Page 14 of Seized By Wrath
“Yes, that's my dad.” Grace smiles.
Tamryn steps forward, her eyes locked with mine.
“Yes, yes this is my daughter’s father.” Her voice is small, and I feel like it’s only her and me here in this park as she makes that confession.
My mouth is open wide, and I don't know what to say.
I don't correct her. I don't tell her she's wrong. I don't acknowledge the annoying security guard as he nods and walks away. I just focus on the mother of my child as she stares at me.
“Hello, Phoe.”
Chapter 8
Phoenix -Present Day
Iopen my eyes at the sound of her voice, expecting Claire sitting there--but Tamryn is in her place.
“So, tell me if you remember anything else about that day?” I whip my head in the direction of the voice, finding Claire across the room.
“Can you stop that!”
“No, you are here to get the help you need to break this damn curse, Phoenix.”
“What is she doing here?”
“Sheis sitting right here, Phoe. You can ask me yourself!” Tamryn cries.
“Fine, but I'm going to need something a hell of a lot stronger than beer if I have to have this conversation with you, Tamryn!” I roar at her, and she flinches.
“I’m not the enemy, Phoe. I swear, I love you. I love Grace. You have to believe me.”
“You tricked me into coming here.” I sneer at Claire as she hands me a glass of scotch.
“No one tricked you, Phoenix, but it is time for you to listen to the other side of the story. Your father has your mind so messed up, so angry, so closed off that you won't hear anybody. I thought maybe if you remembered how things went for yourself, you'll be able to forgive and move on, break this curse and get your family back together so you can move on with your life!” Claire snaps.
“I will leave you two to hash this out,” Claire says before exiting the room.
I sip the scotch, savoring the sting that seems to be a constant within me, that burning feeling, that anger that boils almost calms me at this point.
“What do you want, Tamryn? Why are you here? I swear to God, if you are back here after all these years to take our little girl after you abandoned her, abandoned me, think again.”
“I didn't abandon you, Phoenix. I left to protect you. I had to go away for a while, but I'm back because Grace needs me. She needs her mother! You can’t keep her from me!”
“Like hell I can’t! You should have thought about that before you sent her to me!”
“You know I did that because I love her, Phoenix. I love you too”
“Love?” I scoff. “You left, just like my mother! That is all the women that supposedly ‘love’ me do.”
“It’s with reason, Phoenix, just listen to me,” she pleads.
“Dad?” We both look at the doorway at the sound of our daughter's voice. Grace, now fourteen-years-old, stands there watching us.
“What on earth is she doing here?” I turn my glare to Claire, who is right behind her.
“Grace, honey, oh my God how tall and beautiful you are.” Tamryn stands and tries to go to Grace but I bolt to my feet and stand between them.
“Don’t you dare.”