Royal Pain in the Ass

Chapter V

Chapter V: Welcome to the Family

James looked at me for a long moment then a wide grin spread across his face and he let out a relieved sigh. "Well, it's true then. You are my daughter. Welcome to the family, Juliet."

I took a deep breath and everything felt like it was spinning. I sat down on the steps and put my head between my knees. I was not going to pass out again. I took a few soothing breaths.

"Are you okay, love?"

I nodded. "Yeah, this is just . . . unexpected." I managed after a few more breaths. After the world stopped spinning I looked up at him, at my father. That was a weird idea to wrap my mind around. My father? I actually had a father, not just the abstract idea of one. A real living, breathing corporeal person that was my father. I rubbed my temples with one hand, thumb on one, middle finger on the other, covering my face the process. After a moment my hand rested over my mouth. I didn't know what to say. I'd kind of known since the moment I saw him who we was to me. There was no denying the resemblance, but at the same time part of me expected the results to say he was no one to me. I couldn't explain it, part of me was relieved, part of me was disappointed. I rubbed my neck and stood slowly. James was beaming at me. "You may be my father, but I'm not calling you Dad." I warned. James gave me a curious look. "If you want that title, it's one you have to earn. Any man can be a father, if you want to be my Dad, you'll have to earn it. That probably makes me sound like a brat," I shrugged. "but it's how I feel. You haven't been in my life for the past two decades, yes I understand you didn't know I existed, but I can't just accept you into my life. I hope that makes sense."

James's smile lilted but he nodded. "I can understand that. I hope you are willing to give me a chance."

"I am, that's why I said what I said. I don't want to play games with you. I hate games, and the type I hate most are the ones with people's emotions on the line. I don't want to tell you something that isn't true, and I don't want to do something to hurt you. You seem like a really decent guy, and I'd like to get to know you. You are my father, someone every little girl wonders about. I can't just say, hey great, you're my daddy, the past twenty years mean nothing! But I'm willing to try one day at a time if you are . . ."

James smiled and nodded. "That sounds like a plan." I offered my hand and he shook it. "Let's introduce you properly to Millie and Angelica."

"I don't think they're going to like this."

"Don't be silly."

James led me back to the dining room where Millie and Angelica were both seated enjoying their lunch.

"You're late, James." Millie teased then she looked up and saw me and her smile turned to a scowl.

"I have some news for two of my favorite ladies." James beamed. "Juliet is, in fact, my daughter."

Millie's eyes went wide and Angelica choked on her beverage. "Excuse me?" Millie asked, fighting to maintain her composure.

"Daddy, are you not feeling well?" Angelica cooed, looking a little green herself.

"James, we need to be sure of something like this,"

"I am certain. I've already had the test completed. Look at her Millie, she looks just like me."

I looked around them and shifted uneasy under their gazes. "James, a word please." Millie stood and hurried out of the room, throwing her napkin down on the table as she went. James followed her out.

I looked at Angelica and she was looking to me with a look of pure hatred.

"So . . ." I started. "I guess that makes us sisters."