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Barely able to open them, I glance at the clock. It’s just after eight, which is late for Ashton to wake up.
Panicked, I sit up, my head spinning, forcing me to shut my eyes for a second to stop the dizzy spell. Beside me, my phone buzzes with a text message from Will.
Will: I took Ashton to Adriana’s. They’re going to the beach today. I’ll be in the office if you need me.
Releasing a breath, my shoulders relax, knowing Ashton is safe. My fingers go to type a message back, but instead, I hit delete.
On my screen are several notifications of text messages received overnight. I don’t have the energy for this, lazily opening each message.
Mom: Amelia, call me when you’re ready to talk, please. I love you xx
Addy: I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m Switzerland, always have been. Here if you need me.
Alexa: OMG, Millie! I couldn’t say it last night but WTF?
Andy: Millie, I heard what happened last night. I know you’re hurting, but Ava is hurting just as much. Anyways, I miss you, cuz.
So now Andy knows? The anger returns, though this time—I’m too exhausted to react, unable to move my body at all. But, I need coffee.
Slowly, I get out of bed and contemplate a shower, but my entire being is screaming for caffeine.
With my robe on, I walk barefoot to the kitchen. My movements are slow, from the pod being placed in the machine to retrieving a mug with a loud yawn escaping me.
I watch the brown liquid spurt, the smell intoxicating and awakening my senses.
There is a soft knock on the door. I pray it isn’t Ava, as I can’t stand the thought of seeing her right now. Dad is standing outside, dressed in a white polo shirt and khaki shorts.
“Oh, hey, Dad,” I say, surprised to see him. “Will went to the office if you’re after him.”
Dad closes the door behind him as I go to retrieve my mug, which is now full of coffee.
“Actually, I came to see you,” he mentions softly.
My hands wrap around the mug, my lips purse to softly blow the steam so I can take a sip. After my first glorious taste, I take a deep breath.
“I don’t want to talk about last night.”
“You can’t run away forever, Amelia.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing? Running away?”
“You’re upset, and I understand why.”
I vigorously shake my head, then tuck in my upper lip. “It’s all my fault, right? Ava is so perfect. She can do no wrong in your eyes. Never could.”
Dad masters a poker face, a trait he always says helps him in the boardroom. But as I briefly glance
at him, his furrowed brows and the lowered head is anything but a poker face. My comment hurt but doesn’t make it less true.
“Amelia, none of this is easy for me. You think I like the fact that my daughter had a one-night stand and is pregnant?” he questions, with a struggle in his voice. “I feel like I failed as a parent. The same when your relationship with Will first came to light, but this baby isn’t to feel less loved because the situation doesn’t fit the perfect scenario in my head.”
I forgot, there’s a baby.
“I’m not asking you for anything, Amelia. Your sister has her own cross to bear. Both of you are my daughters, and both of you have done things you’re not proud of. That doesn’t make me love you any less.”
“Dad,” I croak, then wipe away the lonesome tear which escapes. “I can’t do this right now.”
“I know,” he assures me, then places his hand on my cheek. “In ways, you are much like me, although your mother will argue that in a heartbeat.”
