Almost Easy

Chapter Twenty:

A loud ringing wrenched me from my disturbing dreams. I flailed around, trying to find my phone. I can’t fucking see anything in the dark. Finally, my fingers grasped it. I peered at the Caller ID, trying to adjust to the brightness. Mom? What could see want at two in the morning? I moved Brian’s arm off of me and walked to the front door. All of the guys fell asleep with us in the living room, while we were watching Buffy.

“Hello?” I asked. I jumped when I saw something move to the side of me. The shadowy figure took a step closer and I saw it was Doug. I gave him a small nod.

“Lydia, what the fuck are you trying to pull?” She screamed. I held my phone back a few inches. Mother of fucking carbs, she’s loud. Doug raised an eyebrow. I shrugged.

“What the fuck, mother?” I asked her, rubbing my head. Her screeching really isn’t helping my concussion.

“Derek called me and told me what happened. Why do you keep causing me problems, you stupid, useless girl?” She growled. I stiffened.

“Seriously? That’s why you’re calling? Of course, it doesn’t matter because I have a concussion and a black eye from him. Why would it? You didn’t care when he hurt me earlier this week. You never care.” I complained.

“Why can’t you just do as I ask of you? You always cause complications! I didn’t ask to be a mother. I don’t want you fucking up things for me. I like having Dougie around. Do you understand that? Derek comes in handy sometimes; would it kill you to keep him happy?! So what, if he’s taken a liking to you?! No one else is going to! From what I understand, you’ve made it impossible for Derek to come back into town for the time being. Why did you do that?! I’ve spoken to your father. I asked him to make a trip to see you. I’ll be coming home early. I’ll be there by Monday. I expect you to be pleasant and obedient. Am I clear?!” She yelled, continuing her tirade.

“Things with Doug are fine. We get along a lot better than you think. He likes having me around. He’s one that got Derek off of me and had him dragged out of our house. Did you know that?! He doesn’t want me getting hurt. I don’t understand why he acts like more of a parent than you ever have. That doesn’t make sense, Mother! I don’t care if you pull Dad all the way here, yourself. I’m not seeing him. I won’t see him again.” I spat. I can’t stop shaking. It’s just like when I was a child. When I got in my mother’s way, she’d leave me alone with my father. He beat me when I was a kid. He was merciless.

“I told you what would happen if you didn’t listen to me. Actions have consequences. It’s time for you to learn that. Lydia Grace, so help me God, just do what I tell you for once in your pathetic life.” She told me.

“I-I can’t do that. I think we both know why.” I whispered.

“While you’re under my care, you will.” She argued.

“Sweetheart, hand me the phone. Let me speak to your mum, love.” Doug told me, quietly. I nodded and handed him the phone. I sat down on the porch and listened. “Lynn, I asked Lydia if I might speak with you.” He told her, gently.

“Dougie, darling, she shouldn’t have concerned you with this. It’s just a talk between a mother and daughter.” She told him, still speaking loudly, but noticeably nicer.

“She didn’t ‘concern’ me. I was outside with her and overheard your conversation. Let me frank, my dear, I very much enjoy spending time with your daughter. I find her pleasing to be around. I don’t want to do anything that will jeopardize her safety – do you understand?” He asked her, with an eerie calm.

“I-I understand, but I don’t see what this has to do with you.”

“Don’t insult my intelligence, love. You know very well what this has to do with me. I’ve been good to you, haven’t I?” He asked her.

“Of course you have, Dougie.”

“I have never denied you anything that you’ve asked for or put my foot down.”

“I know you haven’t.”

“But, I will not sit idly by and see Lydia harmed. With myself as the exception, you don’t seem to keep ideal company. Wanted or not, no parent should try to see his or her child suffer any misfortune. I’m disappointed in you, Lynn. I knew the type of woman that I was getting into bed with, but this is where I draw the line. I’m a very powerful man and I like seeing you. I would hate to see that end because of your hatred for your daughter.” He told her. She was quiet and I strained to hear her response.

“I understand, Doug.”

“I’m glad we understand each other, my dear. Your daughter has a place in my home. She has a place with me. I see no reason why we can’t all be a family.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you, Doug. You have to believe that angering you wasn’t my agenda.”

“I’m not saying it was, love. If Lydia’s father sets one foot in town, he’ll have to deal with me. I am not letting him see her. I have some understanding of the kind of man he is. Please understand, I’m a different kind of man.”

“I understand, Dougie. Are we okay?” She asked him in a shrill voice. She must be panicking.

“We’re fine, love. It’s late. I must go. When are you planning to return?” He asked her.

“I’ll be back Monday.”

“See you then, love. Goodnight.” He told her, hanging up. He handed me my phone. “I know that you don’t trust me, yet. I know that I have to earn that from you. But, if someone is threatening you, I’d like for you to tell me. I meant what I told your mother. I want you to be safe.” He told me, softly. I nodded.

“I will. Thank you.”

“How’s your head, Sweetheart?” He asked me.

“It still hurts, but I haven’t gotten sick. So, that’s a plus.” I joked. He laughed.

“Can’t sleep?” He guessed.

“Her call woke me up, but I doubt I’ll be able to sleep now. Is that why you’re out here? Because you couldn’t sleep?” I asked him. He nodded.

“I find the fresh air to be soothing. It helped when I was a boy.”

“I get it.”

“Would you like to get some ice cream?” He asked me. I laughed at the randomness.

“Do you have ice cream?”

“I don’t, but I do know a great diner that is open all night.” He replied. I shrugged.

“I’m always down for ice cream.”

“Excellent. Grab a jacket and we’ll go.”

“You’re something else – you know?” I told him. He chuckled.

“Is that a compliment?”

“Yes – yes, it is.”

Notes

I doubt Lynn will take the confrontation lying down - don't you? Lol. Next chapter up tomorrow!