Long Lost Fathers and Other Strangers

by Samantha J. Mulder

Twelve years ago, Keely's dad left without so much as a goodbye. Now he's back, but it isn't exactly a happy reunion. As Keely struggles with forgiving her father, Phil tries to protect her from getting hurt all over again.

3. Chapter 3

A/n: This chapter would have been up much sooner except that at one point, the story didn't get saved like I thought it did so I lost this chapter and most of the next which meant I had to rewrite it all.

Chapter 3

The following day, Phil walked up to Keely's house to find Jeff coming down the porch steps.

"What are you doing here?" Jeff demanded of the younger man.

Jeff's tone took him by surprise, but Phil answered, "Keely left her phone at my house last night. I was just bringing it by." He held up the pink cell phone as evidence.

"Well, she's not home."

Feeling vastly uncomfortable, Phil turned to leave but as he did, Jeff said, "If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from my daughter."

Phil turned back around. "Are you threatening me, Mr. Teslow?"

"No. I just think it would be best for everyone involved if you and Keely didn't see each other anymore."

"No offense, sir, but I really don't think you've been around enough to know what's best for Keely."

"Oh, and I suppose you do."

"Well, I don't know about that," Phil admitted, "but I do know that taking her away from someone who loves her and does everything in his power to protect her is far from what's best for her."

"Quit trying to play the hero, kid. Puppy love never lasts."

Phil was really mad by this point, something that was really quite rare given his easy going personality. "Keely is the single most important person in my life, Mr. Teslow, I love her with all my heart and I have been there for her no matter what and until you can say the same thing, I don't think you have any right to criticize our relationship."

With that, Phil turned and left. He had feeling that if he'd had been involved in that conversation another minute, he would have taken a swing at Jeff, something that would not have come out favorably for Phil, considering Jeff had about a foot and twenty years on him.

A/n: Sorry this chapter's so short. The plot point didn't really fit with anything else. The next chapter is much longer, I promise, and should be up really soon. Leave me a review as always!

--Sam