Page 34 of Chance

Chapter 11

Maisy

"I'm not sure about this," I say for the tenth time since Sebastian and I left our home this morning.

He took me shopping and demanded I buy at least three new outfits to go with a wardrobe-full he had already bought me at some point. I have to admit, the comfy maternity jeans and top were nice to try on; I finally feel comfy in my normal clothes.

Seb suggests lunch at a local sandwich shop, and they take one look at my bump and give me extra with everything I choose. The place is awesome, and I have to remember to come here again. I’m trying to ignore the main reason I’m scared today, and I can’t ignore it any longer. I’m going back to my parents’ for a few boxes of my things. Not that I have a lot, but I need some kind of closure for my old life.

I finally had the courage two days ago and called home to say I was getting my stuff today. My mother didn't even ask how I was or how the baby was. My so-called mother just went on about how disappointed she was in me. It hurt a bit, but I have Seb now, and a new family who are there for me.

Seb invited the family around the night I phoned mum to cheer me up, and we spent the night watchingVampire Diaries, to which Izzy has us all addicted to. Seb couldn’t stop laughing as Elliot complained that Harley was talking to me, and he couldn’t hear the show.

"It will be okay," Sebastian says in a calm voice, pulling my shaking hand into his lap as he pulls into my drive. The cold Manor House appears, and to my dread, I spot Kyle’s car outside. What the hell is he doing here?

"Seb, wait," I say, trying to stop him from getting out of the car.

"We should leave. Kyle's here, so it only means my mum is going to make trouble for us," I say, a little breathlessly, as I'm getting worried. Seb glares at the expensive Audi parked out front like Kyle is actually inside it, but he recovers quickly with one glance at my panicked face, by hugging me and kissing my forehead.

"May, baby, there is nothing they can do to hurt us. If Kyle wants to watch me grab those boxes for you, then he can."He soothes me with his tone, and I find myself relaxing slightly.

I nod because the right words are escaping me.

We walk up to the bright-white front door, which is thrown open by my very mad-looking mother.

"You are not coming in here. Maisy can get her boxes, and you can wait in the car." She points a finger at Seb.

Looking at her now, with her perfect, fake-blond hair and spotless suit, her face looks every bit as fake as the rest of her body.I did not notice the amount of work she has had done over the years to hide her age, or was it because she was always around, putting me down?

"Not a chance. Move before I make you, Mrs. Reynolds,” Seb calmly threatens her, while I am shaking.

"Louise, let our daughter in her home for God’s sake," my father’s voice comes from behind my mother. She lets out a dramatic sigh before moving out of the way, and I smile at my dad when he comes into view.

"Back to whoring yourself around, Maisy?" asks Kyle as he walks up to stand in front of me. He still has bruises all over his face from the last time I saw him and Seb beat the crap out of him. Seb grabs hold of his shirt, and lifts Kyle off his feet, giving him a rough shake.

"If my beautiful girlfriend wasn't pregnant and stressed enough, I would beat you into the ground for that comment. I suggest you leave before I change my mind." Seb throws him on the floor, and Kyle quickly runs out the door while my mum shouts after him.

I watch as she throws herself out of the door, and I listen to her whine to Kyle not to tell his parents about this. Anything I felt for my mother is floating away, as I know she doesn’t care about me.

"The boxes are in the kitchen, I want a word with my daughter, if you would give me a minute,” my father says, looking at the floor.

I look him over in his brown suit and checked sweater vest, noting his clothes look wrinkled and he looks pale. I nod at Seb to let him know it’s okay, and he goes to find my boxes.

"I'm sorry," my dad says once Seb is out of view.

I watch as my mum comes back into the room in tears and collapses onto the guest sofa by the door, her wails sound like a baby crying.

"What for exactly, Dad? Letting her control me for years? Never looking after me? Not seeing me in the hospital? Which one?" I ask, marking off my mental list of things I’m mad at him for. I clench my fists to try calming myself down.

"All of it, sweetheart. I want you to know, I do love you, but I've been a terrible father,” he admits, and I look over at him.

“I’ve been stuck in a depression for so long by that controlling woman, I didn’t see what was going on and how I should have protected my perfect daughter.” He sighs as my mother’s wailing becomes louder.

“If you will let me, I want to see you and the baby when he is born. I did call the hospital to check on you," he admits, looking at the floor and waiting for me to say something.

I want to hate him, but it’s the first time he has told me he loves me in years. I can't help the little smile that appears as I realise I have to give him a chance. He never actually hurt me, but he did look the other way. I walk over and give him a hug. I hear his gentle sob on my shoulder as he shakes slightly while hugging me back.

"It will take time to forgive you and trust you, but I love you, too, Dad," I say, now crying myself.

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