Chapter 4

Katie's POV: 

I froze in the doorway, my heart pounding. Dad looked utterly devastated. 

"What's going on?" I asked shakily.

Dad sighed heavily, putting his head in his hands. "It's your mother. She's left us, Katie. She's been having an affair. All those late nights at the office..."

His voice broke and he began to sob. I stood paralyzed in disbelief. Mom was...cheating? And now she was just gone? It couldn't be real.

I moved slowly to Dad's side, putting my arms around his shoulders. "Dad, I'm so sorry. I know how much you love her." 

He took a deep shuddering breath, wiping his eyes. "I just don't understand, Katie. We've been having problems but I never thought your mother capable of this. That she could just abandon us."

I didn't know what to say. I was reeling in shock from the revelation. Mom had always seemed so in love with Dad. What had changed?

Dad cleared his throat, composing himself. "There's more you should know. Your mother didn't just leave us - she left town. Ran off to Florida with her new boyfriend. She's made it clear she won't be coming back."

I squeezed my eyes shut as a wave of pain crashed over me. She didn't even say goodbye before fleeing to another man? It was too much.

Dad gripped my hand tightly in his. "I'm so sorry you're being put through this, sweetheart. I know how it hurts. But we'll get through it together, okay?" 

I nodded mutely, hot tears spilling down my cheeks. Dad folded me into a hug and we stayed like that for a long time, comforting each other in our grief. Our family would never be whole again.

Over the next few days, Dad and I supported each other as best we could. The house felt unbearably empty without Mom's warm presence. I couldn't believe she had abandoned us so callously.

At school, I confided in Julia and Chloe about what happened. Their faces fell in sympathy.

"Katie, I'm so sorry. That's awful," said Chloe, hugging me tightly. 

Julia gripped my hand. "We're here for you, no matter what. You can get through this."

I managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, both of you. It helps not feeling alone." They had proven true friends through all my struggles.

Of course, Alexa caught wind of my mother leaving us and made it her mission to torment me about it whenever possible.

"Heard your mom finally got sick of you," she sneered as she shoved past me in the cafeteria. "Can't say I blame her. I'd flee the state too if I had such a pathetic daughter."

I fought to keep my expression neutral, though her words sliced deep. I couldn't let her see my pain.

To my surprise, Luke confronted Alexa about the nasty remarks after overhearing them himself. 

"You need to stop. Spreading rumors is one thing, but mocking her mother abandoning her? That's going too far," he spat angrily.

Alexa rolled her eyes. "Calm down, Luke. I'm just having a little fun with Lainey." 

"Don't call her that! You know she's going through hell already. Back off." Luke stormed away from Alexa's amused smirk. 

Part of me was touched he still wanted to defend me, even after I'd pushed him away. But it wasn't Luke's job to fight my battles. I had to stand up for myself.

The next time Alexa made a snide comment about my mother's affair, I stepped forward and said loudly, "You know what, Alexa? Nothing you say can make me feel worse than I already do. But it really shows the ugliness inside you that you'd keep mocking me over this. I pity you, honestly. Spreading hate is a sad way to live."

With that, I turned and walked away dignity intact. My hands shook but I felt empowered standing up to her cruelty. Enough was enough.

That weekend, Dad gently suggested we look into counseling to process everything that had happened with Mom. I knew it was a good idea. We found a nice family therapist nearby who began seeing us twice a week.

Slowly, opening up about the betrayal, hurt and confusion lifted some of the weight I'd felt since Mom left. Dad and I grew closer than ever as we learned to lean on each other.

When I hesitantly brought up Luke and the bullying situation one session, my therapist eyed me thoughtfully.

"Katie, it sounds like you're very resilient despite the social difficulties you've faced here. My advice would be to remain open to new possibilities and people. Don't write someone off because of past mistakes. People can change and learn from experiences."

I chewed my lip considering her words. I had been so quick to cut Luke out of my life. But did he deserve another chance? The thought made me uneasy even as my heart softened slightly toward him.

As if on cue, Luke was waiting by my car after photography club the next day, holding a bouquet of wildflowers. I steeled myself and walked up to him.

"We need to talk," I said evenly. Luke looked surprised but nodded. 

I told him about my mother leaving and the counseling I'd started. Luke immediately expressed his sympathy. 

"Katie, I had no idea you were going through all that. I'm so sorry," he said, green eyes warm with concern. "How are you holding up?"

I sighed, suddenly feeling tired. "Honestly? I've been better. Some days it hurts too much to even get out of bed. But Dad and I are trying to adjust."

Luke tentatively reached for my hand. "I'm here for you, always. I know I've made mistakes, but please let me be a friend to you through this." 

His voice rang with sincerity. I felt my defences lowering - until I glimpsed Alexa watching us from across the parking lot, her eyes triumphant. My guard snapped back up.

I gently withdrew my hand from Luke's. "I appreciate you listening. But I need to focus on myself and Dad right now. Please try to understand." 

Luke's face fell. "Katie, when will you stop punishing me for things outside of my control? I want to prove myself to you, just tell me how." His eyes pleaded with me to give him a chance.

I shook my head sadly. "I wish it were that simple. Take care of yourself, Luke."

I turned away, ignoring his despondent expression. Making my choice, I walked over to where Alexa was waiting instead. It was time she and I had a talk.