Page 105 of Withered

I get that he’s Jake’s dad. They both have the same facial features, except his eyes are blue instead of Jake’s mesmerizing green ones.

He looks pleased and shocked to see Jake, his eyes tearing up a little. He shakes his head and moves closer to Jake to hug him, but Jake clears his throat and steps back. He now stands beside me.

Clear embarrassment could be seen on Mr. Henderson’s face, and I look anywhere but at him.

“I’m so happy to have you here,” Mr. Henderson speaks with the same accent as his sons. His smile is authentic.

“Cut the crap. Let’s get this done,” Jake speaks brusquely, and my eyes widen at his tone.

He walks past his dad and into the house without looking back. I wasn’t expecting anything less. He saw his father in years and his anger is justifiable.

Mr. Henderson’s face falls, but he masks it as the lady puts her hand on his shoulder and gives a tiny smile.

“Hello,” I say as I take a step toward them. “I am Rose.”

Mr. Henderson gives me a warm, welcoming smile and shakes my hand. “Hello, Rose. I’m Kevin Henderson, Jake’s father. Please call me Kevin, and this,” he gestures to the lady, “is my wife, Denaley.” I shake her hand too.

“I apologize for your son’s behavior. And thank you so much for having us.” I smile at them.

“Don’t apologize for him,” Kevin adds softly.

“It’s our pleasure to have you here. You’re really beautiful.” Denaley gestures for me to come in.

The interior of their house is just as lovely as it appears from the exterior. The walls are lined with paintings, pictures, and every fancy decoration. The soft yellow lights and chandeliers are the most eye-catching.

I notice Jake on the couch, looking at his phone. Without thinking, my feet carry me to him. My heels must have alerted him about my arrival, as he looks up from his phone and meets my gaze.

“I’ll set the table. Consider this place your home,” Denaley announces.

Kevin is about to approach us when Denaley drags him away.

When they leave, I cross my arms in front of Jake. “Why did you do that?”

He scoffs, “It was that or a punch in his face.”

“Jake, you said you’d try. If this is you trying, then why bring me here?” My voice rises as I speak.

His jaw is set in a tight line, and his hands are once again in fists.

“I’m going inside to help them, and you better behave now. Did you see your father’s face when he saw you? He had tears in his eyes, Jake. He is happy to have you here. If he is trying, why can’t you?”

I’m probably shouting at this point, but I don’t care. He needs to get his attitude straight.

“You left, and I had to apologize for your behavior,” I say, and he looks up at me. I take his hand in mine. “I get you, Jake. Your anger towards him. I’m here for you. If it gets too much for you, tell me and we can leave right away.”

With one last squeeze, I let go of his hand and turn to leave. Jake grabs my wrist and twists me around so that I’m standing between his legs. “I’ll try to be nice.”

“You better or…” I tease him.

“Or what?”

“Or, say bye to this face.” I point my finger at myself.

Even though I am joking, I keep a serious face. A bye to my face indirectly means a bye to his face, which I don’t want. I hope he behaves.

I continue, “Also, you better apologize for what you did.”

Denaley comes into our view. “Dinner’s ready,” she announces.

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