Finding You

Chapter Six

*Edited and Completed Copy*

Catherine's POV

It's been weeks since everything happened. My life had become one big mess, I lost my job, my ex-husband showed up and rubbed his happiness in my face and the next day my sexy giant of a neighbour decided to angrily cook me breakfast then kiss the hell out of me only to tell me it was a mistake and leave. Since then, I've been trying to find another job, which right now on a progress scale of one to ten, I'm looking at negative five. I was having no luck at all. I haven't seen or heard from Nick since, which in a way was a good thing, I didn't need him rubbing anything else in my face. As for that enormous thing Mary-Anne named Damien, well I haven't seen him since. I catch a glimpse of him here or there but it seems like he's avoiding me even more now than he was before. Was I really that undesirable? Was I not good enough for anyone? Is that why Nick didn't want to stay with me anymore? With a sigh, I clear my head of the negative thoughts I seem to constantly have of myself and head outside to begin my first day of actual planting. My mum and dad are expected to show up any minute now so I grab cold beer from the fridge for my dad and a couple of bottles of water for mum and me. I hear them pull up my driveway as I get closer to the door, once I step out, I see my dad opening the door for my mum and help her out. For as long as I could remember that was one thing my dad always did. I watch as he leans in and gives her a peck on the lips, "Hey keep it PG13!" I yell out with a smile. My mother's cheeks burn red as she hides her face in my dad's chest. My dad on the other hand turns around and faces me before saying with a smirk, "Don't worry honey, we already had our R rated session at home." I spat the water out as I started coughing hysterically before bursting into laughter. I hear my dad chuckle and my mother scold him "James! Keep that stuff to yourself, there's no need to brag" which makes me laugh even more. As they make their way up the driveway my mother shakes her head at me "You know your just as bad as he is. You need to stop encouraging him with all your dirty jokes." I fake shock "Me? I have nothing to do with his behaviour. He's your husband, if anyone is encouraging him it's you!" I say "Maybe, who knows?" she shrugs then gives me a tight hug "I missed you darling" she whispers in my ear. "I know mum". I see my dad watch us with a look of love and protectiveness. I missed this easy banter with my parents but slowly I was finding my way back to my old self. I just needed to work harder at getting there. I needed to push away all the negative thoughts that seem to find their way to me and think positive. I guess it's hard to do when your still somewhat in love with a man who loves someone else. I let go of my mum and give my dad a big hug "Thank you" I whisper in his ear, knowing he would understand what I meant. "I'll always be there for you, no matter what happens." He says as he hugs me a little tighter.

My mother clears her throat "Well, let's get started. These roses aren't going to plant themselves you know. James be a dear and start unloading them while me and Catherine start digging where she'd like to plant those babies." She says in her no-nonsense voice. My dad looks at her then winks "Yes, Ma'am" he says before turning around and heading over to his truck.

A couple hours later my dad and Jacob were fixing the porch railing while my mother and I were planting the seeds of the various other flowers I'd decided on having in my garden, she turns to me before asking "So, how are things with you Catherine?"

"They're okay, I guess"

"I worry about you honey; I don't like seeing you like this" she says quietly. "Your father told me what happened the day your neighbours came by and he also told me about you collapsing when Nick showed up." she says sympathetically.

"I'm fine momma, I just need time that's all" I say looking at the dirt I've been poking repeatedly for a few minutes now.

"I know things haven't been easy for you lately, but I want you to know that it will get easier eventually."