"Honey, honey," Brian said softly shaking me to wake up. My eyes fluttered open and I looked up at him.
"Hmm?"
"Honey, Billy's wife is here," he told me.
"Huh?" I said sitting up.
"She's downstairs," he told me.
I slowly got up and made my way downstairs. How the hell did she know where I lived?
"Uh, hi, MacKenzie, Billy left some things for you and Hayley I wanted you two to have," she told me. Her baby in her arms.
"Oh, ok," I replied.
"You will be attending the funeral tomorrow, right?" she asked looking me in the eye.
"Of course," I nodded.
"I know he'd want you there," she whispered.
"You think so?" I asked.
"Mommy! Blue!" Hayley squealed running up to me, holding a Blues Clues doll.
"Yeah, I see that. That's cool!" I said bending down.
"Hayley, you werent supposed to tell!"Brian said walking in the room.
"Did you buy her that?" I asked him.
"Yes, guilty as charged," he said hanging his head down low.
I laughed, "Well, as long as she loves it."
"Um, Billy wanted Hayley to have $35,000, the money to be put in the bank, for college and just later in life," she told me.
"$35,000?" I repeated.
"Yes, um, I dont know where this money came from, but it's there and he left the same amount for her," she said referring to her baby.
"You're kidding?" I asked.
"Not at all," she sighed.
"Here's the check," she said handing me the money.
"Um, thank you," I sighed.
"Um, he left this for you. He requested I didnt look at it, so I cant tell you what it is," she said handing me a small box.
"Thank you," I murmured.
"No problem. I'll see you tomorrow at the funeral," she whispered.
"Bye."
She walked out of the house, her baby in her arms and I just stared blankly at the small black box in my hands.
"What is that?" Brian asked wrapping his arms around my waist.
"I dont know," I whispered.
"Open it," he instructed. I looked at Hayley who was contently playing with her new toy.
I slowly opened the box, there was an even smaller black box and then an envelope. I opened the envelope and had a letter sitting inside.
MacKenzie, Im writing this now because I know in a month or so, I will be gone. Maybe to better places, maybe not. The only thing I know is how much of an apology you deserve. I remember the first time I saw you, you were so beautiful in that short black dress, standing outside the club with your friends. You were like an angel to me. The way you slowly looked up at me and I caught your eye. The first time I saw you laugh, I said to myself, 'I have to be with that girl'. You were so amazing. But what I failed to tell you was that I was a married man. I had a wife at home who loved me and cared about me, but I ignored that. I lied to you, told you I worked odd hours and you practically gave up your life to see me and be with me. I was just selfish. Then when you told me you were pregnant. I couldnt believe it. I mean, me and my wife had been trying for years and here I was finally getting a child, but with someone that wasnt my wife. I got scared, so I did what I knew how to do best, run from my problems. That new guy you are with, Brian, I believe, he seems to be a real nice guy. He seems to treat you good and he respects you, something I never did. I am so sorry for everything I ever put you through, things you would never deserve. You were so young and beautiful. You had such wonderful dreams, I remember you telling me you wanted to grow to be a famous writer that lived on the beach and the only thing you did all day was write trashy romance novels and look out onto the bay, watching the ocean and breathing the salty air. I remember all your dreams, and it's sad that you seem to have forgotten them all. You and Brian are amazing and I want you to know that what is in the tiny black box is something I wanted to give you, but couldnt and wouldnt. Two reasons, I was married and I wasnt good enough for you. I knew it, you knew it, and so did everyone else. Please, if you dont keep it, give it to Hayley so she has something from her real father. I know Brian will be good to her and I hope you will explain to her what the situation was and that Brian isnt her real dad, but a damn good fill in. Love- Billy
I felt my knees going weak. It wasnt of flattery, just of the honest truth that Billy just confessed to me. I wish he wouldve said that before he died, to my face.
I looked at Brian who had moved over to play with Hayley. Slowly, I opened the box and inside was a beautiful tiny engagement ring. It was gleaming and sparkling.
"Oh my G-d."
"What?" Brian asked looking up.
"Here, read this," I said handing him the letter. When he was done, he looked up at me. I handed him the box and he opene it.
"Wow," he muttered.
"Mommy, taco," Hayley said looking up at me.
"Yes, Hayley, we can go get you a taco," I giggled.
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Sixteen
As Long As You Love Me Index
Brian Fanfiction Index
BSB Fanfiction Index
Backstreet Island