My Rivals Daughter

Chapter Five

Kat POV

I woke up on the floor, tangled in my covers. I looked around confused for a bit. I was definitely in my room. Must have had a wild dream or something. I stood up and stretched, thinking thats the best nights sleep in a while. Something caught my eyes on my dresser. I walk over and see a bouquet of Peach Tea roses sitting right on top with a letter propped against the vase. I open it to see my dad's writing.

'Hey Kat. I'm sorry I've been an unbearable father. Since your mom, I never really knew how to love. I feel like when she died she took my love with her and that isn't fair to you. I just want you to know I heard you. Every word and I'm trying to change. If you forgive me, I'll be waiting in the kitchen with breakfast.

Love, Dad'

Surprised, I stood there with tears in my eyes. I felt horrible. I've been giving him such a hard time. I never realized how he must feel living through life without mom. I hurried myself getting ready for school so I could head down to breakfast. I grabbed my bag and walked to my bedroom door and took a deep breath. I ran down the stairs with my bag and the letter in hand. Going through the hallway and walking into the kitchen, I found my dad sitting at the table with his news paper. I don't remember the last time I seen him this way. I stand there trying to think of a time, but to no avail I couldn't think of one.

My dad looks up from his paper and smiles at me. "Hi Kat." He stands and says, "Truce?" And raises a plate full of eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns. I smile at him and run to hug him. He chuckles and asks, "What was that for?"

"Thank you, for the flowers. And the letter. I love them." I say pulling back to look at my dad, who I just now realized is looking older.

"Your welcome." He says with a smile.

"I'm sorry dad. I'm sorry I've been giving you a hard time." Ashamed I put my head down. But he puts his finger under my chin and makes me look at him. "Don't you ever apologize. You have nothing to be sorry for. I know I can be a lot with all the brute force I've been putting on you. I promise you I don't do it to make you miserable but I've always wanted you to be able to defend yourself if anything were to happen or in case I wasn't around." His words scared me. I had no family, and as much as I hated the training, the thought of him not being around truly terrified me. The realization just hitting me. "You telling me yesterday that you were getting bullied, and you were able to stand in front of me yesterday unscathed, tells me you are able to take care of yourself. So, today and every other day training is canceled. At least, til you feel you need me again. Deal?"

I smiled up at him and said, "I'm always going to need you dad. But that's a deal!" He chuckled at me and said "Well alright then, let's eat up! We wouldn't want to be late to school." I smiled and began tearing at my breakfast. I didn't realize how hungry I was. When was the last time I ate? Huh, anyways breakfast was great. I kissed my dad goodbye and headed for school. Ready to face the day! Or so I thought.