Holidays with a Nerd [REWRITING]

Chapter Twenty - Broken Hearts and Starting Over

I swallow hard trying to get the big lump in my throat go back to wherever the hell it came from. I have no idea what I'm feeling right now. Angry, Sad, Disappointed? I have no clue.

"Tori who wa--" My mother stops as soon as she sees the man in front of her. She drops the red paint on the floor and starts rapidly breathing. My mom used to has asthma, she rarely gets it, but now she breathing gasping for air.

"Vanessa," James, my dad, calls out kneeling down putting his hands on her shoulders and she slaps him on the face. He rubs his hand on the area my mom slapped, and I'm mentally cheering in my head way to go, mom.

"Josh!" I scream and Josh runs out looking at the scene.

"Tori's who's that?" Josh questions completely clueless.

"My father," I croak out.

Josh runs a hand through his hair and goes over to my mom, he takes her down to the basement, leaving my father and I alone.

"I need to talk to you," He says sharply and I look at him with disbelief. We both walk into the living room and I sit as far away from James as I can. He looks hurt but I couldn't care what he feels right now.

"Why!" I scream, "Why! Did you have to leave?"

"Your mother and you, Tori didn't deserve me," He explains, I glare at him giving him a cold stare.

"Let me tell you something James, it's Victoria for you not Tori. 'Just going to the store' you said, your fourteen years late dad," I say.

"Tori, I'm sorry I really am, my new family--" I cut him of folding my arms.

"Your new family what are you gonna do with this one? Huh? Leave like you did to me and mom," I say angrily.

"Victoria, let me speak," He says sternly I roll my eyes looking away, "My new family they believe in me, when your mother had you we thought it was going to work out, but it didn't. We fought every night until I decided it was time to go find a supportive wife who'll support me."

"You didn't think about me when you were leaving, I may be selfish here, but your choice should have at least have an impact on me. I had no father for fourteen years, James, fourteen. My first ballerina recital remember when you came with me?" I ask, daring to look in his eyes.

"No I don't remember," He says.

"That's because it never happened mom was the only woman who was at the recital, because it was a daddy-daughter thing, you left and I can never forgive you for that," I say standing up leaving my dumbfounded father behind.

* * * * *

I go down to the basement to see my mom and Josh talking to one another. Josh runs a hand up and down her back because she's still crying I sigh and take out my phone texting the only person--apart from me of course--who could make my mom happy.

Me: Hey Luke! Please come over I need you to comfort my mom. My dad came today and I don't know just place come over.

The phone says he's read it, he's typing...

Luke: I'm coming!

I sigh in relief and put my phone down, I go into the kitchen and see James sitting at the dining table his head in his hands. I awkwardly walk into the kitchen and go to the kettle to boil some water so I can make tea for my mom. I sit in front of James and his head snaps up.