Chapter 10

Standing on the other side of the street Caleb adjusted his bag on his shoulder & took a deep breath even though he knew Hanna wasn't home. He had seen her over an hour ago in the middle of town shopping for shoes.

Walking toward the front door he felt his heart racing in his chest, he wasn't sure which Marin to fear more Hanna or her mother. If he had any hope with Hanna, he figured the best place to start was with Ashley.

He knocked three times on the door and waited, when no one answered he cleared his throat & went to knock again but the door opened suddenly.

" Hello Mrs Marin " he said with a smile before Ashley could close the door. He knew she always hated when he was been over polite.

" Caleb " Ashley look stunned.

" Can we talk? " Caleb asked.

" Its not a good time " she pulled the door toward her blocking any view into the house. " Hanna will be home soon ".

" This won't take long " Caleb begged. " I promise, scouts honor " he put up his index & middle finger on his right hand. Ashley stepped aside & laughed to herself, she knew Caleb wouldn't have a clue what scouts honor meant.

" I wont lie, I'm surprised to see you " Ashley said over her shoulder as Caleb followed her into the kitchen. " Hanna said you left town " she finished pouring herself a glass of wine.

" I did. But I came back " Caleb placed his bag on the stool and took off his jacket. Ashley poured a can of soda into a glass and pushed it toward him.

" Thank you " Caleb took a small mouthful & placed it on the bench beside him.

" Why did you come back? " Ashley sat at the table and turned her chair toward him.

" There are many reasons I came back... the main one being Hanna ".

" My daughter is not strong on forgiveness " Ashley stared straight at him, she wanted to rip shreds off him for hurting her daughter and at the same time she wanted to hear what he had to say.

Ashley had her doubts that he was turning over a new leaf. What male would return so soon after hurting someone they cared about? All men were the same, they come they go they move on to the next woman leaving nothing but a trail of pain behind them.

" I know " Caleb hung his head and rubbed his legs. " I'm sorry for any pain I caused her. And for any that I caused you as a result " Caleb lifted his head, once Ashley looked at him she knew he meant every word.

" Hanna, She... " Ashley was at a loss for words. She knew Hanna wouldn't want Caleb knowing how much power he had over her, she had too much pride for that.

" Mrs Marin, I really am sorry " he looked out the patio doors hoping Hanna wouldn't come through them, if she saw him first she might run away before he had a chance to say anything at all.

" I thought you'd be different Caleb, I stuck my neck out for you. And you hurt my daughter regardless " Ashley was trying her best to keep her temper at bay.

" Mrs Marin, I'm trying. Really, I am. Please help me " he stood from his chair & pleaded. " What will it take to get Hanna back? ". Ashley stood and put her hand on his shoulder pushing him back down onto the stool. She stared into his dark eyes knowing she had his full attention.

" Stay. Show her you care, stick around and be there when she needs you, even when she doesn't " Caleb nodded. " She's very stubborn, but she cares deeper than she likes to admit " Ashley sat down again.

" If I do decide to stay, do I have your permission to be with Hanna? " Caleb asked. After their first encounter Caleb made sure to never go behind Ashley's back again, at least when it came to Hanna.

" Win my daughters trust again...and then we'll talk " Ashley didn't want to give him the green light if he was only going to hurt her again, she had to tread as lightly as Hanna.

When the sound of a car door closing grabbed both their attention Ashley turned to face Caleb.

" Here's your chance. Just be honest, she can handle it ".