by Thomas, C. M
“That sounds good. You want me to take you home?”
“I would like that. It’s almost lunchtime.” She walked out of the house, and I followed behind her. I sent a quick text to Amy.
Me: We’re coming back now. You want a ride back? I think she needs to be alone for a while, okay?
Amy: Okay, I would like that. But did you get some answers?
Me: Yes.
I didn’t want to tell all this over a text, and I really didn’t want to tell it more than once, so I guessed we needed to have a family meeting today at the Camden house.
“Everything okay?” Evie looked over at me.
“Yes. I just texted Amy to let her know that we’re coming back. And that you would like to have some alone time with Alana.”
“Thank you. I know she wants answers, and I owe them to her. But I can’t right now. I need to focus on Alana and her meeting you first.”
“I know. I will tell the Camden household today what happened. And that they need to give us both time. Okay?” I wanted her to feel comfortable, because I knew that right now she had all the power over whether or not I saw my daughter. She didn’t need the whole Camden clan to come knocking on her door.
“Okay.” She smiled at me before she turned her head to look out of the window. We drove in silence over to her house. I parked the car and took her hand and turned in the seat so I could look at her.
“You okay?” I needed to know that she was okay with all of this. And with me coming over tonight. Even though I wanted to meet Alana as soon as possible, I still needed Evie to be okay with it.
“I think so. I just hope that she will be okay with all of this. She has a whole family she doesn’t know. And I can’t help but think that it is all my fault. What if she is going to hate me? She is all I got.”
“Hey. You’re her mom, she will never hate you. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s not your fault. We will get through this together. One day at a time. I will see you tonight, okay?”
“Okay. Will you text me before you come?”
“Sure. And if you need me to come sooner, then call or text, okay?”
“I will. See you tonight.” She got out of the car and walked over to her house. While I waited for Amy to come out, I texted my mom.
Me: Hey Mom, can you get everyone together at the house? Need to talk to everyone.
Mom: Sure, is everything okay? Is it about Evie?
Me: It will be, and yes. I have Amy with me, we will be there in fifteen minutes.
“Hey, you ready to go?” Amy got in the car. I didn’t even see her come out of the house.
“Sure. How did it go?” I asked her while we drove back home.
“Fine. She is so adorable. And sweet. Did she tell you why she left?”
“She did,” was all I said.
“Is that all you have to say, Li?” She was angry, and I understood that. But I wouldn’t tell this story more than once, so she would have to wait.
“Right now, it is. Mom is gathering everyone at the house, so I will tell you all at the same time. Okay?”
“Fine. But I still think I should get to know before the rest.” She huffed. She was so stubborn. Always had been.
“Of course you do. But you have to wait just like the rest of them.”
When we got back to my parents’ house, I could see both Caleb’s and Cole’s cars out front. Zane and Anne came walking hand-in-hand from his house. That was still weird to see. Zane with a girlfriend.
“Hey man, you got a chance to talk today? Or did you get yourself kicked out again?” Zane grinned when he came up to me and Amy.
“We talked,” was all I said before I started walking up to the house.
“He is so secretive about it,” I heard Amy say behind me. I just ignored them and walked into the house. When I got in, I saw everyone was sitting in the living room waiting for us. Okay, not so much the other three; they were waiting for me to tell them about Evie. I looked over at my mom and couldn’t help but smile. She would be so happy that she was now a grandma. Or at least, I hoped she would.
“What do you want to tell us, boy?” my dad asked. I took a seat beside my mom in the couch and looked around. This was my family. The only two missing were Evie and Alana. I knew Evie and I weren’t together. But holding her earlier made me want to be with her. I missed her so much. And to know that it wasn’t her decision to leave was breaking my heart. For me and mostly for her. She wanted me to be a part of Alana’s life. And I would be now, and I would be a part of Evie’s life too if I had anything to say about it.
“I talked to Evie. And before I tell you anything, I need you all to promise to give her time. She has been through a lot, okay?”
“What the hell, she left you, remember?” Caleb yelled. He had always been very loud.
“Shut up and let him talk, man,” Zane snapped.
“Just listen to what I have to say before you yell at me,” I told Caleb. He nodded, but still sat with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Just tell us what she said. We will be here for you and her, you know that,” my mom said, and took my hand in hers.
“I know. First of all, Evie has a daughter, Alana. She is almost three years old.” I took a deep breath before I continued, “I’m her father.” My mother gasped beside me, and I could see the surprised look in all their faces. Not Amy and Zane, but the rest of them.
“I have a granddaughter?” my father asked. He normally didn’t show many feelings, but I saw a hint of tears in his eyes.
“You do. And she is so sweet,” Amy said, smiling at our dad.
“You met her?” My mom sounded surprised. She was looking at Amy, so I suppose it was her she was asking.
“I did, more than once. But today I was babysitting while her parents talked.”
“You babysit. How the hell did that happen?” Cole chuckled while looking at Amy.
“I will let you know that I’m really good with kids,” Amy snapped at him.
“Since when?” Gia asked. “You have always hated kids, and you know it.”
“Fine. But she is different. She is my niece.” Amy huffed. She was clearly insulted, but still smiling, so it wasn’t all bad.
“She kept your child from you, and you still want us to go easy on her?” Caleb asked, and I could see he was trying his best not to yell again. But there was almost steam coming out of his ears, he was that angry.
“Yes, I do. Because she is the mother of my child, and she didn’t want to leave. She was sent away.”
“What do you mean, sent away?” my dad asked.
I told them what happened when Evie’s parents found out she was pregnant. That they just sent her away. I still couldn’t believe that they did that to their own child. I knew they were both true believers about not having sex before marriage, and I respected that very much. But they still couldn’t decide whether or not Evie should. That would always be her decision. I didn’t pressure her; I would have gladly waited until we were married if that was what she wanted. I would have done anything for her. I still would.
“How could they do that to her and you?” my mom sobbed. She had tears in her eyes.
“I don’t know. I just know that Evie didn’t want to go, and right now that’s important. I know I don’t get the time back that I haven’t been in Alana’s life, but I will be from today.”
“You haven’t met her yet?” Gia asked.
“No. I’m going over there tonight for dinner. But Alana knows who I am.”
“How can she know who you are?” Caleb asked. He was not so angry anymore. After hearing why Evie left, he might be a little bit more forthcoming.
“Evie showed her pictures of us together and told her I was her dad. She knows of me, and what I look like.”
“And she is a big fan of Deep C,” Amy added.
“Yes. When I turned on the television this morning, one of your songs was playing on MTV. She started dancing and singing. Or singing as well as a toddler can do,” Amy said.
“That’s amazing. Our youngest fan,” Zane said, grinning.
“Not to be all business, but what about the press?” Anna looked over at me. She was, after all, our PA, and she was right. We needed to talk about that.
“Can we talk about it tomorrow? I want to talk to Evie about it.” I knew Evie and I had to talk about the press, I just didn’t know how she would feel about that. And I didn’t want to lose her again. Not that we were back together. But if I had anything to say about it, we would be, and soon. As Zane pointed out to me last night, I still loved her. More than anything.
“Sure, she can come to a meeting with us if she wants. I think it’s important that you call Logan tomorrow, if not today. He needs to know.” Logan was our new manager. And Anna was right, he needed to know.
“I get that. And I will. But I want to meet my daughter first, okay?”
“I understand that. We will talk about it tomorrow.” She looked up at Zane. “You’re an uncle now?”
“I am. I’m the coolest uncle she will ever have.”
“Shut up, she has other uncles too, remember?” Caleb said.
“Yes, but you are so not good with kids,” Gia said.
“Stop teasing. When do we get to meet our grandchild? Will you ask Evie if they want to come over for dinner tomorrow?” my dad asked.
“I will ask. But I don’t know if she is ready, okay?”
“Okay, but tell her that no matter what, our door is open. She can call us anytime, we will be here to help her and you,” my dad said.
“Thank you, that really means a lot. I think I will go back to my house. I need some time to process all of this. Anna, text me when and where we’re meeting tomorrow.”
“I will.” She smiled at me.
Walking out of the house, I heard someone walk after me. When I looked over my shoulder, I saw it was Amy.
“She really didn’t want to leave, did she?” she asked, with tears in her eyes.
“No, she didn’t.” I gave her a hug.
“I hated her, Li. Really hated her for leaving without saying goodbye. And for leaving you heartbroken.” She cried against my chest.
“I know. I did too.” I really did hate Evie for leaving. But at the same time, I loved her. I think that was why it hurt so bad. If I was being honest with myself, I knew I still loved Evie. “But we need to move past it, all of us, okay?”
“I know. And I will. I just feel so guilty for hating her. Think about what she went through. She must have been so lonely and scared.” She sniffed, looking up at me.
“Yeah, I think so too. But we will help her through this, okay? She has us when she is ready to have our support. I think she is a bit overwhelmed by the fact that I’m going to meet Alana tonight.” I was overwhelmed by that too. But I wanted to meet my baby girl. I just hoped it went great, or else Evie would run. And this time, it would be her choice.
She would run if she got too scared, because she had Alana to think about now. And if I knew one thing about Evie, it was that she would do everything for the people she loved. It was the reason she kept dating me behind her parents’ back, because she loved me so much.
“I think so too. I will call her tomorrow and see if she wants to talk. But please tell her to call if she needs me before that, okay?”
“I will. I will see you tomorrow. I have to take a shower before I drive over there.”
“Good luck tonight.”
“Thanks.” I gave her a kiss on the top of her head before I walked out to my car. I got in and drove to my own house. My house was the house farthest away from my parents. Zane’s was actually the first one, then Cole’s, then Caleb’s, and the last one was mine. But it was not like the houses were close together. We had more than enough privacy, and I for one thought it was nice. I liked living at my own house, but at the same time I was still close to the rest of my family. And I really didn’t want it any other way.
This is it, I’m ready to go. I just have to get out to my car and drive over to her house. I just have to move. It can’t be that hard. But it was. I was so nervous. I didn’t know if I’d ever taken that long a shower. I got lost in my own thoughts. But I was ready now. I took out my phone and sent Evie a text as promised.
Me: Hi, is it okay if I’m leaving now? I know it’s a bit early.
I started walking out of the house. No matter what her answer was, I was not going to stand still in my living room like some idiot.
Evie: Sure. We’re out back on the porch. Text me when you’re in the driveway, okay?
Me: Sure. But I can just walk around the house to meet you guys, you know?
I tried to make a joke; I needed to take some of all the seriousness out of the situation. I just hoped she didn’t get mad at me.
Evie: I know, smartass. I just want the first meeting to be inside, so no one interrupts us.
Me: I’d like that too. Will be there soon, okay?
Evie: See you soon.
I drove out of my driveway and less than fifteen minutes later I was parked in Evie’s driveway. This is it. I’m about to meet my daughter for the first time.
Me: I’m here.
Evie: I heard your car. The door is open. Why don’t you just come in? We’re sitting on the couch waiting for you.
I didn’t answer that. It really wasn’t a question.
I got out of my car and walked inside the house. When I got in, I took off my shoes. I could hear Evie talking, and Alana was laughing at whatever Evie said.
When I walked into the living room, my eyes locked with Evie’s. She was sitting in front of Alana, who had her back to me. Evie gave me a smile before she looked down at Alana.
“Baby girl. Remember what I told you earlier?” she asked our daughter.
“Daddy come here today.” Alana clapped her hands, still looking at Evie. She called me Daddy. I didn’t think I’d ever heard a word so amazing as that.
“That’s right, baby girl. He is here now.” Evie pointed over Alana’s shoulder at me. Alana turned around in her seat so she could see who Evie was pointing at. The moment she saw me was incredible. I could tell right away that she really did know who I was. She let out a small gasp before she crawled down from the couch and ran over to me. I squatted down to meet her.
“Daddy! Mommy, Daddy is here.” She didn’t look at Evie but kept running towards me.
“Hi, baby girl.” My voice came out all hoarse, and I fought back the tears. I opened my arms so I could hug her. When she came over to me, she almost threw herself into my arms. I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tightly. She was my baby girl. I made this beautiful little girl.
The emotions running through my body right now were indescribable. If someone asked what I felt in this exact moment, I would say the only thing close to it: love. Love for this little girl. I closed my eyes, still fighting the tears, but when I looked over at Evie, I couldn’t hold them back anymore.
Chapter 7:
Evie
Seeing Alana in her father’s arms for the first time was amazing. Our little girl deserved this so much. She deserved to get to know him, to love him like I did. Like I still do. I could feel the tears running down my cheeks. I’d waited almost three years for this. For Liam to meet our girl.
I looked at them, and when my eyes met his, I saw tears in them too. This was very emotional. I knew Alana might not understand why we cried, but if she asked, I would try to explain it to her.
“Ouch, Daddy.” Alana struggled in Liam’s arms. I couldn’t help but laugh just a little. He let her go and smiled at her.
“Sorry, baby girl. I’
m just so happy to see you and your momma.” He looked at me when he said the last part of that sentence.
“Okay, Daddy. You want to see dolly?” She turned around and ran over to me, only to get her dolly. Liam walked behind her and lifted her up before he sat down on the couch, with Alana sitting on his lap.
“That’s a pretty dolly. You play with her a lot?” I could see he had trouble figuring out what to ask her. And I understood that. Talking to a toddler could be very challenging.
“Yes,” was all she said. Liam looked at me again and reached out for my hand. Come here, he mouthed to me. I moved closer to them and took his hand. This was what it was supposed to be like from the beginning. The three of us together. I started crying again.
“Mommy, you sad?” Alana crawled over to my lap and wrapped her tiny arms around my neck.
“No, baby girl. I’m just happy,” I said while looking at Liam.
“Cause of Daddy?” Alana asked, sitting down on my lap, looking at me then at Liam.
“Yes. Because your dad is here with us.” I held tight to Liam’s hand. I didn’t want to let go. I didn’t want to let him go. I knew we had a long way ahead if we even thought about getting back together. But I needed his support.
“Daddy stay here?” Alana looked at me then back at Liam.
“No, baby girl. I’m not staying here with you. But I have a house really close to here, okay?” Liam said.
“Okay. Can me see?”
“Of course. One day you and momma will come see my house. You like that?”
“Yes. Mommy, can we?”
“Sure, baby girl. But not today, okay? Today we stay here,” I told her, while still trying to control the tears.
“Daddy too?”
“Yes, I will stay and eat dinner with you,” Liam answered. I couldn’t help but look at him. He was so beautiful. He had grown into a man since I saw him three years ago. His tight shirt was hugging his toned and muscular chest. He wore a pair of black jeans. I bet he had a really nice ass in those. Stop that, Evie. He is not yours anymore. Even though I still wanted him to be.
