Chapter 11: The Truth
The weeks following Hawaii was beyond amazing. Damon did not stop being so sweet with bringing me flowers one day to sticking a note in every one of my books so I could have a distraction is every class. I didn't think a lot about the divorce because it made me emotional. I just can't help but wonder why my mom was so calm when she told me. I didn't know that Thanksgiving was gonna be the day when the truth came out. My parents were still in the same house, but didn't talk. I invited Damon and his mom over for Thanksgiving dinner to help ease the tension. It didn't help much.
"Damon and his mom will be here in a few minutes Gabby." My dad sounds so sad. It's like he wishes this divorce would go away.
"Okay. Thanks dad! Do you need help with anything?" I am trying to be helpful to my dad since my mom was not an option. My mom and I have drifted since the divorce was out in the open.
"No thanks sweetie. Have fun with Damon. I've always liked the boy. I knew you two would get together eventually." My dad and I have gotten closer these last few weeks. I am glad we did.
"Thanks dad. He likes that you like him. It gives him some comfort knowing that you approve. You know, since his dad left?" I can see why Damon likes my dad. He's been a father figure to Damon since his dad left.
Damon and his mom came over soon after my talk with my dad. Katy had brought over her famous pumpkin pie that everyone loves. She even told me that one day she'll give me the recipe. Me and Damon set the table like we used to when we were younger. When the food was ready and we were seated at the table, all hell broke loose. I am sorry that Damon and Katy had to see this meltdown.
"Dave will you stop tapping your fingers? You are annoying me!" Mom screamed at dad making the rest of us sit there in shock. Usually mom kept her calm.
"Oh stop complaining Joanna! Why don't you go whine to Pete like you've been doing for the past year!" Mom gave him a murderous look. I was very confused.
"Mom, who's Pete?" I had a sinking feeling that I knew who he was. But I was hoping that I was wrong.
"Pete is your mother's confidant for the past year. She's been having an affair." Dad looked like he was about to cry. I knew right then and there that I hated my mother and I always will.
"Mom? Is this true? Please tell me it's not!" I looked at my mom with a face that told her I already knew the truth.
"I'm sorry but it is. That is why we are getting a divorce. Your dad will keep the house and I am moving to New York. You have a choice on who you'd rather stay with. Even though it's obvious who you pick." She didn't even look sorry for cheating on dad.
"Of course I pick dad! I would never want to live with you! I can't believe you would do that! I hate you! And I always will! I will never speak to you again!" I ran up to my room and I heard someone come after me. I knew who it was.
"Gabby? Please open the door. I want to help." Of course Damon would come after me. What boyfriend wouldn't?
"Okay." I open the door and see his face. I probably look like crap.
"Come here baby. It's alright. I'm here for you. Do you need anything?" He hugs me close and rubs circles on my back, trying to calm me down.
"I'm good. I just want you to stay with me. What is my mother doing?" I try not to get angry but it's not working.
"Babe, calm down. She left right after you ran out. Your dad said she's not coming back." He is still hugging me and whispering sweet things into my ear.
"Good! I am glad. I don't want to see her face. I can't believe that I ever wanted to be like her. I don't want to! I don't want to cheat on you in the future. I am scared now that I will." I cry harder thinking about me hurting Damon.
"Hey listen to me. You won't hurt me. I know you love me. That was the issue. Your mom never loved your dad. We are not like them. We love each other. Don't worry. We will be fine. I love you with all my heart." How is he so sweet? How did I get such a great boyfriend?
"Thanks Damon. I love you too. Can you spend the night? Like we used to? We haven't done that since we started dating." I give him a hopeful look. I could use a cuddle buddy right now.
"Sure thing babe. I will be right back. I'll go get my things and then we can watch a movie. You pick okay?" I nod at him as he is walking out of my room.
That night we watched 4 movies and we fell asleep on my bed just like old times. I feel bad that Damon had to see that meltdown but I'm glad he didn't flee. Most guys would've left. He didn't. He stayed to make sure I was alright. I don't know how I got so lucky to get a boyfriend as great as Damon. Only a few more weeks until Christmas. I better start looking for the right gift for Damon. Getting a best friend a gift is different than getting a boyfriend a gift. It had to be special but still be a normal gift. I can't go all girly when I try to find his gift. I'm still the same tomboy me, just with me dating me best friend since we were a minute old. This is not going to be easy! For me and for Damon. Let the gift hunt begin!