Lost Cause, Chapter 17
by SIPort
“ Oh Sugarbear.” TC was still hugging his daughter. “ I’m so glad you’re back.”
“ I’m ok, Daddy.”
” No. I need to hear some good news.” TC went
out of Simone’s room, and returned with her doctor, who did an exam of Simone
while TC watched. “ Well, Doctor?”
” It seems as if everything we did for your daughter was a success. We’ll
still need to have her in for observation for the next couple of days, but
I think after that, IF she promises to follow a strict regimen of diet and
proper exercise, she’ll be released.”
” Oh, I promise Doctor. I’ll do whatever you order.”
” She’s right. I’ll make sure of it.”
” Good. Then, I’ll check back later.”
As soon as the doctor left, Simone smiled at her father. “ See, I told you I was fine.”
“ It’s so good to see you. I can’t believe it. We almost lost you. We almost lost you.”, TC said with a seriousness and desperation.
“ I know Daddy. I’m sorry.”, Simone replied quietly.
” Sugarbear, NOTHING is worth you losing your life over. Or may I say NO
ONE!”
” I know Daddy.”, Simone mumbled.
TC lifted Simone’s eyes to meet his. “ I love you. Your mother loves you. Your sister loves you. She really does. But, another time.”
“ Thanks……how’s Mom?”
“ Clinging onto life right now. We don’t know if she’ll make it.”
“ She fooled us all, Daddy.”
“ And your mother might pay the ultimate price.”
” I don’t believe that. I came back and Mom will too. “
“ Sugarbear, I can’t believe I’m talking to you.”
” Daddy, I AM sorry.”
“ Honey, I know. But, your actions were a cry for help. Obviously, you felt you didn’t get the attention you needed. That IS my fault, because I’m the parent.”
” It’s not your fault.”
“ Simone, I know the entire story between you,
” I’ll try.”
“ You’ll do more than try. You’ll do it. We’ll all do it. NOTHING is more important than this family, and I’m not going to see it ruined without a fight.”
TC hugged Simone, who suddenly got the feeling that her father wasn’t just talking about her and Whitney.
Whitney opened the door to the rooftop deck, but saw that someone was already there.
” Oh, I’m so….Mr. Crane.”
” Hello, Whitney.”
” I..I didn’t know that you were out here. I’ll leave you alone.”
” Nonsense. I believe the deck is big enough for both of us.”
” Ok.” Whitney walked out to the deck and took in the view. “ There’s no
word on my mother.”
” I know. I’ve given instructions to call me ASAP with any news on Eve.”
” You’re not her family.”
” I know that.”
” But…you want to be. You’re in love with my mother.”
“ Is that an accusation or a question, Whitney?”
” I guess a little bit of both. So, what’s your answer, Mr. Crane?”
” Yes. I am in love with your mother. I always have been.”
” You don’t see anything wrong with that?”
” I’m just answering your question honestly.”
” Honestly? What do CRANES know about being honest? You’re nothing but a
bunch of liars, thieves and robber barons.”
” That might be true, but we can still love.”
” Oh really.”
” Yes.”
“ Well, my mother doesn’t care for you.”
” Are you sure about that?”
Julian walked away and didn’t even wait for an answer.
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