Alo and Mini
Chapter 3
'And what the actual FUCK do you think you're doing here Greg? Come to break my daughter's heart again?'
At eight in the evening, Mini heard her mother's shrill voice from her room. She was trying on a skirt that she wore before she was pregnant, swearing as it got stuck at the top of her thighs. She heard the word 'Greg' and shook with anger. She didn't have a chance all those months ago to give that wanker a piece of her mind; she would now.
'Shelley, I couldn't be sorrier for what I did. I'm trying to make amends; the business is booming in Australia and I wanted to help out- '
'Take your help and shove it up your arse Greg. I don't want Mini to know you're here, so fuck off!' Shelley screeched. Mini was pretty sure the whole street knew that her father had decided to drop in.
Mini went to the door and faced her dad. Weirdly enough, when she saw him her anger dissolved slightly. Must be the fucking hormones.
'Mini, I am so so sorry. I'm an arse for doing what I did. I know its no excuse, but I've been struggling with anxiety for a while now. I saw this therapist while I was in Australia, and I'm doing much better. I'm in a place where I can be a part of your life and help you out.' Greg said.
'Is that how it fucking works, Dad? You have to be 'in a place' to want to look after your daughter? I was shit scared. You fucked me over big time. I don't think I'll ever get over sitting in your empty apartment crying my eyes out!' Mini said, demonstrating by crying her eyes out.
What Greg did shocked Shelley. He started crying, burying his face in his hands. Never whilst she knew him had she ever seen him cry or laugh for that matter. He was always a smooth, robotic barbie doll. Shelley couldn't remember a single time when he had shown such extreme emotion.
It hurt Greg to see his daughter in so much pain because of him. He'd learnt a lot in therapy- for years he'd suppressed his emotions, to the point where he couldn't seem to feel anything. Greg had lived under the lie for years that feeling numb was better than feeling raw emotion. Now, seventeen years later, he finally loved his daughter the way a dad should. He might have missed out on teaching her how to swim, but he wasn't going to miss out on looking after her now.
Greg hugged Mini hard. Mini tried to push him off at first, then squeezed him so fiercely he thought his ribs were going to pop out of his stomach. He probably deserved that though.
Alo was dressing Grace after her bath with extreme care. He buttoned the baby grow slowly, frightened it might pinch her. He picked her up and carried her downstairs, where he saw Mini hugging her dad. If he wasn't holding a baby, he would have kicked the shit out of him. How fucking dare he be here?
'What the fuck is this dick doing here?' He asked Shelley.
Alo had never seen Shelley like this. Every time Mini's dad was hinted at, 'cunt' was her usual response. She was now watching the tender scene with a mushy expression.
Mini finally let go of her dad and turned to Alo with huge smile. He hadn't seen that toothy grin in a long time, probably not since the birth. He was over the moon to see her so happy, but also really fucking jealous. Why was it that when her prick of a dad turned up, she was so ecstatic? Wasn't he enough to make her happy?
'Right, Greg. I'm only going to let you in my house because I've seen her smile for the first time in months. We'll hear what you have to say, even though it'll probably be bollocks. Is that okay, love?' Shelley said.
Mini nodded. Although she was pleased to see her dad caring about her, the main reason why she was being so forgiving was because she was desperate for help. She needed someone to swoop in and save her; he would fix it all. He had to.
Mini led her dad into the living room, sat next to him on the sofa. She ushered Alo to bring Grace over; Alo reluctantly placed her in Greg's arms.
'She's gorgeous, Mini. This has to be the luckiest day of my life; I get my daughter back, and I meet my granddaughter!'
'You're not going to 'get her back' that fucking easily Greg. You've got a lot of making up to do first.' Shelley said. Mini glared at her.
'So what do you want?' Alo blurted out angrily, also earning a death stare from Mini.
'All I want is to be a part of your lives, if you'll let me. My business has done really well in Australia, and I'm opening up several more branches in Britain. I want to help you out financially, I'm your dad, and her granddad. Please let me help you, I really want to make amends.' Greg said earnestly.
'We're not a fucking charity case.' Alo said.
'Shut the fuck up Alo. I want his help, and we both need it. You know that, just today you had a strop over the pop tarts running out. We can't stay here any longer, we'll all go mental.' Mini said.
Alo hated the thought of relying on Mini's shit dick father. He wanted the both of them to provide for themselves. But he'd lost his job after the fight, not that it made him rich anyway. The kitchen was smashed, Sid had to close the café for repairs. He didn't look angry with Alo when he gave him the sack; just really down. The café, as shit as it may be, was Cassie's.
Greg offered to buy Mini and Alo a house, to help 'start them off'. He had done some research and suggested a nice two bed in Redland; a family-orientated part of Bristol. With less shagging and fewer children rolling spiffs. He promised to take them furniture shopping, they could decorate exactly how they wanted. All he wanted in return was a chance to make up for the neglect that he'd put Mini through all her life.
Shelley took a lot of persuasion. She wanted to provide for her daughter, why should the person who left her stranded be the one to help her? Then she reasoned; she certainly couldn't give them a house in a non-shitty area anytime soon. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but she tried to let go of her pride- it was a great chance for them. Seeing Greg showing so much emotion made her think he'd changed, maybe he'd finally be the dad she'd always wanted him to be.
Alo acted like a stroppy toddler all evening. He couldn't get why Mini was all for it, she was famous for holding a grudge. But he could picture the house- him making bacon sandwiches (the height of his culinary skills) Grace crawling around and gurgling happily. Mini would smile and laugh more, call him Farmboy and take the piss like she used to. They could even get a dog. With this is mind, he agreed.
