Here you go chapter 22!
Sorry for the wait, been so busy at the moment. this chapter is only short but i will try to update ASAP.
Chapter 22
Zoe.
I opened the door to find myself greeted with a face I was least expecting. It was Pete.
"Where is she Zoe?" he snarled.
"You can't have her." I said defensively, my voice shaking in fear.
"Yes I can. She's my daughter. She needs me, wants me." He said banging his hand against the door.
"We're going to the police station where Jess will be put into the care of social services whilst we go to court." I explained, trying not to show my fear, worry of what he would do.
"That's not going to happen. She's coming with me now or else." He threatened.
"Or what Pete. What you going to threaten me with?" I asked. Signalling with my hand to Ash and Jess to go back into the other room. I heard Ash silently pick Jess up and take her into the back reception room.
Pete was silent.
"I knew it. Your just a big coward." I said.
"What did you call me?" he demanded.
"A coward." I said simply.
"What do you mean a coward?"
"You walk out on your wife and daughter when it gets to tough and money gets too tight. Then you end up doing drugs and get sent to prison. People who do drugs are only trying to escape, when in reality you can't. You don't want to face up to the fact that your wife died and you are left with your daughter who is currently being kept away from you as she is scared of you. You used to hurt Lou. Don't you dare tell me different. If you think you can just waltz in here and take Jess and do the same to her then you don't have a hope in the world." I ranted.
"I'm just trying to do what is best for my daughter." He replied, calmer. He was taken a back.
"Trust me. What's best for Jess right now is to be here with me until you get your head screwed on the right way. After that then I would consider letting you see her but not until you are in a better place." I said. He had no longer got the authority I was now in control.
"No. she come here now or I'll never come back. I want to see my daughter today. Now." He said trying to regain a commanding tone.
"Pete. Just go. You're a druggie and an alcoholic. Come back when you're sorted out and maybe then I will let you see her." I sighed. Bored.
"Fine. But I'm telling the police I don't want her. If you want that jumped up little freak then fine have her. I don't want anything more to do with her, you or any of your family. I'll just go. Don't expect maintenance." He said, angry again.
I was slightly shocked. He had changed his tune. I watched as he turned, ran down the steps from the front door to the gate and disappeared onto the street that was obscured from my view by the bushes that sheltered my garden.
Ash came up behind me.
"What was that all about?" he asked, having never met Pete he didn't know who it was.
"Peter Kings." I stated simply.
"What! Jess's dad? What was he doing here?"
"He wanted Jess but I think I told him a few hard truths and now I don't think he wants her." I said, still baffled at the revelation.
"Are you serious?" Ash asked, as shocked as i.
"Yeah, he said he was going to talk to the police and tell them I could have her."
"That's great Zoe!" he said grabbing me into a hug.
"Yeah, I just can't believe it." I said, hugging him tightly.
Jess came out of the back room and she joined our hug, I couldn't believe it. We were one near perfect family.
I will update ASAP, sorry for the wait.