Chapter 5
I woke up early the next morning.
The sun was streaming through my bedroom window. I could smell my mother's pancakes cooking downstairs.
For a moment, everything felt normal. Like I was sixteen again, waking up on a Saturday morning with no worries beyond what movie I'd watch with my friends.
Then I remembered last night.
The wine. The laughter. The five-minute ultimatum.
I got up and went downstairs.
My parents were already at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. The newspaper was spread out in front of my father. My mother was pouring orange juice.
"Good morning, baby," my mother said, smiling. "Sit down. I made your favorite."
I sat down and she piled pancakes on my plate. Blueberry. Just how I liked them.
We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes.
Then my father cleared his throat.
"Claire," he said. "We've been talking. About Daniel. About his family."
I put down my fork. "Okay."
"We think you should stay here," he said. "At least for a little while. Until you figure out what you want to do. Until you know it's safe."
I looked at them. My parents. The people who loved me unconditionally. The people who would always have my back.
"Thank you," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I think I'd like that."
My mother reached across the table and squeezed my hand.
Then the doorbell rang.
We all froze.
"I'll get it," my father said, standing up.
He went to the door. I heard voices. Then he came back, his face grim.
"It's Daniel," he said.
My heart started racing.
"Let him in," I said.
Daniel came into the kitchen. He was wearing the same clothes from last night. He looked like he hadn't slept. His eyes were red. He was holding a bag.
"Claire," he said. "I brought your things. Some clothes. Your toothbrush. The things you need."
He set the bag on the counter.
Then he turned to my parents.
"Mr. and Mrs. Vance," he said, his voice sincere. "I owe you both the biggest apology. What happened last night was unforgivable. My sister's behavior was unacceptable. My family's behavior was unacceptable. And my failure to protect your daughter... there's no excuse for it."
He paused, swallowing hard.
"I've already called Madison. I told her she needs to pay back every dollar she stole. I told her if she doesn't, I'll press charges myself. And I've talked to my parents. I told them that things have to change. That if they can't respect Claire and you, then they're not part of my life anymore."
My mother looked at him, her expression softening just a little.
"That's a start," she said.
"It is," my father agreed. "But words are easy, son. Actions are what matter."
"I know," Daniel said. "And I'm going to prove it to you. To all of you. I've already called a therapist. For me. For my family. For Claire and me, if she'll have me."
He turned to me.
"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness," he said. "But I'm going to earn it. No matter how long it takes. I love you, Claire. And I'm going to spend the rest of my life making this right."
I looked at him. Really looked at him.
I saw the regret in his eyes. The desperation. The love.
But I also saw the three years of hurt. The three years of broken promises. The three years of choosing his family over me.
"I appreciate you saying all that," I said. "And I appreciate you bringing my things. But I need time, Daniel. I need to figure out what I want. What's best for me. For my parents."
He nodded, his face falling. "I understand. I'll give you all the space you need. But I'm not giving up on us. Never."
He turned to leave.
"Daniel," I called.
He stopped. Turned.
"Madison has two weeks to pay back the first installment," I said. "Or I go to the police. And the bank. And everyone else who needs to know."
He swallowed hard. "She'll have it. I'll make sure of it."
Then he left.
My mother put her arm around me.
"You did the right thing," she said.
"I know," I said. "But why does it hurt so much?"
"Because you love him," my father said quietly. "And love is never easy."
I watched through the kitchen window as Daniel got in his car and drove away.
I didn't know if our marriage would survive.
May you like
But I knew one thing.
I was finally going to take care of myself.
