finally took a seat o
She sighed, finally looking up at me, with annoyance written all over her face. “How would you know when you didn’t bother to check u after you came home last night!”
up on me
I wanted to feel guilty, but I remembered that I was still confused. “How could have known you were borne when you told me several times that you wouldn’t be?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Dad. It’s always the same with you.”
What the fuck? What does she mean by that! I asked myself.
I took a deep breath to stay calm. “Emelia, I’m sorry I didn’t check in. But you can’t blame me for trusting what you said, You told me clearly you’d be away last night, and you could have called to tell me if your plans changed.” I could have taken you with me to the party instead”
She pushed the plate away and crossed her arms over her chest. “Maybe if you paid more attention, you’ll known when I’m actually home and when I’m not
“That’s not fair,” I said, my voice rising slightly. “I do pay attention. You just make it incredibly difficult to keep up with you”
Her eyes flashed with anger. “Difficult? You think I’m the one making things difficul?”
“Yes, I do?” I said sharply. “You never tell me anything. And I’m constantly guessing where you are and who you’re with.”
“Maybe because I don’t feel like sharing everything w
someone who doesn’t really care,” she shot back, her Voice shaking with emotion.
Tanelia, that’s not true,” I said, my tone softening. I do care. I care more than you know”
She looked away, tears visible in her eyes. “If you cared, you’d try harder. You’d be here more
“Tam trying” I uid quietly. “And I’m here now”
She shook her head, standing up abruptly. “T’s not enough”
1/2
10:50 PM n c
Chapter 7
Without warning, she walked out of the room, leaving me staring at the half–eaten breakfast on the table.
“Fucking hell.” I muttered, scratching my forehead in frustration. I turned around and saw Martha smiling softly.
“They are like that, you know, teenagers. But she’s a good kid, “she said calmly, I smiled wryly at the old lady and stood up, leaving my own
breakfast untouched
1 slowly made my way upstairs. I stopped outside Emelia’s door, contemplating whether to knock, but I decided not to. She needed space, and I needed to clear my head.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Laura
“Good morning, sir,” she greeted warmly.
“Laura, I need you to cancel all my plans for today and move them to tomomon” I said firmly, Iraving no room for argument.
There was a short pause before she responded. “Of course, sir. May I ask why?”
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. “I don’t need to explain, Laura. Anyone meeting with me today will understand, and if they don’t, that’s their problem.”
“Understood, sir. I take care of it.” she replied, her voice steady.
“Thank you” I said, and hung up before she could ask any more questions.
I took a quick shower, letting the hot water wash away some of my tension. As I got dressed, I thought about Maya. The thought of seeing her again. made me feel both excited and nervous. I needed this meeting to go well. I needed to prove to her that I was serious about us
After getting ready, I walked to Emelia’s door and knocked gently. “Emelia, I’m leaving now I’ll be back later tonight,” I called out, but there was no response. I sighed and turned away, feeling frustrated about what our relationship had become.
1 headed towards the garage and picked my red spons car. Today, I wanted to drive myself. I needed the control, the freedom to clear my thoughts.
The engine roared to life, and I drove out of the driveway, heading to the restaurant Maya had chosen. I thought it was going to be a long day.
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