24. Parker
Chapter twenty-four
Parker
W hen I reach my parents’ house, I see Chloe’s car parked in the driveway. I shouldn’t be surprised that Lauren brought her along. Still, I don’t know if I can handle seeing Chloe right now. I don’t know if I can really think about the pregnancy when my family is imploding again because of Bethany.
There are also two police cars parked in the street. Their presence only drives home just how intense of a situation this really is. Bethany hasn’t just betrayed the family again, but she’s willingly committed theft in order to do it.
My hands tighten on the steering wheel as I pull into the driveway, parking my car next to Chloe’s. I sit there for a moment, trying to sort through the maelstrom of thoughts racing within me. Eventually, I force myself to get out of the car and make my way toward the house.
As soon as I open the front door, a heavy sense of dread washes over me. The usual laughter and warmth of my parents’ house is replaced by a somber silence. My mom is sitting on the couch, her face pale and drawn. Dad is standing and talking with two cops, his brows furrowed in worry.
“Parker!” Lauren rushes toward me, and her eyes are brimming with tears.
I open my arms, and she throws herself into them without a moment of hesitation. Hugging her, I glance across the room and spot Chloe standing with her back to a wall. She gives me a small wave, and I nod at her. I want to talk to her so badly, but at that moment, my mom releases a shuddering sob. I remind myself that I need to deal with this mess first. I let go of Lauren and make my way closer to my mom and dad.
Dad looks up from his conversation and gives me a relieved look.
“Thank goodness, Parker,” he says. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“What’s happened, exactly?”
Dad sighs and shakes his head. “It’s just like the first time, Parker. She took everything she could get her hands on and ran.”
I clench and unclench my hands into fists at my sides and grind my teeth.
“I told you,” I growl. “I told you!”
Dad flinches and then slowly nods. “Yes, son, I know. You did tell us. We should’ve listened to you. We just…we wanted to believe in Bethany so badly….”
I release a long breath and feel a pang of sympathy at the pain so clear in his eyes, but at the same time, I’m frustrated and irritated. None of this would’ve happened if he and my mom hadn’t been so stubborn when I tried to warn them. We could have avoided reliving this mistake if they had just left her in the past where she belonged.
“I know, Dad,” I reply. “But don’t you think I wanted that, too? That I wanted to believe Bethany had really changed? She’s my twin, for God’s sake! Not having her in my life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. She’s supposed to be my other half. My best friend and constant companion, but I know her too well. I know what she’s capable of and what she isn’t…and she’s not able to change herself so easily. She’s shallow and materialistic, and she’ll do just about anything to maintain the lifestyle she wants to live, so long as she doesn’t actually have to lift a finger to do it.”
When I’m done with my impromptu rant, my dad looks even more devastated and my mom’s crying even harder. I know my words are harsh, but I feel as if a burden has been lifted from my shoulders from having spoken them. I realize that I’ve been holding in a lot of resentment and hurt because of Bethany, and now, I’ve purged myself in a way. I’ve been completely honest about my feelings and have laid my cards on the table, so to speak. My parents might be upset about hearing the truth, but it all needed to be said.
“Parker, I know you’re angry,” my dad begins. “I know we messed up, but right now, we need to all come together and handle this situation.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Yes, Dad, I know. Once more, we’re cleaning up Bethany’s mess and dealing with the aftermath of her selfishness while she walks away without any real consequences.”
“That’s why we’ve called the police,” my dad replies and nods toward the officers. “We’re not letting Bethany get away with it again.”
I glance at the officers, who are watching us closely.
What has my dad been saying to them? How honest has he been? I can’t fully trust that he’s been completely truthful and upfront about Bethany, because that would mean acknowledging the mistakes he and Mom have made with her over the years, and I’m just not sure my dad is ready for that. He’s too proud and too reluctant to admit that there might be no hope for Bethany.
What am I supposed to do? I’m not going to sugar-coat anything if I talk to the cops, but I feel like I’m walking on a tightrope between the truth and hurting my parents more than they already are.
Before I can say another word, I feel a hand slip into mine. Surprised, I look down and find Chloe standing next to me, holding my hand. She gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand, and I instantly feel better. Supported. Cared for.
I’m not alone. She’s standing beneath the tightrope I’m balancing on, holding a net to catch me if I fall.
This woman…God, this woman. What have I ever done to deserve having someone like her at my side? Suddenly, the idea of her being pregnant with my baby doesn’t feel so overwhelming. If I’m going to have a child with anyone, build a life with anyone, I want it to be her.
She’s the woman I always want in my corner.
Taking a deep breath, I turn back to my father and meet his gaze.
“All right,” I murmur, feeling calmer and more centered. “What do you need from me?”