Page 87 of The Devil

“Then I will come,” he says with determination. “Everything is in your court right now. The way it should have always been.”

We arrive at Cam and Lily’s house about forty minutes later. My nerves are shot but I am trying to put on a brave face. I hope to God my father isn’t here. Lord only knows what happened after I left last night. Lucius is wearing casual clothing, which are surprisingly, not all black. I think he’s trying to look less intimidating, though I also know this is a nerve-racking experience for him too. I glance over to see his face betray his coolness, and for the first time this morning, I feel bad for him. Cam’s words echo in my head, and I realize he is also a victim in all of this. Course, I’m not going to go into that now. There’s an eleven-year-old girl in there who needs me more.

Cam opens the door before we even knock. His eyes are dark, and he looks pale. I’m guessing he didn’t sleep too well last night. Well, that makes three of us. Before I say anything, he holds onto me, and we hug while Lucius stands uncomfortably to one side.

“I’m so sorry, Hels,” Cam whispers, “I should have seen it, should have been there for you.”

I smile but I know it doesn’t reach my eyes, but hopefully, it tells him it’s all ok between him and me.

“Dad’s not here, is he?” I hear Lucius scoff in the background but feel panic begin to surface over the thought of having to face him this morning. All I want to do, all Ineedto do, is talk with my girl.

“No,” he says, placing his hands inside of his pockets. “I made it clear he wasn’t welcome here last night.” I wince, thinking about all the mess that’s been caused by my past. “Come in,” he says, standing aside to let us through, “Jess is in the garden with Lily.”

We follow him into the living room, where I can see my beautiful, brave girl sitting cross-legged in the yard with Lily. At least she’s smiling with her.

“Did she sleep well?” I ask my brother, not able to take my eyes away from her for fear she’ll disappear again.

“Better than the night before,” Cam replies, “but I think she’s missing you.”

I nod while I continue to watch them chatting and laughing.

“Lucius?” I ask without taking my eyes away from Jess.

“Yes?” He walks over to join me, holding the small shoebox Jess had found in my bedroom.

“Do you mind if I…?”

“I think it would be best if you approach her first if that’s what you’re trying to ask,” he says, putting his hand on the small of my back. “You say the word if and when you want me. Anyway, I have something to discuss with your brother.” I instantly look around at him, frowning over his last sentence, but I can already tell he’s not going to give me anything. “Business stuff, you know.”

As predicted, I know he’s lying, but I’m going to let it go. Instead, I take a deep breath and walk out into the backyard, armed with my box.

Lily sees me first and waves, which prompts Jess to turn around and look at me. I offer her a smile and she quirks her lips with a sheepish expression. I am filled with a little bit of hope.

“Morning, Hels,” Lily says cheerfully, “we’ve been expecting you. I think Jess is missing her mom, aren’t you, baby?” I could almost cry again when Jess nods. “I’m going to go and see how Cam’s doing. I’ll catch you ladies in a minute.”

She pats my shoulder in support, then walks inside, leaving Jess and me alone to talk. I take a seat where Lily had just been and place the box on the grass between her and me.

“What’s that?” Jess points to the box.

“Do you not remember finding it before you went to camp?” I ask at the same time as I take off the lid.

Once open, I reach inside to take out some old photographs of me in Spain. A lot of them are of Lucius and me, with my rebellious pink hair and boho clothing. We look young and stupid, but so happy in them. We’re quite often looking at each other, making me wonder why I ever questioned our love for one another; it’s right here in these pictures. Jess studies each one carefully, smiling at some of the more ridiculous poses.

“You look happy here, Mom,” she observes, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look this happy before.” I nod in agreement with a smile. “Is this him? Is this my father?”

“Yes,” I reply without hesitation. “Lucius Hastings is your father and he’s here, over in the kitchen.”

She glances up to try and see him, but the sun’s reflection blocks our view of the inside.

“Uncle Cam explained about the DNA test and how you were lied to,” she says, swallowing hard and with unshed tears waiting to fall at any moment. “I’m so sorry I called you a slut, Mom, I didn’t mean it!” Her voice cracks and those tears finally begin to fall. “I can’t believe you had to marry that...that…”

“Shh,” I try to soothe her. “Don’t even think about that anymore; I’m happy now, honestly. I have you and that’s all that matters.”

“And Lucius?” she asks. “You’ve been like Romeo and Juliet.”

Her comparison has me laughing over how romantic she already is.

“Well, we’ll see. I hope we don’t share the same fate though.”

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