Chapter 9
“So you’re saying I should just forgive him after everything he did?!” Erin shouted.
“No! That’s not what I’m saying, I’m just saying that you should at least hear him out! You’re lucky that he is willing to make an effort Erin.”
“And you seriously think he deserves that? So you’re saying that if your mom just walked in and said she was sorry you would just forgive her and go back home?”
Ella flinched at the mention of her mom. “ Erin… this is not the same. If my mom showed up and she told me that she was getting sober and that she really wanted to fix things then yes Erin. I would absolutely go with her so that I can help her and repair our relationship.”
“You would really forgive her just like that?”
“I didn’t say I would forgive her right away, but Erin she is the only family I have. I know what your dad did, and yes it was awful, and maybe he doesn’t deserve forgiveness right now, or even ever. But I do think that you should listen to what he has to say, it could help you get some closure.”
Erin rose from her bed, “I can’t believe you want me to talk to him, I thought you of all people would understand.” she walked out of her room and ran downstairs,leaving the forward alone in her room.
“Erin!” Ella ran after her, but she heard the door slam shut before she got downstairs.
“She isn’t going anywhere, she’ll just sit in her car for a bit, give her some time Ella.” Sharrell said, giving the forward an encouraging smile.
“Did you hear?”
“Yes, and for what it’s worth I agree with you. I haven’t forgiven him either, but I have talked to him and it really did help give me the closure that I needed. I really think talking to him will lift a weight off her shoulders.”
“I know, but I don’t want to bring it up again if she is going to get mad.” Ella sighed.
“She’ll want to talk about it when she comes back inside, she just needs to mull the situation over alone for a bit.”
“Okay… and um I haven’t really told you personally yet how much I appreciate everything you have done for me. So thank you, really, it means a lot that you are letting me stay here.”
“Oh don’t mention it sweetie, you’re a great girl and I love having you here.”
Just then the door opened slowly and Erin walked in.
Ella knew she had been crying, but she wasn’t sure if she should go over to her or not.
“Um mom could you give us a minute.” The keeper spoke quietly.
“Of course, I’ll go get started on dinner.”
Erin walked over to the couch and took a seat next to Ella. She leaned over and pressed her forehead against the forwards, sighing. “I’m sorry baby. I shouldn’t have freaked out like that, you were just trying to help. I just get frustrated when I think about him and I guess I’m just kind of scared to talk to him.”
Ella pulled the keeper into a hug, and ran her hands in soft circles on her back. “I don’t blame you for getting mad Erin, I shouldn’t have pushed you when you said you didn’t want to talk about it… and it’s okay to be scared you know. I just want you to know if you chose to go talk with him I will be there with you holding your hand okay?”
“Thank you Ella, and I think you were right… I need to talk to him if I am ever going to get over it, so I called him and we are meeting tomorrow after school.”
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“Are you ready?” Ella asked as her and Erin pulled up to the park that they were meeting Erin’s dad at.
“I think so. Thank you for being here Ella, it means a lot. The keeper leant over and kissed Ella before stepping out of the car.
Ella grabbed to keeper’s hand holding it tight as they walked towards the bench where her father was sitting.
“Did you tell him I was coming?” Ellas asked quietly.
“Yes.”
“Erin, I’m glad you came.”
“I said that I’d be here, so here I am.”
The man gave a small smile and Ella could see where Erin got her smile from.
“Um I’m Doug, you must be Ella.” The man reached his hand out hesitantly for the forward.
Ella gave a small smile, shaking his hand.
“Okay, I guess I’ll just start, Erin I know that an apology is not going to change anything, and that I can’t take back everything I did, but I just want you to know that I love you so much, and I’m sorry that I let my judgement get in the way of the best thing that ever happened to me… which was your mother, you and your sisters. I wish I could take it all back.
“I appreciate that you came all the way here to talk to me, I really do… but I need you to know that I can’t forgive you… not today, and I’m not sure if I will ever be able to.”
“I understand, I’m just glad you were willing to talk.”
“Well you can thank Ella for that, I wasn’t going to come if she hadn’t convinced me.” The forward looked up at Erin and gave her a small smile, squeezing her hand lightly.
“Thank you for getting her here, I know you probably aren’t my biggest fan but I really appreciate it.”
“I know what it’s like not having family around, and I know that If I could have my mom be a part of my life again I would, so I’m just making sure she has the option of you being in her life if she wants that.”
Erin’s father smiled at the two girls who were looking into one another’s eyes. “You got a good one here Erin, you keep her close.”
“I will.”
“So is there any chance you might want to talk again, maybe we could catch up a little bit?”
Erin bit her lip before responding, she knew what she needed right now.
“I don’t think I can right now, I’m not really ready for that… but um… I got a call up for a senior camp after school ends so I will be going up to montreal for a while. Maybe when I’m up there we could get together and talk.”
“You… Erin that is amazing, I… I’m so proud of you, and I understand, just give me a call I guess if you want to meet up while you’re there.”
“Thank you… I will, we should probably get going though.”
“Okay, um…” Erin’s dad faltered a bit. “is it okay if I hug you?”
The keeper released Ella’s hand and leaned in to hug her dad.
“I’m so sorry.”
Erin just gave a sad smile, taking the forwards hand again as they walked back towards her car. Ella stopped the keeper before she got in and kissed her. “I’m so proud of you.” She whispered against Erin’s lips.
The keeper’s father watched the exchange from the bench as tears rolled down his cheeks. -How did I let something like that ruin my family?- He watched as the couple embraced for another moment before getting in the car and driving off.