All Chapters of THIS TIME: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

" So, will you tell me what happened back there?" Jackson asks, after 5 minutes of silence in his car.I couldn't remain in that place anymore, I couldn't watch him come close to me and insult me. I felt like I was reliving two years ago but only this time, I could foresee him insulting me infront of everyone. No, I couldn't take that chance and so, all I could think of doing was running away. I didn't even say anything to Lucia, it was an advantage for me to slip away when Charlie came to the dancefloor and distracted Lucia. I had no idea that Jackson had been watching and he chased after me, no matter how many times I told him that he need not worry and that I would call a cab, he insisted on taking me home.Now here we are, seated in his car, inside the premesis of the apartment complex. I don't know how to really answer his question, because I don't want to start revealing about Mr Cullen being th

" I already ate." I say, turning around and walking away, leaving the door open.I've just invited them in, though I shouldn't because I'm still upset with Lucia. She pushed too much and now I can't stop thinking about what happened. I've worked so hard to atleast, to make peace with everything and move on, but she keeps pulling me back to that placr of always talking about it. I gave my baby away, she is with a nice family and being taken care of by people who love her. " Well you can eat later, but just know that we're not taking all this food back." She says as they enter.I head on to the kitchen, taking a seat on a chair. Lucia follows suit, sitting opposite me while Charlie remains standing by the doorway. A moment of silence takes passes with neither of us attempting to say anything, for a while I don't look at them but when I feel a gaze on me, I let out a sigh and glance at Charlie.

I definitely feel like a mother right now with Ava. Tonight, her father is late and because his phone has been switched off, I couldn't find it in me to leave Ava alone. Well, not that she would be alone because Kelly and the others would be here, but it just felt right if I do stay.Besides, Ava wanted me to stay.I had the opportunity to see how Ava was during the evening, whether she gets cranky or not when sleepy by this time of night. Surprisingly, she wasn't difficult at all or maybe it's because she was tired. I fed and bathed her and before I knew it, I was seated on the rocking chair with her on my lap, pretty much reading a story to her. This felt nice, to have her head resting against my chest. A smile makes its way onto my face when I feel her snuggle into my chest and a small sigh releases from her lips. My heart surely flutters because to me, this says that she is content and she has found comfort in my arms.

To think that the mention of my father wanting to see me, would surprise me but it didn't. I think I've outgrown waiting for him to make contact.It's been years since we've spoken and I can't help but wonder what the real reason behind him wanting to see me, might be. I mean we've never lasted days of being around each other when he actually came to see me, he's always been busy and now that I am, he makes contact.Back then, I had thought of confronting him on his actions towards me and how he broke his promises each time, but then I'd thought better of it. This time if ever the time allowed me to see him again, maybe I might just tell him how I've felt all these years.I ended last night's call with my mother, having not given her a definite answer about meeting him, I really feel undecided about this. It's a little confusing on why this time, he actually bothered mom if he wanted to talk to me so badly.

" You should take a little break sweetheart." Mom says, entering the living room." I'm almost done mom." That's all I say, not tearing my eyes away from the news paper.A tray full of food is placed ontop of the newspaper, now blocking my view of the section that I was just reading.I sigh and lean back, finally looking at her." I need a job mom."" I know you do, but you also need a break. Go out and get some fresh air, think less and just forget for a little while, about everything else."' You have no idea by what everything means to me right now.' My thoughts answer her but I continue looking at her.She sighs, now taking a seat next to me. She takes my hand and places it on her lap before speaking, " Skylar, I want to ask you something and I want you to be honest with me."Why am I afraid to even tell her to go ahead?