Page 99 of Fight For Us
Olivia scanned the front page, her eyes bounced from word to word and her face fell. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do. Not right now.”
“No, that can’t be. Read it again,” I pleaded, grabbing her hand as I felt my limbs get heavy.
Tears collected in the corner of her eyes as she said, “I’m sorry.”
Alex was the first to find us, jogging over with his heavy backpack. “Hey, you’re both here. Are we doing something cool today?”
Olivia squatted low to speak to him. I couldn’t hear what she said, but Alex scrunched his brows.
“Where’s Lilly?” I asked Alex.
“She was talking to the teacher. They were taking too long, so I came out first.” Alex looked back at the gate. “I can go get her.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m sure she’ll be right out,” Olivia said.
“Let’s go over there.” I didn’t wait for their response as I walked to the gate. A few stragglers were still coming out, but the area was slowly clearing.
Finally, I saw her. She looked around with a hand shielding her eyes. Her teacher spotted me and halted momentarily, but Lilly kept walking faster toward us. She ran into my arms and her tears started.
“Mrs. Nolan said I have to go with Grandmother. Dad, what’s going on?” Her words were muffled by sobs.
I glanced toward a crying Olivia, silently asked her for help. Every single word escaped me. My fucking heart was cracking in two.
“Baby, we’re going to fix this, okay?” I held her tight as my voice wobbled. “It’s only for a few days until I can get everything figured out.”
“You don’t want me? That’s why I have to go?” She sniffed and pulled back. “Mom didn’t want me and now you don’t either.”
“That’s not true. I love you. You’re my little girl always.” Tears filled my eyes and thank God Olivia kneeled down to talk.
“Lil, we love you so much. Of course we want you. I’m so sorry sweetie. Like your dad said, we’re going to fix this. Come here.” She held her arms open and Lilly squeezed her. Olivia whispered into her ear and Lilly nodded.
“I’ll take care of your stuff,” Alex added. “You’ll be back soon.” I could see tears forming in his eyes, but he hung his head low.
Lilly nodded and took hold of Olivia’s hand, as Mrs. Nolan cleared her throat. “I’m so sorry but I’ve been instructed to see that there’s no issues. If you don’t mind.” She gestured toward Regina.
I cleared my throat. “Yeah, sorry to keep you.” With a deep breath, I reached for Lilly’s hand and walked her to Regina, who was still smiling like she loved the pain she was causing.
“Come Lilly, it’s time to go home.” She held the back door open and bounced her gaze between Lilly and me.
Lilly looked up into my eyes and squeezed my hand. Her voice was so small, it killed me. “I don’t want to go.”
“I know. I don’t want you to either, but right now you have to. Come here.” I pulled her in again for another quick hug and ushered her forward toward Regina before I lost it. “I love you. It’s going to be okay.”
Regina closed the car door as soon as Lilly slipped in. The officer moved to get back into his vehicle as I backed away a few steps. “You did the right thing,” Regina said. “This is what’s best for her and you know it.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. You can hurt me all you want, but mess with my family and you’re done.” I took one more look at Lilly crying in the backseat and turned to go before I did something I’d regret. I may not have done my best to fight for Lilly before, but I knew then and there that I’d go to the ends of the earth to keep my family together.
Chapter 39
Wes
I wanted to sinkdown into the dirt as I watched Regina drive away with a piece of my heart. I hadn’t felt this out of control since the accident. No matter what I did, I couldn’t change a damn thing. Not today at least. People I loved were suffering because of my actions, or lack of. My father was right. I needed to pull my head out of my ass and do something.
Olivia and Alex were still standing a few steps away, holding back tears. I could read their posture and expressions. They were as gutted as I was.
“I’m sorry,” I said, coming toward them. “This is a mess. I don’t even know where to begin.”
Olivia wrapped her arm around Alex’s shoulder. “I’m going to get him home. We can talk later.”
