Smoke And Mirrors
Chapter 22
authors note : Thank you for the support my readers.
"No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself - and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true."
Austin was unaware as to why his sister and Dawn were so upset.
He had his dad back. His momma was home. And now Dawn was going to live with them. He was happy and it seemed like he was the only one.
...
Nathan knocked on the front door of Nadia's bedroom. Before coming in. Alot like her mother.
When Haley was upset she cleaned.
Nadia was found her relief from her instruments.
Her found her strumming a guitar.
"Where did get that.?" Nathan asked.
Nadia looked up at him.
"Uncle Chris. He got it for me for my birthday."
"Two years ago." Nadia replied.
Nathan felt his body recoil at the mention of Chris.
"How could you have a baby with her!"
"When momma was carrying Austin in her belly."
"You and her told me that babies were created from two people who love each other."
"Did you love Rachel.?" Nadia asked.
Nathan took a deep breath. "No i didn't. I was young and in a dark place. And i didn't find out about Dawn until she was older."
"She shouldn't pay for my bad choices. She's innocent here."
"I grew up hating my dad. We became alot more alike then i realized as time goes on. But i'm changing. I'm trying to do better."
"Learn from my mistakes. Appreciate everything life has given me."
"I love you babygirl." Nathan proclaimed. Before leaving the room.
...
He hadn't expected to find Haley waiting for him in the hallway.
"I wanted this to be healing and peaceful. Instead it's turning into such a mess."
"I'm really sorry about that." Nathan stated matter of fact.
"None of this is easy or simple. All we can do is take it hour by hour and day by day. I'm here." Haley replied.
...
"Why did you bring out to this house.? With people who don't want me around!" Dawn exclaimed.
As she paced on the front porch.
"It was time to be honest. I couldn't keep lying to them. And its important you know you aren't alone." Nathan explained.
Dawn glared at him.
"Mom left. You're stuck with me."
"It's better for everyone if i just leave."
"So i called grandpa Dan and he's going to pick me up."
"I'm going to live with him and grandma Deb. Then i won't get in the way of you're real family." Dawn announced.
Before Nathan could react.
Dan and Deb had pulled up.
Dawn ran towards and got inside the waiting car.
Dan was grinning. A look of pride on his face.
"Let's get you settled at home honey. We'll go shopping tomorrow." Deb said.
"You should be getting a call from our lawyer soon. We're planning to go for custody."
"With Rachel out of the way. All we need is for you to sign away you're rights. And everyone is happy." Dan explained.
...
Days Later
Awaiting him were Parental Rights Relinquishment papers in the mail. In a large envelope. With his name on it.
From his parents lawyer.
...