She heard Kevin take in a sharp breath and couldn't bring herself to look up into his eyes. "I know..its pretty bad huh?"
"No..just kind of..shocking, ya know?"
Madison nodded, "Yeah..well..umm..her name was Katherine Marie. I had her when I was 20..me and the father had split up right after I had her. I had a small house..nothing too big, but enough for the two of us. And for awhile, we were happy. I loved having a little girl, she was my absolute world. I loved seeing her wake up in the morning and playing with her and watching her sleep. Even the little things she did were just the cutest things. One day..oh God..."
Kevin set his hand gingerly on top of hers, "Its okay..you don't have to go on.."
"Yes I do. One day, I had a job interview, with The Firm. I was 22, just out in the business. I left Katherine with a babysitter and went to lunch with a bunch of executives from The Firm. They were nice and very impressed with my work that I had done for being so young so I pretty much got the job. I drove home, feeling more happy than I had in a long time. I would actually be able to provide a better life for my daughter. I pulled onto my street and nothing would of prepared me for what I saw. All the neighbors were outside of my house, two fire trucks, an ambulance and people running around and smoke billowing out of my house along with flames. I don't even think I turned off the engine, I got out so fast. I...I saw the babysitter sitting on the curb crying hysterically. I kept asking her where my baby was and she just kept shaking her head and crying. It finally clued in my brain that she was still in the house. I remember running up the front lawn to the door and someone grabbing me around the waist and pulling me back just as the windows blew out from the heat. As the fireman dragged me back I remember hearing her screaming...the firemen tried to get her out..but it was too late...and I blacked out.."
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Oh God Madison.."
"The father, Steve, he of course blamed me..his family hates me now. They wouldn't even let me into the funeral."
"But you were the person that took care of their grandchild.."
"I know..but they think I was the person that took her away from them."
"You didn't...what caused the fire?"
"Faulty wiring. The poor babysitter kept telling me over and over she had tried to get her out..and I understand that she did.."
"So why did you tell all of us that when you thought you were pregnant, you said if you weren't ready for a child and all that.."
She stared at his back as he walked away from the counter. "I know I said that..and thats true, I wasn't ready for a child when I toured with you all..what kind of life would that be? Plus..I never thought Dave would bring up my past like this. He just wants to screw with my life...and he's doing it.."
"Why did he know?"
"I met him shortly before I came on with you all..I was depressed, lonely..and for awhile, he was the one I could talk to."
"Oh.."
"Now..you're going to..leave..aren't you?"
He turned away from the window to see Madison standing by the counter, looking like she was about to cry. In no more than two seconds, he was in front of her, arms wrapped tightly around her. "I'm not leaving you..no matter how hard you push me away..no matter what Madison.."
She had never heard had someone so strong on her side before. "No matter what Dave tries I will be right beside you.."
"Thank you..," She whispered.
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Chapter 12
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