Peace and Love

Chapter thirteen - Falling apart

Abby's POV:

My parents have been at home for a week. Somehow, I convinced my dad to stay. I know he doesn't like my boyfriend for some reason, but he can't go home. Not until the house is finished. I still haven't seen it, so I have planned to do it one day. I haven't been at home for a long time. Technically, it was since I moved out. That is when I stopped talking to my parents. I see they didn't care much. I mean, my dad. Mom was calling me from time to time. Honestly, I have never been far away from them for so long. That was going to happen one day. Well, I didn't expect it to be so soon. I should be glad about this. I have learned a lot of things. Also, I found a person who always takes care of me. My boyfriend will never leave me alone, even for a second. He said that I was his priority. Luke told the man he didn't want to work for him, no matter how much money he gave him. My boyfriend knows what is best for him. That's why we have enough money. Also, his grandparents' money is still here. We spent a part of them, but it wasn't that big. Mostly, it was for my studies. I wasn't happy he was doing it, but I didn't have that much money anyway. I couldn't afford the money for all my years at university. I wanted to do this alone. Well, I'm glad he decided to help me. I will never be thankful enough for everything he has done for me. That's why I want my dad to like him. He doesn't want to see how well Luke is treating me. As my mom said, I hit the jackpot with such a good boyfriend. Luke and my dad have to understand each other. I will do everything necessary to make this happen, even if it takes months. All I want is for them to have good relations. I don't think it's that much. I hope that my wish will finally come true. I want to have parents as well, not only a boyfriend.

It's the weekend. Today, I planned to go with my dad and visit the house. He will go to check what the workers have done during the week. Hopefully, things are not that bad. I won't move back in, but I grew up there. I would love to see my room. Probably, it's not in good condition. Mom said there used to be a water balloon on the ceiling. I don't know how that is possible. At least now it's gone. I have no idea how all of this happened. I hope it will be fixed. Otherwise, they have to sell the house and buy a new one. I'm sure my parents don't want this to happen.

I woke up and checked next to me. Luckily, Luke is still sleeping. I will use the chance to make breakfast. For the past couple of days, only he was preparing the food. It's not like I mind, but I want to do things, too. That's why we are a team. To help each other. I got out of bed and got dressed. Later, I walked into the kitchen. Dad was already there, checking something on his phone.

- Good morning.

- Hey.

- Do you want coffee?

- Yes, sure.

- So if I make it, you will take it. If Luke does it, you will deny it.

- I'll drink later.

- No, I will make you one.

- Is he still sleeping?

- Yes, why?

- I'm just asking.

- Dad, he is not that bad. Please talk to him.

- We did.

- What? When?

- You were asleep, and we were in the backyard.

- I know about this. I thought you had done it again after that.

- I have said to him what I had to.

- Ok, whatever. Will you check the house today?

- Yes, I will go.

- Can I come with you?

- Why?

- Because I want to see it.

- Do you think we are lying?

- What? Of course not. I only wanted to see my room.

- Ok, you can come.

- Thanks. Here is your coffee.

- What will you cook today?

- Eggs with bacon. It's one of Luke's favorite meals for breakfast. Please, don't say anything.

- I have nothing to say.

- Good.

Soon, all of us were around the table, eating. Dad and Luke were avoiding each other. I know he wants something from Luke, but no one knows what it is. He didn't even tell my mom. I already asked her about this. I guess that will be a mystery.

After breakfast, my dad and I walked to the house. The front door was open. I could see all the workers. We carefully walked in, and I looked around. I don't think this is my house anymore. It's so different. I passed by some people and went into my room. The ceiling looks terrible. Also, the walls. It's like someone poured water on them. This week it wasn't raining. I guess it was too much water. My walls look dry, but there are stains on them. I had left some things here, but everything is gone. Only the furniture is here. My bed is moved to the other side of the room.

- Are you ok?

- How long will it take to fix this? I want my room back.

- Why? Do you want to move back in?

- No, but I grew up here. I want everything to be the way it used to be.

- Ok, but I don't know. The house is not that small. It will take some time. I mean, until they finish with each room and the roof.

- Sir, can you come and check the roof? - one man asked

- Sure. I'm coming.

I followed the man as well. The roof looked nice. There is no difference compared with how it used to be. Only the color is a bit brighter. What will change is on the inside. Even if I give my parents money, that won't speed up the process. Dad talked with the workers while I was looking around. Things don't look good at all. I still don't understand how this happened. We never had such problems with the house. Dad was taking care of everything. Maybe he missed something. I don't know.

- Ok, we can go now. - dad said

- Sure.

- Are you ok?

- I'll be fine.

- If you say so.

If Luke had been here, he would've bugged me until I told him everything. That is the difference between him and my dad. If I say I'm fine, my dad won't ask questions. He might not believe me but won't do anything else.

- Let's go for lunch.

- Luke and my mom are waiting for us at home.

- It's ok. I want to spend some time with you.

- Are you sure?

- Do you doubt me?

- You didn't want to see me for the past few years. Now you want to spend some time with me. Do you think I'm stupid?

- I understand. Ok, we'll go home.

- No, I would like to have lunch with you.

- Ok, let's go.

I texted Luke to tell him I wouldn't be home for lunch. Of course, he had to ask questions. All I told him was that I would be with my dad. I will tell him everything else later. We walked into the restaurant and ordered food.

- Say it. - I said

- To say what?

- I know you wanted this lunch to tell me how bad Luke is. Just say it.

- I didn't do it because of that.

- Really?

- Yes. I guess I can't do anything to change your mind.

- About what?

- Him. This boy doesn't know how to take care of you properly.

- That is not true.

- Are you sure? What is the best thing he has done for you?

- He took me on a two-week vacation for our anniversary.

- Really? Where? In the cheapest hotel in the city.

- No, we went to Montreal.

- What?

- Yes. Unlike you, my boyfriend knows me. I always wanted to go there.

- I bet he chose the cheapest hotel.

- We were in an apartment in a five-star hotel. He spent a lot of money on me there. It was more than your salary.

- So he thinks that money can solve every problem.

- No, he wanted to make me happy.

- Yes, with money.

- No! It was not with money. He bought me nice things.

- With money.

- Dad! Things are not for free.

- All I'm saying is that his love for you is based on money. He can't make you happy without that.

- Yes, he can. He has been doing it since the beginning. When I moved out, we didn't have money.

- That's why you were in that restaurant.

- No, I was there because of him. If you don't know it, I am jealous. I mean, of every girl that dares to even look at him.

- Are you afraid that he will cheat on you?

- No. Luke is not a cheater.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Gosh, dad. Will you ever stop accusing him? He is perfect. Maybe it's not for you but for me. You have no idea what life with him is. He changed his job because I asked him to do it. Luke is doing everything I say. I live like a princess who sits all day and doesn't do anything. What else should I want from him? He is already doing too much, and I love him for that. Mostly, that is because he was the first person who put so much effort into me. No one else has done it. You and my mom, too. So stop treating him like that when you don't know what is happening.

- He doesn't want kids.

- Well, me too. That takes too much time. I prefer to be with him all day.

- But you see each other every day.

- Yes, for a couple of hours. That is not enough. I don't understand why all of this is bothering you.

- I didn't say it.

- But it sounds like it.

- If you say so.

- Whatever. I don't want to talk about it anymore.

Our food came soon. We ate it without talking. I don't know what to tell him anymore. It hurts me that he talks like that about my boyfriend. He didn't do anything to him. Luke has changed since high school. I don't know why my dad doesn't want to see it. He is a good person and takes care of me. Also, he loves me a lot. I don't know what else he has to do to prove himself. Isn't all of this enough? Luke is doing everything perfectly.

After lunch, we walked back home. Mom and Luke were talking and drinking coffee. I'm glad that at least she likes him. I walked in and sat on his lap.

- Are you ok? - Luke asked

- I am perfect. - I said and kissed his cheek

- I know something has happened, but we'll talk later.

- Thanks.

- How is the house? - mom asked

- The roof is ready. The workers will start working on the inside.

- Can we go back there?

- Mom, I don't think so. They have to redo all the walls. Maybe paint them. It will smell. Also, it's not good to breathe all these chemicals.

- I guess we'll stay here for a bit longer.

- I don't mind. You are a good company. - Luke said

- Thank you. Why don't we have dinner together?

- I would like that. Sorry, Abby. You have been replaced.

- It's ok. I will cry in my room silently. - I said, chuckling

- Don't worry. You'll always be my number-one buddy for everything.

- I'm glad to hear it.

I walked into my room. Luke and my mom took care of dinner. Dad may not like it, but I don't care. He lives here, so he has to accept him. Also, my boyfriend barely talks with him. I don't see what the problem is here. The good news is that my mom likes him. As I see it, they understand each other very well. I wonder what dinner they will make. I'm sure it will be delicious. Both of them are excellent cooks. Whatever it is, I'll eat it all.

I was lying on the bed when Luke came and did the same. He pulled me close, and I put my head on his cheat. His heartbeat is music to my ears. I love him so much.

- Now you can tell me what happened.

- Nothing. Everything is fine.

- Abby, please don't lie or hide anything from me. You know I will understand.

- It's dumb.

- Hey. I still want to know. So talk.

- I had lunch with dad.

- Let me guess. He said something about me.

- Many things.

- Will you share them with me?

- He still thinks you can't take proper care of me.

- Can you tell me why you care? He doesn't live with us to know what is going on. I mean, besides now.

- That's why. He doesn't know anything but still accuses you of everything.

- Abby, ignore him. One day, he will give up. Well, if you don't leave me before that.

- Excuse me? Who said I am leaving? You won't get rid of me that easily.

- See? Why are you worried about what he thinks? Leave him alone. Don't fight. He will understand he was wrong.

- I guess both with mom want us to have kids.

- That is not happening. If you want one, go and find someone else.

- I might get pregnant quickly. The thing is that I won't find another person like you that easily. I'm not giving up on you.

- I'm glad to hear that. He is mad at me for the day I showed up at your house. Also, you stuck by me.

- I am not leaving you for anything in the world. I don't care what he says about this. You are mine. That's it.

- Well, that is music for my ears.

- Your heartbeat is for mine.

- Really? Then I have to tell you that it beats for you.

- I'm glad it's not for someone else.

- Hey, there is no one else in my heart except you.

- Are you sure?

- Hundred present.

- What about Sam?

- He is my brother. No matter what happens between us, that won't change. You are the most important person to me.

- I like hearing this.

- I'll repeat it every day if it's necessary.

- You don't have to do it.

- I love you.

- I love you too.

All of us had dinner peacefully. Most of the time, my mom was talking with Luke. Dad and I were silent. I have nothing to tell him. I would like it if he apologized, but I don't think that is possible. Well, it's his choice. I am not giving up on my boyfriend because of him. That will never happen. I don't know what my dad wants from my boyfriend, but it will never happen. Luke doesn't need to prove himself to anyone. He is good enough for me. Even perfect. I don't care what people think about him. After all, I am the one who is living with him. I hope that my dad won't do anything to break us up. Otherwise, he has to deal with me.