A/N - Writing this chapter was intense. Let me know your thoughts. When the story took this turn, it really surprised me

Chapter 8 Who is Zoe's Father

Wade tried to call Zoe when he got to Tuscaloosa to get his car to get home for a few weeks. No Answer.

He called again on the way home, no answer.

When he pulled into the driveway, he called her cell again, no answer.

W- hey

No answer.

Everything had been so good, how can she ignore him after the week they had. Just this morning she said she was falling for him too.

Wade, don't freak out. Well I am obviously feakin' out, I am talking in the 3rd person to myself. Only half crazy people like Lavon do that. Breathe Wade, breathe. Shit , I am doing it again.

He walks in his house and is glad to see Jesse isn't there yet. He hopes his dad is sober because he wants to tell him that he has a girlfriend.

"Hey Dad."

"Well, hello son. Come give your ol' man a hug"

They wrapped their arms around each other and to be honest, it felt so good to Wade that his dad had not been drinking. This is the Dad he had needed for a very long time. However , he knew it wouldn't last.

"Great game son, I am proud of you."

"Dad I wish you could have been there but Jesse came and he met my girlfriend, Zoe"

"Girlfriend?"

"I met her in September through a football booster actually. We hung out that weekend and then just kept in touch after that. I went out on a limb and asked her to the bowl game since I had tickets. She came and dad, it was incredible, Like one of those Hallmark movies. Fun, romantic and then of course the national championship."

"Son, I am glad you had a great time but life isn't always a Hallmark movie.

" I know Dad, believe me, I know."

Jesse called and said he wouldn't get there until tomorrow.

Zoe still hadn't texted or called but he wanted to give her some space. A million different things could be going on.

He woke up at 3 am to a text

Z- Hey if by any chance you are up,

W- yes been wonderin where you were all night

Z- Can I come stay with you for a couple of weeks?

W- What?

Z- Nevermind

W- Yes, Zoe , whatever you need.

Z-Can you pick me up at 9:30am in Mobile?

W- sure, you know can call me right now

Z- Its ok, I need to pack for 2 weeks and be at the airport by 5:30am Just need to be with you. Talk when I get there.

Wade's mind was swimming. He had to find Zoe, a place to stay. He could stay in his bedroom and he would sleep on the couch but Earl's house was not Madison Ave and what Zoe was used to. Plus he didn't want Zoe to see him constantly drunk.

He texted Lemon

W- Call me as soon as you get this, no matter the time

His phone rang at 6:45am

"Wade, what's wrong?

" Lem, I don't really know. Zoe texted me and said she needed me and wanted to stay with me. I am worried about her. She said we would talk when she got here."

"What do ya need?'

" I need a place for her to stay. Somewhere to sleep."

"Say no more Wade, I am always here for you."

" I haven't asked her yet, so I will let ya know. She is a pretty private person, I guess we have that in common. She really enjoyed you this week so I don't think she will resist. Thanks Lem." he said a little unnerved.

What would send Zoe spiraling to already have a plane ticket booked to Mobile. At least she trusts me and wants to be with me. I hope I can help her.

The ride was quiet from the airport. Zoe was obviously drained. Her eyes were puffy. She looked so lost. Wade laid his hand on hers to let him know that the silence was ok.

"Zoe, is it okay if I pull over so we can talk? I just want to know what is going on before we get to my house. Even if you are not ready to talk, we can sit there all day and look at the water."

"That sounds fine Wade, I am still just in shock, how much longer until we are there?"

"M

He takes out a blanket out of his trunk and walks her down to the water. He lays the blanket down and they sit on the weathered slatted deck boards. Zoe is swinging her feet.

"This is beautiful Wade." Wade shook his head in appreciation. He put his arm around her shoulder.

"Zoe, what happened?"

" How would you feel if you had not seen your dad in nearly 18 months? And when you finally do, he doesn't even hug you. He patted me, Wade, patted my back." She started to rant so Wade, turned her face towards his and just leaned his forehead against hers." "Everything will be alright baby, just tell me everything." She loved ho he made her feel safe but it didnt stop the tears from falling.

"My dad is not my dad", she whispered.

"What, what do ya mean?"

"My whole life has been a lie. My parents are liars."

"You are going to have to explain this one"

Zoe tells him how he had found something of my moms a couple of years ago that made him suspicious so he had a DNA test done. A freaking DNA test"

"Why is he telling you now?"

It turns out that it was his best friend from college. My dad never had time for my mom back then so she turned to someone. That someone is also a doctor but a family doctor.

"Did they tell you who he is or where he is?"

"Umm, that's the thing they did. I can't even say it. I am not ready."

"Does this man know about you?"

"Yes I am not sure when he found out, we didn't get that far. My dad and mom were throwing things and I couldn't take it. My mind was spinning out of control. I ran out and just went walking around New York city. When I came back both of my parents were gone. My dad left me a note

"I am sorry Princess. I did love you"

"Wade" he used the past tense, 'did'. Even if he wasn't my dad, you would think he still would love me. Why Wade, why does no one love me or have time for me?"

"Zoe, I love you. I have known since the moment I saw you at Haley's dad's house sitting in the corner. Every time we talk, text, or see each other, I just keep falling further and further in love with you."

She needed to hear that. Zoe dissolved into tears. Her body just went limp. Wade could do nothing to fix this for her. He wanted so badly to just take her pain away. He knew this kind of pain. It was a devastating kind of pain. The physical pain from crying so much that every muscle in your body hurts like you have run a marathon. The mental pain that leaves you exhausted and without hope or trust.

I hope I am enough for her but I know how many people it took to hold me together. How many people it still takes.

"Zoe, do you wanna talk more or are you hungry? Tell me what you need."

" I could use one of those bars and water. I think I am dehydrated."

Wade went to the car.

Zoe hadn't even told him the blockbuster news. How was she going to tell him?

Wade twisted the blue cap off and handed her the bottle of water. He let her choose whether she wanted the chocolate bar or the peanut butter chocolate bar. She chose the peanut butter one.

They just sat so Wade thought it was a good time to bring up her sleeping arrangements.

"Hey, uh, when you told me you were coming. I thought you would want a comfortable place to stay so I called Lemon and you"

Zoe screamed, "Lemon, not Lemon!"

"What Zoe , you all became good friends in Florida and we all had such a terrific time together. Why wouldn't you want to stay with Lemon?"

"Because Wade, because her dad, Brick Breeland is my father."

There was absolute stillness.