Page 82 of Five Summers

Within seconds, she bursts out of the front door, swiftly shutting it behind her. Descending the three steps, she blocks my way to the house. She's staring me down with pure hate.

“What the hell do you want?” she hisses, suspicion narrowing in her eyes.

I fidget under her intense gaze as I absentmindedly run my hand over the rough stubble on my chin. “I apologize for leaving. It was a mistake. I want you to know that Poppy means a lot to me.”

“Yeah, right! I know exactly the kind of person you are,” she scoffs, bursting into laughter. “You must think I’m some sort of fool.”

I find her mocking laughter incredibly irritating. It’s disheartening that despite mustering up all my courage to express how much her daughter means to me, she continues to be so judgmental. It’s frustrating.

“It’s not a lie. Laugh all you want; I don't give a damn about what you think. I know the truth, and that truth is that Poppy means more to me than you can understand.”

“Yeah, until the next girl comes around, and then you'll just toss her aside like you guys always do.”

It really bothers me how she’s talking about Poppy like that, but I choose to remain silent because I want to convey that she’s mistaken. “You’re right, that’s how it was for me in the past. But things have changed. I’m not the same person anymore, and I have her to thank for that.” I can’t express my love for her daughter because I’ve never said those words to anyone other than when I whispered them to her last night when she was asleep. Even that was fucking scary to say out loud.

“Seriously, do you honestly believe that by saying that you can change the way I see you?”

“Probably not. Honestly, whatever I say won't change your opinion of me. I'm here because I didn't want her to face this by herself. I take the blame too, and I want you to know that.”

She crosses her arms over her chest, a defensive gesture that clearly indicates her lack of interest in this conversation. “I couldn't give a damn about what you want. I'm telling you, keep your distance from my daughter.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t do that,” I say, shaking my head.

If only she knew I’ve tried that already and it didn’t work out.

I'm trying to stay calm to make the situation better for Poppy, but everything I say just seems to annoy this woman more.

Her face transforms into a piercing expression, her lips gradually thinning. “People like you just want to ruin everything for others because you’re bored. You've got nothing going for you, yet you're trying to bring down someone who has a bright future ahead. I will not allow it.”

Her words hit me like a punch, practically knocking me down, reminding me once again how worthless I am. “I think I've got a better grasp on Poppy's ambitions than you.”

“You have no clue about my daughter. You don't know what's best for her.”

“I know music is her passion and maybe you're a bit hesitant because she got it from her dad.”

“You don’t know anything about me or my daughter,” she hisses, her voice laced with venom.

“You’re wrong about that. I know more about her than you do.”

She scans me, observing every inch of my being. “You haven’t changed,” she comments, her words dripping with disdain. “Your arrogance suggests you believe you’re someone exceptional. Allow me to clarify that you hold no significance in this world. And you never will.”

Each word she speaks effortlessly pierces through the barriers of my protective armor.

“Poppy is currently in the dark about who you truly are, but there will come a time when she realizes. She'll see how small you are in the grand scheme of things, just like the rest of us.” She takes a step forward, fueled with anger, causing me to take a step back. “Your father sees it, too. We've all heard him calling you a worthless scumbag. And soon enough, I'll make sure Poppy sees it too. She'll see how you manipulate and exploit everyone and everything for your selfish gain. She'll see how you played her. And when that day comes, she'll see you in a whole new light. She'll realize what a lowlife you really are.”

Her words pierce through me like a searing flame, leaving behind an agonizing ache in my chest. The mere thought of Poppy, with her kind nature and gentle eyes, perceiving me as insignificant is a notion too painful to handle. Despite her constant reassurance that I held value in her world, I couldn’t fathom the possibility, nor did I wish to comprehend she would see what everyone else sees.

“Fuck you!” I spit. “You know fucking nothing about me?”

As I turn to leave, a surge of anger rushes through me, my face turning red in response to her hurtful words that continue to pour out without mercy.

“I'll make a point of telling her every day about how worthless you are until she gets it. Hopefully, she'll grasp the truth before you take everything from her. You'll ruin her whole life, and she'll never forgive you for it,” she snaps, following me down the front path. “Let her go and move on with your life. Don’t let her life be destroyed because of you.”

My blood boils as I swiftly turn back to face her, causing her to halt in her tracks. “Fuck you. You think you know what’s best for her? You don’t even listen when she tells you what she wants to do,” I snap. I’ve reached my limit. “I don’t need to put up with your annoying shit any longer.”

I suddenly wonder what Poppy is doing while all this is going on. Was she in the house listening? I glance at the front of the house to see if I can catch a glimpse of her.

“She’s inside and does not wish to see you. Soon, you will hold no significance to her. Do yourself a favor and leave her alone before it’s too late.”

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