Matter Point

by GG Shalton

  “Whatever.” He slammed the door, and I watched as he pumped the gas.

  I got out and went into the convenience store to use the toilet. I bought a hot dog and Coke and went back out to the car. Mr. Burns was standing outside, screaming into his phone. Eventually he put the phone away and went inside the store. He came back out with a bag full of food. He took out some chips and ate them as he drove.

  Never saying a word, I put my headphones back on and tried to fall back asleep. After several minutes, I took them off and looked at him. “You know, I’m surprised you’re trying to find her.”

  He wrinkled his brow. “What do you mean? She’s my daughter.”

  “She told me about you.”

  A scowl settled on his face as he shook his head. “Don’t act like you know her.”

  “I know her better than you,” I said defensively.

  “Look, I know I’m not the perfect father, but I’ve always had her best interests in mind.”

  “Sure, old man,” I said as I looked out the window.

  “Don’t call me that.”

  “Being old bother you?” I turned toward him, watching him grind his teeth. I was hitting a nerve.

  “You bother me.”

  I laughed out loud. Rattling him was fun. “Look, George, I want the best for Ariel too.”

  “I’m Mr. Burns to you. And besides, my name is Joseph.”

  “Just like I’m Jaxon.” I lifted my eyebrow in a challenge, and he smiled slightly.

  “You’re hilarious,” he said sarcastically.

  I nodded. “I’m smarter than I look.”

  “We’ll see. Now, we’re about an hour outside of St. Louis. Care to tell me where my daughter is?”

  I rubbed my lips together, studying his face. I guessed we were far enough away from Creston that he wouldn’t take me back, and I didn’t think he was the type to leave me stranded. After all, I knew where he lived. “She told me once that her favorite childhood memory was at her grandmother’s country home. She said there was a treehouse there that she loved, and it was the only childhood memory she had of you.”

  He was quiet for a second, his face was unreadable. “She told you that?” He whispered, “My mother made me.”

  I couldn’t tell if he was talking to me or to himself. “Made you what?”

  “Play with her.” He took a deep breath. “I was busy and didn’t even want to go to the country house. But my mother needed to sign some paperwork, so I drove out there. Ariel was in the treehouse, and Mom made me see her before I left. When I climbed the ladder, she was talking to her dolls and pouring tea. She asked me to have some and I drank it with her, listening to her talk about the pirates in the woods. I tried to tell her that pirates lived on ships, but she wouldn’t listen, so I just let her talk and pretended to drink the tea.”

  “Apparently that made quite the impression.”

  “I had no idea that could be her favorite childhood memory.”

  “Kind of sad.”

  He looked at me but didn’t say anything. I assumed he knew where we were going. I shifted in my seat and looked out the window, watching the scenery turn more remote as woods took the place of civilization.

  Chapter 35

  Ariel

  I lit a candle and took out a book. I would have never imagined how much I’d miss electricity. Somehow the old cottage still had water, but the electricity had been cut off. I hadn’t really thought this through when the bus dropped me off on the edge of town. I just remembered the water tower and that she lived close to the fake lighthouse on the pond.

  The tree house was still there, and the pond still had a dock on it. It felt like home. The old bicycle in the shed had been a lifesaver. Once I found the bicycle pump, I was able to ride the bike to the local gas station and stock up on some snack food.

  There was a small diner in town, along with a library. Over the last few days, I’d spent an exorbitant amount of time at the library. The librarian was nice, and we were becoming friends. I felt bad giving her a fake name, but she seemed to enjoy my company. I told her that I was getting my grandmother’s house ready for sale because I couldn’t think of anything else to say. I was just glad my father had never sold it.

  I lay on the sofa and pulled the blanket around me. Tonight, I was reading a mystery. I couldn’t stomach romance anymore. I took out a bag of chips and opened a water. Lying on the pillows that lined the couch, I propped my feet up and settled in for the night. The sun was dipping, and the air was cold. Soon it would be too cold to ride my bike and I would have to think about stocking up for winter. I knew it would be too cold to stay here forever, but I needed some time to think of a plan.

  My eyes drifted shut as I heard the knock on the door. I shifted, thinking I was dreaming, until I heard someone pull against the door. My eyes widened as I sat up, my heart pounding. I was all alone and had no protection. I scooted down to the floor and crawled toward the closet as I heard someone knocking.

  “Ariel?”

  I stopped and looked toward the door.

  “Open the door. I saw you through the window.”

  Was that my father? I stood and peeked through the peephole. What is he doing here? How did he find me?

  “Ariel, open it.”

  Unlocking the deadbolt, I slowly opened the door, peeking around the edge. “Dad?”

  “Oh, Ariel.” He pushed past me and embraced my shoulders. “Are you okay?”

  I nodded in shock as my mouth hung open. “How did—”

  He touched my face and kissed my forehead. “I’ve been so worried. I had no idea you remembered this place.” He looked around the room, shaking his head. “I should have sold it years ago, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. It was my mother’s favorite place.”

  “I remember,” I whispered. “But it has no electricity. I only have water.”

  He grinned. “It only has water because they asked me to hook it up for some sewage work, they had to do. I thought it would be turned off by now. I guess I’m paying the bill every month and didn’t realize it.” He stopped talking and just stared at me. After a few seconds, he swallowed hard and searched my face. “Why did you run away?”

  My voice felt as if it were stuck in my throat. I wanted to answer, but I kept wondering how he’d gotten here. How had he known where to find me? Clearing my throat, I broke my stare and sat in a chair. “I don’t understand why you’re here. I thought you would be relieved I left.”

  “Relieved? How can you say that?”

  I looked toward the door. “Is Amanda with you?”

  He followed my eyes to the door then looked back at me. “No, she’s at home. Ariel, answer me. Why did you think I would be relieved that you’d left?”

  I stared at my hands, trying to hold back tears. “Because I’m a burden.”

  “I never told you that.”

  “You don’t want me here.”

  He shook his head. “Ariel, how can you say that?”

  “You hate me.”

  “Ariel.” Hurt flashed across his face. “Sometimes I don’t always know how to express my feelings.”

  “Yes, you do. I see you with Amanda. You’re so excited for your new baby.”

  He was silent, and I couldn’t meet his eyes. Tears fell down my face no matter how much I tried to stop them. Wiping them away, I felt him step closer and kneel down in front of me. I remained sitting in the chair as he took my hand.

  “Ariel, I’m so sorry. I was wrong to make you feel that way.”

  My lips trembled as I took a shaky breath.

  He squeezed my hand. “I love you. I am so sorry if you didn’t know that. You will always be my daughter.”

  I saw sincerity in his face. I wasn’t for sure if my heart could take any more. “You love me?”

  “Of course, I love you.�
�� He embraced me and then leaned back. “I’ve done a horrible job as your father. I provided for you and tried to parent you from a distance because…” His voice broke and he let go of my hand, raking his fingers through his hair. Rising from his knees, he took a seat in the chair beside me. “I need to tell you the truth.”

  I looked at him as my heart squeezed. “What’s the truth?”

  “Your mother destroyed me. It’s not a good excuse, but it’s all I’ve got. I loved her more than anything, and she left me—sleeping with my best friend and using me in the process.”

  “I didn’t know.”

  “I know.” He studied my face for a moment. “When I looked at you, you reminded me of her and what happened, and it hurt every time I saw you. My mother tried to help, and I took advantage of her taking care of your welfare and threw myself into my job. Traveling every chance, I got. I avoided you and the memory of what happened. After your grandmother died, I sent you to Europe.”

  My throat burned as I tried to digest what he was telling me. “You can’t look at me?” A sob escaped as I sniffed. “You—you didn’t want to be around me?”

  He shifted in his chair. “I’m so ashamed. The last time I saw you, you looked just like her. You were almost sixteen and had matured into a beautiful young woman who could have passed for her twin. It was like seeing her again. That ache in my chest resurfaced, so I stayed away.”

  “You want me to leave again?”

  He shook his head. “No, sweetheart. I have never been more wrong in my life.”

  “I’m confused.”

  “You aren’t your mother, Ariel. The more I get to know the wonderful young woman you are, the more I realize that. You are mine, Ariel, my daughter and you are nothing like your mother. When you disappeared, I was wracked with guilt. I vowed to find you and let you know how sorry I am. I haven’t been a good father, but I’m asking for another chance.”

  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Dad… I don’t know what to say.”

  “I know I don’t deserve it, but I’m asking anyway. I love you, Ariel.” He leaned over and hugged me tightly.

  I closed my eyes and enjoyed his embrace. Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt his body shake. Was my father crying?

  He rubbed my back and finally let me go. Looking around the room, he let out a shaky breath. “Please don’t hate me.”

  “I don’t hate you.”

  He nodded. “Well, that’s a start. “ He kissed my forehead. “I think we should stay at a hotel tonight and drive back tomorrow.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, it’s hard to live without electricity.”

  He laughed. “I think they only have a local hotel near the highway. I’ll go see if we can get a couple rooms. Go ahead and pack your stuff, and I’ll come back to get you.”

  “Okay, see you in a few minutes.”

  “Um… there’s one more thing we need to talk about.”

  I wrinkled my nose. “What is it?”

  “Someone helped me find you. They’re waiting in the car.”

  “Who?”

  “You know, I’ll let them explain. Be back in a minute.”

  My father left the house and went outside. I stood by the door, but the car was parked around the back. Going to the back, I saw my dad and no one else. Who was he talking about?

  “Ariel?”

  My heart pounded as I heard the familiar voice. My body stilled. I was almost afraid to turn around.

  “Can I come in?”

  I turned as Jaxon filled the doorway. My mouth dropped open, but I was unable to speak. My eyes saw him, but I couldn’t put the puzzle together. “I don’t understand.”

  He stepped in and closed the door. “Your dad came to see me and was desperate to find you. I remembered you talking about this place.”

  “You told him?”

  “Kind of. I gave him an ultimatum to take me or I wouldn’t tell him.”

  I was dizzy and needed to sit down. I stumbled toward the sofa.

  Jaxon rushed up behind me. “Are you okay?”

  “I think so.” I sat down and looked up at him. “Can you get me the bottle of water on the counter?”

  He went into the kitchen and came back with the water. “Here, take a drink.”

  He sat beside me and watched me as I wiped my mouth. I put the bottle on the coffee table. “Why did you come?”

  He looked at the floor. “I couldn’t stay away.” Shaking his head, he brought his eyes to my face and fidgeted with his hands. “Ariel, I want you to know I didn’t mean those things I said to you. I didn’t get back with Rachel.”

  I felt my chest cave as I tried to remain composed and let his words sink in. Not knowing if I should feel anger or relief, I stared at him. He watched me intensely but didn’t speak either. After a few seconds, I tilted my head. “Why? How could you do that to me?”

  Regret lingered on his face. “Because I was scared and didn’t want to admit it.”

  “Scared?”

  “Yeah, you made me feel something I never have before. My time with you almost felt like it wasn’t real. I was happy, and I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you.”

  My heart pounded as I studied his face. Did he just say he loved me? “Why did you tell me to leave then?”

  “Because I thought I was no good for you.”

  “Jaxon,” I whispered. “How could you think that?”

  He shifted in his seat and looked down at the floor. “I’m not proud of my past, and my future looks bleak. Art school is a pipe dream. Even if I went to school, chances are that I wouldn’t do anything with it. They don’t call them starving artists for nothing. My future, if I’m lucky, will be working in a factory or my brother’s mechanic shop.” He glanced over at me and met my eyes. “You’re going to college and have a bright future. You’re going to do great things. I would only hold you back.”

  “That’s not true.” I shook my head disagreeing with him.

  “It is true.” He nodded and then put his hand on my knee. “But I should have given you the choice. That’s what I regret the most. I made the decision for you, and that wasn’t fair. I knew you would try to see the best in me even though you shouldn’t. Shoving you away by lying was the only way I knew how to let you go. But I was wrong, and hurting you destroyed me. I should have told you the truth.”

  “What truth was that?”

  He removed his hand and leaned back against the sofa cushions. “That you did nothing wrong and there was never anyone else.” He took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. “I’ll finish high school and go to work. Jake says diesel mechanics make more, so I might take a few classes.”

  “What about your art scholarship?”

  “I gave it back.” His voice was strained as he tried to look confident.

  I felt the air leave my lungs as I tried to comprehend what he just said. “I don’t understand. Why would you do that?”

  “It’s not important.” He stared at me intensely. “I just want what’s best for you. You deserve the best.”

  My heart hurt as I searched his face. “Jaxon.” I whispered as I tried to digest what he was telling me. After a few seconds, I swallowed hard. “Jaxon, I understand that you’re scared, but don’t try to convince yourself that you won’t make anything out of your life. Maybe you were what was best for me.”

  “I am just an ordinary guy with no family connections or money. I could never provide for you the way you deserve.”

  My jaw dropped slightly. “Do you think my life would be happy if I married one of my father’s associates or friends who cheat on their wives and are gone all the time? Is that how you see me? You think I would happy? Being with you at your friend’s cabin and spending time with your friends is one of my happiest memories. Those people are real, and I want that. You never asked me what I want.”


  “Ariel. I just—”

  “And you’re wrong about who you are. You’re so much more than you realize, and you’re about to give away your chance at happiness. Fight for me, Jaxon.”

  His eye searched mine. I could tell I’d stirred emotions in him as he slammed his mouth against mine, kissing me like I had never been kissed before. His pressure lightened and he slowed his pursuit, still kissing me thoroughly. We lay back on the couch as he clutched me.

  Breathing hard, he finally stopped kissing me and held me close. I felt his breath on my cheek. “Your father will be back any minute.”

  I sighed. “I know. I need to pack.”

  I went and grabbed my bag. Jaxon followed me and helped me gather all my stuff, then he took the trash outside.

  My father pulled up a few minutes later and met us outside. He hugged me again and looked at Jaxon. “I got three rooms. But mine and Ariel’s have a connecting door and are on the second floor. Yours is on the first.”

  I laughed as Jaxon shook his head. “Thank you, sir.”

  My father looked at us. “Let’s get something to eat. I want to talk to both of you.”

  We pulled into a local restaurant and sat in a corner booth. Jaxon sat next to me and my father sat on the other side. It was a surreal moment no one would believe.

  My father studied us for a moment and let out a sigh. “I won’t lie to you and say that I’m happy you two seem serious about each other.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he put up his hand. “Please let me finish.”

  I nodded, and Jaxon grabbed my hand under the table.

  My dad cleared his throat. “But I believe Jaxon cares about you and would protect you, and for that, I’m thankful. I admit when I’m wrong, Ariel, and I was wrong about Trace.”

  My heart warmed. I knew how hard that had to be for him to say.

  He looked at Jaxon. “I know you gave it up, but I want you to reconsider the scholarship. If you want it, there will no strings attached.”

  “You gave it up?” I looked at Jaxon.

  He glanced at my father then back at me. “There were conditions I couldn’t meet. But I would consider it if there was no catch.”