Chapter 26

  Frankly, I didn't how all this adds up somehow without me knowing from the start. It was just yesterday that stepdad told me about this and here I am looking at him. Flesh and blood after all these years.

    I stood rigid, watching my current parent's faces before looking at my dad who has a high smile on his face. With his hands wide, he pulled me into a tight hug which was kind of a bit awkward as all I did was a standstill.

   James (my real dad) pulled out before he cleared his throat clumsily. He both sides of his lower lips with his index and thumb before turning to my Mum with a wide grin on his face. He licked his lower lips before throwing his hand up and letting it drop, slapping it hard on his sides.

    "My baby!" He shouted, "Emilia is a big girl and I don't even know how old she is..." He trailed off as he turned to look at my face "Are you fourteen you know it's been years" he paused for a while to study my mute and emotionless face "Thirteen or-"

   "I am sixteen" I interrupted rather rudely.

   My cold gaze did not look away from him for even the slightest second. He mouthed 'Oh!' Without a saying a word as his gaze fixed on My stepdad's hand which is around Mum's waist as she stood with her face buried in his shoulder.

    Although they were no longer married and I can bet it's been quite a long time since their dispute started but there was something like a glint in James's (my real dad) eyes. There is the possessive look that for a moment, I thought he might want to tear My stepdad apart with his bare hands.

    As if he had also noticed the awkwardness in the room, Jame folded his arms across his chest as a weird grim appeared on his face. His gaze looked at me for a while before going to Xavier then his Dad.

    "That..." He trailed off.

   No doubt, he was desperately trying not to do or say anything funny but his best wasn't coming up as he let out a deep sigh.

    "Yes! That is Xavier my Son" My stepdad said "You already met our daughter, Emily" he grinned.

    For the first time since I woke up, I felt good. Like I could actually breathe well with an assuring smile from my stepfather as life support. It's such a miracle I haven't dived under my bed or burst into tears as the feeling is way more than I can imagine.

    I could feel the awkwardness and heard the anger in James's voice as he gave a horrific laugh. He cleaned both corners of his lower lips as he cleared his throat noisy and someone walked inside with a big pink box.

    "You are my daughter, Emily," he said as he gestured at the person with his head "please accept the little token of love from Daddy" he added.

    From what I am seeing, I think he is trying to get something or cause something but I won't let that happen. Not in a million years am I going to cry which is what I am about to do.

   The look on Mum's face broke my heart because it seems like she could feel my pain. She had left her husband's chest and is now standing in front of him with both hands on her chest as If she is protecting her heart in a kind way.

   Her lips moved, she was trying to say something but I still can't get it. Not when I couldn't get the exact way the lips moved as my eyes were moist.

    The ground shook as I looked at Xavier who had his fist clenched to his side as his jaw moved. If I was closer, I bet I would be able to hear the sound of his teeth gnashing together.

    The only person looking like the anchor is Dad! When I say this I mean my stepdad. His eyes were fixed on mine with a meek smile on his face. Now I see why my Mum fell in love with him, he is such a sweet man that would be rather for anything just like now.

    "I need to get dressed for school," I said in a whisper.

    Xavier nodded slightly before leaving the room as the first person. I know he would be probably waiting for me in the truck while I get prepared. My parents, both Dad's and Mum stay for an extra minute in silence before slowly turning to leave.

    I felt shaky. Like there was something hiding somewhere in the room and once my parents are out, it would come for me. I just don't feel so paranoid in general but it's something I can't explain like I am trapped in a dream. Yes! My whole life had been a dream and having me hope for things I definitely can't get just like happiness, Family, and Xavier.

   "Dad?" I said in a tiny shaky voice.

   My Dads turned back to me with their mouths open, making me suddenly realize I should have differentiated the particular Dad.

    "My stepdad" I cleared my throat thereafter.

   I could see the disappointment in James's face as he glared at my stepdad before finally turning to leave.

    "Thanks for the gift, Mr..." I paused.

   My Stepdad's brows bent and almost connected as looked at me. Obviously, he disapproved of what I wanted to say so I followed his silent instructions. I followed what he mouth even my I sound like I swallowed a life frog.

   "Thanks for the gift, Dad?" I mumbled.

    Immediately there was no one in the room, I fell into My stepdad's arms and buried my face in his chest. He didn't say anything, he just stayed still with his palms on my back and the back of my head. He kissed my head countless times before moving back a few steps to look at my face and smiling at me.

     "It's okay, Emily," He said  "You can do it, just as I always taught you" he added.

    "I am scared and worried Dad" I cried "Why did he come? Why now? Why didn't he come all this while?" I barely gave him time to talk".

   My stepdad hugged me again, this time tight. He let go of me and then walked to the box.

   His eyes were on mine as he silently asked for my permission to touch the gift. With a slight nod from me, he did touch it and beckoned me to come closer. He took my small palm in his and placed it on the box. At first, I wanted to pull out but when I realized that I have my friend with me, I became calm.

    "Everything happens for a reason, Princess" He muttered "I know how hard it is for you now but I believe you can make a change" he smiled "Give him a chance and let your heart choose for you" he added.

     Almost feeling better, I process tearing the wrapper when I noticed a weird grim on my stepdad's face.

    "Do not let it control you tho" he said I tear open the box to review another black box "Don't just see the outside of people. Don't make the same mistake I made"

   With that, he stood up, pressed a kiss on my forehead, and walked out. I know he what he wants and I will make him proud even though he is just my stepdad. He had been there for me all this while and made sure I get what I need even if he wouldn't give Xavier.

   He had taught me to be a strong Princess, a warrior Princess.

    "I won't let my guard down!"

   This is what My stepdad would always tell me to say whenever I feel like I couldn't do anything well. He would let me know my worth and how to put people in their place. He also taught me how not to rush things as what I would do is to go to school and come back for the best drama.

   "I hope by then, I would be ready" I muttered to my reflection in the mirror as I packed my hair in a rough ponytail.