Page 60 of Finding Forgiveness
My dad reaches across the table and places his hand on my arm. “For what it’s worth, Son, I’m sorry about the baby.”
The baby.Those words have a lump rising to the back of my throat. Cassandra is the only woman I’ve ever envisioned myself having kids with, and it stings to think that could’ve been a possibility. I’d be a father now of a child not much younger than Blake if it had survived. That realisation is a total mind fuck. We were young back then, but in my heart, I know we could’ve made it work. I would’ve made sure of it.
Unfortunately, my time at my parents comes to an end far too quickly. I know I have to return to work, but I’m not looking forward to stepping back inside that apartment.
I extend my hand to my father when we arrive at the airport, but he pulls me into a hug instead. “It was good to see you again, and we’re here if you need us.”
“I know and I appreciate it.”
“I love you, Son.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
I’m not sure why I’m feeling emotional, but I am. It’s been nice spending time with them, and having my mum dote on me again. I’m blessed to have the most loving parents, there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for me or Jacinta. It’s a shame Cassandra can’t say the same about hers, but that’s still no excuse for what she’s done.
I move to my mum next and fold her in my arms. “Bye, Mum,” I say, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
“I always love having my baby’s home,” she sniffles into my chest, “I hate it when you or your sister have to leave.” She draws back and cups my face in her hands. “If you need us to come to Sydney, just say so. We’ll be on the first plane out.”
“Thanks, I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetie. It may not feel like it now, but it will all work out in the end. Just give it time.”
“I hope so,” I reply, but I have my reservations. I may be able to accept this in time, but as for me and Cassandra, the damage she’s caused is irreversible.
After I move through security, heading towards my gate, my phone rings. As much as I’m trying to ignore everyone in an attempt to distance myself from this mess, I still pull it out. It’s from an unknown number again. Bradford Lewis? Maybe. And for that reason alone, I answer it. As mad and disappointed I am in his daughter, there’s still that part inside me that’s terrified something bad is going to happen to her.
“Hello.”
“Connor.”
“Yes, Mr Lewis.”
“I’m still trying to get in contact with my daughter. It’s been over a week and I’m beside myself with worry. I’m thinking of contacting the police and reporting her as a missing person.”
“She’s not missing, Mr Lewis.”
“Bradford, please. Has she returned to Sydney?”
“No, but she’s been in regular contact with my sister.” If you could call a vague text here and there regular contact. If it wasn’t for that illegal tracker Jaz put in her luggage, I’d probably be freaking out too.
“Okay, well that’s something I suppose.”
“I’ll let my sister know you called. Maybe she can pass on a message.”
“That would be great. I’d appreciate it.” I’m not even sure if she’s heard from Cassie since the goat picture, because I haven’t asked, but my sister would’ve spoken up if she was concerned for her friend’s welfare. “I spoke to my wife about the pregnancy.”
A wave of panic engulfs me when he says that. Part of me wants to know what he has to say on the matter, and the other part wants to hang up before he speaks another word. “You did?”
“She said she has no knowledge of a pregnancy.”
“Oh.” That is not the reply I was expecting. From the little Cassandra said, that makes no sense.
“I don’t believe her though.”
“You don’t?”
“No. I’ve been married to that woman for twenty-six years, so I’d like to think I know my wife. However, given recent developments, I’m not sure if I do. When I mentioned it to her she went off on a tangent, which isn’t unusual for Amanda, but it was her initial look of guilt that made me suspicious. I need to get to the bottom of this, Connor. I feel like I’ve been kept in the dark long enough … through no fault but my own for being absent over the years, but I love my daughter. I’ve only ever wanted what was best for her.”
