CHAPTER FIVE

Samantha let out a deep sigh as she sat on the small, wooden park bench, looking out in front of her, at nothing in particular. She was too deep in thought to take notice of anything around her. She wanted to scream at what was going through her head. She thought about what John had said to her about just forgetting the whole thing. She was angry at him for that. Even though he hadn't been the best father to her, he was still her dad, and she was still concerned for his welfare. What person would want to see their own father suffer? No matter what had happened in the past, Samantha would never wish any harm on her own flesh and blood. And she was angry at John for not understanding that. She was angry at John for thinking she could be so heartless.

She just groaned and leaned her head back, closing her eyes and listening to the street noises. She knew John was only trying to protect her, she knew he just didn't want her to get hurt again, and, in her heart, she felt bad for being angry with him over it. But she also knew that he could have been a little more sensitive and considerate about the situation.

"Hey." she suddenly heard from behind her, causing her eyes to shoot open. She turned her head only to see Marc Predka standing there, his hands in his pockets, watching her.

Samantha just gave him a slight smile and turned away again. After a pause she felt Marc sit down next to her on the bench. They sat in silence for a moment or two, before Samantha glanced to her side at her husband's cousin.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

Marc turned to look at her. "You've been gone for a while." he replied.

Samantha laughed slightly and looked away from Marc again. Ever since her and John moved to West Newbury, Marc had been like a brother to Samantha. "Yeah, well, I just wanted to be on my own for a bit."

"I know." he nodded. "John told me about your dad being in hospital."

Samantha snorted. "I bet you've come to tell me to just forget about it as well, huh?"

Marc laughed and shook his head. "Nope." he said. "It's not my place to tell you what you should or shouldn't do. It's not anyone's place for that matter. It's your decision, Sam. You do whatever you think is for the best."

Samantha just smiled. "I wish your cousin would see it that way."

There was a long pause before Marc spoke again. "John's worried about you."

Samantha sighed and ran her hands through her hair. "I know he is." she said quietly. "And I love him for it, but there are some things that I need to do on my own. And sometimes I need him to just support me in whatever decision I make, whether he thinks it's right or wrong." Samantha said, looking up at Marc. "This is my father we're talking about here."

"I know." Marc nodded. "Just talk to John. Tell him what you just told me. He'll understand and he'll be there for you. He can just be a little bit over protective sometimes. but it's only because he loves you so much and would do anything to make for you, you know that, don't you?"

Samantha was quiet for a minute, then she just smiled and nodded.

"Are you gonna let me drive you back home to your husband then?" Marc smiled.

Samantha laughed and nodded, standing up from her seat. "Yeah, okay."

"Good." Marc said, also raising to his feet. "He's probably worried to death by now."

Samantha just chuckled slightly and shook her head.

Marc wrapped his arm around her shoulders and they headed to his car.

Sorry it's taken me so long to update. I've been having a little break from writing. I'm back on it now though, so updates on all my stories will be more frequent from now on. Anyways, hope y'all liked this chapter. R&R please peeps.