Helen wrapped her arms around his shoulders, wanting nothing
but to console him. She held on to him, propping him up until Lucas
was strong enough to stand on his own again. He eased himself
away from Helen and gave her a small smile to let her know that he
was better.
?Wait here a sec. I have to let my dad know I?m home.?
?I?m not going anywhere,? Lucas promised.
Helen flew down to the front yard and noticed that Kate?s car was
still parked in the driveway. She landed and went in the front door,
not at all sure what she was going to say or do. She found her dad
sleeping on the couch in the living room, sat down next to him, and
shook him gently until he woke. Jerry looked relieved for about
two seconds, then sat up and sighed at Helen in disappointment.
?You know what you put me through, right?? he asked, heartbroken.
Helen felt so guilty she couldn?t meet his eyes, so she just
nodded her head. ?You?d better start explaining.?
Helen thought about how so many people in her life already
knew what she was, and for just a moment she considered telling
her father everything. But if she opened that can of worms she?d
also have to tell him Daphne was back, and she couldn?t bring herself
to do that. Not after she had finally released him from his unnatural
attachment to her. For the first time in almost two decades,
Jerry had the chance to have a real life with a woman who actually
loved him in return. Helen wouldn?t allow anything to endanger
that.
?I can?t, Dad. At least I can?t right now. I guess I could make up
an excuse, but it would be a lie,? Helen said hopelessly as she
rubbed her hands over her tired face and aching skull. ?And I don?t
ever want to lie to you.?
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