A/N: OMG! It's been forever. Well, I hope y'all like this update. I had a sudden burst of inspiration. Love to hear all y'all thoughts.
Jack's POV
It took me a few minute to reached Delia's house. Turning off the car, I dropped my keys into my pocket. I felt like whistling a tune. I should have known Bitsy would act up and I should be angry at her, but I just couldn't bring myself to it. Knocking on the door, I waited until Delia opened the door.
I felt like I was tumbling backwards when she hurled herself at me. Wrapping my arms around her waist, I kept Delia and me from falling to the ground. "I'm a terrible mother," she said over and over. "I couldn't even watch her for an hour before she disappeared."
"It's okay," I said as I rubbed her back. "Lock up and we'll go get her." I could have laughed at the shock on Delia's face. I guess she expected me to be a lot angrier, more upset. "Just do it." She nodded and then turned back to me.
Holding my hand out for her, I began to walk down the street. "Aren't we going to take the car?" she asked. "It'll be faster."
"Nah. It's quite beautiful out here today. Plus, we'll be at our destination in a few minutes."
"Our destination? A FEW MINUTES?" Delia's voice rose with each word. "Damn it Jack! Have you known wear she's been the entire time?" I stopped to look at her. She looks cute when she's angry was the first thought that entered my mind. Hoping to calm her down, I said, "I only figured it out when you told me where you lived. Look," I said pointing, "she's in the second house on the left."
Her eyes followed my finger to the house I was pointing to. I could see all the emotions that flowed over her face- anger, happiness, relief. I felt sorry for the way I had just been acting. I mean, Delia had been scared out of her mind and I knew exactly what was going on.
"Delia, I'm sor..." I started but was cut off by her waving her hand. Ignoring me, she walked towards our destination.
Delia's POV
I had only been living in this neighborhood for less than a month, but I knew that 'our destination' was Pride and Salene's house. Idiot, I kept calling myself. I should have just clamed down and actually think. Of course Bitsy would escape to someone she knew and of course she knew Pride and Salene. They were Mallrats after all.
After berating myself, I tuned back into what was happening around me. I could hear Jack say, "Delia, I'm sor..." but I stopped him with a wave of my hand. Leaving Jack behind, I started to walk towards the house. I was unsure what I was going to do. I wanted to bend her over my knee and make sure she couldn't walk properly for a month, but another side of my mind said I didn't have the right.
What do you mean that I don't have the right, the other side argued back. She is my daughter after all.
That might be true, I argued to myself, but you haven't raised her the last thirteen years. Do you want to ruin any chance you might have in gain her love?
Whatever else I was going to say was blown away. I had reached the front door. I could feel Jack behind me and for some strange reason, he provided some comfort zone. Lifting my hand, I knocked on the door. What seemed like eternity were really only a couple of minutes. I could hear the sounds of laughter and joy and I felt my heart crumble. Could I ever have that?
The door opened and I saw a gorgeous, bright red hair woman open the door. "Yes, can I help you?" she asked, looking at me. She noticed Jack. "Oh, hi Jack. Is something the matter?"
"Well..." Jack began, "Bitsy 'disappeared' on us." Salene let out a little "Oh" and opened the door wider. "Come in and I'll get her. I'm Salene, by the way," she said to me.
"I'm Delia..."
"Bitsy's mother," Jack said, finishing my thought. I watched as Salene's face went from compassion to shock and back to compassion. "Now I understand. BITSY RENEE, get down here now," she yelled up the stairs.
Bitsy's POV
The moment I heard Salene call my name, I knew I was in trouble. I guess Delia had gotten a hold of my father and figured out where I was. Stupid girl couldn't even think by herself I thought to myself. "I think you've been found out," Kristin said to me.
"I think you're right. Time to face the music." Grabbing her hand, we walked down together, laughing the whole time. We weren't going to let Delia ruin our fun, although Dad might have some things to say. On top of that, Kristin was there to help me. If Delis thought she could say one word to me, she was sorely mistaken.
Reaching the living room, we saw Pride, Salene, Delia and my father. I lost some of my confidence when I saw the disappointing look that Pride was giving me. Turning to his daughter, he said, "Kristin, please go upstairs. Your mother and I will talk to you later." Kristin visibly swallowed and gave me another look. We each squeezed the other's hand.
"No," she said standing up to her father. She knew she would get in serious trouble later, but I, her friend, needed her. Pride looked at Salene and then back again. "Fine then. Sit down both of you."
"Do you want to explain yourself?" Dad asked. He had a smug look, as if he was controlling his laughter. I knew we could joke about it later, but right now I had to behave.
"What would you like for me to say?" I asked. Anyone could tell why I ran over here, so why did I have to say it out loud?
"You scared the living daylights out of me," Delia cried and I watched as a tear fell down her cheek. "I was freaking out and I was thinking all these horrible thoughts. You were going to get kidnapped or something worse..." she trailed off.
"I know this neighborhood like the back of my hand," I said with disgust. "Plus, I know everyone on this street. Do you think I'm stupid or something? Like I would actually risk my life just to get away from you. You might be terrible, but I'm not that desperate." I knew I had gone to far when my father stood up.
"That is enough," he said. "Go get your stuff this instant." Turning to Salene and Pride he said, "Thank you for all that you've done, but I think we should continue this somewhere else."
"That's absolutely fine," Salene said getting up. I took this as my chance to follow my father's order and gather my stuff. I had this uneasy feeling like I wasn't going to like the outcome of the private chat we were going to have in a few short minutes.