Page 109 of Lassoed Love

“I know I haven’t been here in a while, but I just—I need you right now.” My words come out shaky, and I take a deep breath before continuing.

“God, if you’re listening,” I whisper in the quietude, “I need your help. My father is in pain, and I don’t know how to bear this burden alone. Guide me, give me strength, and bring healing to him.” I sigh. “Just give me a sign—anything—to just… let me know that everything will be okay or that things will get better.”

My words linger in the air, a plea intertwined with the essence of my struggles. Despite never being a religious person, here I am again, seeking solace in the echoes of prayers. This situation is fucked, andI'm grappling with uncertainties that have driven me to a place I’d long neglected.

As I kneel in the quiet solitude of the church, lost in my thoughts and prayers, I’m startled by a presence beside me. Looking up, I find Xavier’s father standing there, a figure unexpected and surprising in this space. My shock is evident, and questions whirl in my mind.How did he find me here, of all places?The air thickens as our eyes meet in the dimly lit church.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to be a bother,” he apologises, clearing his throat as if searching for the right words. “I saw you come in, and I thought I might offer some company,” he adds, his eyes reflecting a genuine concern that surprises me, considering the tensions that usually linger around him. “Would that be alright?”

I hesitate for a moment, the complex history between our fathers flashing in my mind. Despite the past turmoil, I manage a polite nod. “Uh… sure.”

Dominic clears his throat, and a hint of formality creeps into his tone. “I’m Dominic Mitchell," he says, extending a hand toward me, “but you can call me Dom if you prefer.”

“Okay,” I say softly.

“I know you probably don’t want to speak to me. I can understand that. Things with your father and I—” He sighs, his voice trailing off, the weight of unresolved issues evident in the air.

He chooses his words carefully, navigating the delicate topic with a sincerity that catches me off guard.

“Isla, I want you to know how deeply sorry I am for what yourfather’s going through. No one deserves to see their loved ones in such pain, and I can't help but feel a certain responsibility for all the turmoil.”

Dominic’s apology seems genuine, and for a moment, the tension in the air softens. He takes a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to confront the past.

“Over the years, I’ve let stubbornness and resentment cloud my judgement. I’ve caused problems, and I know it. But standing here, in this sacred place, I can’t help but realise how trivial those issues were compared to the pain you must be going through. I’ve carried a grudge for far too long, and it’s time for me to set things right.”

His words hang in the air, heavy with regret and a genuine desire for redemption. I watch him, surprised by the vulnerability he’s displaying in this unexpected moment of confession.

Dominic continues, his gaze sincere. “A recent altercation with my son made me realise the gravity of the situation. It opened my eyes to the pain we’ve both been carrying, and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. That’s why I’m here, Isla, to apologise sincerely and to offer whatever support I can. Your father... he deserves better, and so do you.”

As he speaks, my mind races.Recent altercation with his son…?The realisation hits me like a ton of bricks.Xavier. I wonder what could have transpired between them, a knot forming in my stomach.

Xavier’s father continues, “I want you to know that the issue with the money, it was never really an issue. My stubbornness and resentment got in the way, and for that, I’m truly sorry.”

Stunned,I sit there, my breath heavy as I process the weight of his words. Tears rim my eyes as a mixture of emotions floods over me. The apology is unexpected, and the sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. “I appreciate your honesty and apology. It means a lot, especially during a time like this,” I manage to say, glancing away for a moment, grappling with the unexpected turn of events.

“Seeing Xavier affected by all this has been a wake-up call for me. I’ve never seen him like this before, and it made me realise I’ve let my own stubbornness deprive me of relationships that matter. I don't want the same for him, or for you.”

I listens intently, still processing the unexpected conversation. The mention of Xavier adds another layer to the complexity of the situation.

I nod in understanding, still processing the unexpected turn of events. “I appreciate your honesty, Dom. It means more than you know.”

He offers a small, genuine smile. “If there’s anything I can do, anything at all, just let me know. For Xavier’s sake, and for yours.”

I hesitate, a timid expression crossing my face. “Uhm, Dom, about Xavier... I never meant to hurt him,” I admit, my voice soft. “He’s been really caring through all of this, and I’m afraid I might’ve ruined things. I sound like a broken record, I know, but... it’s just so hard to find the courage to talk to him.”

Dominic nods understandingly. “Look, I’ve always had’a mutual understandin’ with my son. Being the eldest, he’s shouldered many responsibilities, some I’m afraid to admit. But one thing Ido know is he is incredibly stubborn—I’m afraid he gets that from me,” he huffs a laugh. “He’s hard-headed, but… he has a big heart. I can see that he cares a’lotta ‘bout you. Somethin’ I thought I’d never see. So, uh, I’d really like to see you guys work it out.”

His words carry a weight of sincerity, and I find myself contemplating the layers of complexity in Xavier’s character.

“I hope we can,” I respond with a sigh.

The corner of his mouth turns upward. “Knowing my son, you will.” He winks and then pats my shoulder. I nod appreciatively, feeling a strange sense of gratitude toward Xavier’s father in this unexpected moment.

As Dominic leaves, I’m left alone with my rampant thoughts, running wild in my head. The weight of my assumptions about my dad’s resentment lingers. All this time, I believed he harboured a grudge because I left without a trace, without a word. Yet, now, in the wake of Dominic’s unexpected apology, I’m forced to reconsider.

My father wasn’t always a kind person, especially after my mother’s death. Dealing with his grief became too much for a 19-year-old girl to bear. Time, as I’ve come to realise, is a fickle thing. I don’t know how much time I have left with my father, and instead of dwelling on negativity, I need to face things head-on, with a strong heart, just as my mom always advised.

I gaze up at the ceiling of the church, adorned with stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible.Perhaps Dominic Mitchell walking in here was the sign I needed.

---