If I Knew Then

Chapter 13: This Isn't What it Looks Like!

Confusion marked my features the moment I opened my eyes. Bright light blinding me from the window, I was slow to recollect my surroundings. When Amelia shifted beside me, forehead brushing my shoulder, clarity returned. My lips were halfway turned into a smile when movement caught my eye. The loud gasp that escaped me startled Amelia awake.

      A few steps away, stood a man, taking pictures of Amelia and I with an outdated phone. My gaze traveled up to his familiar green eyes and I shrank in horror. Oh no...

      "Dad!" Amelia protested, too tired to formulate any other complaint. I swallowed a groan at the confirmation of my suspicions.

      I barely had a chance to panic, my swirling thoughts aimed to defend my intentions paused when Mr. Taylor smirked down at me. I couldn't help but frown a little. That wasn't the reaction I was anticipating.

      "This must be the girl you're always babbling about." He peered down at Amelia, grin only growing.

      Amelia groaned again, covering her face with the comforter that I had stolen from her bed before making the mistake of falling asleep. She was quick to hide, but I swore I saw the tip of her ears turn pink before they disappeared. Was she embarrassed to be seen with me?

      Mr. Taylor ignored his daughter's distress and returned his focus my way. "It's nice to meet you, Addilyn," he said. My heart soared at the idea of Amelia telling her parents about me. "I've been eager to meet you, though I've got to admit I was expecting you to use the front door when you finally paid us a visit."

      I followed his gaze towards the rope ladder and grimaced in silent apology. He waved his arm in dismissal. "I'm sure you had your reasons." His attention flickered to my makeshift unicorn with apparent curiosity, but he shook his head as if deciding against voicing his questions. "We made French toast whenever you're both ready."

      I guess I was staying for breakfast. I would always be willing to spend more time with Amelia, but I didn't want to overstay the welcome I had already overstayed. I was sure she had tired of me by then.

     Coming to a stand, I shuffled from foot to foot, waiting for Amelia to come out of her cocoon.

     "I can tell your dad that I already have plans or that I have a family emergency," I offered.

      My words seemed to snap her out of her stupor. The blanket flew off her face. While I expected relief, I was met with utter confusion. "Huh?" She scrunched her nose.

     "I can try to get out of staying for breakfast."

      Her brows pinched together. "Do you not want to stay? Do you have plans?"

      I shook my head. Leaving was the last thing I wanted to do. She studied me curiously for what felt like an eternity. I burned red under her scrutiny.

      "Addie." She spoke softly, regarding me with gentle eyes. "I'd like you to stay. I enjoy spending time with you. I'd make it known if I felt otherwise, and I certainly wouldn't have made a deal that entails one on one time if I didn't like you so much."

      Her words hit me like a truck, startled and touched all at once. It always surprised me when someone choose to spend time with me, when someone chose to care for me. As much as they claimed and showed that they loved and cared for you, there's a certain sense of obligation for your family to love you. Friends didn't have this obligation. The idea that they willingly chose to like me was something I long struggled to wrap my mind around. How could I genuinely believe another cared for me, when I, the one person who knew me best, couldn't?