Page 73 of Wicked Nasty

With Katya and my father seated in the front of the car, their hands intertwined, we make our way back home. A bittersweet feeling washes over me as I watch them, wondering if they are together now. I shake my head and turn to look out the window, trying to distract myself with happy thoughts. It's a beautiful day outside, the sun shining down on us as we drive through familiar streets.

Katya is back in my life. My father too. The thought brings a smile to my face as I realize how lucky I am to have them both here with me. But then Danny's face appears in my mind, his piercing green eyes and infectious grin that captured my heart so unexpectedly. My heart still aches for him, shattered into pieces.

As we pull up to a stunning blue craftsman style home, my dad turns to me with a smile.

"Where are we?" I ask, taking in the beauty of the house.

"This," he says with pride in his voice, "is our new home."

As we arrive at the house, Katya and my dad get out of the car and come over to me. We all walk in together, the anticipation building inside me as I prepare to see my new home. Katya leads me around, showing me every nook and cranny of the house before finally arriving at a closed door.

"This... this is your room," she says with a warm smile.

My heart races as she slowly opens the door, revealing a serene bedroom. The walls are painted a soothing shade of white, providing a clean canvas for me to make my own. A plush carpet covers part of the wood floor where a desk sits, awaiting my use. Across from the desk stands my bed, adorned with fluffy white blankets and pillows. But it's the deep olive-green throw blanket that catches my attention; the same color as Danny's mesmerizing eyes.

Tears well up in my eyes as I turn away, unable to hold back my emotions any longer. Katya immediately pulls me into her arms, concerned.

"What's wrong? Do you not like it?" she asks gently.

My dad joins us, standing by my side. "We can change anything you want."

I wipe away my tears and slowly make my way over to the bed, sinking down onto its soft surface. My fingers brush against the smooth fabric of the green throw blanket as I try to compose myself.

"I... I have something I need to tell both of you," I say in a shaky voice.

Katya sits next to me on the bed while my dad pulls up a chair from the desk and hands me my childhood stuffed bunny. His loving gesture brings a small smile to my face.

"Don't think I forgot about her," he chuckles softly.

"Thanks, dad," I reply with gratitude as I look back at both of them with tear-stained cheeks.

Taking a deep breath, I begin to share my heartbreaking news. "I... we..." I struggle to find the right words.

Katya pats my hand reassuringly. "Take all the time you need."

I nod, grateful for their understanding and support. "I... was. I was pregnant," I finally confess, unable to hold back the tears any longer.

More tears flow as Katya gently rubs my back, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Oh sweetheart," she coos sympathetically.

My dad's gaze drops to his shirt, guilt evident on his face. "I... I'm so sorry, Becca."

"I'm sorry too, dad," I reply with a heavy heart. "It was... it was dumb of us not to be more careful."

He pulls me into a tight hug, his love and forgiveness woven into in his embrace. "It doesn't matter now. You're here, you're safe, you're home."

“I love him, daddy,” I whisper, my voice trembling as Katya steps away and gives us a moment of privacy. My father's embrace is warm and comforting, a welcome respite from the chaos and confusion that swirls inside me.

“How long have you been together?” he asks softly, his voice laced with concern.

I shake my head, unable to meet his gaze. “We’re… we aren’t…” I pause, struggling to find the right words. “It’s complicated.”

My father's hand rubs soothing circles on my back. “But you love him.”

The tears start to flow again as I nod my head. “Yes. I do. I did. I don’t know anymore.”

Feeling overwhelmed, I lay my head down on the pillow and hug my stuffed bunny tightly against my chest.

My dad's gentle smile brings some comfort amidst the turmoil. “Sometimes things don't always make sense. And that's okay. You don't have to figure everything out right now.”

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