Also, read these entries in reverse!
Lastly -- Enjoy!
<3
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
BEFORE READING!
Make Sure! that you check out the 'about the authors' and prologue entries [first two].
Also, read these entries in reverse!
Lastly -- Enjoy!
<3
Also, read these entries in reverse!
Lastly -- Enjoy!
<3
"I'm in here, David."
Ever since she had first seen Dillion standing in her doorway Leona had honestly wanted to keep a good amount of space between them, knowing it was necessary, especially since she still only knew him as the very physical man she had fallen in love with when she was young. It also made it easier to entertain the idea that maybe this wasn’t real, even though she knew damn well that this was all very real. Now, though, as he came toward her, cautiously embracing her, Leona was thankful. If she hadn’t been so caught up in fighting back her tears she might have noticed the tenderness of his touch over her sides, the pressure of the counter on her back as he practically pinned her, but she didn’t. Not right now, at least. When he pulled her arms up around his neck she willingly obliged, standing a bit on her toes as she buried her face in his shoulder, allowing herself to silently cry in his arms.
It felt good to hold him again. Unlike Dillion Leona was still in a very platonic state of mind. Of course she remembered those old feelings, those old desires, but right now Dillion was not only her ex lover, he was also the father of her children, and the person that was comforting her now, even if she felt she didn’t deserve it. He was someone she loved and who was important to her, though all thoughts of romance were not exactly at the top of her list right now. Understandably, though. You’d probably have a lot more pressing issues on your mind if you were in her shoes, after all.
She hadn’t cried like this in a long time, and it was strange to her, almost foreign. Why was it that she was always like this around him? What was it about them that made her open up so much that she couldn’t help but fall apart? She felt guilty for crying, wishing he wasn’t seeing her like this. She didn’t want him to think that he was making her cry, at least not the way he use to. No, this was different. Yes, the emotions were in part because of him, but not caused by him. She wished she could distinguish that more in her own head, but she was far too distracted for that.
The crying stopped after a few deep breaths, and seeing the smile on Dillion’s face certainly helped. He wiped away her tears, comforting her in a way that only he ever could. She managed to smile as well when he mentioned how bright Audrey and Karen were, making her even laugh a little. It was true, they were rather bright. They were sneaky little brats sometimes, but she loved them more than anything else in this world. When he referred to them as “Our girls,” Leona worried she might cry again, and while her eyes were still filled with tears, none of them fell. A large smile fell over her lips. She had no idea how things were going to turn out now, her whole world had just been flipped upside down, but somehow she knew that it would be okay. Somehow things would work out. And somehow, finally, her daughters would have their real father.
The smile faded abruptly though, and Leona jumped a little, pulling away and looking toward the door behind her, though still holding on to Dillion. She heard the sound that had grabbed her attention for a second time now, and turned a bit more to face the doorway. Suddenly a few small giggles and the sound of bare feet not so quietly dashing across the wooden floor of the foyer were easily heard, echoing off the kitchen walls.
Leona laughed softly, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand.
Suddenly she heard the door open, followed instantly by another man’s voice. It was kind and strong, and the giggling in the hall seemed to fade, the footsteps stopping.
“What are we giggling about?” Leona jumped again, this time forcing herself away from Dillion. She cast him a sorry look, running her hands through her hair and trying to fix her appearance, putting on a happy face that she knew wasn’t going to fool anyone, but at least it made her feel a little better. She moved around the counter, putting more distance between her and Dillion. She hadn’t done anything and there was nothing to feel guilty about, but she knew that this was going to be awkward and just as difficult as the rest of her morning had been.
“I’m in here, David,” she said as calmly as she could, hearing the sound of his work shoes on the wooden floor, practically holding her breath.
It felt good to hold him again. Unlike Dillion Leona was still in a very platonic state of mind. Of course she remembered those old feelings, those old desires, but right now Dillion was not only her ex lover, he was also the father of her children, and the person that was comforting her now, even if she felt she didn’t deserve it. He was someone she loved and who was important to her, though all thoughts of romance were not exactly at the top of her list right now. Understandably, though. You’d probably have a lot more pressing issues on your mind if you were in her shoes, after all.
She hadn’t cried like this in a long time, and it was strange to her, almost foreign. Why was it that she was always like this around him? What was it about them that made her open up so much that she couldn’t help but fall apart? She felt guilty for crying, wishing he wasn’t seeing her like this. She didn’t want him to think that he was making her cry, at least not the way he use to. No, this was different. Yes, the emotions were in part because of him, but not caused by him. She wished she could distinguish that more in her own head, but she was far too distracted for that.
The crying stopped after a few deep breaths, and seeing the smile on Dillion’s face certainly helped. He wiped away her tears, comforting her in a way that only he ever could. She managed to smile as well when he mentioned how bright Audrey and Karen were, making her even laugh a little. It was true, they were rather bright. They were sneaky little brats sometimes, but she loved them more than anything else in this world. When he referred to them as “Our girls,” Leona worried she might cry again, and while her eyes were still filled with tears, none of them fell. A large smile fell over her lips. She had no idea how things were going to turn out now, her whole world had just been flipped upside down, but somehow she knew that it would be okay. Somehow things would work out. And somehow, finally, her daughters would have their real father.
The smile faded abruptly though, and Leona jumped a little, pulling away and looking toward the door behind her, though still holding on to Dillion. She heard the sound that had grabbed her attention for a second time now, and turned a bit more to face the doorway. Suddenly a few small giggles and the sound of bare feet not so quietly dashing across the wooden floor of the foyer were easily heard, echoing off the kitchen walls.
Leona laughed softly, wiping her eyes on the back of her hand.
Suddenly she heard the door open, followed instantly by another man’s voice. It was kind and strong, and the giggling in the hall seemed to fade, the footsteps stopping.
“What are we giggling about?” Leona jumped again, this time forcing herself away from Dillion. She cast him a sorry look, running her hands through her hair and trying to fix her appearance, putting on a happy face that she knew wasn’t going to fool anyone, but at least it made her feel a little better. She moved around the counter, putting more distance between her and Dillion. She hadn’t done anything and there was nothing to feel guilty about, but she knew that this was going to be awkward and just as difficult as the rest of her morning had been.
“I’m in here, David,” she said as calmly as she could, hearing the sound of his work shoes on the wooden floor, practically holding her breath.
Our Girls
When he was younger, Dillion found apologizing a lot harder then doing anything else. It was a lot easier to make mistakes, and let people go. When you watched them walk away, uncaring what the consequences were; it was easier to pretend you didn't care. Dillion had often pretend, he didn't care. He had pretended for many ears, he hadn't cared about his father. He had pretended, it didn't mattered that his father had neglected him all his life. Letting the emotions fester inside of him, until it finally burst one day. It was amazing what therapy could reveal about you. Dillion still thought his therapist was paid way too much. He had figured out a lot of it by himself, and was just in denial. He hadn't needed a doctor to tell himself half of the things, he already knew. The doctor called admitting it to someone else "coping". Dillion called it a bill, but apparently he didn't know much. It helped so, he couldn't really complain - could he?
It was bizarre, Dillion didn't know why he wasn't more angry. When he had first figured it out, Dillion had been furious. He thought for sure, Dillion would go on a rampage when he saw her. He was so sure, he would yell and scream. Their tempers would rip the house down, and it would appear as if a tornado had blown through New York. Dillion had never thought, he would actually be able to see her and... time would stop. His memories had not been sufficient, not even remotely in reminding him of how beautiful she was. She was nothing at all like Dillion remembered. She was so beautiful, but that wasn't all. She was so strong. Dillion was afraid of how strong, she had become. She had raised their children all on her own. Sure, she had done it by choice, but Leona had still done it. He had to admire her for that. Dillion knew the job of a single mother was never an easy one. His mother had raised him single-handedly, and her job had been a struggle every second. Then again, his mother hadn't had a lot of money. Leona didn't look as if she was struggling any. At least, Dillion surely didn't hope so. She had her parents, they couldn't have disowned her. They had to have understood. They had seemed like good people. No, it was unthinkable to think they would have left her alone. He would ask about that later.
Standing by the table, Dillion watched as she bolted behind the counter and kept distance between them. He shoved one hand into his jean pocket and just gave her her space. He didn't want to overcrowd her. She was allowed her space. Plus, Dillion constantly needed to remind himself of her look. It had been clear, touching wasn't allowed. He'd already broken that rule once. If he got close to her again, Dillion was likely to do it again. He wasn't going to make any promises, Dillion couldn't keep. He would never make the promise not to touch her, hell Dillion was pretty sure that was sacrilegious! Taking a deep breath, her voice was so quiet Dillion didn't hear her at first. His head was lowered, staring at the ground and fidgeting with the lint in his pocket.
Hearing her voice alerted him, and he knew already what she was going to say. He chewed on his lip, what was he supposed to say to her? Of course, Dillion blamed himself! She should have told him! It started off with him telling Connor that stupid word. He should have been paying more attention to her though. Dillion had never paid her enough attention. He had always been good at screwing things up. He should have just told her, he had had a bad day. It would have cleared up everything. It was his fault. He didn't have to move. He could have stayed in the United States, but he was selfish. A part of him even wanted to impress his father. It was a small part, but still large enough for Dillion to move back. He wanted to prove, he was worthy of the name Hepburn. Dillion knew now, he would tell his father to go to hell. Though, back then Dillion was still the frightened and ashamed "man." He didn't know much about the world, and still wanted to impress a man who was impossible to impress. Still working for his father, Dillion knew he just continued to disappoint him. The only difference was Dillion had longed stopped caring.
Leona was just standing there! Her shoulder shook and the quiet sniffles were defeating. He pressed his lips tight together, and squeezed his eyes tight together. They clenched tight and rubbed a hand across his face. Unable to resist, Dillion moved over to her side. She was crying. Why were they always crying when they were around one another? Walking in front of her, Dillion stepped near her so he crowded her. She was pinned against the counter, and he placed his longer muscular arms on either side of her body. Slowly, his hands moved up her sides and across the fuller curves of her body. Dillion reminded himself, he needed to keep this entirely platonic. No matter, how many ways he knew how to make her stop crying. Today, Dillion had to stop her as a friend, and not as her boyfriend.
Timidly, Dillion unlaced her arms and wrapped them around his neck. He tugged her close, chest to chest and their bodies flush. Dillion held her close, happy to have his arms around her again. Dillion nestled her into his arms, still timid to hold her so close. His hands wouldn't close around her all the way. His hands hesitantly held loosely off to her sides. Then with a deep sigh, Dillion relaxed and tightly snuggled her close. One hand reached up and Dillion petted her hair, "Come on, love be happy we've got such bright girls. They did your job for you." Dillion chuckled, voice rugged and he pulled back to see her face. He strongly wanted to kiss her face; kiss away the tears like he used to. Dillion resisted, but his eyes flickered once again to her lips. He brought one hand to her cheek, and swept away the tears.
"Our girls." Dillion whispered and he genuinely smiled.
It was bizarre, Dillion didn't know why he wasn't more angry. When he had first figured it out, Dillion had been furious. He thought for sure, Dillion would go on a rampage when he saw her. He was so sure, he would yell and scream. Their tempers would rip the house down, and it would appear as if a tornado had blown through New York. Dillion had never thought, he would actually be able to see her and... time would stop. His memories had not been sufficient, not even remotely in reminding him of how beautiful she was. She was nothing at all like Dillion remembered. She was so beautiful, but that wasn't all. She was so strong. Dillion was afraid of how strong, she had become. She had raised their children all on her own. Sure, she had done it by choice, but Leona had still done it. He had to admire her for that. Dillion knew the job of a single mother was never an easy one. His mother had raised him single-handedly, and her job had been a struggle every second. Then again, his mother hadn't had a lot of money. Leona didn't look as if she was struggling any. At least, Dillion surely didn't hope so. She had her parents, they couldn't have disowned her. They had to have understood. They had seemed like good people. No, it was unthinkable to think they would have left her alone. He would ask about that later.
Standing by the table, Dillion watched as she bolted behind the counter and kept distance between them. He shoved one hand into his jean pocket and just gave her her space. He didn't want to overcrowd her. She was allowed her space. Plus, Dillion constantly needed to remind himself of her look. It had been clear, touching wasn't allowed. He'd already broken that rule once. If he got close to her again, Dillion was likely to do it again. He wasn't going to make any promises, Dillion couldn't keep. He would never make the promise not to touch her, hell Dillion was pretty sure that was sacrilegious! Taking a deep breath, her voice was so quiet Dillion didn't hear her at first. His head was lowered, staring at the ground and fidgeting with the lint in his pocket.
Hearing her voice alerted him, and he knew already what she was going to say. He chewed on his lip, what was he supposed to say to her? Of course, Dillion blamed himself! She should have told him! It started off with him telling Connor that stupid word. He should have been paying more attention to her though. Dillion had never paid her enough attention. He had always been good at screwing things up. He should have just told her, he had had a bad day. It would have cleared up everything. It was his fault. He didn't have to move. He could have stayed in the United States, but he was selfish. A part of him even wanted to impress his father. It was a small part, but still large enough for Dillion to move back. He wanted to prove, he was worthy of the name Hepburn. Dillion knew now, he would tell his father to go to hell. Though, back then Dillion was still the frightened and ashamed "man." He didn't know much about the world, and still wanted to impress a man who was impossible to impress. Still working for his father, Dillion knew he just continued to disappoint him. The only difference was Dillion had longed stopped caring.
Leona was just standing there! Her shoulder shook and the quiet sniffles were defeating. He pressed his lips tight together, and squeezed his eyes tight together. They clenched tight and rubbed a hand across his face. Unable to resist, Dillion moved over to her side. She was crying. Why were they always crying when they were around one another? Walking in front of her, Dillion stepped near her so he crowded her. She was pinned against the counter, and he placed his longer muscular arms on either side of her body. Slowly, his hands moved up her sides and across the fuller curves of her body. Dillion reminded himself, he needed to keep this entirely platonic. No matter, how many ways he knew how to make her stop crying. Today, Dillion had to stop her as a friend, and not as her boyfriend.
Timidly, Dillion unlaced her arms and wrapped them around his neck. He tugged her close, chest to chest and their bodies flush. Dillion held her close, happy to have his arms around her again. Dillion nestled her into his arms, still timid to hold her so close. His hands wouldn't close around her all the way. His hands hesitantly held loosely off to her sides. Then with a deep sigh, Dillion relaxed and tightly snuggled her close. One hand reached up and Dillion petted her hair, "Come on, love be happy we've got such bright girls. They did your job for you." Dillion chuckled, voice rugged and he pulled back to see her face. He strongly wanted to kiss her face; kiss away the tears like he used to. Dillion resisted, but his eyes flickered once again to her lips. He brought one hand to her cheek, and swept away the tears.
"Our girls." Dillion whispered and he genuinely smiled.
All My Fault
It was impossible not to feel heartbroken as she watched Dillion stand, moving to the washrags hanging by the sink, touching them like they were precious jewels. She could see the pain in his movements, and hated herself, knowing that she was the reason all of this was happening.
She finished her little sob story, wishing she hadn’t sounded so damn pathetic. Leona knew she was in the wrong, and hearing herself retell the story, out loud and to him, only made it more obvious. How had she been so stupid?
Watching him get out of his seat again Leona just followed him with her eyes, turning a bit in her chair when he came to crouch in front of her, taking her face in his hands. As much as she knew she shouldn’t be letting him touch her, especially with their history, she couldn’t help but let her face fall against his hands, unsure if the feeling was helping or causing her to break even more. She listened to him explain himself and that night, suddenly wishing she had known more, that she had known that his position against having kids had not been out of a lack of desire to be a father, but out of fear, understandable fear. If only she had known. She would have done everything differently. She couldn’t try and imagine what life would be like now if they had been in this together, it was too impossible and too painful to think about.
Stressed laughter fell from her lips again, longing to be genuine but that sort of happiness just wasn’t in her right now. The idea of him spoiling the girls, whom she insisted were already spoiled enough by her crazy family, brought the closest thing to happiness she had felt all morning. She knew he would, too, spoil them that is. Even though Leona had always doubted if Dillion would ever have children, she had never doubted that if he did, he’d be an amazing father.
And then it hit her like a ton of bricks, the two short words he had uttered a breath before informing her that he was going to make up for lost time.
“I’m sorry.”
He was sorry? No. No, no, no, he couldn’t be blaming himself. No! Leona felt like she was about to have a panic attack or something, her entire body freezing up. She was so much like she had been as a girl again, allowing herself to fall into his charms only to suddenly realize that it was a bad idea. Tensing up she pulled herself away from him, moving to her feet and around him and walking across her kitchen with a curled hand again to her lips. She was shaking her head, her back to him. For a moment she stood just like that, reminding herself to breathe and biting back the tears that were becoming harder and harder to ignore. When she felt like she was in control again she turned to face him, standing against the island counter and folding her arms over her stomach, still shaking her head.
“Please… don’t, blame yourself.” She began quietly, realizing that she wasn’t as in control as she had thought. “I should have told you, Dillion. I should have told you years ago. I should have… flown to London to see you, or at least called you the moment I knew.” It was finally becoming too much, and the tears in her eyes were becoming more threatening. She sniffled, wiping away the tears before they could fall. “I was scared, but that wasn’t an excuse. This is all my fault, mine, not yours. I should have told you… I’m so sorry.”
She just stood there, arms over her stomach and leaning her back into the island, reaching up to wipe away her tears again as they finally began to slowly spill over and down her pale cheeks. She couldn’t sit there and listen to him blame himself, she just couldn’t. Fourteen years ago Leona had felt that she was making the right choice, but honestly, she knew she was wrong. She had figured that out years ago, and had done nothing about it. Leona was hurting but she wasn’t stupid. She knew that all of this was on her, and that Dillion had no reason to feel guilt, and that he did have every reason to be angry with her. She almost wished he was angry, that he was yelling at her, instead of comforting her. He was comforting her! Why? Why would he do that, when she had denied him his children? Leona would never understand him, she realized, staring across the room at him and wishing things had worked out differently.
She finished her little sob story, wishing she hadn’t sounded so damn pathetic. Leona knew she was in the wrong, and hearing herself retell the story, out loud and to him, only made it more obvious. How had she been so stupid?
Watching him get out of his seat again Leona just followed him with her eyes, turning a bit in her chair when he came to crouch in front of her, taking her face in his hands. As much as she knew she shouldn’t be letting him touch her, especially with their history, she couldn’t help but let her face fall against his hands, unsure if the feeling was helping or causing her to break even more. She listened to him explain himself and that night, suddenly wishing she had known more, that she had known that his position against having kids had not been out of a lack of desire to be a father, but out of fear, understandable fear. If only she had known. She would have done everything differently. She couldn’t try and imagine what life would be like now if they had been in this together, it was too impossible and too painful to think about.
Stressed laughter fell from her lips again, longing to be genuine but that sort of happiness just wasn’t in her right now. The idea of him spoiling the girls, whom she insisted were already spoiled enough by her crazy family, brought the closest thing to happiness she had felt all morning. She knew he would, too, spoil them that is. Even though Leona had always doubted if Dillion would ever have children, she had never doubted that if he did, he’d be an amazing father.
And then it hit her like a ton of bricks, the two short words he had uttered a breath before informing her that he was going to make up for lost time.
“I’m sorry.”
He was sorry? No. No, no, no, he couldn’t be blaming himself. No! Leona felt like she was about to have a panic attack or something, her entire body freezing up. She was so much like she had been as a girl again, allowing herself to fall into his charms only to suddenly realize that it was a bad idea. Tensing up she pulled herself away from him, moving to her feet and around him and walking across her kitchen with a curled hand again to her lips. She was shaking her head, her back to him. For a moment she stood just like that, reminding herself to breathe and biting back the tears that were becoming harder and harder to ignore. When she felt like she was in control again she turned to face him, standing against the island counter and folding her arms over her stomach, still shaking her head.
“Please… don’t, blame yourself.” She began quietly, realizing that she wasn’t as in control as she had thought. “I should have told you, Dillion. I should have told you years ago. I should have… flown to London to see you, or at least called you the moment I knew.” It was finally becoming too much, and the tears in her eyes were becoming more threatening. She sniffled, wiping away the tears before they could fall. “I was scared, but that wasn’t an excuse. This is all my fault, mine, not yours. I should have told you… I’m so sorry.”
She just stood there, arms over her stomach and leaning her back into the island, reaching up to wipe away her tears again as they finally began to slowly spill over and down her pale cheeks. She couldn’t sit there and listen to him blame himself, she just couldn’t. Fourteen years ago Leona had felt that she was making the right choice, but honestly, she knew she was wrong. She had figured that out years ago, and had done nothing about it. Leona was hurting but she wasn’t stupid. She knew that all of this was on her, and that Dillion had no reason to feel guilt, and that he did have every reason to be angry with her. She almost wished he was angry, that he was yelling at her, instead of comforting her. He was comforting her! Why? Why would he do that, when she had denied him his children? Leona would never understand him, she realized, staring across the room at him and wishing things had worked out differently.
I'm Sorry
There was something disturbing in watching her choke back tears, eyes glistening with them but refusing to let them fall. Dillion admitted, he had seen her cry a handful of times. He had seen her cry, made her cry many of times. It had broken his heart, but Dillion had never seen her like this. He had never seen her beautiful eyes, so brightly blue holding back unshed tears. She had always been so open with her emotion, willing to shed her tears. Dillion wasn't sure which had broke his heart more, she refused to cry or that she sat before him, wanting to but never letting herself. The tears moistened her eyes, shining in them, and mocking him. They called to him, proven that he had once again hurt her. How long had he been here, and already he had hurt. He was ashamed, his heart squeezing painfully and Dillion's fingers curled into a fist. Clenching his hand tightly, he looked away. A coward Dillion couldn't look at her. He had seen her cry so many times, but this was so much worse. It was so much worse, and Dillion couldn't dare watch her be strong. He was not stronger enough to see her crumble inside, but only her eyes hinted with the slightest emotion. Was that his fault? Had he hardened her?
Swallowing, Dillion finally turned to look at her. A soft breeze, cool hit the back of his neck and he turned momentarily. He expected to see someone, and for a moment Dillion was even hoping it would be their children. It would be a release from this temporary hell; he wasn't sure he could hear the answers just yet. He had demanded them. Dillion still wanted to know, how she could keep the kids from him. How could Leona, so innocent and sweet do that? Still he was wondering if, he even wanted to know. The truth was so much harder to live with. Right now, Dillion could live with a fantasy, and just be angry with her. At the end of this, he would surely be angry with her but at least, then he'd know the truth. The truth which he would have to accept. Accepting the truth was so much harder.
Running a hand through his hair, he took a deep breath and realized he couldn't breathe clearly. Her laugh was bittersweet, though still music to his ears. It was like nothing he had ever heard. It had been so long since, he had heard her laughter. His head jerked; Dillion just stared at her. He could not believe the sound. It was nothing like his memories taunted him with. Her laugh was sweeter, airier and it made him smile inwardly. Dillion felt his heart clench and insides twist. Had it really been so long?
He felt tired; old.
Carefully, his eyes moved over to the sink. Blinking his own eyes glistened over, the small hands captured his gaze immediately and he couldn't look away. Slowly, Dillion got up from his chair. He was still captivly listening, but he needed a closer look. Getting up, Dillion stood at the sink and traced their small hands. It was hard to believe their hands prints had once been so small. His thumb caressed the paint, outlining each finger and mesemerized in the simple beauty. Dillion swallowed, momentarily overcome and he choked back tears.
Clearing his throat, he moved back over to her and sat down. Intently listening, he occasionally rose his head and looked at her. He had missed so much. Did they all sleep in one room, because they were all alone? Who got the better grades, Audrey or Karen? He bet Karen, she oozed her mother.
How many bruises, hadn't be gotten to kiss better?
How many bullies, had he missed to tell off?
How many lectures?
How many colds?
How many smiles?
Dillion scrutinized her, his mouth set in a firm grim line. Full lips pulled taut, as he didn't deter his gaze from her. His heart was beating rapidly, anxious as he hung onto her every word. He was forlorn for answers. Dillion knew she would give them to him. They could agree, he did deserve them. Dillion wasn't so sure, they would agree on much more after that. Listening was the hardest part, and Dillion promised himself he would not interrupt her. He kept his gaze on the floor for most of it. When he could feel her eyes upon him, he looked up. She had been scared. His eyes were on the floor, hard, cold and he was burning holes into them. His chest heaved, and he took slow but deep calming breathes. Dillion needed something to filter the anger which flitted through him. It coursed through his body, throbbing like an tamable beast.
She had been scared!
He was nearly forty years old, and a girl who looked just like his ex-girlfriend had showed up in his office, and she had been scared! A few hours ago, Dillion had been so sure his work had finally gotten to him. He had finally gone crazy! He was bloody insane, and then to find out he had a daughter. No, there was a hitch, he had two daughters! He'd had them for fourteen years! All because she was scared and a coward! Dillion couldn't look at her. He was afraid of what he may say, if he faced her at this moment. His entire body was tense, a band of rubber-bands pulled taut to the fullest extent. His shoulders were hunched forward, and he balanced himself on his elbows. They dug into his knees, and Dillion cradled his face in his rough hands.
Suddenly, his head jerked up. What?! The scene flashed in his mind, slow and he could still remember the aromas of Lalana's cooking. Leona had been so cold to him that night. He had hardly noticed. The few glasses of wine and couple of beers had dulled his shitty day at work. Eric had gotten a child molester off, one Dillion had been so sure was guilty. His stomach twisted, and heart beat faster if possible. He had felt sick the entire day, and remembered sobbing in his office before picking up Leona. Bile slowly crept up this throat, and Dillion remembered so vividly why he'd been so against children. It had been so clear to him. Not only that night, but working for his father had turned him entirely off. Rubbing a hand over his face, Dillion clenched his eyes shut. He hadn't just screwed up, but royally fucked up. No, surprise Dillion was good for that. Dillion heard the bitter, and even acidic tone when she'd mentioned it. He wished, she asked her that night what was wrong.
Standing up, Dillion didn't care if touching was not allowed. Right now, he needed her to understand. Cupping her face, one thumb caressed her chiseled face and stroked her beautiful cheekbones. Her skin was so smooth, porcelain and still the beautiful color of cream. For a moment, Dillion forgot to breathe. She was so close, right here in his hands. Her face cupped in his hands, one thumb caressed her cheek and the other drew across her brow.
"Hey." Dillion whispered, his breath warm against her lips. Dillion hadn't realized how close they were to hers. Though, now his eyes darted down and saw her full rosy pout. He could kiss her right now, taste those familiar glowing lips. It was a shame, speaking was so much more important at the moment.
"That night... Eric had gotten off a... child molester." He swallowed and his eyes darted away. His voice was rougher than before.
"I was second chair. I knew the guy had did it, but... what could I do? I didn't want to bring kids into the world. I w-was afraid. I couldn't protect them. Ashamed of what I had done. Then I-I should have known something was wrong that night."
The corner of his lips quirked into a teasing half-smile, "What happened to that bullshit 'communication is the key', you were always preaching about?"
Dillion's fingers roamed across her face, tracing and memorizing. "I'm sorry." He whispered voice rough and sincere, and thumb drew across her full lower lip. "You do realize now, I have fourteen years to spoil them right? Puppies, horses, cars..." His lips moved close they were a breath away from hers. When he spoke, she could feel the words against her lips. "Anything. They. Want." He pulled away with a lascivious wink.
Swallowing, Dillion finally turned to look at her. A soft breeze, cool hit the back of his neck and he turned momentarily. He expected to see someone, and for a moment Dillion was even hoping it would be their children. It would be a release from this temporary hell; he wasn't sure he could hear the answers just yet. He had demanded them. Dillion still wanted to know, how she could keep the kids from him. How could Leona, so innocent and sweet do that? Still he was wondering if, he even wanted to know. The truth was so much harder to live with. Right now, Dillion could live with a fantasy, and just be angry with her. At the end of this, he would surely be angry with her but at least, then he'd know the truth. The truth which he would have to accept. Accepting the truth was so much harder.
Running a hand through his hair, he took a deep breath and realized he couldn't breathe clearly. Her laugh was bittersweet, though still music to his ears. It was like nothing he had ever heard. It had been so long since, he had heard her laughter. His head jerked; Dillion just stared at her. He could not believe the sound. It was nothing like his memories taunted him with. Her laugh was sweeter, airier and it made him smile inwardly. Dillion felt his heart clench and insides twist. Had it really been so long?
He felt tired; old.
Carefully, his eyes moved over to the sink. Blinking his own eyes glistened over, the small hands captured his gaze immediately and he couldn't look away. Slowly, Dillion got up from his chair. He was still captivly listening, but he needed a closer look. Getting up, Dillion stood at the sink and traced their small hands. It was hard to believe their hands prints had once been so small. His thumb caressed the paint, outlining each finger and mesemerized in the simple beauty. Dillion swallowed, momentarily overcome and he choked back tears.
Clearing his throat, he moved back over to her and sat down. Intently listening, he occasionally rose his head and looked at her. He had missed so much. Did they all sleep in one room, because they were all alone? Who got the better grades, Audrey or Karen? He bet Karen, she oozed her mother.
How many bruises, hadn't be gotten to kiss better?
How many bullies, had he missed to tell off?
How many lectures?
How many colds?
How many smiles?
Dillion scrutinized her, his mouth set in a firm grim line. Full lips pulled taut, as he didn't deter his gaze from her. His heart was beating rapidly, anxious as he hung onto her every word. He was forlorn for answers. Dillion knew she would give them to him. They could agree, he did deserve them. Dillion wasn't so sure, they would agree on much more after that. Listening was the hardest part, and Dillion promised himself he would not interrupt her. He kept his gaze on the floor for most of it. When he could feel her eyes upon him, he looked up. She had been scared. His eyes were on the floor, hard, cold and he was burning holes into them. His chest heaved, and he took slow but deep calming breathes. Dillion needed something to filter the anger which flitted through him. It coursed through his body, throbbing like an tamable beast.
She had been scared!
He was nearly forty years old, and a girl who looked just like his ex-girlfriend had showed up in his office, and she had been scared! A few hours ago, Dillion had been so sure his work had finally gotten to him. He had finally gone crazy! He was bloody insane, and then to find out he had a daughter. No, there was a hitch, he had two daughters! He'd had them for fourteen years! All because she was scared and a coward! Dillion couldn't look at her. He was afraid of what he may say, if he faced her at this moment. His entire body was tense, a band of rubber-bands pulled taut to the fullest extent. His shoulders were hunched forward, and he balanced himself on his elbows. They dug into his knees, and Dillion cradled his face in his rough hands.
Suddenly, his head jerked up. What?! The scene flashed in his mind, slow and he could still remember the aromas of Lalana's cooking. Leona had been so cold to him that night. He had hardly noticed. The few glasses of wine and couple of beers had dulled his shitty day at work. Eric had gotten a child molester off, one Dillion had been so sure was guilty. His stomach twisted, and heart beat faster if possible. He had felt sick the entire day, and remembered sobbing in his office before picking up Leona. Bile slowly crept up this throat, and Dillion remembered so vividly why he'd been so against children. It had been so clear to him. Not only that night, but working for his father had turned him entirely off. Rubbing a hand over his face, Dillion clenched his eyes shut. He hadn't just screwed up, but royally fucked up. No, surprise Dillion was good for that. Dillion heard the bitter, and even acidic tone when she'd mentioned it. He wished, she asked her that night what was wrong.
Standing up, Dillion didn't care if touching was not allowed. Right now, he needed her to understand. Cupping her face, one thumb caressed her chiseled face and stroked her beautiful cheekbones. Her skin was so smooth, porcelain and still the beautiful color of cream. For a moment, Dillion forgot to breathe. She was so close, right here in his hands. Her face cupped in his hands, one thumb caressed her cheek and the other drew across her brow.
"Hey." Dillion whispered, his breath warm against her lips. Dillion hadn't realized how close they were to hers. Though, now his eyes darted down and saw her full rosy pout. He could kiss her right now, taste those familiar glowing lips. It was a shame, speaking was so much more important at the moment.
"That night... Eric had gotten off a... child molester." He swallowed and his eyes darted away. His voice was rougher than before.
"I was second chair. I knew the guy had did it, but... what could I do? I didn't want to bring kids into the world. I w-was afraid. I couldn't protect them. Ashamed of what I had done. Then I-I should have known something was wrong that night."
The corner of his lips quirked into a teasing half-smile, "What happened to that bullshit 'communication is the key', you were always preaching about?"
Dillion's fingers roamed across her face, tracing and memorizing. "I'm sorry." He whispered voice rough and sincere, and thumb drew across her full lower lip. "You do realize now, I have fourteen years to spoil them right? Puppies, horses, cars..." His lips moved close they were a breath away from hers. When he spoke, she could feel the words against her lips. "Anything. They. Want." He pulled away with a lascivious wink.
Start At The Beginning
How was she suppose to explain this to him? Especially when a part of her, a large part, knew he was right? Back then the answer had seemed almost simple. Sure, the situation was anything but simple, but she had been able to make up her mind and live with that choice. In hindsight she knew it had mostly been of fear, for she had been afraid of many things. Looking back she knew she would have done things differently, but a selfish part of her who loved their lives as they were now, wondered if that was true.
Luckily for her she didn’t have to start talking first, and it was just as well. She knew that she deserved anything he would throw at her. His words stung and five minutes preparation had certainly not been enough time to build up her defenses. Her eyes glistened, though she was stronger now and was able to hold them back. One thing she had learned quickly as the mother of two little girls was to keep yourself from crying in front of them, something she had never been good at when she was younger. Leona could fight back the tears skillfully, but with these words and his face sitting before her, she was finding that task to be harder and harder to manage.
A breathless laugh fell from her lips at the joke about her kitchen. It wasn’t tiny, they did have a rather large house after all, but she knew it was nothing Dillion would have wanted. She could only imagine what his own kitchen must look like. The laugh fell easily, but at the same time, it made it harder to choke back the tears. She bit down on her lip, bringing a curled hand to her mouth, eyes looking anywhere but at him for the moment. Finally she turned her gaze back to him, the coldness of his eyes almost frightening, but she didn’t expect anything less. Dillion had the right to be angry right now. He had the right to hate her, to yell at her. She hoped that going into this conversation remembering this would somehow make it easier.
She sighed, taking a shaky breath. Where to begin? Was she suppose to just take each of his answers one by one and respond? Should she start at the beginning? What? Her eyes fell again. Looking at him only made it harder to keep her thoughts straight, and right now she needed as much clarity as she could possibly manage.
“The girls love this kitchen,” she said with a weak smile, thinking back on their years here. She glanced up at the sink. There were two small dishrags hanging on hooks on either side of the window behind the sink, each with a small hand print and ‘2020’ in red and blue paint on each, with the intitials ‘AJ’ and ‘KC’ scribbled underneath. She didn’t look at him, but she knew he was looking where she was. “They made those for me when we first moved in, seven years ago,” she explained, looking away now and back to her hands that were once again gripping her coffee mug. Sad eyes turned up to him, a frown over her shaky lips.
“I don’t even know where to begin here, Dillion…” She sighed, shaking her head and hoping that he would be able to keep the temper she knew was raging just below the surface at bay just long enough for her to talk. Looking up again she caught it hard eyes, and continued to frown.
Another deep breath.
“I didn’t know I was pregnant until I was over a month along,” Leona began, figuring she might as well start at the beginning. “I hadn’t spoken to you in a month, and Connor said you were doing well at Oxford. -- He doesn’t know, Dillion.” Leona watched him, knowing that she moment she mentioned Connor’s name he was bound to jump to some sort of conclusion. The thing was, Leona had moved before she began to show, before any of their old friends could figure out that she was pregnant. “I went back to Boston and lived with my parents. I lost touch with Connor and Lalana not long after that,” she frowned, still wishing that hadn’t been the case.
“I know that there is nothing I could possibly say to make up for this, Dillion. I know that I shouldn’t have… kept them from you, that they should have had their father,” -- by now, her voice was shaking, the walls finally starting to crumble -- “I was terrified, Dillion. I know that, that’s not an excuse, but I was so scared. I was all alone and here I was, pregnant, and the father was on the other side of the ocean moving on with his life. And after all the fighting we’d been having before we broke up, about what to do with our lives, and what we wanted -- I just couldn’t bare the thought of telling you.”
She still wasn’t crying, she refused to go that far, but her shoulders fell and she was becoming exhausted. Today was suppose to be a lazy day. She had no work, the girls were on break, and they had even planned to go to the mall, see a movie, maybe buy some ice cream to make sundaes with after dinner. No where in her wildest dreams could she have predicted that all of that would change so drastically, and that Dillion Hepburn, the first love of her life and the father of her two beautiful children, would be sitting here in front of her, having this conversation.
Another deep breath. Leona sighed, knowing she had to just say this. Years later she had looked back and cried for days, still confused on what to think. She had one elbow on the table, leaning her forehead against her hand while the other held her mug tightly. Looking up, she met his eyes and kept a rather firm hold on them.
“That evening, Connor and Lalana’s party, right after they told us they were pregnant,” she began carefully, sitting up now and running a hand through her hair. “I was heading to the kitchen, when I heard you and Connor talking.” Leona paused, wondering if he would remember what she was talking about. She watched his face carefully, and then continued.
“You were teasing him, about the idea of having kids. He asked you if we were ever going to settle down and have kids, and you just laughed. Connor asked you more seriously, what would you do if I got pregnant.” Leona stopped again. She took a steadying breath, knowing she didn’t want to finish. “And you told him that if that ever happened, that you would simply front the bill.” Her tone was slightly bitter, her mouth forming a tight line. It was unclear what exactly she was holding back, the sadness or the anger. In reality, it was more the general pain of remembering that night. Leona couldn’t remember feeling more hurt by him ever. Their friends were settling down and Leona had wanted that for she and Dillion, too. Every time she had talked about it, he had managed to blow off the subject, and at that moment, she finally knew why.
“After that we just kept fighting, over and over again about the idea of getting married, of having kids of our own, and every time I even brought it up you were so convinced that children were not something you wanted. When you were accepted to Oxford, I didn’t want to let you go, but I knew that if we stayed together, we would just keep fighting. We didn’t want the same things anymore.”
She sighed wearily, knowing now that it still wasn’t exactly the world’s greatest excuse to keep a father from their children, but as a naïve young girl, all alone and pregnant for the first time on top of an already broken heart, it had seemed logical. For years she had tried to figure out how to tell him, but as the girls got older, it became more complicated. Finally she had buried herself so deep that she couldn’t see a way out, and dropped all thoughts of ever telling him. She shut her eyes, knowing now, of course, how wrong she had been. And yet, she still couldn’t fight the urge that at the time she had been almost justified.
“Damn it,” she swore weakly under her breath, wishing there was an easier way to do this.
Luckily for her she didn’t have to start talking first, and it was just as well. She knew that she deserved anything he would throw at her. His words stung and five minutes preparation had certainly not been enough time to build up her defenses. Her eyes glistened, though she was stronger now and was able to hold them back. One thing she had learned quickly as the mother of two little girls was to keep yourself from crying in front of them, something she had never been good at when she was younger. Leona could fight back the tears skillfully, but with these words and his face sitting before her, she was finding that task to be harder and harder to manage.
A breathless laugh fell from her lips at the joke about her kitchen. It wasn’t tiny, they did have a rather large house after all, but she knew it was nothing Dillion would have wanted. She could only imagine what his own kitchen must look like. The laugh fell easily, but at the same time, it made it harder to choke back the tears. She bit down on her lip, bringing a curled hand to her mouth, eyes looking anywhere but at him for the moment. Finally she turned her gaze back to him, the coldness of his eyes almost frightening, but she didn’t expect anything less. Dillion had the right to be angry right now. He had the right to hate her, to yell at her. She hoped that going into this conversation remembering this would somehow make it easier.
She sighed, taking a shaky breath. Where to begin? Was she suppose to just take each of his answers one by one and respond? Should she start at the beginning? What? Her eyes fell again. Looking at him only made it harder to keep her thoughts straight, and right now she needed as much clarity as she could possibly manage.
“The girls love this kitchen,” she said with a weak smile, thinking back on their years here. She glanced up at the sink. There were two small dishrags hanging on hooks on either side of the window behind the sink, each with a small hand print and ‘2020’ in red and blue paint on each, with the intitials ‘AJ’ and ‘KC’ scribbled underneath. She didn’t look at him, but she knew he was looking where she was. “They made those for me when we first moved in, seven years ago,” she explained, looking away now and back to her hands that were once again gripping her coffee mug. Sad eyes turned up to him, a frown over her shaky lips.
“I don’t even know where to begin here, Dillion…” She sighed, shaking her head and hoping that he would be able to keep the temper she knew was raging just below the surface at bay just long enough for her to talk. Looking up again she caught it hard eyes, and continued to frown.
Another deep breath.
“I didn’t know I was pregnant until I was over a month along,” Leona began, figuring she might as well start at the beginning. “I hadn’t spoken to you in a month, and Connor said you were doing well at Oxford. -- He doesn’t know, Dillion.” Leona watched him, knowing that she moment she mentioned Connor’s name he was bound to jump to some sort of conclusion. The thing was, Leona had moved before she began to show, before any of their old friends could figure out that she was pregnant. “I went back to Boston and lived with my parents. I lost touch with Connor and Lalana not long after that,” she frowned, still wishing that hadn’t been the case.
“I know that there is nothing I could possibly say to make up for this, Dillion. I know that I shouldn’t have… kept them from you, that they should have had their father,” -- by now, her voice was shaking, the walls finally starting to crumble -- “I was terrified, Dillion. I know that, that’s not an excuse, but I was so scared. I was all alone and here I was, pregnant, and the father was on the other side of the ocean moving on with his life. And after all the fighting we’d been having before we broke up, about what to do with our lives, and what we wanted -- I just couldn’t bare the thought of telling you.”
She still wasn’t crying, she refused to go that far, but her shoulders fell and she was becoming exhausted. Today was suppose to be a lazy day. She had no work, the girls were on break, and they had even planned to go to the mall, see a movie, maybe buy some ice cream to make sundaes with after dinner. No where in her wildest dreams could she have predicted that all of that would change so drastically, and that Dillion Hepburn, the first love of her life and the father of her two beautiful children, would be sitting here in front of her, having this conversation.
Another deep breath. Leona sighed, knowing she had to just say this. Years later she had looked back and cried for days, still confused on what to think. She had one elbow on the table, leaning her forehead against her hand while the other held her mug tightly. Looking up, she met his eyes and kept a rather firm hold on them.
“That evening, Connor and Lalana’s party, right after they told us they were pregnant,” she began carefully, sitting up now and running a hand through her hair. “I was heading to the kitchen, when I heard you and Connor talking.” Leona paused, wondering if he would remember what she was talking about. She watched his face carefully, and then continued.
“You were teasing him, about the idea of having kids. He asked you if we were ever going to settle down and have kids, and you just laughed. Connor asked you more seriously, what would you do if I got pregnant.” Leona stopped again. She took a steadying breath, knowing she didn’t want to finish. “And you told him that if that ever happened, that you would simply front the bill.” Her tone was slightly bitter, her mouth forming a tight line. It was unclear what exactly she was holding back, the sadness or the anger. In reality, it was more the general pain of remembering that night. Leona couldn’t remember feeling more hurt by him ever. Their friends were settling down and Leona had wanted that for she and Dillion, too. Every time she had talked about it, he had managed to blow off the subject, and at that moment, she finally knew why.
“After that we just kept fighting, over and over again about the idea of getting married, of having kids of our own, and every time I even brought it up you were so convinced that children were not something you wanted. When you were accepted to Oxford, I didn’t want to let you go, but I knew that if we stayed together, we would just keep fighting. We didn’t want the same things anymore.”
She sighed wearily, knowing now that it still wasn’t exactly the world’s greatest excuse to keep a father from their children, but as a naïve young girl, all alone and pregnant for the first time on top of an already broken heart, it had seemed logical. For years she had tried to figure out how to tell him, but as the girls got older, it became more complicated. Finally she had buried herself so deep that she couldn’t see a way out, and dropped all thoughts of ever telling him. She shut her eyes, knowing now, of course, how wrong she had been. And yet, she still couldn’t fight the urge that at the time she had been almost justified.
“Damn it,” she swore weakly under her breath, wishing there was an easier way to do this.
No touching then. The look made him only deter remotely, Dillion knew he should not have taken it that far. She was not his to touch, and Leona had just made that clear. The gaze, well glare was frighteningly clear. Though, he wondered stubbornly if deep down it was welcome. He hoped, and hope was all he could go off of right now. Dillion wasn't allowed do to much more then that. His eyes, dark with bewilderment never strayed from her. He was still in awe of her. She had grown into a woman, and now here she was right in front of him. The corner of his lips twitched, and to think all it took was some stubborn little girl to drag him here. Dillion hated to think it took the work of two fourteen year olds, his children to bring him here.
Children, he hadn't even known before this moment. They had plotted to get him here, and now here he was. He would have never seen her, known how beautiful she was, if it hadn't been for some nosy little kids. Dillion would buy them any gift, they wanted. He had fourteen years to make up for. Fourteen birthdays. Fourteen Christmas. Fourteen years to spoil them rotten. Fourteen years, he didn't get to show his girls how much, he loved them. It was disturbing. Did they resent him? He had missed so much, they nearly adults now. What could he do to make it up for to them? Dillion didn't want to buy their love with presents. He wanted to earn that. The presents were a given, they deserved those predetermined. Dillion had thinking a list of what, he could buy them. Though, his list was short because he didn't know many things children would enjoy. Then again, they were hardly kids.
Leona looked on edge, and Dillion could not blame her. It had been so long, and the circumstances were so contrasting. Now they were apart, older and he would like to think wiser. It was hard to believe, he was nearing forty. Even harder, when he could remember what it was like to be eighteen. They had put each other through so much, but in the end Dillion knew how in love they were. They had been so in love, Dillion couldn't help be reminded of a cheesy romance novel. They beat each other down, repeatedly. In the end, they always begged for each other back and were determined to work it out. Dillion wasn't sure, if he would call their relationship normal but they loved each other. Love didn't have to be normal. It didn't have to be anyone's definition or standard, but their own.
Following her into the kitchen, Dillion couldn't but help but allow his gaze stray to her backside.
Definitely, filled out. His mouth curved into a cocky smirk. Chocolate eyes quickly moved upward, if he was caught it wouldn't be good. The last thing, he would need was for she to think he was in town for a quick fuck. Dillion knew the boundaries, and he wasn't here to win her back. Sure, he loved her and had the desire to kiss her. But he wanted her happy. She had moved on, and found happiness. He was mature enough to be happy for her. The Scotch still seemed to be in effect. Dillion wasn't sure how happy he'd be for her, after it wore off but for now he was.
Swallowing, his gaze drifted around the modest kitchen. If only she could see his. Dillion had always been the accomplished chef, and his kitchen represented his flair for cooking. It was large, and took up nearly half a floor of his two floor apartment. Some speculated what, he needed such a large kitchen for. When he'd bought it Dillion had been all about hosting dinner parties and preparing all the food himself. Now, his life was piled with work and he'd had less time to throw those parties. The only time he cooked was for himself. It was a depressing thought, and he often felt lonely in his spacious kitchen. He watched her bustle around, nervous and his own anxiety was eating him up. Dillion was curious; wanted to roam through her cupboards and find if she'd scorched any pots.
The formality caught him off guard, he should have expected it though. He shouldn't have expected anything from her. "I'll stand." Dillion said cooly. He kept his back to her, and moved over to the window. It was a nice yard, and the swing set reminded him of the times he'd missed. KC was a beautiful girl, Leona to the roots of her hair. The brief glimpse he'd seen made him curious. What was she like as a baby? Would be around him as a baby, would have made her more like him? Was Audrey always just like him, or rebelling after reading the letters? He suspected Audrey was always the outspoken smartass. There was something about the wicked gleam in her eye. Audrey. If only his mother would have lived. She would have loved to see them, coddle them, and spoil them worse than he. Money wouldn't have been an opposition, she would have just worked harder to buy them gifts.
Sighing, he turned around and picked up the mug. A small smile tugged at his lips, it had been a while since Dillion had really had coffee. "You'd be surprised to hear, I'm drinking tea now." He chuckled and winked at her. Tentatively, Dillion took a sip and placed it back on the table. He supposed it was rude to stand, while she sat. He took a seat and side. Looking at her, he closed his eyes and glanced back toward the doorway. His eyes moved over to her again. She should have told him. He hadn't been poor, and Dillion wouldn't have quit school. Nothing was potentially standing in their way. She hadn't any right to do what, she had done.
Grinding his teeth, Dillion stared at the grains on the table. He didn't want to yell, but was finding the urge boiling with him. His heart was beginning to pound within his chest. Short heaved breaths forced through his nose, and Dillion shoved his hands into his pockets. He didn't want anyone to see him clenching and unclenching his fists. How could she?
Suddenly, Dillion froze.
Did Connor know, Lalana? Had his best friends known this entire time, and never dare utter a word to him. 'Hey Dillion, guess what you're a father?' If they had, he would never forgive them. Despite, Connor taking Leona's side in school he knew, he would never do that. These were his kids after all. None of his friends would be that stupid! They wouldn't actually be that naive; think they'd get away with it.
Clenching his jaw, the muscle twitched as he stared at her hard. His gaze cool, calculating, angry. She had hidden their children away, like some dirty secret. What had he ever done to deserve that? Dillion admitted, he was an asshole. He admitted, he had screwed up plenty of times over. To keep his Audrey and KC from knowing their father.
Gulping, a surge of anger shot threw him, pulsing and vivid - had they ever called someone else, 'Papa'? Someone else before him? Jealously course through his veins, and Dillion thought, he was going to be sick. Tugging himself together, he swore he wanted answers. Answers before she kicked him out.
"Why?" Dillion growled. "I've gone from happy to see you, and now I'm trying to figure out... why!" He said forcefully.
"I love-ved you. It wasn't like, we had drifted apart. We had broken up, yes but it was distance. I would have moved. No big deal. But you keep them from me. Not for a month, but fourteen blood years!" He sighed heavily and ran a hand over his face. "
I never had a father, Conily." Dillion met her gaze, suddenly colder than before. "You've turned me into the one man, I've despised. The one man, you've known I've despised. Why, damn it!? " He said desperately, voice stoney.
Dillion's voice was soft, airy. "If I had known..." He snorted sarcastically. "I would have made you board that bloody plane with me to England, or I would have never left. If I would known that this is what, I would have..." He shook his head and laughed roughly. "I'd have told Oxford to piss off."
A small teasing smirk touched his lips, "Different house though. Your kitchen is much too small."
Children, he hadn't even known before this moment. They had plotted to get him here, and now here he was. He would have never seen her, known how beautiful she was, if it hadn't been for some nosy little kids. Dillion would buy them any gift, they wanted. He had fourteen years to make up for. Fourteen birthdays. Fourteen Christmas. Fourteen years to spoil them rotten. Fourteen years, he didn't get to show his girls how much, he loved them. It was disturbing. Did they resent him? He had missed so much, they nearly adults now. What could he do to make it up for to them? Dillion didn't want to buy their love with presents. He wanted to earn that. The presents were a given, they deserved those predetermined. Dillion had thinking a list of what, he could buy them. Though, his list was short because he didn't know many things children would enjoy. Then again, they were hardly kids.
Leona looked on edge, and Dillion could not blame her. It had been so long, and the circumstances were so contrasting. Now they were apart, older and he would like to think wiser. It was hard to believe, he was nearing forty. Even harder, when he could remember what it was like to be eighteen. They had put each other through so much, but in the end Dillion knew how in love they were. They had been so in love, Dillion couldn't help be reminded of a cheesy romance novel. They beat each other down, repeatedly. In the end, they always begged for each other back and were determined to work it out. Dillion wasn't sure, if he would call their relationship normal but they loved each other. Love didn't have to be normal. It didn't have to be anyone's definition or standard, but their own.
Following her into the kitchen, Dillion couldn't but help but allow his gaze stray to her backside.
Definitely, filled out. His mouth curved into a cocky smirk. Chocolate eyes quickly moved upward, if he was caught it wouldn't be good. The last thing, he would need was for she to think he was in town for a quick fuck. Dillion knew the boundaries, and he wasn't here to win her back. Sure, he loved her and had the desire to kiss her. But he wanted her happy. She had moved on, and found happiness. He was mature enough to be happy for her. The Scotch still seemed to be in effect. Dillion wasn't sure how happy he'd be for her, after it wore off but for now he was.
Swallowing, his gaze drifted around the modest kitchen. If only she could see his. Dillion had always been the accomplished chef, and his kitchen represented his flair for cooking. It was large, and took up nearly half a floor of his two floor apartment. Some speculated what, he needed such a large kitchen for. When he'd bought it Dillion had been all about hosting dinner parties and preparing all the food himself. Now, his life was piled with work and he'd had less time to throw those parties. The only time he cooked was for himself. It was a depressing thought, and he often felt lonely in his spacious kitchen. He watched her bustle around, nervous and his own anxiety was eating him up. Dillion was curious; wanted to roam through her cupboards and find if she'd scorched any pots.
The formality caught him off guard, he should have expected it though. He shouldn't have expected anything from her. "I'll stand." Dillion said cooly. He kept his back to her, and moved over to the window. It was a nice yard, and the swing set reminded him of the times he'd missed. KC was a beautiful girl, Leona to the roots of her hair. The brief glimpse he'd seen made him curious. What was she like as a baby? Would be around him as a baby, would have made her more like him? Was Audrey always just like him, or rebelling after reading the letters? He suspected Audrey was always the outspoken smartass. There was something about the wicked gleam in her eye. Audrey. If only his mother would have lived. She would have loved to see them, coddle them, and spoil them worse than he. Money wouldn't have been an opposition, she would have just worked harder to buy them gifts.
Sighing, he turned around and picked up the mug. A small smile tugged at his lips, it had been a while since Dillion had really had coffee. "You'd be surprised to hear, I'm drinking tea now." He chuckled and winked at her. Tentatively, Dillion took a sip and placed it back on the table. He supposed it was rude to stand, while she sat. He took a seat and side. Looking at her, he closed his eyes and glanced back toward the doorway. His eyes moved over to her again. She should have told him. He hadn't been poor, and Dillion wouldn't have quit school. Nothing was potentially standing in their way. She hadn't any right to do what, she had done.
Grinding his teeth, Dillion stared at the grains on the table. He didn't want to yell, but was finding the urge boiling with him. His heart was beginning to pound within his chest. Short heaved breaths forced through his nose, and Dillion shoved his hands into his pockets. He didn't want anyone to see him clenching and unclenching his fists. How could she?
Suddenly, Dillion froze.
Did Connor know, Lalana? Had his best friends known this entire time, and never dare utter a word to him. 'Hey Dillion, guess what you're a father?' If they had, he would never forgive them. Despite, Connor taking Leona's side in school he knew, he would never do that. These were his kids after all. None of his friends would be that stupid! They wouldn't actually be that naive; think they'd get away with it.
Clenching his jaw, the muscle twitched as he stared at her hard. His gaze cool, calculating, angry. She had hidden their children away, like some dirty secret. What had he ever done to deserve that? Dillion admitted, he was an asshole. He admitted, he had screwed up plenty of times over. To keep his Audrey and KC from knowing their father.
Gulping, a surge of anger shot threw him, pulsing and vivid - had they ever called someone else, 'Papa'? Someone else before him? Jealously course through his veins, and Dillion thought, he was going to be sick. Tugging himself together, he swore he wanted answers. Answers before she kicked him out.
"Why?" Dillion growled. "I've gone from happy to see you, and now I'm trying to figure out... why!" He said forcefully.
"I love-ved you. It wasn't like, we had drifted apart. We had broken up, yes but it was distance. I would have moved. No big deal. But you keep them from me. Not for a month, but fourteen blood years!" He sighed heavily and ran a hand over his face. "
I never had a father, Conily." Dillion met her gaze, suddenly colder than before. "You've turned me into the one man, I've despised. The one man, you've known I've despised. Why, damn it!? " He said desperately, voice stoney.
Dillion's voice was soft, airy. "If I had known..." He snorted sarcastically. "I would have made you board that bloody plane with me to England, or I would have never left. If I would known that this is what, I would have..." He shook his head and laughed roughly. "I'd have told Oxford to piss off."
A small teasing smirk touched his lips, "Different house though. Your kitchen is much too small."
We Need To Talk.
At fifteen, Dillion had found Leona pretty and she had been pretty. She was thin, a bit wirily so and looked sort of average. It hadn't mattered, if she lacked curves and hadn't had full breasts. Dillion could look at those in a porn magazine. Leona back then was pretty. She was everything, he had ever wanted. He couldn't request much more, and he never had. He had fooled around after her departure, but always knowing she was the only one for him. When Dillion was eighteen, and a self declared "man" he thought she was gorgeous. She had breasts, and when she wore tights he could see her pert behind. She had grown slightly, and was becoming what he believed was a "woman". In high school, when your hormones are raging everyone is a "woman" and you'll remember to call them that. They'll usually shoot you evil glares, if you don't. Dillion had to learn that the hard way. He had failed to call his girlfriend a woman once, and never again. When they were in college, and making their way in life - he'd looked at her and thought how "beautiful" she was. Now, Dillion realized how wrong he'd been. He had been so wrong.
Now, she was the essence of beauty. He had never know beautiful, until she stood in the foyer. The soft sunlight streamed from the kitchen, barely hitting her. It was just enough to touch her face, crinkling in her hair. The reddish tone brightened, and he swore God did that just to tease him. He was tempting him. Dillion had always been a sucker for redheads. He couldn't help but look at her. In a white oxford and a simple pair of faded jeans. She looked like a mother, fuller curves that he longed to run his hands over. He longed to caress her now. She was the mother of his children, and Dillion wasn't allowed to touch her. He had to remember, she was no longer his Leona. He wasn't allowed to take those two steps forward and kiss her. It would only be two steps, and he could take her in his arms again.
Would it change everything again?
Would she remember what it felt like? He could still taste her lips against his? The blush which had touched her cheeks, and how he'd wanted nothing more to never stop kissing her in the terminal. It had been 'goodbye' and neither of them had known it. If Dillion kissed her right now, would she make him leave. Technically, she couldn't. They were his children too, but hell it was her house. The corner of his lips twitched, his children. Wait, the thought suddenly coursed through his mind. His heart beat faster and he gulped. Children. He blinked rapidly and his gaze flew from Leona and up the stairs. He had been so focused on Leona, touching her, kissing her, and being so... overcome with seeing her, he'd totally missed that! Children.
A low growl pierced his voice, and he shook his head! KC! That little scamp! They had been on the plane for roughly ten hours, and Audrey (AJ was so plebian, he would need to inform Leona) had failed to mention that. Oh yeah, it just slipped her mind. Of course it did. How could she just forget. Shaking his head, Dillion ran a hand through his hair. How was he supposed to explain all of this. Suddenly, he didn't mind taking the blame. He didn't want to yell, nor be angry with her. It was amazing, how... calm he was. Taking a deep breath, Dillion only needed to remember the key factor -- Leona wasn't his anymore. It was hard to imagine it. Here she stood right in front of him, and their... children were upstairs.
Straightening his shoulders, he was speechless. None of them were his. He had had a shot at family, and she took it away from him. She had always known what it meant to him, and she'd just... snatched away. She hadn't given him the choice to choose. Grinding his teeth, Dillion wasn't sure what he should say to her. Should he yell? Tell her she was an unfit mother for depriving her, no their children of their father? Did she think, he'd make a inadequate father, because his was? He was stunned. Slowly, dark eyes moved up and met her face. She looked like, she was in a trance.
The corner of his lips quirked, Still unable to hide anything.
It was fascinating to him; after all these years she was so different and yet still the same. She was a woman now. It was a startling revelation. It was as if, they had lived in Neverland for so long; he was Peter Pan and now he'd finally come to visit Wendy. She was grown up and with children of her own. How surreal. Only, he wasn't Peter Pan or maybe... he was. He had never had a "real" relationship. His marriage to Raine was a sham. His relationships were short, and he'd never... fallen in love, after her. Maybe, in some bizarre way Dillion had just grown up.
Clearing his throat, Dillion smiled crookedly and shook his head. "You look..." He paused, and laughed softly. "One of the MILFs around here, huh?" Dillion teased and smiled earnestly.
Taking a step closer, his smile fell and he raised his hand to touch her cheek. His hand clenched into a fist; reminding himself she was not his to touch.
"Funny, how familiar Audrey looks. Quite a mouth, she has too."
A smirk touched his lips.
"One I know, she doesn't inherit from her mother. Perhaps, her... father?" He asked and a brow rose questionably.
"You want to know a secret..." Dillion chuckled; his voice dropped to a sultry purr unintentionally. He always got this way around her. Hell, old habits die hard.
"I think, they think we're still in love with each other. They called me in to call off your wedding. Been showing them too many Disney flicks, hmm?"
Pulling away, Dillion couldn't resist. His calloused hand reached up and caressed her cheek, and to her temple down to trace her lips.
"Lea..." He whispered in a breath, in awe of how magnificent she had become.
Now, she was the essence of beauty. He had never know beautiful, until she stood in the foyer. The soft sunlight streamed from the kitchen, barely hitting her. It was just enough to touch her face, crinkling in her hair. The reddish tone brightened, and he swore God did that just to tease him. He was tempting him. Dillion had always been a sucker for redheads. He couldn't help but look at her. In a white oxford and a simple pair of faded jeans. She looked like a mother, fuller curves that he longed to run his hands over. He longed to caress her now. She was the mother of his children, and Dillion wasn't allowed to touch her. He had to remember, she was no longer his Leona. He wasn't allowed to take those two steps forward and kiss her. It would only be two steps, and he could take her in his arms again.
Would it change everything again?
Would she remember what it felt like? He could still taste her lips against his? The blush which had touched her cheeks, and how he'd wanted nothing more to never stop kissing her in the terminal. It had been 'goodbye' and neither of them had known it. If Dillion kissed her right now, would she make him leave. Technically, she couldn't. They were his children too, but hell it was her house. The corner of his lips twitched, his children. Wait, the thought suddenly coursed through his mind. His heart beat faster and he gulped. Children. He blinked rapidly and his gaze flew from Leona and up the stairs. He had been so focused on Leona, touching her, kissing her, and being so... overcome with seeing her, he'd totally missed that! Children.
A low growl pierced his voice, and he shook his head! KC! That little scamp! They had been on the plane for roughly ten hours, and Audrey (AJ was so plebian, he would need to inform Leona) had failed to mention that. Oh yeah, it just slipped her mind. Of course it did. How could she just forget. Shaking his head, Dillion ran a hand through his hair. How was he supposed to explain all of this. Suddenly, he didn't mind taking the blame. He didn't want to yell, nor be angry with her. It was amazing, how... calm he was. Taking a deep breath, Dillion only needed to remember the key factor -- Leona wasn't his anymore. It was hard to imagine it. Here she stood right in front of him, and their... children were upstairs.
Straightening his shoulders, he was speechless. None of them were his. He had had a shot at family, and she took it away from him. She had always known what it meant to him, and she'd just... snatched away. She hadn't given him the choice to choose. Grinding his teeth, Dillion wasn't sure what he should say to her. Should he yell? Tell her she was an unfit mother for depriving her, no their children of their father? Did she think, he'd make a inadequate father, because his was? He was stunned. Slowly, dark eyes moved up and met her face. She looked like, she was in a trance.
The corner of his lips quirked, Still unable to hide anything.
It was fascinating to him; after all these years she was so different and yet still the same. She was a woman now. It was a startling revelation. It was as if, they had lived in Neverland for so long; he was Peter Pan and now he'd finally come to visit Wendy. She was grown up and with children of her own. How surreal. Only, he wasn't Peter Pan or maybe... he was. He had never had a "real" relationship. His marriage to Raine was a sham. His relationships were short, and he'd never... fallen in love, after her. Maybe, in some bizarre way Dillion had just grown up.
Clearing his throat, Dillion smiled crookedly and shook his head. "You look..." He paused, and laughed softly. "One of the MILFs around here, huh?" Dillion teased and smiled earnestly.
Taking a step closer, his smile fell and he raised his hand to touch her cheek. His hand clenched into a fist; reminding himself she was not his to touch.
"Funny, how familiar Audrey looks. Quite a mouth, she has too."
A smirk touched his lips.
"One I know, she doesn't inherit from her mother. Perhaps, her... father?" He asked and a brow rose questionably.
"You want to know a secret..." Dillion chuckled; his voice dropped to a sultry purr unintentionally. He always got this way around her. Hell, old habits die hard.
"I think, they think we're still in love with each other. They called me in to call off your wedding. Been showing them too many Disney flicks, hmm?"
Pulling away, Dillion couldn't resist. His calloused hand reached up and caressed her cheek, and to her temple down to trace her lips.
"Lea..." He whispered in a breath, in awe of how magnificent she had become.
Surprise, mom!
As they pulled up to the cottage styled brown house, Audrey was literally bouncing in her seat, peering out the window and holding onto her backpack, anxious to get inside and to just be home again. “This is it!” she said happily as they stopped. As soon as the car was in park Audrey was unbuckling her seat belt and practically jumping out of the car. The air was thicker here, warmer, and it felt amazing. She had taken her hoodie off when they had gotten off the plane, no longer needing the extra layer. She could tell that Dillion was not as fond of the weather, and it made her laugh. Right now, though, she was far too distracted by the thought of stepping into her house again. She knew her mother would be furious with her, but it would be worth it just to give her a hug, and especially if this plan worked out.
Grinning up at Dillion, who finally seemed to have pulled himself together enough to walk up to the door, Audrey pulled the handle and went running inside, dropping her bag against the wall out of habit. “Mom!” she called, moving through the spacious foyer. There were stairs just ahead to the left, a hall off to the right, and straight ahead was the entrance to the kitchen. “Mom?” she called again, moving to peak her head into the kitchen.
The sound of heavy steps on wooden floors was suddenly quite audible not too far out of sight. Audrey stepped out of the kitchen and glanced down the hallway, suddenly turning red and seeming to cower a bit as the footsteps grew nearer.
“No, she’s here, she just walked in. Thanks, Laurie.” A gentle, though at the moment very annoyed sounding voice drifted through the hallway and into the foyer. For a moment, Audrey forgot that Dillion was there, too worried about her mother’s reaction to her disappearance to even think about what she was going to do when she realized who Audrey had brought home with her. “Audrey Jeane Conily, you better start explaining yourself.” The voice came again, though she was still hidden from Dillion’s view, which was probably good for the moment. Audrey stepped forward, half out of his sight, twiddling her thumbs behind her back.
“Um, well, you see…” she began, hesitating and staring at the rug beneath her feat. A small sigh fell from the hidden woman’s lips. Audrey knew she had to talk fast. “So I didn’t exactly stay over at Grace’s house…” she began again, and a soft, sarcastic laugh was heard in response. Audrey sighed. She hadn’t exactly thought this part through.
There was another pause, before finally, Audrey dropped her shoulders over dramatically, letting out a small groan. “Okay, I’m sorry, please, please, please don’t kill me.” AJ reached forward and grabbed the woman’s hand.
“AJ, what are you talking about?” the voice came again. AJ gave a good tug, pulling the woman out into foyer, releasing her as soon as they were in sight of each other, and then dashing into the kitchen, hiding behind the island counting and cringing in anticipation. She had never been more nervous in all her thirteen years of life.
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When Laurie Albetis had called her that morning to ask about details concerning an upcoming trip to the water park all the local girls were taking in a week. Leona was one of the moms driving and chaperoning for the day, and so she wasn’t surprised to have another worried parent asking about the details. Audrey had stayed the night with the Albetis’, their daughter, Grace, being a good friend from school. When Leona had inquired about how Audrey was behaving, Laurie had replied rather oddly -- claiming that Audrey had never come down to their house.
Of course this only started an immediate panic within both mothers, frantically calling neighbors to see if they had seen her. Laurie had just called Leona back, asking if she had found anything out, when she heard the front door open and a familiar little voice call out her most common name.
“No, they haven’t seen her either… and she’s not answering -- hold on, Laurie.” Leona held the phone to her chest, listening carefully. There it was again.
“Mom?” Leona sighed with relief, holding the phone to her ear again.
“No, she’s here, she just walked in. Thanks Laurie.” Hanging up and setting the cordless phone on the nearest open surface, Leona had headed straight down the hall. “Audrey Jean Conily, you better start explaining yourself”
The young girl who was the spitting image of her mother, save the eyes of course, began to stammer, giving no real explanation as to why she had not only lied but disappeared for a good 24 hours at least. Leona tried not to seem worried, keeping the upper hand, though honestly, she was still getting over the panic.
When Audrey grabbed her by the hand and began to pull her into the entrance, Leona was very confused. “AJ, what are you talking about?”
Everything after that was pretty much a blur, at least for a few minutes. One moment she’s standing there in front of her thirteen year old daughter, reprimanding her for a rather serious offence, and the next, she was staring the second most important piece of her life’s story in the face, second of course only to being a mother.
She certainly looked the part. Her clothes were modest yet still stylish. She secretly prided herself on being one of the ‘cooler’ moms in the neighborhood. Her hair was back in a ponytail to help with the heat, a bit short than when she was younger but just as auburn [if not more so due to the summer sun] and curly as before. She was older, of course, faint lines beginning to show in her face, though she still looked very well for a woman nearing 40. She was taller, more rounded out in her size, though still thin and toned. She was hardly the scrawny little girl she had been, even if her size had hardly changed at all.
The changes of time in her appearance were reflected in his own, the usual signs of again apparent on their faces, though as she stared at him longer, it was hard to imagine him looking any different than he did right now. A million memories flooded her head and for a moment, she honestly thought she just might pass out.
Finally she managed to gain a little bit of composure, though just enough to speak.
“Dillion?” she said carefully, testing his name as if saying it for the first time in years, which was probably the case. Was she dreaming? Was this a sick joke of some sort? There was no possible way that Dillion Hepburn was standing here, in her foyer, after all these years.
And then it hit her. Dillion hadn’t shown up on his own. No. Audrey had brought him.
Still in a bit of shock and not yet fully comprehending what was happening, Leona turned, glaring into the kitchen at the small girl cowering behind the countertop. “Audrey Jeane…” she said in a low voice. The girl didn’t move from her hiding spot.
And then came the sigh, the one that made Audrey flinch. Leona pinched the bridge of her nose, the other hand on her hip. There was no way this was happening. Audrey was spontaneous, even reckless at times, but there was no way she could have put together a plan to bring Dillion here all by herself. There was no way she… Oh, no. The sigh was even stronger than before and Leona nearly groaned into it, straightening up with both hands on her hips at this point. She didn’t turn to AJ, though the girl still seemed to sink even lower, as if anticipating what would happen next.
“Karen Erin Conily, you have five seconds to get your butt down here. Five… four… three…” Leona continued down slowly, and just as she hit one, another small girl came practically tumbling down the stairs. It was obvious that she had been listening in, just as Leona had suspected.
“You too, AJ.”
The other girl came creeping out of the kitchen. “KC!” AJ said happily, rushing to greet the other girl, hugging her tightly. They moved off to the side, standing with their arms linked in the doorway to the kitchen, just watching the two adults with shifty eyes. The one names KC never looked away from Dillion.
AJ was slightly taller, by an inch at most, and seemed to have a wilder look to her than the other girl. The new girl, Karen, seemed a bit more polished, her clothes more fitting and her hair back in a neat braid, while AJ still stood there in jeans and an oversized t-shirt, her long stringy hair falling down her shoulders. There were so many things you could point out about how they were different, just by looking at them. But differences wasn’t what they both knew was bound to cause a problem at this particular moment. Oh no. It was the similarities. What similarities?
How about the fact that they looked exactly alike. Exact copies, save the small details, both sharing the same big brown eyes and grins, though Audrey’s was admittedly the most mischievous, just like her father.
Looking like the cat who ate the canary, Audrey glanced up at Dillion, sinking a bit and frowning. Oops?
Looking at the two of them together, a sight Leona was more than use to seeing, suddenly seemed so different. She looked to the man in her doorway, then back to her daughters. All these years she had certainly seen him in their faces, but never as much as she did right now. She wanted an explanation, but she knew she just didn’t have the energy to seek it out right now.
“You two, have a lot of explaining to do. So I suggest you get up to your rooms and get your story straight, right now.” Leona kept a steady eye on them, crossing her arms and watching as they shuffled past her, scurrying up the stairs. The slam of a door was heard a moment later, and Leona actually jumped.
She just stood there at first, arms crossed tightly over her chest and eyes held shut. In a way she was afraid to open them, afraid that what she was seeing was actually real.
Grinning up at Dillion, who finally seemed to have pulled himself together enough to walk up to the door, Audrey pulled the handle and went running inside, dropping her bag against the wall out of habit. “Mom!” she called, moving through the spacious foyer. There were stairs just ahead to the left, a hall off to the right, and straight ahead was the entrance to the kitchen. “Mom?” she called again, moving to peak her head into the kitchen.
The sound of heavy steps on wooden floors was suddenly quite audible not too far out of sight. Audrey stepped out of the kitchen and glanced down the hallway, suddenly turning red and seeming to cower a bit as the footsteps grew nearer.
“No, she’s here, she just walked in. Thanks, Laurie.” A gentle, though at the moment very annoyed sounding voice drifted through the hallway and into the foyer. For a moment, Audrey forgot that Dillion was there, too worried about her mother’s reaction to her disappearance to even think about what she was going to do when she realized who Audrey had brought home with her. “Audrey Jeane Conily, you better start explaining yourself.” The voice came again, though she was still hidden from Dillion’s view, which was probably good for the moment. Audrey stepped forward, half out of his sight, twiddling her thumbs behind her back.
“Um, well, you see…” she began, hesitating and staring at the rug beneath her feat. A small sigh fell from the hidden woman’s lips. Audrey knew she had to talk fast. “So I didn’t exactly stay over at Grace’s house…” she began again, and a soft, sarcastic laugh was heard in response. Audrey sighed. She hadn’t exactly thought this part through.
There was another pause, before finally, Audrey dropped her shoulders over dramatically, letting out a small groan. “Okay, I’m sorry, please, please, please don’t kill me.” AJ reached forward and grabbed the woman’s hand.
“AJ, what are you talking about?” the voice came again. AJ gave a good tug, pulling the woman out into foyer, releasing her as soon as they were in sight of each other, and then dashing into the kitchen, hiding behind the island counting and cringing in anticipation. She had never been more nervous in all her thirteen years of life.
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When Laurie Albetis had called her that morning to ask about details concerning an upcoming trip to the water park all the local girls were taking in a week. Leona was one of the moms driving and chaperoning for the day, and so she wasn’t surprised to have another worried parent asking about the details. Audrey had stayed the night with the Albetis’, their daughter, Grace, being a good friend from school. When Leona had inquired about how Audrey was behaving, Laurie had replied rather oddly -- claiming that Audrey had never come down to their house.
Of course this only started an immediate panic within both mothers, frantically calling neighbors to see if they had seen her. Laurie had just called Leona back, asking if she had found anything out, when she heard the front door open and a familiar little voice call out her most common name.
“No, they haven’t seen her either… and she’s not answering -- hold on, Laurie.” Leona held the phone to her chest, listening carefully. There it was again.
“Mom?” Leona sighed with relief, holding the phone to her ear again.
“No, she’s here, she just walked in. Thanks Laurie.” Hanging up and setting the cordless phone on the nearest open surface, Leona had headed straight down the hall. “Audrey Jean Conily, you better start explaining yourself”
The young girl who was the spitting image of her mother, save the eyes of course, began to stammer, giving no real explanation as to why she had not only lied but disappeared for a good 24 hours at least. Leona tried not to seem worried, keeping the upper hand, though honestly, she was still getting over the panic.
When Audrey grabbed her by the hand and began to pull her into the entrance, Leona was very confused. “AJ, what are you talking about?”
Everything after that was pretty much a blur, at least for a few minutes. One moment she’s standing there in front of her thirteen year old daughter, reprimanding her for a rather serious offence, and the next, she was staring the second most important piece of her life’s story in the face, second of course only to being a mother.
She certainly looked the part. Her clothes were modest yet still stylish. She secretly prided herself on being one of the ‘cooler’ moms in the neighborhood. Her hair was back in a ponytail to help with the heat, a bit short than when she was younger but just as auburn [if not more so due to the summer sun] and curly as before. She was older, of course, faint lines beginning to show in her face, though she still looked very well for a woman nearing 40. She was taller, more rounded out in her size, though still thin and toned. She was hardly the scrawny little girl she had been, even if her size had hardly changed at all.
The changes of time in her appearance were reflected in his own, the usual signs of again apparent on their faces, though as she stared at him longer, it was hard to imagine him looking any different than he did right now. A million memories flooded her head and for a moment, she honestly thought she just might pass out.
Finally she managed to gain a little bit of composure, though just enough to speak.
“Dillion?” she said carefully, testing his name as if saying it for the first time in years, which was probably the case. Was she dreaming? Was this a sick joke of some sort? There was no possible way that Dillion Hepburn was standing here, in her foyer, after all these years.
And then it hit her. Dillion hadn’t shown up on his own. No. Audrey had brought him.
Still in a bit of shock and not yet fully comprehending what was happening, Leona turned, glaring into the kitchen at the small girl cowering behind the countertop. “Audrey Jeane…” she said in a low voice. The girl didn’t move from her hiding spot.
And then came the sigh, the one that made Audrey flinch. Leona pinched the bridge of her nose, the other hand on her hip. There was no way this was happening. Audrey was spontaneous, even reckless at times, but there was no way she could have put together a plan to bring Dillion here all by herself. There was no way she… Oh, no. The sigh was even stronger than before and Leona nearly groaned into it, straightening up with both hands on her hips at this point. She didn’t turn to AJ, though the girl still seemed to sink even lower, as if anticipating what would happen next.
“Karen Erin Conily, you have five seconds to get your butt down here. Five… four… three…” Leona continued down slowly, and just as she hit one, another small girl came practically tumbling down the stairs. It was obvious that she had been listening in, just as Leona had suspected.
“You too, AJ.”
The other girl came creeping out of the kitchen. “KC!” AJ said happily, rushing to greet the other girl, hugging her tightly. They moved off to the side, standing with their arms linked in the doorway to the kitchen, just watching the two adults with shifty eyes. The one names KC never looked away from Dillion.
AJ was slightly taller, by an inch at most, and seemed to have a wilder look to her than the other girl. The new girl, Karen, seemed a bit more polished, her clothes more fitting and her hair back in a neat braid, while AJ still stood there in jeans and an oversized t-shirt, her long stringy hair falling down her shoulders. There were so many things you could point out about how they were different, just by looking at them. But differences wasn’t what they both knew was bound to cause a problem at this particular moment. Oh no. It was the similarities. What similarities?
How about the fact that they looked exactly alike. Exact copies, save the small details, both sharing the same big brown eyes and grins, though Audrey’s was admittedly the most mischievous, just like her father.
Looking like the cat who ate the canary, Audrey glanced up at Dillion, sinking a bit and frowning. Oops?
Looking at the two of them together, a sight Leona was more than use to seeing, suddenly seemed so different. She looked to the man in her doorway, then back to her daughters. All these years she had certainly seen him in their faces, but never as much as she did right now. She wanted an explanation, but she knew she just didn’t have the energy to seek it out right now.
“You two, have a lot of explaining to do. So I suggest you get up to your rooms and get your story straight, right now.” Leona kept a steady eye on them, crossing her arms and watching as they shuffled past her, scurrying up the stairs. The slam of a door was heard a moment later, and Leona actually jumped.
She just stood there at first, arms crossed tightly over her chest and eyes held shut. In a way she was afraid to open them, afraid that what she was seeing was actually real.
Now or Never
Settling himself into the chair, the cushions of the thick chair snuggled up to his body. At first, Dillion had thought it would be the longest plane of his life. Now, he found Dillion never wanted this plane ride to end. The grey seats were plush, and fabric screamed your every penny had been put in it's up keep. A long strip of metal held up an earnest size screen, and the man across the way tossed a remote back & forth. Dillion watched curiously, he watched the man choose a film off the screen and settle back to watch it. He had always understood the true currency of the world was not love, but money. A few people had the privilege to have all the money at their fingertips. They could do what their wants, and not have to worry a second about it. As a child, Dillion had never had that privilege. His life had always been a strict code, careful of money, and working hard to earn the bit of pocket change he could have. In the metal tube, hundred of thousands of feet above the air Dillion couldn't even imagine that life anymore. It was so many years ago, and Dillion had blocked out many of the poor memories. He was remembering more of the sweet memories, ones which couldn't be overshadowed by his father.
Reaching forward, Dillion picked up the thick blanket and draped it over his... daughter. The thought was odd inside of his mind. They say, when you have a daughter everything is different. He had never thought, not in a million years he would think daughter and 'Leona Conily' in the same sentence. That chance had been shot to hell, and yet here was a girl, his daughter and her mother was Leona Conily. The thought was so surreal, and so unreal. He couldn't find the right words to describe it. Dillion turned onto his side, tucking a leg underneath him, his sock scratched against his dark stone washed jeans. He wore a simple shirt, cotton and pale blue. The few greys looked brighter with the pale shirt now, but Dillion didn't mind. He wasn't so young anymore, and work had stressed him. Would Leona try to take her away? Dillion would like to think, she wouldn't. It was disheartening, but he didn't know her anymore. She wasn't the same person, he had fallen in love with. The women he fell in love with, she'd never keep his child from him. Dillion had never had a father. His father had hid from him, he hadn't spoken to him. He had avoided him, and just left him. Eric had treated him, like he was just the housekeeper's son. Now, it was different but a resent man for the man still lingered.
Resting his eyes shut for a moment, Dillion allowed the memory of this to soak into his mind. Who would have thought, he'd be up in the air when he found out he was a father? Sure, Dillion had figured eventually he may have fathered a kid. It would be one of those awkward moments, the kid would be eighteen, and yelling at him for never being in it's life. He had thought of those moments, but certainly not this. Opening his eyes again, Dillion smiled and brushed his fingers across her cheek again. His daughter. The smile slowly fade from his face, but it didn't leave inside his mind for a very long time.
Stepping out of the car, Dillion groaned and glanced up at the house and wrinkled his nose. Right. He had only been away from England for a couple of hours, and already he missed it. It was so god damn hot. Not even his light blue cotton shirt could keep him airy at this moment. Everything seemed like much too heavy right now. He just wanted to go back to the airport, and go back home. If he was lucky, he would take Audrey and hide her away. It was hot and sticky, humid. Why was America so humid? Couldn't they have some dry heat at the moment.
Running a hand through his hair, Dillion could feel the sweat which was beginning to form at his brow. He groaned and plucked out the avaitor shades from his pocket. Pushing them up the bridge of his nose, Dillion rolled his shoulders. He just wanted one moment's of peace before it all began to crumble. God knew she was going to raise hell. He just didn't even want to know how this was going to end. She was going to shoot the roof off this house. Dillion didn't even want to think about. Pinching his nose, he clenched his eyes shut and took a nasal breath slow and bottomless. It was good to know, he had a few more moments. Just a few more moments, and then his ass would be missing a few pieces.
Tugging out his phone, he pressed on his phone and watched as it buzzed. It buzzed and hummed, but Dillion ignored it. He was stressed out enough right now. He really didn't need to look, and see that some idiot had screwed up at work. It would really be the last straw, and maybe then he would just leave this all behind. He would definitely take Audrey with him. He wouldn't make her stay and witness her mother's wrath all alone. Glancing up toward the door it looked so intimidating, he'd make Audrey go knock it. Chewing on his lower lip, he fidgeted and rolled his shoulders; shoved them into his pockets. His hands were sweating. He had never been this nervous. What did he have to be nervous about? It wasn't like, he hadn't ever met Leona! She was Lea. He was Dillion. They were... no, they weren't made for each other anymore.
Dillion could still remembering winning the sweetheart dance with her. His world had been so different back then. Things were all about revenge, and Dillion hadn't cared remotely about the consequences. Now things were a lot different. Now he had a lot more then himself to think about. He couldn't just throw his life away, because he didn't know how many chances he had left any longer.
What if, she was so different and kicked him out. Dillion didn't need to question, whether or not he was in love with her. To him, Leona could never age past that beautiful smile when he had first met her. Dillion just wanted to see her again. The worst part was Dillion wanted to kiss her again. He constantly had to remind himself, he was here to just talk her out of getting married. Well, no that was his daughter's objective. Dillion was here to find out why, she was so objective to this whole thing.
Raising a brow at Audrey, he shook his head and ruffled her hair. "Alright, kiddo. C'mon let's go find your mother. It was going to be a long day, and it had only just begun.
Reaching forward, Dillion picked up the thick blanket and draped it over his... daughter. The thought was odd inside of his mind. They say, when you have a daughter everything is different. He had never thought, not in a million years he would think daughter and 'Leona Conily' in the same sentence. That chance had been shot to hell, and yet here was a girl, his daughter and her mother was Leona Conily. The thought was so surreal, and so unreal. He couldn't find the right words to describe it. Dillion turned onto his side, tucking a leg underneath him, his sock scratched against his dark stone washed jeans. He wore a simple shirt, cotton and pale blue. The few greys looked brighter with the pale shirt now, but Dillion didn't mind. He wasn't so young anymore, and work had stressed him. Would Leona try to take her away? Dillion would like to think, she wouldn't. It was disheartening, but he didn't know her anymore. She wasn't the same person, he had fallen in love with. The women he fell in love with, she'd never keep his child from him. Dillion had never had a father. His father had hid from him, he hadn't spoken to him. He had avoided him, and just left him. Eric had treated him, like he was just the housekeeper's son. Now, it was different but a resent man for the man still lingered.
Resting his eyes shut for a moment, Dillion allowed the memory of this to soak into his mind. Who would have thought, he'd be up in the air when he found out he was a father? Sure, Dillion had figured eventually he may have fathered a kid. It would be one of those awkward moments, the kid would be eighteen, and yelling at him for never being in it's life. He had thought of those moments, but certainly not this. Opening his eyes again, Dillion smiled and brushed his fingers across her cheek again. His daughter. The smile slowly fade from his face, but it didn't leave inside his mind for a very long time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Stepping out of the car, Dillion groaned and glanced up at the house and wrinkled his nose. Right. He had only been away from England for a couple of hours, and already he missed it. It was so god damn hot. Not even his light blue cotton shirt could keep him airy at this moment. Everything seemed like much too heavy right now. He just wanted to go back to the airport, and go back home. If he was lucky, he would take Audrey and hide her away. It was hot and sticky, humid. Why was America so humid? Couldn't they have some dry heat at the moment.
Running a hand through his hair, Dillion could feel the sweat which was beginning to form at his brow. He groaned and plucked out the avaitor shades from his pocket. Pushing them up the bridge of his nose, Dillion rolled his shoulders. He just wanted one moment's of peace before it all began to crumble. God knew she was going to raise hell. He just didn't even want to know how this was going to end. She was going to shoot the roof off this house. Dillion didn't even want to think about. Pinching his nose, he clenched his eyes shut and took a nasal breath slow and bottomless. It was good to know, he had a few more moments. Just a few more moments, and then his ass would be missing a few pieces.
Tugging out his phone, he pressed on his phone and watched as it buzzed. It buzzed and hummed, but Dillion ignored it. He was stressed out enough right now. He really didn't need to look, and see that some idiot had screwed up at work. It would really be the last straw, and maybe then he would just leave this all behind. He would definitely take Audrey with him. He wouldn't make her stay and witness her mother's wrath all alone. Glancing up toward the door it looked so intimidating, he'd make Audrey go knock it. Chewing on his lower lip, he fidgeted and rolled his shoulders; shoved them into his pockets. His hands were sweating. He had never been this nervous. What did he have to be nervous about? It wasn't like, he hadn't ever met Leona! She was Lea. He was Dillion. They were... no, they weren't made for each other anymore.
Dillion could still remembering winning the sweetheart dance with her. His world had been so different back then. Things were all about revenge, and Dillion hadn't cared remotely about the consequences. Now things were a lot different. Now he had a lot more then himself to think about. He couldn't just throw his life away, because he didn't know how many chances he had left any longer.
What if, she was so different and kicked him out. Dillion didn't need to question, whether or not he was in love with her. To him, Leona could never age past that beautiful smile when he had first met her. Dillion just wanted to see her again. The worst part was Dillion wanted to kiss her again. He constantly had to remind himself, he was here to just talk her out of getting married. Well, no that was his daughter's objective. Dillion was here to find out why, she was so objective to this whole thing.
Raising a brow at Audrey, he shook his head and ruffled her hair. "Alright, kiddo. C'mon let's go find your mother. It was going to be a long day, and it had only just begun.
Like Father Like Daughter
AJ was simple and certainly still a child, but she wasn’t stupid. Dillion was right, their mother was a bad liar, though she realized that if she had managed to hide all of this from them for long, maybe she was better at hiding things than they gave her credit for. Either way, she knew he wasn’t speaking only about Leona now, and she frowned at him, furrowing her brow.
“I’m not lying!” she practically shouted, causing as grumpy old man across the aisle to stir irritably. AJ didn’t notice him as she was too busy glaring at the man sitting beside her, though it was hardly a glare coming from a girl her size. “I really did find your picture. Look.” The little brunette bent down for her book bag, heaving it into her lap and reaching into the front most pocket. She pulled out a tattered old 35mm print. The date on the back read ‘June 28th, 2013’. A much younger Dillion was smirking at the camera. From what AJ could guess, her mom was probably the one who took it, and he didn’t seem completely thrilled with being photographed at that moment, but he was still smiling. She had stared at that picture for hours, wondering what the story was. Beneath the date on the back in Leona’s hand was scribbled ‘Dillion’. No last name, no details about the date, or anything else to give her a hint. It was the first clue she had found to her mother’s past, and a bit more digging in that old shoe box had finally led her to the real thing, the man in the seat next to her, whom she was eagerly handing the slightly faded and wrinkled photograph to.
“See? It was in a box under her bed, along with some old notes and flowers and letters and stuff.” She watched him, hoping he would believe her now. AJ didn’t like being called a liar.
She sighed, watching him as he stared at the picture. “See?” she repeated, turning so she was sitting practically Indian style in her seat, though facing him, falling to the side against the leather backing of her chair. She continued to just stare at him, trying to grasp what she knew to be true about this man beside her. He wasn’t just any man, that was for sure. He was Dillion Hepburn! The guy whom her mom had been crazy about when they were younger, and the one person AJ hoped could help her.
He was also a very smart man who had finally figured out his other connection to the situation.
AJ gulped, not moving but her brown eyes that mirrored his so perfectly went wide. At first she almost wanted to lie, to act like she had no idea what he was talking about. When he mentioned the eyes, and then the mouth, being the same as his, inheriting them from him, she just stared. And then, he smiled. In that moment AJ could see the resemblance. It wasn’t worth lying anymore, especially when she had been itching to admit it out loud for days. She could see her eyes and her smirk on his face. Still unmoving, she simply smiled a matching smile.
Dillion Hepburn was definitely her father.
Her silence was enough to tell him that this was true. It was so obvious, she thought, now that they were face to face. Any stranger on that plane could have looked at them and known that they were father and daughter. She continued to just smile at him, glad that he wasn’t angry. He was very interesting, she decided, and she was thrilled that their little plan had worked out. She was sitting beside her father for the first time in her life, and she had to admit, it was amazing.
When he mentioned her name, Audrey, she perked up a bit, touched to hear that it had been his mother’s name. She knew her middle name came from her mom, but had never known about the Audrey part. She smiled brighter, moving around a bit and sitting up just a tad straighter, though still laying against the seat.
“Really?” she said in admiration, unable to keep the grin off her face. “I’ve always liked the name Audrey.” she laughed a little.
Suddenly her laughter vanished and she was sitting straight up, holding her hand over the red spot on her arm.
“Ouch!” she screeched, pouting at him again. She almost asked what that was for but he quickly explained. She frowned, knowing it was somewhat deserved, but still not very happy. She did start to grin again, however, when he talked about being blamed by her mom for everything. In fact, she even laughed.
“Probably. Mom’s got a good temper. I wish you luck.” she said, saluting him with a bit of a giggle. She fell again against the leather seat, curled up in the large chair with ease. She continued to just look at him, liking being able to actually see him. Her smile began to fade, though only as her eyes began to droop. Two transatlantic flights within twenty-four hours of each other was beginning to take their toll on the young girl. She yawned, closing her eyes completely and using her hands as a pillow.
She was silent, nearly asleep, when she stirred a bit, speaking in a slightly groggy voice.
“I think I would have liked to meet your mom, too,” she said sleepily, yawning again with her eyes still shut. “Anyone named Audrey has to be pretty cool.”
A moment later she was asleep.
“I’m not lying!” she practically shouted, causing as grumpy old man across the aisle to stir irritably. AJ didn’t notice him as she was too busy glaring at the man sitting beside her, though it was hardly a glare coming from a girl her size. “I really did find your picture. Look.” The little brunette bent down for her book bag, heaving it into her lap and reaching into the front most pocket. She pulled out a tattered old 35mm print. The date on the back read ‘June 28th, 2013’. A much younger Dillion was smirking at the camera. From what AJ could guess, her mom was probably the one who took it, and he didn’t seem completely thrilled with being photographed at that moment, but he was still smiling. She had stared at that picture for hours, wondering what the story was. Beneath the date on the back in Leona’s hand was scribbled ‘Dillion’. No last name, no details about the date, or anything else to give her a hint. It was the first clue she had found to her mother’s past, and a bit more digging in that old shoe box had finally led her to the real thing, the man in the seat next to her, whom she was eagerly handing the slightly faded and wrinkled photograph to.
“See? It was in a box under her bed, along with some old notes and flowers and letters and stuff.” She watched him, hoping he would believe her now. AJ didn’t like being called a liar.
She sighed, watching him as he stared at the picture. “See?” she repeated, turning so she was sitting practically Indian style in her seat, though facing him, falling to the side against the leather backing of her chair. She continued to just stare at him, trying to grasp what she knew to be true about this man beside her. He wasn’t just any man, that was for sure. He was Dillion Hepburn! The guy whom her mom had been crazy about when they were younger, and the one person AJ hoped could help her.
He was also a very smart man who had finally figured out his other connection to the situation.
AJ gulped, not moving but her brown eyes that mirrored his so perfectly went wide. At first she almost wanted to lie, to act like she had no idea what he was talking about. When he mentioned the eyes, and then the mouth, being the same as his, inheriting them from him, she just stared. And then, he smiled. In that moment AJ could see the resemblance. It wasn’t worth lying anymore, especially when she had been itching to admit it out loud for days. She could see her eyes and her smirk on his face. Still unmoving, she simply smiled a matching smile.
Dillion Hepburn was definitely her father.
Her silence was enough to tell him that this was true. It was so obvious, she thought, now that they were face to face. Any stranger on that plane could have looked at them and known that they were father and daughter. She continued to just smile at him, glad that he wasn’t angry. He was very interesting, she decided, and she was thrilled that their little plan had worked out. She was sitting beside her father for the first time in her life, and she had to admit, it was amazing.
When he mentioned her name, Audrey, she perked up a bit, touched to hear that it had been his mother’s name. She knew her middle name came from her mom, but had never known about the Audrey part. She smiled brighter, moving around a bit and sitting up just a tad straighter, though still laying against the seat.
“Really?” she said in admiration, unable to keep the grin off her face. “I’ve always liked the name Audrey.” she laughed a little.
Suddenly her laughter vanished and she was sitting straight up, holding her hand over the red spot on her arm.
“Ouch!” she screeched, pouting at him again. She almost asked what that was for but he quickly explained. She frowned, knowing it was somewhat deserved, but still not very happy. She did start to grin again, however, when he talked about being blamed by her mom for everything. In fact, she even laughed.
“Probably. Mom’s got a good temper. I wish you luck.” she said, saluting him with a bit of a giggle. She fell again against the leather seat, curled up in the large chair with ease. She continued to just look at him, liking being able to actually see him. Her smile began to fade, though only as her eyes began to droop. Two transatlantic flights within twenty-four hours of each other was beginning to take their toll on the young girl. She yawned, closing her eyes completely and using her hands as a pillow.
She was silent, nearly asleep, when she stirred a bit, speaking in a slightly groggy voice.
“I think I would have liked to meet your mom, too,” she said sleepily, yawning again with her eyes still shut. “Anyone named Audrey has to be pretty cool.”
A moment later she was asleep.
The Truth ... Sort Of
There was something to be said about the girl's lying. It still needed a lot of improvement, a lot of improvement. He knew, where she got that skill from. Leona Conily had to be the worst liar known to man. Well, woman. He couldn't understand, how one person could lie so terribly. It may have been, what was so attractive about her. Her face held all of her expressions, but also all of the truths. Dillion had never had to search far with Leona. She could never wear a mask, and it was why... it was why, he would always love her.
She wasn't false, nothing about her was about hiding.
Most of his life was about denial, and the only time anything had been so innocent, so precious, and open had been the moments, he spent with her. Now, he spent most of his time denying, he wasn't a selfish prick. Dillion denied to himself, he spent enough time with friends, which was hardly true. Dillion worked more; soothing his conscious with the pro bono cases he took. He didn't know his nieces of nephews, nor did he know his godchildren. They only knew him through the gifts, all lavish and those were picked out from his secretary. He only wrote cute notes in the cards, which Dillion had made sure she picked out too. She didn't know what the typical kids liked nowadays. He didn't have any of his own, and was hardly around them to ask.
Glancing at the girl, her dark eyes made him pause and wonder. What would his life had been like, if he did have children? Would she have come to London, or Dillion stayed in the United States? It wouldn't have mattered. He would have loved it either way. As long, as she would have been by his side, Dillion would have been happy. He shouldn't have let her go. He had been an idiot a thousand times over. Dillion was recognizing how much, he was becoming his father. Little by little, day by day he was making his mistakes. He'd vowed never to become Eric, and he found himself becoming him.
Shaking his head, Dillion chuckled lightly and took a light sip of his Scotch. The liquid burned his throat, and it was still somewhat sweet and yet bitter against his tongue. His chuckle was dry, and he placed the circular glass back down. Raising a brow at her, Dillion just shook his head.
"Did you know, your mother is a bad liar as well? She is a horrendously bad liar. Has that in improved any?" He teased and raised a brow at her. Dark eyes narrowed teasingly, and mouth erupted into an impish grin. "I would expect not..."
Leaning back into the chair, Dillion rested into the cushions of the seat. He could feel it relax and mold onto the body of his seat. Taking a deep breath, Dillion could feel the chair as if it was coaxing him to sleep. Right now, he would really love to go to sleep. He would love to drift off, and pretend he was eighteen again. The memories could flood him, and Dillion wouldn't have to remember how old he was. Raising a hand, he ran a few fingers through his thick dark locks. His nails dragged across his scalp to calm himself. He knew the girl, Audrey was lying. He could see it in her eyes. Perhaps it wasn't a total lie, but he knew she was "forgetting" something. Dillion knew firsthand, how good the Conily women were good at "forgetting" something. The corner of his lips quirked, and he crossed his ankles. Pushing off his shoes, his leather loafers thunked onto the ground and he sighed. This flight was too long. What was he even supposed to do, once they landed?
Hi Leona, nice to see you again.
Hi Leona, nice to meet you. Did I knock you up about... twelve years ago?
Hi Lea, bugger, Leona, remember me? Old boyfriend, broke your heart? By the way, when I left were you up the duff?
Growling, Dillion brought both hands to his face and dragged them across. This wasn't happening. He was trapped on a metal tube with a girl who was potentially his daughter. He would much prefer to be sitting in a hospital. A hospital which could successfully run a DNA test, and Dillion could stop killing himself. It wasn't like, they hadn't been careful. They had been so careful. Getting Leona pregnant had been the last thing on his mind, sort of. Sure, Dillion had thought about it once or twice. It wasn't like they were poor, but he hadn't actually meant it. God was cruel sometimes, and took things way too literally.
Sighing, he looked at Audrey from behind his shutter of hands. She could be. She definitely could be. Biting on his lower lip, he clenched his eyes shut and lowered his hand. Calming himself, Dillion fought to gain control. "You know, your mother may be a horrible liar, but I'm not. So, other than the eyes..." He paused and snorted once, " and the mouth. What else did you get from me?" A small smile touched his lips. "Audrey was my mother's name." He said suddenly, and looked a bit stunned himself. "She would have loved to meet you."
Reaching over, Dillion pinched her arm and glared. "That is for worrying your mother sick. Oh, and what I'm sure is going to get me an ass chewing of a lifetime. Thanks. I've only known you a couple of hours, and already you've gotten me in trouble with your mother. She's going to kill me, and somehow this going to be all my fault. Want to bet?"
Watching her, Dillion shook his head. How had he missed it? If Leona thought, she could chew him out, she was wrong. She'd deprived him of his daughter; she was in so much trouble.
She wasn't false, nothing about her was about hiding.
Most of his life was about denial, and the only time anything had been so innocent, so precious, and open had been the moments, he spent with her. Now, he spent most of his time denying, he wasn't a selfish prick. Dillion denied to himself, he spent enough time with friends, which was hardly true. Dillion worked more; soothing his conscious with the pro bono cases he took. He didn't know his nieces of nephews, nor did he know his godchildren. They only knew him through the gifts, all lavish and those were picked out from his secretary. He only wrote cute notes in the cards, which Dillion had made sure she picked out too. She didn't know what the typical kids liked nowadays. He didn't have any of his own, and was hardly around them to ask.
Glancing at the girl, her dark eyes made him pause and wonder. What would his life had been like, if he did have children? Would she have come to London, or Dillion stayed in the United States? It wouldn't have mattered. He would have loved it either way. As long, as she would have been by his side, Dillion would have been happy. He shouldn't have let her go. He had been an idiot a thousand times over. Dillion was recognizing how much, he was becoming his father. Little by little, day by day he was making his mistakes. He'd vowed never to become Eric, and he found himself becoming him.
Shaking his head, Dillion chuckled lightly and took a light sip of his Scotch. The liquid burned his throat, and it was still somewhat sweet and yet bitter against his tongue. His chuckle was dry, and he placed the circular glass back down. Raising a brow at her, Dillion just shook his head.
"Did you know, your mother is a bad liar as well? She is a horrendously bad liar. Has that in improved any?" He teased and raised a brow at her. Dark eyes narrowed teasingly, and mouth erupted into an impish grin. "I would expect not..."
Leaning back into the chair, Dillion rested into the cushions of the seat. He could feel it relax and mold onto the body of his seat. Taking a deep breath, Dillion could feel the chair as if it was coaxing him to sleep. Right now, he would really love to go to sleep. He would love to drift off, and pretend he was eighteen again. The memories could flood him, and Dillion wouldn't have to remember how old he was. Raising a hand, he ran a few fingers through his thick dark locks. His nails dragged across his scalp to calm himself. He knew the girl, Audrey was lying. He could see it in her eyes. Perhaps it wasn't a total lie, but he knew she was "forgetting" something. Dillion knew firsthand, how good the Conily women were good at "forgetting" something. The corner of his lips quirked, and he crossed his ankles. Pushing off his shoes, his leather loafers thunked onto the ground and he sighed. This flight was too long. What was he even supposed to do, once they landed?
Hi Leona, nice to see you again.
Hi Leona, nice to meet you. Did I knock you up about... twelve years ago?
Hi Lea, bugger, Leona, remember me? Old boyfriend, broke your heart? By the way, when I left were you up the duff?
Growling, Dillion brought both hands to his face and dragged them across. This wasn't happening. He was trapped on a metal tube with a girl who was potentially his daughter. He would much prefer to be sitting in a hospital. A hospital which could successfully run a DNA test, and Dillion could stop killing himself. It wasn't like, they hadn't been careful. They had been so careful. Getting Leona pregnant had been the last thing on his mind, sort of. Sure, Dillion had thought about it once or twice. It wasn't like they were poor, but he hadn't actually meant it. God was cruel sometimes, and took things way too literally.
Sighing, he looked at Audrey from behind his shutter of hands. She could be. She definitely could be. Biting on his lower lip, he clenched his eyes shut and lowered his hand. Calming himself, Dillion fought to gain control. "You know, your mother may be a horrible liar, but I'm not. So, other than the eyes..." He paused and snorted once, " and the mouth. What else did you get from me?" A small smile touched his lips. "Audrey was my mother's name." He said suddenly, and looked a bit stunned himself. "She would have loved to meet you."
Reaching over, Dillion pinched her arm and glared. "That is for worrying your mother sick. Oh, and what I'm sure is going to get me an ass chewing of a lifetime. Thanks. I've only known you a couple of hours, and already you've gotten me in trouble with your mother. She's going to kill me, and somehow this going to be all my fault. Want to bet?"
Watching her, Dillion shook his head. How had he missed it? If Leona thought, she could chew him out, she was wrong. She'd deprived him of his daughter; she was in so much trouble.
Need-To-Know
Was this really happening? AJ had been pretty clueless this entire trip, too naïve to understand exactly what she was doing and asking of this man, but for the first time it was starting to sink in that she was actually in London, by herself, and about to bring this man who was practically a stranger home with her to try and stop her mother’s wedding to David. The guy wasn’t horrible, but when even KC agreed that the guy was no good, AJ knew they had to do something. The plan had been hatched and now here she was, standing in the middle of Dillion Hepburn’s office, looking at the man and not just a photograph, and getting ready to head back to the States with him tow. Perfect!
AJ just watched him as he took the phone from her hand, complaining a bit and watching as he shook his head, frowning. What was he doing? She had to call KC! He explained himself and she just sighed, slumping a bit and reaching for her bag. “Fine,” he said, a little pouty, pulling the strap over her shoulder. She would call KC later then. She was sure KC wouldn’t be too mad, especially when she explained that Dillion had taken her phone away. Suddenly his words sunk in to her, and she spun around, confused eyes looking up at him.
“You are coming back with me, right?” she asked, his mention of ‘getting her home’ having her worried. That worry didn’t last long, and not long later on the way to his place, she knew that everything was going to turn out alright.
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AJ loved flying, personally. The first time she had flown she had been eight and they were flying to Florida. Disney World with mom, their uncles and aunts, and three cousins, as well as their grandparents. It had been such an amazing trip. AJ remembered how she had adored flying and KC had been the one trying to sleep away the flight, holding on to mom’s arm the whole way down. Sitting in the large seat that was twice as big as she was, AJ was staring out the window, smiling as she stared out at the clouds, anticipating their arrival home. As exciting as this adventure had been the reality of how far she was from home was beginning to set in, especially as she caught glances of open water between the breaks in the clouds.
Dillion on the other hand didn’t seem to be enjoying the trip as much as she was. While she wasn’t exactly paying him the utmost attention she did notice that he consistently had a glass in his hand, and she was pretty sure that wasn’t iced tea. She kept herself hydrated with soda, personally, hey attention focused on the clouds outside her window.
She was suddenly aware of the fact that he was now looking at her, and she awkwardly turned to face him. At first she was just curious and a little confused, but when he suddenly inquired about her name, she froze a bit, and curiosity turned to worry. AJ knew the story behind her name, at least vaguely, and she knew that if she let Dillion in on that little secret, he would be one giant step closer to figuring out the truth. He dropped the question and she dropped her shoulders with relief, smiling widely, just happy to move on.
That didn’t exactly happen, though. She had averted the name topic but now they were on to something just as serious -- he wanted to know why she had picked him.
AJ gulped.
“Um, well…” she stumbled at first, picking at her nails. Remember what KC said, she told herself. Don‘t lie, just… keep it minimal. “I kind of found a picture of you, with some letters and that kind of stuff. It was in a box in mom’s room and… well, I could tell you really loved her. I figured if anyone could talk her out of this, it would be you.” Oh how simple the concept of love is to the mind of a twelve year old girl. She shrugged, staring at him with sweet guilty eyes, hoping it would be enough to satisfy his curiosity at least for now.
AJ just watched him as he took the phone from her hand, complaining a bit and watching as he shook his head, frowning. What was he doing? She had to call KC! He explained himself and she just sighed, slumping a bit and reaching for her bag. “Fine,” he said, a little pouty, pulling the strap over her shoulder. She would call KC later then. She was sure KC wouldn’t be too mad, especially when she explained that Dillion had taken her phone away. Suddenly his words sunk in to her, and she spun around, confused eyes looking up at him.
“You are coming back with me, right?” she asked, his mention of ‘getting her home’ having her worried. That worry didn’t last long, and not long later on the way to his place, she knew that everything was going to turn out alright.
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AJ loved flying, personally. The first time she had flown she had been eight and they were flying to Florida. Disney World with mom, their uncles and aunts, and three cousins, as well as their grandparents. It had been such an amazing trip. AJ remembered how she had adored flying and KC had been the one trying to sleep away the flight, holding on to mom’s arm the whole way down. Sitting in the large seat that was twice as big as she was, AJ was staring out the window, smiling as she stared out at the clouds, anticipating their arrival home. As exciting as this adventure had been the reality of how far she was from home was beginning to set in, especially as she caught glances of open water between the breaks in the clouds.
Dillion on the other hand didn’t seem to be enjoying the trip as much as she was. While she wasn’t exactly paying him the utmost attention she did notice that he consistently had a glass in his hand, and she was pretty sure that wasn’t iced tea. She kept herself hydrated with soda, personally, hey attention focused on the clouds outside her window.
She was suddenly aware of the fact that he was now looking at her, and she awkwardly turned to face him. At first she was just curious and a little confused, but when he suddenly inquired about her name, she froze a bit, and curiosity turned to worry. AJ knew the story behind her name, at least vaguely, and she knew that if she let Dillion in on that little secret, he would be one giant step closer to figuring out the truth. He dropped the question and she dropped her shoulders with relief, smiling widely, just happy to move on.
That didn’t exactly happen, though. She had averted the name topic but now they were on to something just as serious -- he wanted to know why she had picked him.
AJ gulped.
“Um, well…” she stumbled at first, picking at her nails. Remember what KC said, she told herself. Don‘t lie, just… keep it minimal. “I kind of found a picture of you, with some letters and that kind of stuff. It was in a box in mom’s room and… well, I could tell you really loved her. I figured if anyone could talk her out of this, it would be you.” Oh how simple the concept of love is to the mind of a twelve year old girl. She shrugged, staring at him with sweet guilty eyes, hoping it would be enough to satisfy his curiosity at least for now.
Why Me?
The small girl, dark hair bouncing and whipping around her neck took him entirely surprise as she jumped up, and wrapped around his body. He actually jumped back for a moment, before relaxing into his touch. It had been many years, since Dillion had such simple affection like this. He had was never a touchy-feely kind of guy; he liked his boundaries. Even during his short lived marriage, he was not a man to enjoy affection. He liked knowing where things stood, and Dillion knew the major failure included time. It was time, he had always been flawed at not making enough time for the people he cared for. He'd made a moment for the little girl, and the glow which touched her face made his mouth twitch. She seemed alight with happiness, and Dillion couldn't help but shake his head.
She was giddy; Dillion wanted to know why this mattered so much. Sure, children disliked their mother's new husbands all the time. How horrible could this guy be? He wanted to ask the major questions, and hard questions. Dillion wanted to ask, what was so bad about him? Other than the fact, which he was marrying her mother what could make the guy such an ass? Dillion wasn't sure, he honestly wanted to know. He would always be in love with Leona, which made him by deflaut biased.
Why had they come to him in the first place? Couldn't they have just run to her brother, or even some other guy? Leona surely had to have other boyfriend's after him. Why Dillion, what in the world made him so damn special? It couldn't be like she talked so much about him. Dillion could not imagine that. Snorting, Dillion leant back against the edge of his wooden desk. He watched as she dug out her mobile phone. KC? Who in the world was KC? Was she about to call the U.S. on that mobile? Hurriedly, he took the phone away and shook his head. Glancing down at his watch, Dillion chuckled lightly. He could only imagine this "KC's" face, if she called right now. The twelve year old was amusing, but she may actually not exist anymore if she called this poor person.
"Love, it is still quite early in America. Why don't we go pack my stuff, and then get you back home."
Taking a deep breath, he sighed and glanced down at the stack of papers. Oh what the hell, it wasn't like he didn't need a vacation anyway. They would all just have to wait. He worked practically eighteen hour days. It wouldn't hurt for him to go away anyway. It would hurt him to be away perhaps, but he would get over it eventually. He could be away from his work for a little while. It wouldn't kill him, maybe a little bit. Seeing Leona would be good again. It would probably be too good. Maybe, he shouldn't go. It could be damaging to his psyche, and Dillion had gone to therapy already. As much, as he didn't want to admit it therapy was helpful. When therapy wasn't, his bad habit of smoking had become a break in the day. Everyone was yelling at him, screaming, and all he needed was that one cigarette to calm him down. It was however long it took him to smoke that cigarette, he could fade into some ulterior reality. He could pretend nothing was real, and it was... sublime.
There was a reason why, Dillion Hepburn hated to fly. It didn't matter, if you sat in first or coach class there was always some damned person who was going to keep you awake. Sitting in the comfortably large seat, cushions surrounding him and legs comfortably spread out, he took a deep breath. It also didn't help, he was anxious to see Leona. It had been too long, and now a divorced man nothing was holding him back. The only problem was, she had kids and was getting married. She was going to be the perfect little family, and he would be left alone.
Again.
What was he thinking?
It wasn't as if, Leona had written him a love letter after all these years. She hadn't expressed any desire to see him again. She didn't even know, he was coming after all. He was just going to show up with her... daughter, and basically crash her wedding. Way to go Dillion! Oh, how great was that. Like that was going to go over well. He didn't even want to see her face. She would be frightfully angry, and then rip him to shreds. Well, she always had been explosively sexy when angry. What was he doing? Why was he getting himself into this mess?
Leaning back into the seat, nursing a Scotch on the rocks he kept it clutched in his hand. He was grateful for the glass, and not plastic cup. It would have cracked and crinkled under his forceful grip. Dillion was clutching the glass, holding it tightly and he was surprised it hadn't shattered yet. His knuckles were white despite his tan skin. He wanted some answers. He wanted to ask a million questions, but would she even have those answers. They were questions, he was best asking someone else - like her mother. A woman he hadn't spoken to in so many years. How could he even think this to be a good idea? Biting on his lower lip, Dillion clutched his eyes and rubbed a hand over his face. He took a deep breath, and ran it through his hair. Dark locks, twisted into loose curls curled around his fingers and Dillion tugged it out. He rubbed his hand across his jaw, he needed a shave. The five o'clock shadow kissed his cheeks, darkening his cheeks and jawline.
Stretching, Dillion placed the Scotch on the small corner table provided by his seat. Turning, he paused and glanced at the girl. She was looking out the window, and for a moment he just... watched her. His eyes roamed over her curiously. She looked strikingly like her mother. Though, there was something surprising in the curve of her jaw. The glow in the eyes were dark, nothing like her mother's and so much like someone else's, someone a lot... familiar. Blinking, Dillion paused and let out a bark of a laugh.
Yeah, right. He taunted himself. It would be a chance in hell. Sure, he and Leona had less... boundaries the older, they had gotten but they hadn't been rabbits. Okay, maybe little rabbits. Very little rabbits. They couldn't compare to any rabbits, he'd ever met.
Turning, he glanced at her and paused. He went to speak, and his mouth closed. She couldn't be right? There was no way. Sighing heavily, he groaned.
"Audrey..." Suddenly, it clicked and he clutched his eyes shut. The tears sprung to his eyes, and he knew this was a mistake. How much money would it take to get pilot to turn around? This wasn't going to work. He couldn't see her. The blood was boiling inside of him. She hadn't done this. This would have been too much. He wouldn't be able to forgive her for this.
Voice cracking, Dillion choked for a moment. Knowing, he had her attention Dillion continued speaking. "Are y-you named after anyone special? I mean, I know you..." He broke off and smiled a bit crookedly. "Nevermind, I'm getting old. I'm forgetting what I mean to say." Reaching forward, Dillion surprised himself by cupping her face. His thumb caressed her cheek, calloused thumb brushed across her defined cheekbone. His eyes narrowed, and took her in once more.
"Why me?" The words were out before, he could stop himself.
She was giddy; Dillion wanted to know why this mattered so much. Sure, children disliked their mother's new husbands all the time. How horrible could this guy be? He wanted to ask the major questions, and hard questions. Dillion wanted to ask, what was so bad about him? Other than the fact, which he was marrying her mother what could make the guy such an ass? Dillion wasn't sure, he honestly wanted to know. He would always be in love with Leona, which made him by deflaut biased.
Why had they come to him in the first place? Couldn't they have just run to her brother, or even some other guy? Leona surely had to have other boyfriend's after him. Why Dillion, what in the world made him so damn special? It couldn't be like she talked so much about him. Dillion could not imagine that. Snorting, Dillion leant back against the edge of his wooden desk. He watched as she dug out her mobile phone. KC? Who in the world was KC? Was she about to call the U.S. on that mobile? Hurriedly, he took the phone away and shook his head. Glancing down at his watch, Dillion chuckled lightly. He could only imagine this "KC's" face, if she called right now. The twelve year old was amusing, but she may actually not exist anymore if she called this poor person.
"Love, it is still quite early in America. Why don't we go pack my stuff, and then get you back home."
Taking a deep breath, he sighed and glanced down at the stack of papers. Oh what the hell, it wasn't like he didn't need a vacation anyway. They would all just have to wait. He worked practically eighteen hour days. It wouldn't hurt for him to go away anyway. It would hurt him to be away perhaps, but he would get over it eventually. He could be away from his work for a little while. It wouldn't kill him, maybe a little bit. Seeing Leona would be good again. It would probably be too good. Maybe, he shouldn't go. It could be damaging to his psyche, and Dillion had gone to therapy already. As much, as he didn't want to admit it therapy was helpful. When therapy wasn't, his bad habit of smoking had become a break in the day. Everyone was yelling at him, screaming, and all he needed was that one cigarette to calm him down. It was however long it took him to smoke that cigarette, he could fade into some ulterior reality. He could pretend nothing was real, and it was... sublime.
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There was a reason why, Dillion Hepburn hated to fly. It didn't matter, if you sat in first or coach class there was always some damned person who was going to keep you awake. Sitting in the comfortably large seat, cushions surrounding him and legs comfortably spread out, he took a deep breath. It also didn't help, he was anxious to see Leona. It had been too long, and now a divorced man nothing was holding him back. The only problem was, she had kids and was getting married. She was going to be the perfect little family, and he would be left alone.
Again.
What was he thinking?
It wasn't as if, Leona had written him a love letter after all these years. She hadn't expressed any desire to see him again. She didn't even know, he was coming after all. He was just going to show up with her... daughter, and basically crash her wedding. Way to go Dillion! Oh, how great was that. Like that was going to go over well. He didn't even want to see her face. She would be frightfully angry, and then rip him to shreds. Well, she always had been explosively sexy when angry. What was he doing? Why was he getting himself into this mess?
Leaning back into the seat, nursing a Scotch on the rocks he kept it clutched in his hand. He was grateful for the glass, and not plastic cup. It would have cracked and crinkled under his forceful grip. Dillion was clutching the glass, holding it tightly and he was surprised it hadn't shattered yet. His knuckles were white despite his tan skin. He wanted some answers. He wanted to ask a million questions, but would she even have those answers. They were questions, he was best asking someone else - like her mother. A woman he hadn't spoken to in so many years. How could he even think this to be a good idea? Biting on his lower lip, Dillion clutched his eyes and rubbed a hand over his face. He took a deep breath, and ran it through his hair. Dark locks, twisted into loose curls curled around his fingers and Dillion tugged it out. He rubbed his hand across his jaw, he needed a shave. The five o'clock shadow kissed his cheeks, darkening his cheeks and jawline.
Stretching, Dillion placed the Scotch on the small corner table provided by his seat. Turning, he paused and glanced at the girl. She was looking out the window, and for a moment he just... watched her. His eyes roamed over her curiously. She looked strikingly like her mother. Though, there was something surprising in the curve of her jaw. The glow in the eyes were dark, nothing like her mother's and so much like someone else's, someone a lot... familiar. Blinking, Dillion paused and let out a bark of a laugh.
Yeah, right. He taunted himself. It would be a chance in hell. Sure, he and Leona had less... boundaries the older, they had gotten but they hadn't been rabbits. Okay, maybe little rabbits. Very little rabbits. They couldn't compare to any rabbits, he'd ever met.
Turning, he glanced at her and paused. He went to speak, and his mouth closed. She couldn't be right? There was no way. Sighing heavily, he groaned.
"Audrey..." Suddenly, it clicked and he clutched his eyes shut. The tears sprung to his eyes, and he knew this was a mistake. How much money would it take to get pilot to turn around? This wasn't going to work. He couldn't see her. The blood was boiling inside of him. She hadn't done this. This would have been too much. He wouldn't be able to forgive her for this.
Voice cracking, Dillion choked for a moment. Knowing, he had her attention Dillion continued speaking. "Are y-you named after anyone special? I mean, I know you..." He broke off and smiled a bit crookedly. "Nevermind, I'm getting old. I'm forgetting what I mean to say." Reaching forward, Dillion surprised himself by cupping her face. His thumb caressed her cheek, calloused thumb brushed across her defined cheekbone. His eyes narrowed, and took her in once more.
"Why me?" The words were out before, he could stop himself.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Well, that wasn’t exactly the reaction AJ had been hoping for. She sighed, watching him carefully. So what, he wasn’t even going to try? He was going to give up like that? I can’t convince your mum of anything, she thought mockingly in her head, sinking into her chair a bit more. She had flown all the way from Boston to London in hopes that this guy would at the very least try, and he wasn’t even going to give her that much. She frowned, annoyed but also sad that her seemingly last option was about to fall apart before it even had a chance to get off the ground.
Then suddenly, he paused, lingering on the thought of how long it had been since he had seen Leona. The silence caught AJ by surprise and she glanced up cautiously, watching him think. His brown eyes seemed lost in some other place, and she started to sit up, hope slowly filling her again. The waiting was absolutely killing her, but she was smart enough not to try and push him. She’d already figured out enough about him in the few minutes they had spoken to know that he was not going to be forced into anything.
And there it was. AJ lit up, sitting straight in the chair and leaning forward a bit, a wide smile on her face. “Really?!” she said a bit too loudly, unable to contain her excitement. She was on her feet now, bouncing on her toes and chanting “Yes, yes yes!” to herself. Without thinking she ran around the side of the desk and threw herself at the much larger figure in the chair and wrapping her tiny arms around him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she shouted. Her behavior was hardly surprising, she was only twelve after all. She ran back around the desk to her bag and pulled out a cell phone. “I have to tell KC, she’s gonna flip!” she said, mostly to herself, biting her lip and still bouncing with excitement.
Then suddenly, he paused, lingering on the thought of how long it had been since he had seen Leona. The silence caught AJ by surprise and she glanced up cautiously, watching him think. His brown eyes seemed lost in some other place, and she started to sit up, hope slowly filling her again. The waiting was absolutely killing her, but she was smart enough not to try and push him. She’d already figured out enough about him in the few minutes they had spoken to know that he was not going to be forced into anything.
And there it was. AJ lit up, sitting straight in the chair and leaning forward a bit, a wide smile on her face. “Really?!” she said a bit too loudly, unable to contain her excitement. She was on her feet now, bouncing on her toes and chanting “Yes, yes yes!” to herself. Without thinking she ran around the side of the desk and threw herself at the much larger figure in the chair and wrapping her tiny arms around him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she shouted. Her behavior was hardly surprising, she was only twelve after all. She ran back around the desk to her bag and pulled out a cell phone. “I have to tell KC, she’s gonna flip!” she said, mostly to herself, biting her lip and still bouncing with excitement.
Maybe I Can Help
There was that spark in her that simple glow in her creamy skin and rosy cheeks, which had him reminiscing to the past. To call, he and Lea the perfect couple would be a loose term. They were far from perfect. Well, perhaps not far from perfect but Dillion still had a vivid memory of their arguments. When they fought it was brutal. They had a passion between them, an undeniable passion and when it was brought out in fights they nearly killed each other with it. Perhaps, they didn't kill each other, but they certainly scratched. Drawing a hand through his dark locks, he glanced up and met her gaze. She vehemently talked and he watched with curiosity as she spoke, though he wasn't really in touch with her words. Hollowing, he sat and just watched her. It was just how she walked, stomped, and her movements that made him stop. She was so much like her mother and then... she wasn't. When she was angry, she was so much like someone else.It was in her hands, and how square her shoulders were square. He didn't have time to linger on those thoughts, because suddenly he was yanked from those thoughts by realization of what she'd
said.
Blinking stupidly, he swallowed and glanced at her. His dark eyes seemed to brighten at the information, as if they'd begun to blaze with information. Dillion shook his head, dark hair shook with his slight movement. He had scattered grays and he tried to not really listen to her. Honestly, she couldn't be serious. Those words hadn't really nuzzled themselves into her ears, had they? Taking a deep shuddering breath, he gulped and tried to speak. His mouth opened and Dillion tried to speak. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn't fall from his lips. She was... getting married. He felt ill. His stomach had sunk, and if possible bile had slowly begun to rise in his throat. His brain fizzed with idea of Lea marrying someone, someone that wasn't him. Though a part of him begun to elate a little that she wasn't marrying Connor. They weren't exactly on a daily speaking basis, but he hoped a friendship still lingered underneath it all.
Taking a deep breath, another one he met her brown gaze, and tried to figure out why the hell everyday. Now, he was just suspicious was there something he should know? His blood curdled sincerely angry that Lea was getting married. Dillion wanted to just.. wait, he was supposed to talk her out of it? Was she insane! He could never talk her out of things. It just wasn't possible. She was set in her ways as everyone was, but she was damn well set in them more then anyone else.
"I can't convince your Mum of anything." He said simply and met her gaze. His eyes were brightened a true honey tone now. A fire burned within them and he tried to think up something. Seriously, did this girl not ever meet her mother or something? "'Case ya have any doubt, luv me and your mum are dead. I haven't seen her in... He dragged a hand across his face. It had been so long. How was he supposed to explain this. Lea had a mind of her own. He wasn't about to convince her of nothing. Suddenly, a thought came to his mind. This girl, her daughter if she thought the man awful, he had to be. Okay, so maybe some childish part of him wanted to see, if maybe she still wanted him too. "Maybe, I can help ya luv." she would come to him. How did she even find him? It wasn't like, he and Lea talked
said.
Blinking stupidly, he swallowed and glanced at her. His dark eyes seemed to brighten at the information, as if they'd begun to blaze with information. Dillion shook his head, dark hair shook with his slight movement. He had scattered grays and he tried to not really listen to her. Honestly, she couldn't be serious. Those words hadn't really nuzzled themselves into her ears, had they? Taking a deep shuddering breath, he gulped and tried to speak. His mouth opened and Dillion tried to speak. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn't fall from his lips. She was... getting married. He felt ill. His stomach had sunk, and if possible bile had slowly begun to rise in his throat. His brain fizzed with idea of Lea marrying someone, someone that wasn't him. Though a part of him begun to elate a little that she wasn't marrying Connor. They weren't exactly on a daily speaking basis, but he hoped a friendship still lingered underneath it all.
Taking a deep breath, another one he met her brown gaze, and tried to figure out why the hell everyday. Now, he was just suspicious was there something he should know? His blood curdled sincerely angry that Lea was getting married. Dillion wanted to just.. wait, he was supposed to talk her out of it? Was she insane! He could never talk her out of things. It just wasn't possible. She was set in her ways as everyone was, but she was damn well set in them more then anyone else.
"I can't convince your Mum of anything." He said simply and met her gaze. His eyes were brightened a true honey tone now. A fire burned within them and he tried to think up something. Seriously, did this girl not ever meet her mother or something? "'Case ya have any doubt, luv me and your mum are dead. I haven't seen her in... He dragged a hand across his face. It had been so long. How was he supposed to explain this. Lea had a mind of her own. He wasn't about to convince her of nothing. Suddenly, a thought came to his mind. This girl, her daughter if she thought the man awful, he had to be. Okay, so maybe some childish part of him wanted to see, if maybe she still wanted him too. "Maybe, I can help ya luv." she would come to him. How did she even find him? It wasn't like, he and Lea talked
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