Fate

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Four

I'd managed to calm down just in time for Liam and Maggie to return from work and of course, they could tell I was still upset. However, I assured them I was fine and just wanted to go and see my mom. When we arrived I told her everything that happened to me that day and she and Kaylin were both appalled and heartbroken for me. While I spoke to mom everyone else went to get drinks and snacks from the vending machines effectively giving us privacy.

"She and Joanne just came to visit me today," mom frowned.

"They came to see you?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes, and I had no idea. Someone has got to do something about that girl. She always seemed to be looking for attention. I should speak to Joanne."

My eyes widened. "No, don't do that." I rushed.

"Ariel, I have to. She can't do that." Mom augured.

"I just want to forget about it, okay?" I pleaded.

She eyed me for a long moment before finally sighing. "Why would she do that?"

"She hates me for one thing and Zayn," I muttered softly, looking down at my lap.

"Zayn?"

I told my mom of every experience we'd had together, every kiss and his confession, and then how he'd done nothing.

"Oh Ariel," she said hugging me.

"I thought he loved me."

"You don't know that he doesn't."

"He can't. He wouldn't let that happen."

"He should have done something. He didn't and he's going to have to deal with that. My poor baby."

"My nose does hurt but it's nothing compared to what I feel because of what he did."

"Ariel I always wanted you to be there with him and to take care of him but I can't let him hurt you like this. I don't think or want to think he's manipulating you. I need you to take care of yourself from now on."

"Mom I love him."

"You love him?"

"I still love Miles but I love him. I don't love Reggie and I wish I did. I don't want to hurt him."

She took me in her arms rubbing my head.

"Baby you can't force love. If you don't love him he has to know before it hurts you both."

"I know but I can't hurt him. I just can't do it right now."

"It's okay you have time."

"I can't love him. I shouldn't love either of them after what they've done."

"The ones you love hurt you I just wish they didn't," she frowned.

"Like dad."

"Ariel you can't let them hurt you. They both have issues and I want to believe they both love you. I know they both love you but right now neither are good for you. You've got to focus on you first before you can ever love someone else."

"Thats what you do or Kenneth and it doesn't do any good."

"You're better than me Ariel."

"Mom-

"You can make better decisions I know you can."

"Mom I don't know what to do."

"Sometimes you got to wait and see if they can love you like they should. I'm sure they are both just confused and scared right now."