Page 37 of Replay

“Well…it was Angela’s husband, claiming my father was having a full-blown affair with her.”

My eyes widen. I didn’t see that coming.

“Yep. But at first, I believed my dad when he said it was all bullshit, and her husband just didn’t like how close she had become with my dad and me.”She pauses, almost like she’s reflecting back on that conversation. “That was the first lie of many.”

“So I went and stayed with my Aunt Judy for a few days. On New Year's Eve, one of her and Mom’s best friends stayed up late drinking champagne on her enclosed patio. I guess they thought I couldn’t hear them through the screen door, or they were blitzed and didn’t realize how loud they were being, but I overheard a conversation that changed my life and the way I will see my father forever.”

Fuck, here we go. My stomach sours.

“They basically said the accusations were true and of no surprise to them, as my father had affairs repeatedly during their marriage, one of which was the reason they moved away from Nori Beach when I was ten. My aunt even speculated that my dad didn’t come back so that I could be close to her since I didn’t have my mom anymore, but actually with hopes of rekindling an old flame with a woman who was still married.”

I think I may vomit.

“Fuck.” I shake my head, trying to process and consider how to handle this situation. “So, this is why you don’t go back to Nori? Do you ever talk to him?”

“No, he tries, but now he’s living with Angela, and I just have absolutely no desire to see or talk to him. That may be harsh, but I really don’t care.”

Living with Angela explains a lot.

“I don’t think it's harsh at all. Fuck him. He’s ruined too many good things.” And I mean that with every fiber of my soul, especially after hearing all this.

She looks at me curiously, and I wait for the questions, wanting to tell her everything. Originally, I had no intention of even bringing this up today because of how tough I know this day is for her.

But would it be another lie by omission if I don’t?

She stands abruptly, seeming to shake off her emotion. “Let's head back. I’m sure you have stuff to do.”

Wordlessly, I follow her, even though football and school are the least of my concerns at this moment.

“How did you know I don’t go back to Nori Beach anymore?”

I look away sheepishly. “Bellamy may be onto something with the stalker nickname. I actually drove by the apartment multiple times over the past couple of years, but I just assumed it wasn’t meant to be for me to see you. And then my dad told me he heard you never go back.”

“You came looking for me?”

I nod, and she doesn’t respond. Likely processing how fucking confusing my actions are. I don’t blame her.

Again, we walk in silence until we get back to her door, so many things still left unsaid.

“Can I ask you one thing, Nate?” She turns her body toward mine in front of her door, her blue gaze connecting with mine.

“Anything,” I whisper.

“How long did it take you to regret it?”

I feel like Regret is my middle name after everything she just told me...

Tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, I rest my hand on her cheek. “I regretted it before I even did it.”

I remember lying in her bed that morning after barely sleeping a wink. I felt so hopeless, so angry, so out of control.

Tears fill her eyes again, and I am teleported back to that day.

Her head shakes in exasperation as she throws her hands up. “Then why?”

Grabbing her hands, I try to plead with her, growing more anxious by the second. “BB, I don’t want to do this today, of all days.”

“Don’t give me that shit, Nate. Today of all days… I need this! I deserve to know!”

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