Page 161 of Tarek

Archer steps back in shock. “What did you say?”

My mind is spinning, Archer is my father’s son…that means he is my brother… that means Penny.

I look down at Penny and she shakes her head and holds my hand.

“So, my new brother is fucking my sister, and my sponsor fucked my mom. This is wild.” Archer rubs his forehead.

“Watch your mouth young man,” my father sneers at Archer.

Miranda turns to her son and grips his arm. “Archer let’s leave so I can explain.”

Archer pulls away. “You said my father was dead. But he is standing in front of me?”

“You said I was dead?” I can hear the pain in my father’s voice.

“You were dead to me. Archer please.”

Archer moves his fury to my dad. “You… how long did you know?”

My father swallows. “I have been at your side since birth. I saw you at every milestone.”

I feel a twinge of jealousy, while I only ever had my father in fleeting moments, it feels like he was always there for Archer.

Miranda sniffles and holds her head.

“I can’t do this right now. Tarek, take care of my sister.” Archer snatches his car keys from the table and leaves.

Miranda grabs Archer’s hand and tries to stop him. “Please, baby.”

“In time, Mom. Just not today.” Archer lifts her hand off of his arm.

He moves in front of my father. “All these years.”

“I loved you,” my dad says. I can’t remember the last time Dereck Fairisles said I love you to me.

“Who is Jacobs?” Archer asks.

“It’s my mother’s maiden name. I didn’t figure it out till some moments ago,” I reply, holding Penny close.

Archer nods, he moves around my father and leave.

Miranda looks at her son leaving, then back at my father. She picks up her bag and tries to leave but my father pulls her to him and whispers something in her ear.

She pulls back in disgust and slaps my father across his face. He drops her hand allowing her to escape.

He rubs his face and stares at Penny’s mother as she walks away.

I clear my throat, drawing my father’s attention from Miranda to Penny and me. His gaze softens but there is no mistaking the regret in his eyes. In a flash it’s gone replaced by a practiced smile.

“I deserve that.” He touches his cheek “Hello, my name is Dereck Fairisles, and you are the woman carrying my grandchildren.”

Penny gives a side smile. “It’s nice to meet you sir. I am Penelope.”

Her voice sounds so fragile and defeated.

“I never got to see Jermaine’s daughter. You’re absolutely beautiful.” My father exhales, his fingers drifting to the spot where Miranda had slapped him, rubbing it absently.

“We have to talk dad. Let me get Penny home.”

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