Page 9 of All for her Forgiveness

Memories of my conversation with Pam that day flood my mind.

Hades

CHAPTER FOUR

Memories of the past

"I want an early birthday present,"she said, her voice whiny. I found myself wondering again if the overprotection with which Pam was raised was doing her more harm than good.

"Your birthday has already passed," I said, fastening my pants, grabbing my shirt, and heading towards the adjoining bathroom in the library when she showed clear signs she wasn't leaving.

"But I only had the club party. It's not enough. I need another present. Please."

I had the shirt on and was buttoning it up when I turned back around. "What do you want, Pam?"

"A kiss on the lips."

"We've had this conversation before. Stop this, or I'll never see you in person again."

She put her hand over her heart as if she were feeling physical pain. "Please don't say that. The thought of never seeing you again makes me want to die. I promise I'll just be your sister if you don't want me, but don't push me away."

Tears started streaming down her face, but I remained unmoved. Maybe Ares was right and it was time for me to become a distant protector.

I knew Pam's feelings were just a crush. Maybe she had transferred the love meant for a father onto me, even though I was only eleven years older than her. The fact was, I never saw her as a woman, not even after she turned eighteen.

"As long as you behave, I won't go away."

"You don't love me!"

"Not the way you want. I love you like a big brother."

"I don't want you as a brother. I want to be yours."

"Pam!" I exploded, because I never had patience for drama.

She recognized the tone and understood my patience was wearing thin. Since she’d turned fifteen, I'd endured her passionate looks, and what I wanted was to have my little girl back. My protected one, the sister I never had.

"You're breaking my heart."

"I'm being honest. I will never lie to you. I don't love you that way and I never will."

"If you won't kiss me, give me something else besides the party and the Rolex, which I loved, by the way."

"What do you want?"

"A trip to Cape Cod. To spend a few days there with Juliet, just the two of us."

"You don't have much time before college starts."

"We'll be back before then. And don't worry, I won't let Juliet negatively influence me. The fact that she doesn't want to study, even when she has the chance, won't deter me from my path."

"You speak poorly of her and still want her as a travel companion?"

"I love her, flaws and all. Now, say yes."

"Pick the house you want to rent, but what I said when Kennedy moved in still stands: no drugs or alcohol."

"For my part, you can rest assured."

---