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Her cheeks turn a bright pink. “Well, all right, then.”
Grabbing the spoon, I cut out a large portion of lasagna and place it on her plate.
“Thanks, Rory.”
For the first time in forever, I’m seeing the warm smiles on both Dad's and Heather’s faces. They’re happy simply because I’m having dinner with them. How could I ever abandon the only people who’ve loved and cared for me all my life?
The nightmare fades from my mind. Sitting here with my family is the true reality. The Black Widow was eradicated by Seth and his companions. Those evil assholes will never hurt me or anyone else again.
I wish Seth could have a taste of this lasagna, I suddenly catch myself thinking.
Seth was a really good cook. The refrigerator in that old cabin was broken, so he usually had to get fresh food every day and then, cook most of it. Ever since the first night I got sick, he never fed me any fast-food junk.
“What’re you thinking about so deeply?” Heather asks, poking my arm. “Eat quickly or your food will get cold.”
“Oh, yeah. Right.” Picking up my spoon, I start eating again.
“What are we having for dessert?” Dad asks after a while.
“I’ve baked an apple pie,” Heather says, smiling at me.
“My favorite!” I gush, grinning back at her.
“Ah, kiddo,” Dad says, affectionately caressing my head. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed having you around.”
“I missed you too,” I say honestly.
He has no idea what happened to me and I intend to keep it that. It’ll break his heart to pieces if he ever knew what Jake did to his precious daughter. I’m willing to suck up the horrors of my past to protect him and Heather.
After dinner, I help Heather wash the dishes even though she keeps insisting I go back to my room to rest.
“No, I want to help,” I say stubbornly and refuse to move away from the sink.
“Are you sure?” Heather says, looking baffled. “You hate chores.”
I’ve been an idiot until now, mistreating the people who’ve always cared for me.No more, I decide firmly.
Heather tries to grab a bowl from me but I hold onto it. “I’ll be fine doing some dishes. Honestly, Heather!”
“Fine!” she huffs, moving away from the sink.
It’ll take me years to get over the trauma of being taken captive by the Black Widow, but I’ll deal with it on my own. Seth may not be here by my side but I’ll never forget his kindness.
I will live my life in the best way possible and protect the people I love.
“Sweetheart, can I talk to you?” Dad says when the last dish has been dried and put inside the cabinet.
“Sure.”
He gestures at me and walks out of the kitchen.
Turning toward Heather, I hug her. “Thanks for that wonderful dinner.”
“It was nothing, honey,” she says, patting my back. “Go talk to your dad and be patient with him. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Deal!” I say, kissing her cheek.
I chuckle at the surprised look on her face and head upstairs to Dad’s office. Warmth and happiness swirl inside me. I’m truly back with my family again. This is all real.
