A Second Chance

12

"Uh... yeah." Harper sighed. "How?"

"A few weeks before you started, Liz started to lose her memory for a while. She thought I was Uncle Steven and was telling me about him and my mother. I connected the pieces together from that." I shrugged, stacking the plates up. "I've known for a while, but I haven't said anything to Ashlyn because she believes her parents were madly in love with each other, well from what I recall, anyway. We were four."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up." Harper said in nearly a whisper.

I gave her a smile. "It's fine. I know. I should do some work before I call it a night."

Harper gave me a tiny nod, taking the dirty dishes.

"Thanks for dinner, by the way."

"You're welcome." Was her automatic response as the water ran out off the taps.

I went to my study, passing the lounge room where I saw Willow laying on the lounge watching one of the movies I had purchased. She had cushions under her head and I noticed that she rubbed her nose with a finger, too engrossed with the movie.

It wouldn't be long before she falls asleep like she does all the time and I realised that I enjoy having Harper and Willow around.

My house feels more comfortable and alive with them here, like Harper's did. Even though her place was a lot smaller than mine, she sure gave off the radiance of a single mother.

I noticed the clean washing in the baskets on the floor. The blanket wrapped over the couch. The table was dirty holding crumbs from a meal. The front door had a few pair of shoes big and small. I saw the school bag dumped by the front door. There were a couple toys on the floor and I saw the entertainment unit that held the television. It was stacked with dvd's and books. The stereo had cd's stacked on top of it.

Harper's placed was homey. It was lived in and I had an urge, that was what I wanted.

I wanted a messy house like that. One that had a happy family and lots of memories. One that housework was always evident but never fully over taken our lives.

At thirty five years of age, I never really found myself in a committed relationship before. I've never had an opportunity to have children.

Harper, she has Willow. I see the love she holds for Willow and I can tell by reading her face that she dotes on the girl. I think its amazing. I think Harper is doing an amazing job, putting up with her ex, working, parenting, she is doing the best she can with what she has.

Harper

I woke to my phone buzzing the next morning. Without actually looking at the name, I answered in a groggy voice. I don't even know what time it is.

"What's this about Willow staying with Stella?" I heard yelling down the phone, shocking me.

"Excuse me?" I instantly snapped, knowing too well who it was.

"I told you I wanted Willow for the weekend and you organise for her to stay with Stella."

I groaned as I rubbed my face, sitting up in bed. "You know what, Connor? I'm so over your crap! All you've done to me is play me from the minute I met you. Nothing is ever good enough for you. You had me, you have a daughter, you had everything and it wasn't good enough for you. If you really wanted Willow and spend time with her, you would have put more effort in."

"You said you didn't want us to have a destroyed relationship."

"Yes! That's right!" I growled to him. "Why do you think she is going with Stella? Because it was the only way for her to go. She doesn't want to go if Stella isn't. She doesn't want to go with you. She knows you ignore her. She knows you lack the care and love for her. Be flipping grateful you get this weekend because Willow wants nearly nothing to do with you!" I was panting, seeing red and frustrated that Connor woke me up for this crap.