Chapter 3- What?!
428 Words
Kate woke up early the next morning, excitement bubbling in her chest. Today, she would finally get to spend time with her dad!
But as she rushed out of bed and ran to the living room, her excitement faded. There was no one there.
Frowning, she went straight to her mom’s room. Something was wrong.
"Mom, where is Dad?" she asked, confused.
Mrs. Williams sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don’t know, Kate. I’ve been trying to call him, but another person keeps picking up."
Kate’s heart sank. "Mom… are you sure he’s really back for us? What if something is off?"
Mrs. Williams forced a smile, trying to reassure her daughter. "Nothing is off, dear. He’ll be back soon, I’m sure."
But before Kate could argue, a voice came from the doorway.
"He won’t be back, so don’t expect him."
They both turned sharply to see Richard standing there, his face blank but his eyes filled with hurt.
"What?!" Mrs. Williams gasped.
"Didn't I say it?" Kate muttered under her breath, folding her arms.
Mrs. Williams’ heart pounded. "Richard… what do you mean he won’t be back?"
Richard sighed heavily and walked into the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. "My dad… never planned on staying. He only brought me here so another woman could take care of me."
Kate’s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! So he just dropped you off like a package?"
"Because of his wife," Richard added, his voice dripping with bitterness.
Mrs. Williams' breath caught. "Wife?"
Kate gasped. "He had a wife?!"
Her mother sat down, struggling to process what she just heard. "Richard… what about his wife?"
Richard’s expression darkened as he leaned forward. "My dad used to be the most caring father in the world. But now… he’s the worst. And it’s all because of his girlfriend, Kayla."
"Kayla?" Mrs. Williams and Kate said in unison.
Richard nodded. "She never liked me. She always looked for a way to kick me out. And I think… she finally succeeded."
Mrs. Williams swallowed hard. "Are you saying… she planned the blind date?"
Kate turned sharply to her mother. "Blind date? Mom, you went on a blind date?!"
Mrs. Williams looked down, guilt washing over her. "No, my child… I mean… yes," she admitted, her voice laced with regret.
Kate’s face twisted in disbelief. "Why, Mom? Why would you go for a blind date?"
Mrs. Williams took a shaky breath, tears brimming in her eyes. "Because… I’m a widow."
Kate’s breath hitched. "What?!" she exclaimed, as reality sank in.
Silence filled the room.
- Writer
