Daddy's Girl

Chapter nine - Stay away from me

Lizzy's POV:

I can't believe that my mom invited Kevin for dinner. She used the chance that I was gone. I guess I have to stay at home more often. They will keep doing things behind my back if I don't do it. I don't want this man in my house. She has to understand this. Maybe I haven't paid for it, but it doesn't mean I don't live there. She can't do whatever she wants. I don't know what he wants from me. He said he had come because of my mom, not me. It's not a lie that he hasn't bothered me soon. I would have liked it if he had given up. The problem is that it's not true. He thought if he stayed away from me for some time, I would go to see him. There is no chance that I will do it. Kevin can't do anything to win me. That's why the only thing I don't understand is my mom. She and Kevin are friends. Also, Noah is good with that. This is impossible. One day, something might happen between my mom and Kevin. I'm sure he won't like it. Well, they are friends. I can't do anything to change it. This is their decision. I won't mess with this. The good news is that I don't have to deal with him. I won't lie. I didn't enjoy seeing Ben with him at this dinner. I think I have to talk to my brother about him. I hope that he will stay away from him.

I got invited for dinner by Adam's mom two days ago. She was so sweet. I think he needs to appreciate her more. This woman does everything for him. Saying thank you won't hurt him. I tried to tell him that, but he didn't listen. I won't mess with his life. If I do it, he will start talking about Kevin. It's better if I forget about this person. I have to focus on school and my brother. I tried to stay away from him, but it was a mistake. No one can replace me. I'll make sure of that.

I have History. As usual, I am talking with the teacher. From time to time, other students answer her questions. I think they are annoyed with me. Well, I can't do anything. Adam and I started sitting together in every class. For that, I received questions from some students. It's not like I answered them. Sadly, he is not here today. He is sick. Adam told me his mom took a day off because of him. If that is not true love, I don't know what it is.

- Hey, Lizzy.

- Oh, hi, Alissa. How are you?

- I'm good. Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- What is going on between you and Adam? Are you two dating?

- What? No, we aren't. Why would you think that?

- Everyone thinks it. You started talking often. God knows what is happening after school. - she said, chuckling

- Nothing.

- Come on. I won't tell anyone. Please.

- It's the truth. I'm not dating Adam. We are only friends.

- Then why are you with him all the time?

- Hold on. I never said. From where do you know I go out with him?

- Stacy told Cassie. She told Ashley, who told Jeremy, who told me.

- What?

- Yes. Now answer me.

- For a millionth time. We are not dating.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am.

- Who is dating? - Stacy asked

- No one. Don't you two have classes to go to?

- We have enough time. Now spill the tea.

- There is nothing to spill.

- Then where is Adam?

- At home. He is sick and won't come. Are you happy?

- So he told you.

- And?

- He cares. Otherwise, he won't tell you what he does every minute of the day.

- He doesn't do that.

- I bet he tells you when he goes to the bathroom. - Alissa said, chuckling

- That's disgusting.

- But it's true.

- No, it's not. Can you stop messing in my life? I don't gossip about anyone else.

- The problem is not ours. You two will be a cute couple.

- Leave me alone. I don't want to talk about people's lives. I'm not you.

- What?

- How can this bring you joy?

- What else are we supposed to do in school? - Stacy asked

- I don't know. Study.

- Who does this?

- Me. I do this.

- Oops. Sorry. It's not going to happen.

- The problem is not mine.

- Don't steal our words.

- I can do whatever I want. Now, if you excuse me, I have a class to attend. - I said and left

People can be so annoying. I didn't talk with anyone until the rest of the day. They don't deserve my attention. After the last class, I went to my locker. That's when I received a message. It was from my mom. Why is she sending me a picture of me? The following message explains it. This wasn't for me. Good, but wait. For who is this? I asked her, but there was no answer. I think I know. Please don't tell me she is sending him pictures of me. He has no right to receive this. I felt how the anger started building up. Tears came as well. I quickly walked out and went to the nearest park. I sat under a tree and broke down. Soon, I felt hands around me.

- What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?

- No, I'm not.

- Then?

- I saw you running away from school. I thought something had happened.

- Nothing happened. You can go away.

- Is everything ok?

- Kevin, go away.

- I won't bother you if you don't want me here. - he said and got up

- Before you leave, I have one question.

- What is it?

- Mom is sending pictures of me to someone. Is that person you?

- Why are you asking?

- Because she sent me one. Then she said it wasn't for me. Was it for you?

- Yes, it was. Is there a problem?

- You are a creep.

- Well, you don't want me around you. Nia is the only way I can keep in touch with you.

- Why can't you stay away from my life? It's not that hard.

- As you can see, I haven't talked with you for some time.

- My pictures are personal. You can't just go to my mom and ask for some.

- I don't go. I text her.

- Whatever. It's the same thing.

- Why is it bothering you?

- Because I want to erase you from my memory, but you are making it too hard.

- I didn't think this was bothering you.

- It does, so please stop.

- Ok, I won't reach out to your mom for anything.

- Thanks. You can leave.

I went home to leave my things. Noah said he would take Ben from school. Later, I went to visit my grandparents. Grandma knows Kevin longer than me. She can tell me some things about him. I bet they don't like him either. It can't be only me. I knocked on the door and waited for her. Soon, she opened it.

- Lizzy? What are you doing here?

- Can I come in? Please.

- Sure. Is there a problem?

- No. - I said and walked in

- You don't look much in the mood.

- What do you know about Kevin?

- Kevin? You mean your dad.

- Don't call him like that.

- Alright. What do you want to know about him?

- Do you like him?

- What?

- Answer me. Do you like him?

- Well, I think he is a good guy. Why?

- Are you kidding me? He left your daughter. How can you like him?

- Lizzy, that was before. Also, he didn't want to do it. He had no choice.

- No, he had. His choice was to leave her.

- Why are you mad at him? All he wants is to get close to you.

- I will never let it happen. He will never have anything with me.

- Don't you think you are too hard on him? He didn't do anything to you.

- I won't be so sure.

- Did he do something?

- Mom is sending him pictures of me.

- And?

- What and? She didn't tell me.

- Because you will never let her do it. Since you don't want to talk to him, this is the only way he can see you growing up.

- She can't send my pictures to him.

- Lizzy, you are dramatic. Kevin won't share them with anyone. I'm sure about this.

- Are you?

- Why don't you want to forgive him? Why do you care so much about this?

- Because this is what he does. He will get close for some time, and then he will leave. I don't want to be like mom.

- I understand, but Kevin is an adult. He won't do this.

- Will everyone stop defending him?

- I think you need to hear his side of the story. This might change your mind.

I stayed with my grandma for an hour. It looks like I am the only one who thinks differently. What is his side of the story? It won't change anything, even if he tells me about his job. I walked around the town. Later, I went home. Noah and Ben were watching a cartoon on the tv. Mom was making dinner. I want to be mad at her, but I can't. I know she didn't have bad intentions.

- Honey, are you ok?

- No.

- Did something happen? Mom told me that you went to visit her.

- Yes, I did.

- Did she offend you with something? You look like you are about to start crying.

- Why did you do this? I thought you were on my side. - I said, crying

- Hey, don't cry. Come here. What did I do? - she asked and hugged me

- You send him pictures of me. Why did you hide this? - I asked and pulled away

- I'm sorry, but he asked me. I can't tell him no. He is your dad and deserves to see you.

- But this is personal.

- Is this why you are upset? Over a picture?

- It's not only that. You don't trust me anymore. Before, you never hid things from me. You were the one who said we had to tell each other everything. Remember?

- Look. I didn't tell you because I knew how you would react.

- So? This doesn't mean I shouldn't know about this. It's about me.

- I'm sorry. If you want, I will stop.

- It's too late. He already has them.

- Honey, your dad won't do anything with these pictures. I promise you.

- Why is everyone on his side?

- I'm not on anyone's side. I'm saying that I didn't do anything wrong.

- So you aren't on my side?

- I didn't say that.

- No, you did. You said you weren't on anyone's side.

- I.

- Forget it. I don't want to listen. I'll be in my room.

- What about dinner?

- No, thanks. I'll pass. - I said and walked away

The rest of the night I spent in my room. I don't want to see anyone. Ben wanted to come. I felt terrible for cutting him off, so I went to his room. We talked for a while. That was until he fell asleep. He is the only person I will let close now. Mom and Noah came as well. They tried to talk to me but without result. Right now, I'm not in the mood for this. I might be too hard on Kevin, but he deserves it. He wanted to keep my mom safe, but I don't see him doing it. Even if he tries, it's too late. It won't make me go to him. These days are over. I hope I don't have to talk to him again.