Page 32 of Before I Deserved You
“So, she’s coming home today?” Jude asks, looking at his brother for confirmation. Jake gives him a reassuring smile. It amazes me how he can push his distress aside to put on a good front for the littles.
“Yeah, buddy. I’m sure they’ll discharge her soon. Don’t worry, alright? I know it looked scary, but the doctor said she was never in any real danger.”
Suddenly, the electric doors slide open, and Mr. Nelson rushes into the building, looking frazzled and visibly upset. His gaze darts around the waiting room before it settles on our little group, and he storms toward us with a thunderous expression.
“Where is she? What happened? Can I not leave you in charge for a few hours without things going to shit?”
Jake rises to his feet and gives his father an incredulous look.
“Anna is fine. She broke a glass and cut her wrist, but they already fixed her up, and she’s resting now. You’re welcome, by the way,” he adds, glaring at the older man with contempt. “You know? For making sure your daughter gets the medical attention she needs when her father is nowhere to be found. You were supposed to pick them up from Mrs. Harris’ after work. Guess who got a call when you didn’t show? Where the hell have you been?”
“I lost track of time. I’m sorry for thinking you’d be competent enough to handle things without me having to hold your hand every step of the way. I won’t make that mistake again. But I’m still your father, and I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“You do when I’m the one having to rush your child to the hospital, unsure whether they can even treat her without a guardian present. I was fucking terrified, Dad, so don’t come in here guns blazing and lay into me for something that should’ve been your job in the first place.”
Jake’s hands shake while he goes toe to toe with his father, getting more and more agitated. He got the scare of a lifetime tonight and is obviously not in the mood to put up with his father’s usual antics. Jude’s small hand slips into mine during the heated argument taking place in front of us. It breaks my heart seeing this innocent little boy so afraid, most likely worried his father and brother would come to blows right there in the hospital waiting room. Before things can escalate further, the doctor approaches, calling out to Mr. Nelson, and diverting his attention.
“My name is Dr. Blair,” he introduces himself, shaking hands with the older man. “I’m sure your son’s already filled you in on your daughter’s mishap. The laceration wasn’t as deep as it first appeared, and we’ve already patched her up. However, I imagine the area will be quite tender for a few days, so I’ve written her a prescription to help manage the pain. Her bandages will need changing in a few days, so I encourage you to book a follow-up appointment with her physician.” He glances at Jake, who’s hanging back now that his father is here to take charge. “Your son kept his wits about him in what was no doubt a high-stress situation. You should be proud. If it wasn’t for him, Anna’s condition could’ve been much worse. You can come on back and see her now.”
Dr. Blair throws us a wink and ushers Jake’s father away. I’m not sure how much he overheard, but it’s pretty obvious he disapproves of the way Mr. Nelson spoke to his son.
“What a prick,” Jake mutters once his dad is out of earshot. Jude releases my hand and wipes his clammy palms on his jean-clad thighs. God, I feel for these boys. I can’t imagine what it’s like to live this way, constantly on edge and left to their own devices. “Why don’t you go catch up with them?” he urges Jude. “I’m sure Anna would like to see you. I’m going to drive Tessa home and come right back.”
Jude nods and gives Jake a tight hug before skipping off.
“Well, that wasn’t quite how I pictured our date going.”
“At least I can say it never gets boring with you.”
Jake gives a low chuckle that doesn’t mask the tension still hanging over him like a dark cloud.
“Hey,” I say, laying a hand on his cheek and forcing him to meet my eyes. “She’s okay. Everything is going to be okay.”
Jake releases a slow, controlled breath and closes his eyes, nuzzling deeper into my touch.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. It’s just—he makes me so mad, and sometimes I just want to shake him and remindhim that his kids are not my responsibility. I’m doing the best I can, but it’s never fucking good enough. I’ll always be lacking in his eyes.”
“Maybe it’s time for you to stop trying so hard to live up to his unrealistic expectations. I was there tonight, and how you handled yourself and kept everyone calm was impressive. You kept Anna safe, not him. He has no right to judge you so harshly, considering he wasn’t even there when his daughter needed him. And if he can’t see how amazing you are, then he can suck a bag of dicks.”
Jake’s gaze whips to mine, and finally, some genuine amusement plays on his features. I make it a point to keep my language clean because, frankly, I don’t see the appeal of swearing like a sailor. So, when I let an expletive fly, it tends to get people’s attention. He leans forward then and presses his forehead to mine.
“Thanks, baby. I needed that. But let’s get you home before that hero worship starts to wear off. I’d like to end the day knowing someone’s impressed instead of disappointed with me for once.”
“You could never disappoint me,” I say, kissing him softly on the corner of his mouth. “Come on then, Superman,” I say with a theatrical flare as I rise to my feet and hold a hand out. He links his fingers with mine and smiles down at me with adoration. I’m beyond grateful I was there to support him tonight. An incredible person like Jake should never feel worthless or inadequate, and I’ll make it my life’s mission to make sure he’ll always know that he’s nothing short of amazing.
Twenty-One
Jake
“Jake, would you mind staying back for just a minute?” Mrs. Wood calls out when the bell signals the end of the school day.
Today marks the beginning of what’s going to be a grueling weekend, as everyone is working double time to make up for my dad’s poor organizational skills. I’m due at work in less than an hour, and I have yet to go home, throw something edible together in the crock pot for dinner, and drop the kids off at the sitters.
The last thing I need right now is a lecture from my teacher. I have a good idea what this is about, and I’m not looking forward to her listing my many shortcomings. But I respect Mrs. Wood, and I know running won’t solve my problems, so I dutifully wait for everyone to clear out and make my way to the front of the room.
“Take a seat,” she says, nodding toward the empty chair opposite hers with a kind smile. Waiting just long enough for me to get situated, she doesn’t beat around the bush and gets right to the heart of the matter. A straightforward approach I appreciate.
“It pains me to say this, Jake, but we’re more than halfway through the school year, and as it stands, you’re at risk of not graduating with the rest of your class.”
