Page 22 of Chase

“You stayed even after Dad left?” It’s more of a statement than a question. I already know he stayed; I’m hoping he’ll tell me why.

“I did. I didn’t agree with your father and your mum needed my help. You are my family. I’ll do anything for my family. Your mum has tried over the years to tell me I could leave, that she’d be okay. But honestly Chase, this is my home,” GW explains. I overheard a conversation he and Mum had once about it.

Mum tried to tell him that he needed to go out and have a life. He didn’t need to worry about us so much. He pretty much told her to stop being silly. He had golf, me, and her. He didn’t need or want anything else.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me Mum and Dad separated?” I ask. I haven’t really had time to process it, but I don’t think I’m upset by it. More confused. I vaguely remember Dad never being around and I know I wasn’t really upset when he died.

“He died not long after he moved out. We decided not to taint the image you had of him further. I know he wasn’t father of the year and I’m more than disappointed in him. He missed out seeing what an incredible young man his son grew up to be. I’m proud of you. You didn’t need more reasons to resent him.”

“I never resented him.” I didn’t. I didn’t miss him because I didn’t know what life was like with him in it. How can you miss something you never had?

“You didn’t and I’m so proud of you for that,” Mum says making me jump. I didn’t realise she was standing there.

How long has she been listening?

I offer her a smile and she responds with a small smile of her own. She places a box on the table and stands behind me as I start to look through photos of myself and little girl with bright blue eyes. Ones that now seem so familiar.

“That photo was taken the day that Millie arrived. You two were playing mummies and daddies. It was the most adorable thing ever,” Mum explains as I look at a photo of Yasmin and I as toddlers fussing over baby Millie.

“You two wouldn’t leave the poor girl alone. I even caught you waking her up just so you could give her a bottle,” GW says with a laugh.

I flick through more photos. Almost every picture has Yasmin and I together. Mum was right, we really were inseparable.

“Arden wants to have a barbeque here this afternoon. Do you think Yasmin will come?” Mum asks, hopeful.

“I can ask her. I don’t know how to tell her about all this. I don’t think she knows.” I’m worried Yasmin won’t take the information well. How will she feel knowing her dad took her away from us?

“I can tell her if you’d like? Why don’t you invite them over for breakfast?” I’d feel better with Mum being here when she finds out. She was here last night and didn’t seem to remember anything but maybe seeing Mum and GW might trigger some memories.

“Okay, I’ll shower and go see her.”

I look out the window in the living room and notice her dad’s car isn’t in the driveway. Slipping on a pair of shoes, I walk out the front door, not bothering to lock it, and make my way to her house.

I appreciate her Bug, Wander. I know she restored the vintage car herself; this girl is full of surprises. Mr Williams told me on Friday that he would like Yasmin to join Arden and I with the cars we work on. I have a feeling it’s because he knows that Arden has no intentions of helping.

I knock on their door quietly, so I don’t wake the girls if they are sleeping. I can hear Daisy on the other side of the door. A few minutes later, Yasmin answers. She takes my breath away. Her hair is in a bun on top of her head. A few strands have fallen lose and hang around her face. Her cheeks are slightly flushed, her lips the perfect shade of pink. Her eyes are the brightest blue I have ever seen. I take my time admiring her. She’s wearing her Disney princess pjs, multi-coloured toe socks, and a baggy Mickey Mouse T-shirt with her dressing gown pulled over but not tied at the waist. Obvious that she threw it on to answer the door.

“Good Morning.” I say finding my voice.

“Morning.” She grumbles. Daisy dashes out from behind her. She nuzzles my leg so that I will crouch down to pat her.

“Arden wants to have a barbeque at my house this afternoon.” I cut straight to the point.

“I know, he text me earlier to ask me. Actually, he more demanded that I must attend, no excuses and that Millie is also required to be there.”

I let out a laugh. Sounds like Arden. He forced Yasmin to give him her phone number in case she ever had another episode and needed help.

“That sounds like him. I have another request. I was talking to Mum this morning. She’d like you and Millie to come for breakfast.”

“What? Why?” Yasmin starts to freak out.

I reach out and grab her hand. Anchoring her to me. It works; she stops freaking out.

“It’s not what you think. She isn’t going to interrogate you. She wants to talk to you. She knew you when you were a baby. I can’t say much else. I only found out this morning. I think it’d be best coming from her. Please come to breakfast. It’d really make Mum’s day.” The last part comes out like I’m begging.

I felt Mum’s pain this morning when she was telling me the story. I don’t want her to feel like that. I would do anything to make her smile, even if it means begging the girl I like to come and meet the parents.

“What, how is that possible?” Yasmin is obviously just as confused as I was. Well, still am.

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