Page 56 of Broken

“Who's this?” She asks, rubbing her eye as she yawns.

“This is your grandpa.” I say, walking her to greet him.

“Hello McKenna.” My dad says. “It's nice to finally meet you.”

McKenna cracks the biggest smile. “I get a daddy and a grandpa?”

“Yes.” I reply as we all laugh together. “West, can you take her to brush her teeth please. I'd like to-” I nod to my dad who just stands there in awe.

West just nods, taking McKenna from me. Once they're out of sight, I turn to look at the man who was my whole world until the night I was arrested.

“I can't believe you've been out here, making this life all on your own. I'm so sorry it took me so long to realize how amazing you are.” My father says, with tears in his eyes. The big bad city lawyer, crying in my living room.

“Daddy.” A sob escapes me as I wrap my arms around him for the first time in what feels like forever.

He hushes me as we just stand there. “I'm sorry George hid your pregnancy and who the baby's father was. I have half a mind to cancel his tuition anyway.”

“Don't, karma's a bitch Daddy, and it's best served cold.” I just keep my head against his chest listening to the soft patter of his heart. My Daddy is back and my heart feels almost whole again.

After a few minutes I release him and we sit on the couch, talking for what seems like an eternity, but only a few minutes have come by. “Kitty, I'm sorry to interrupt your reunion, but you have an appointment in twenty minutes.

I jump from my seat, my towel falling to the floor. “Shit. Sorry Daddy, stay with West and McKenna, I'll be back soon.”

“Appointment for what?” He asks, picking the towel up off the floor.

“Therapy.” I groan, not wanting to admit that to him, but he needs to understand the rush I'm in.

“Okay Katherine, we have all the time in the world. I'll be here when you get back.” He places a quick kiss on my cheek.

I rush through the house getting ready, not bothering to change my clothes, but I definitely change my shoes. Those Crocs are for the house, not out there.

When I arrive, I have two minutes left as I check in. “She'll be right with you hon.” Sasha the receptionist says.

“Thanks.” I start pacing as I wait.

“Katherine, come on back.” Dr. Clemmons says, holding her door open.

I walk in, nervous as all get out and I don't think I could even sit on the couch this time. She's gotten used to my quirks, overstimulated Katherine needs to pace.

“What's new Katherine?” my therapist asks as I pace from one side of the room to the other, pause in the middle and back again.

“I-” shaking my head as I pace some more, bringing my thumb up to my teeth, chewing on the rough edges that I've already picked apart.

When I get to the couch, I sit, look at her, and then pop back up and pace again.

My dad's back. West is back. McKenna knows she has a dad and a grandpa now. Is she going to ask about her grandma? Or what about the surprise talk my brother gave us at the diner, outing himself as her uncle.

Am I causing damage to my daughter by keeping these people away? Will it be more beneficial for her to know them and make her own judgment calls as she grows and gets to know them?

I can't handle my mother treating my daughter the way she treated me. I was like a Barbie accessory to my mother. Oh god, am I doing that to McKenna?

“Katherine. You're beginning to worry me. Please sit down. I'll ask questions to help sort your thoughts.” I nod aggressively and take a seat.

What's she gonna ask first? Shoot, where will this conversation go?

“How was the reunion?” Shit, fuck.

“A homecoming like no other.” I reply, nervously bouncing my leg. “I mean, it was okay, I took Bailey and McKenna with me. They mostly stayed at the hotel. I took McKenna to my favorite diner.”