Dragon

17 - I don't need this!

Dragon

“Is she okay?” Mom asks as I walk into the kitchen.

I pull out a chair and sit down opposite my mother. “She’s asleep. Finally. I held her for a while.” I scrub my hands over my face and blow out a long breath.

It took a while for Greer to fall asleep tonight. But she did so in my arms as though she were a child much younger than her eight years. I won’t lie, it felt good to hold my daughter. As she lay in my arms, I watched her sleep. I stroked her hair, and emotion burned my nose. I have been thrown into fatherhood at the deep end, and my heart ached for how much time I had lost with my little girl.

I’m not worried about how Kyla raised Greer. I’m not because the love of my life did a fantastic job. But I should have been there to help even before Greer was born.

However, that was not to be, and I cannot keep going over the what-ifs in my head. I missed out on eight years, but I will not miss out on one more day.

Greer is a bright child, but she often seems to act younger than she is; not that it matters, as she’s perfect the way she is. Greer has spent her life alone with her mother and great-aunt. Sure, she had friends at school and hung out with them at home now and again. But she doesn’t seem to want to grow up any time soon, which isn’t a bad thing in my opinion. Besides, Greer mentioned how her mother had wanted her to be a child for as long as she could be one.

Kids grow up way too fast these days, and I wonder if Kyla wanted Greer to enjoy her childhood the way she was never able to. Kyla wouldn’t want Greer to end up like us with a baby at the age of fifteen. Though I know in my heart that Kyla doesn’t regret having Greer, a teenage pregnancy is not what any parent wants for their child.

“She’s a good kid.”

I nod at Cobra. “Yeah, she is. I don’t know how Kyla managed all these years with Greer, but she did great.”

“No one can ever say Kyla isn’t a good mother. I’ll be forever thankful to Kyla’s Aunt Jane for taking Kyla in and helping with Greer. God knows what would have happened to them if she hadn’t.”

I nod my head at my mother because she’s right. I make a mental note to call Jane and thank her for everything she did for my girls.

Mom reaches across and squeezes my hand. “You’re a good dad, Dragon.”

I snort. “I don’t know about that, Mom. I’ve had a day to get used to the idea, and I’ve hardly spent any time with Greer.”

“It doesn’t matter; the time you have spent with Greer has meant the world to that little girl. Kyla made sure Greer knew you without knowing you, Dragon. That is beyond special.”

Something else I’m thankful for is Kyla telling our daughter about me. Greer isn’t scared to be around me, and she tells me that she loves me so effortlessly. I know that’s because of the things Kyla told Greer about me.

“All you have to do is be there for Greer,” Mom continues. “The way you were tonight. That’s all your daughter needs, that and to know you love her.”

“I do love her. I wasn’t sure that I could, but I do, more than anything. I’d do anything for her, Mom. I don’t want to lose my daughter.”

“Why would you think you’d lose her?”

I look at Cobra and shrug my shoulders.

“I don’t know. What if Kyla doesn’t make it and Jane comes to take Greer? What right would I have to keep her with me?”

Cobra chuckles. “Dragon,” He shakes his head. “You’re Greer’s father, named on her birth certificate.”

“What? I am?” I shift in my seat; my stomach is turning over.

How does my brother know this?

“Yes,” Mom nods her head. “When Hilly went over to Kyla’s to collect some things for Greer, she found Greer’s birth certificate.”

I raise my eyebrow because that doesn’t seem like something that would just be lying around.

“It’s not what you think. Greer’s birth certificate is framed and hanging on the living room wall. Hilly read it, and your name is right there under the word Father.”

“So, you see, no one has the right to take Greer from you. Even if Kyla does pass away, Greer will stay here with you.”

I nod at Cobra, then close my eyes for a second. I didn’t know I’d feel so relieved about anything in my life. I know I haven’t been in Greer’s life very long, but just the thought of losing her guts me. Greer is my daughter, a part of me, and the woman I still love, and I won’t let her go now that she’s here with me.

I will never take Greer from Kyla; she’s Greer’s primary caregiver, and that’s how it will stay. As long as Kyla is around, Greer will always be with her. But I am her father, and I want to be a part of my daughter’s life, in whatever way I can be.

I never expected to be anyone’s father at this age. However, I have often thought about Kyla and when she would return to me. I dreamed about us getting married and having a couple of kids in the future.

Isn't that what most people dream of when they’re in love?

I wanted it all with Kyla. Marriage, a big house, a son and a daughter, and even a dog for them to play with. I knew I would be the best husband and father I could be. But that didn’t happen. However, I am a father, and Greer already means the world to me. Yes, I missed all of her milestones as a baby, but I don’t hate Kyla for it. I know she didn’t deliberately keep Greer from me. But I won’t understand why she didn’t come and find me sooner unless she wakes up and tells me herself.

“I know you have a lot on your mind right now, Dragon. But there’s something we need to talk about.”

“Mom, if this is about Storm, then forget it!”

“Don’t talk to her like that!” Cobra, ever the Mommy’s boy. I roll my eyes, then scrub my hands over my face. “We know what Storm did was stupid, but Dad and Rabid were there too. Are you angry with them?”

I’m not angry with Dad and Rabid, and I don’t know why. Cobra is right; they were at Kyla’s with Storm. I guess I’m angry with him because he’s the one who called me and told me they’d gone over there. Storm was the one who told Kyla that I’d be taking her to court for custody of Greer. Hammer and Rabid didn’t say that; Storm did.

How can I not be pissed off with my brother?

“Look, I’m not in the mood for this. Kyla needs me; Storm can fuckin’ wait until I’ve calmed down.”

“He’s your brother, Dragon.”

“I know that!” I slam my hand down on the dining table and get to my feet. “I don’t wanna argue with you, Cobra. If Storm was bothered, he would have come and spoken to me himself. As it is, I have somewhere to be. Mom, I know you’ve taken care of Greer all day, but would you please listen out for her until I get back?”

“Of course,” She smiles slightly. I know she’s upset that Storm and I aren’t talking, but I don’t have the energy to care. I kiss Mom’s cheek and leave.