Daddy's Girl

Chapter seventeen - I won't give up

Lizzy's POV:

Dad wants me to give up and stay away from Devan. I barely see this man. Most of the time, Adam and I are alone in his house. His dad is always outside. I don't understand what his problem is. Nothing will happen to me. I'm careful. He won't even know that I have been to any of his rooms. I always wear gloves if I touch something. He is worrying too much. All I want is to help him. That way, he will finish his mission faster and have more time for me. Of course, I won't tell him that. He will think I'm selfish. It's enough that we spent so many years apart. I would love it if we do something together. There is one problem. He won't let me. According to him, it's dangerous that I go to see him so often. He is my dad. I know I was rough with him, but I had my reasons. That's why I want to fix this, but I'm not sure it's enough. As I see it, he has other plans. One day, this will be over. The question is when. I want us to be close to each other. I don't know what else I can find about Adam's dad. This is already more than enough. The problem is that it's not a direct proof. I can't catch him selling something. Also, if I do that, I'll never see my parents again. I can never let this happen. I hope that my investigation won't bring me problems.

Yesterday, one of the rooms in Devan's house was open. I need to stop going so often. Otherwise, he will get suspicious. I'm trying not to move anything. Before I go, I look for cameras. If there is one, I have only two options. The first one is to go away. The second one is to cover them. Luckily, I didn't have to do this. I'm sure I won't be unnoticed. Adam started asking me questions. We can go to my house today. I want to have a rest. Also, I need to think about what I will do next.

Adam and I have Literature. I think he is paying more attention than me. My mind is busy with his dad. I need a new plan. I wish he could help me. Sadly, I can't tell him anything. My friend will think I am against his dad. It's not a lie, but he doesn't need to know it. We better not talk about this. After this class, we walked to the hall. I thought about following his dad, but I might get in trouble. Soon, Adam came and looked at me. I have no idea what to tell him.

- What?

- What is going on? I know you are hiding something from me.

- I have no idea what you are talking about.

- Lizzy, you didn't like the idea of me moving in. Then, you started visiting me often. I'm not stupid.

- Fine. I wanted to find something to prove that your mom is better. I'm sorry.

- Lizzy, we have talked about this. I want to stay with my dad.

- Why? Because he has money?

- No. I haven't seen him in years.

- Does he take care of you? Whenever I come to see you, he is always gone. Does he even come for dinner?

- Sometimes.

- How are you ok with that?

- It's better than having an interrogation every day.

- Is there something I can do to make you change your mind?

- No. At least, not for now.

- What if your dad is not who you thought he was?

- What do you mean?

- You barely know him. Why are you so sure what he says is the truth? He might be lying.

- Why would he do that?

- I don't know. Imagine this.

- I won't like it, for sure.

- You two need to sit and talk. You are the only one who wants both of you to be closer.

- That's not true. Dad is busy.

- With what? The invisible company?

- Why don't you trust him?

- Because I can't. Something is fishy about him. I only want to help you.

- Well, you are not doing it. Please don't talk like that about him. You don't know him.

- As if you do. You have no idea who he is. Your dad appeared out of nowhere.

- That is not true. He had a life in another town.

- Does he talk about himself?

- Now much. It's not like I have been asking.

- Sure. He will never tell you.

- Why?

- Because it's not your business. I'm sorry, but I don't think he loves you.

- Lizzy!

- He doesn't care. Not the way you want it.

- You are a terrible friend. - he said and left

Adam didn't want to talk to me anymore. For the rest of the school day, he was avoiding me. I can tell him the truth, but he won't believe me. There is no point. I went home after school. Ben finally convinced everyone that he could go home from school alone. I was the one who wanted to take care of him. Well, I didn't have much time for him. I was making myself a snack when I heard the front door. It was my grandpa. I mean, Noah's dad.

- Hey, come in.

- Thank you.

- Do you need something? Only Ben and I are home.

- No, don't worry. I came to see you.

- Great. Sit down. Do you want coffee?

- Can you make me one?

- I can try. - I said, and he laughed

- I had one at home.

- How are you?

- I'm good, thanks. What about you? Noah keeps me updated on everything.

- I feel good. I started spending more time with my dad. Do you think Noah is offended?

- No. It's even the opposite.

- He likes it.

- Yes.

- But why? I thought he liked spending time with me.

- He does, but now he has more time for your mom.

- Don't say more. - I said, and he laughed

- I mean that now they have more time to go outside. Ben is with me. You are with your dad.

- I still think he deserves more attention from me.

- Let him enjoy his life.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- I told one friend something about his dad, and now he thinks I'm against him.

- Why did you do that?

- Because I found something terrible about his dad.

- Does he know what this is?

- I didn't tell him. He won't believe me.

- I suggest you to tell him the truth. He might not believe it in the beginning. Well, it will make him think about this.

- You think?

- Yes, I do.

- I will try. Thanks.

Grandpa stayed with us for some time. He brought us candy. Grandparents always do this. Ben was happy to receive chocolate. My parents came home after work. They invited my grandpa for dinner, but he denied it. Maybe the next time. I helped mom with the food. I need to start spending more time with them. Lately, I have been ignoring them. They don't say it, but it doesn't mean they don't think it.

- Mom, can I ask you something?

- Yes, of course.

- Do you feel ignored?

- Ignored? By who?

- Me.

- You? Why would I feel ignored by you?

- Because I spend more time with my dad.

- I won't lie. I'm surprised how this one turned out, but I don't feel ignored. I can't keep you away from him.

- I know, but before, it was only you and me.

- So?

- You are still with Noah. Right?

- Lizzy, did something happen?

- Do you love Kevin?

- What? Where did that come from?

- Nowhere. Will you answer me?

- No, I don't. Not the way you think. He is my friend. That's it.

- Are you sure? I think he likes taking care of you.

- I don't know what he told you. It's not the truth.

- He didn't tell me anything. I haven't asked him yet.

- You better don't do it.

- Why?

- Because you will receive the same answer.

- Mom, I.

- Lizzy, stop. If you want me to get back with your dad, I have to disappoint you.

- No, I don't. You stopped talking about him. Are you annoyed that I spend time with him?

- I already told you.

- Then why are you mad at me now?

- Because you ask questions for which you don't deserve an answer.

- But.

- No, but. Go and call your brother. Dinner is ready.

- I'm sorry. I didn't want to offend you.

- It's too late.

Mom didn't talk to me at dinner. I didn't want to upset her. I thought she might think my dad was replacing her. Next time, I will be careful with the words. I still think he loves her. Otherwise, he would've told her everything. Now, she is with someone else. Noah is a good guy. He won't leave her alone. After dinner, I went to the backyard. As I see it, my mom won't talk to me. After some time, Noah came to me. He might be able to fix the mess I made. I can't do it. I will never be able to have peace with everyone.

- Are you ok? What happened between you and your mom?

- It's a long story.

- I have time.

- I asked her some questions. She didn't like it.

- What were they?

- Do you feel ignored?

- Me? No. Why would I?

- Because I started spending time with my dad.

- Lizzy, he is your dad. Everyone wanted you to forgive him. I'm happy that you two are getting close. He wanted this for so long.

- I asked my mom if she still loved him. She got mad at me.

- I think you have to leave them alone.

- What was wrong with that? It's a simple question.

- Yes. They have to figure out their relations.

- What if one day they come back together? What about you?

- I won't get mad.

- Why are you so good? - I asked, and he laughed

- Because I love your mom. I'll do everything to make her happy.

- Even if she leaves you.

- Yes. Why are you asking me all this?

- Because I don't want you to get hurt.

- No one can do this. I already survived a breakup. Nothing can hurt me.

- Are you sure?

- I know you might want your parents to get back together, but this is only up to them.

- I don't want that.

- Why not?

- Ben. What will happen to him?

- He can stay with me.

- No! I won't let this happen. If not for me, do it for him. Please.

- Relax. I'm not leaving. Your mom and I understand each other well. Nothing will happen to us.

- I hope so.

- Trust me. I'm not going anywhere.

- Thanks. It's good to know it.

- Is there something else?

- Adam is mad at me.

- Why?

- I messed up.

- I believe you two will fix everything.

- Maybe.

If I need something, Noah is the guy. He might not be my parent. I feel like he understands me the most. For now, it's better if I don't talk with anyone. I keep messing up. I'm trying to help, but it's not working. I have no idea what to do anymore. Adam is mad at me. The same is true for my mom. Only Noah, Ben, and my dad are talking to me. Well, and my grandparents. They don't need to know what is going on. The only thing I can do is to make Adam stay away from Devan. I know he doesn't care about his son. I wonder when he will believe it. I hope that this won't ruin our friendship.