Chapter 17

                                    

                                          
" Come in."
                          
My dad walked in and didn't bother closing the door. His face was shaven and he was wearing a baggy wrinkled shirt with a pair of athletic pants. It's the best I've seen him in who knows how long. 
                          
I sat down on my bed and sat straight cautiously. I held my phone and pretended to be interested in my phone. I saw a text from Daniel and opened it. 
                          
Daniel: Went out with Veronica. Text me if you need me. 
                          
" Can I sit?" my dad asked. 
                          
I looked up, shocked to hear his voice was clear and even. I nodded and went back to my phone. 
                          
Me: Dads awake and he shaved! I'll send you a picture. 
                          
I thought and decided to send another message. 
                          
Me: Not drunk or angry. In decent mood. 
                          
" So I wanted to talk about last night."
                          
I bit the inside of my cheek and continued looking down at my phone. 
                          
Daniel: Really?! Should I come?
                          
Me: No. Tell Veronica I say hi. 
                          
" Ashley. I'm sorry. I've just been so angry ever since your-"
                          
He took a breath and I looked at him. There were unshed years glistening in his eyes and I actually pitied him a bit. 
                          
" Ever since your mom left. You and Daniel remind me so much of him. And I know I hit you. I remember every single time. I just hate that I've done it. I want to kill myself because of it. You two deserve a better life. A better father."
                          
I sighed and sat my phone down. 
                          
" Look. You are trying. We all miss her. And don't speak like that. You don't deserve to kill yourself because of that. And last night was not cool. I still don't forgive you. You told me you wanted to kill me and Daniel. I will never forget that. I hate that I have to be cautious in my own house and can't live a normal life because I'm so damn scared of my dad. I fucking hate that."
                          
Now I had tears in my eyes but I didn't dare let them fall. 
                          
" I have one question."
                          
I raised an eyebrow and waited for him to ask. 
                          
" Why haven't you or Daniel turn me in?"
                          
I sighed and looked down. 
                          
" Daniel wants to. But I love you dad. You are the only parent I have left."
                          
A soft knock on my bedroom door made my dad and I jump and I turned to see Tyler standing in my doorway with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist and trickles of water on his body. 
                          
" Sorry," Tyler said not sounding to sorry at all. 
                          
He looked at me with a questioning look. 
                          
" Dad. You remember Tyler."
                          
My dad nodded and got up. 
                          
" Nice seeing you Tyler," he said reaching out his hand. 
                          
Tyler took it and gave a firm handshake. 
                          
" You too sir." 
                          
My dad nodded and headed to the door. 
                          
" Well we'll finish talking later. I love you Ashley."
                          
I gave him a slight smile and he left, closing the door behind him. Tyler locked it and looked at me. 
                          
" He touch you?"