Chapter twenty-four
Sorry this took a while bit enjoy!
Steve walked back into his house after Kono drove off and Doris came over to him.
"Where did Kono go Steve?" She asked with some sort of juice in her hand.
"She had to meet someone." Steve lied. "Look Doris-" she glared at him, "fine mom, I know you have just met Charlotte and you are excited but we really just need to be alone at the moment. There is so much happening and you're welcome to visit, but you can't stay here." He said bluntly.
Doris sighed and placed the juice on the coffee table. She put her hands on Steve's cheeks and pulled him to her to kiss his head. She pulled away with a smile. "I'll be out of your hair by tomorrow evening."
"What? Do you have somewhere to stay?"
"I've had somewhere for some time. I always knew I couldn't live with you permanently, even before Charlie."
Steve nodded. "I should go and talk to her..."
"Let her go Steve. Just like you, she needs time alone."
He walked up to Charlie's room and knocked lightly on her door. "Charlotte? Honey we need to talk."
"I honestly don't want to talk to you." She yelled.
"Charlotte-" he raised his voice but dropped it quickly. "Charlie, I'm coming in."
"No. I hate you."
"Charlotte-"
"No I hate you. I hate you. I hate you." Steve tried to open her door but she was obviously leaning against it.
"Charlotte move back from the door. I mean it."
"What are you going to do? Hmm? Pull your gun out on me?" Charlie shrieked.
"Right Charlotte that is enough. You have until I count to three. One."
"No." She banged against the door.
"Two." He said with a warning tone.
"You can go and fuck yourself Steve."
"Three." He pushed the door in and felt her scrambling away. Doris came running up the stairs.
"What happe-"
"Charlotte come here." He yelled, grabbing her by the arm and twisting her to face him.
"I wish you were dead." She looked into his eyes. And saw they were full of hurt and pain. And anger of course. But mostly hurt and pain. "No I didn't mean-"
"You know I came to talk to you about the trip like an adult and discuss what you would have to do if you wanted to go but you have messed that up now Charlotte. You are grounded, another month."
He said turning to walk away.
"That is bullshit-"
"Do you want me to make it two?" He turned to face her.
"No."
"Good."
"Dad..." She said as he turned back around.
"What?"
"I didn't mean what I said. I was mad. I don't wish you were dead. I'm sorry."
"Yeah well sometimes sorry isn't enough Charlotte. You went over the line."
"Dad!" She ran after him as he walked down to his truck. "Daddy please-"
"No Charlotte. Not now. I don't want to listen to you, OK? My whole life has just turned upside down and I just...I just need some time alone alright?" He didn't let her answer. He jumped into his truck and drove.
First he thought of Kono but she didn't want to see him and Danny had Grace over and he didn't want to distract him. So he just drove around for about two hours before heading back home.
He opened his door to see Doris lying on his sofa.
"You can have my room if you want it." He said.
"Don't worry. Charlie went to bed." She said quietly. He nodded.
"Yeah I'm going to do the same." He ran up to his room and saw a piece of paper on his bed. He picked it up and read it.
Dear daddy,
I'm sorry if I upset you. I got mad and I said some horrible things but I didn't mean any of them. I know I get into moods a lot but I'm really sorry and I will try to change. Please just don't be mad at me.
Charlie xx
Steve's heart sank as he put the note on his nightstand. He walked slowly to Charlie's room and noticed her lamp was still on and she was facing the wall. He went over to her be and sat down beside her, leaning against the headboard. She turned to bury her head in his chest and shoulders. "I'm sorry." She said quietly.
"Babe..." Steve pulled her further into him and held her tight while he sank in the bed slightly.
"I'm sorry. I'll do whatever you want. I promise I'll change."
"No Charlie. Sweetheart, you're perfect. Just a little less cheek." He said wiping a tear away and kissing her forehead. "Get some rest." He said moving away but she pulled him closer and her grip tightened.
"Can you stay daddy?" She whispered. He looked at her. He couldn't see her face but she looked so small and innocent. And then it hit him, how much her life had been changed. He leant over to turn her lamp off and covered himself with the sheets. She turned in his arms but stayed close by as they both fell into a deep sleep.
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