We Took A Chance

She didn't look like a homewrecker. If anything, she reminded me a lot of my mom. She, too, had a small frame with rich brown hair. Her style was much more low maintenance in her jeans, flowery top, and sandals. My mom would never be caught dead in jeans much less in sandals. Martha was the complete opposite.

Just as my dad introduced us, she smiled warmly at me and moved forward but I stood still. I know it's not her fault my parent's divorced but I couldn't help but resent her for having something that once belonged to my mom. She's occupying a space in my dad's heart that was my mom's. How can she be ok with that?

"Zoe?" my dad's voice brings me out of my daze and notice they're all looking at me. I blink away my thoughts and move forward to shake her hand while offering a friendly smile.
"So nice to meet you, Zoe. I've heard great things about you." she says and I wonder what all my dad has said about me.
"Thank you." I respond and take a step back towards Niall who's hands are resting inside his jean pockets.
"Breakfast is ready, let's take a seat in the breakfast room." Martha says motioning us to follow her. My heart sinks to my stomach when I see her walk towards my dad and loop her arm in his. She seems so comfortable with him, I can't seem to wrap my head around this.

At the small breakfast table, Niall sits next to me with Martha in front and my dad in front of me. She had made scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and pancakes. I'm sure everything was great, Niall scarfed it down happily, but I mainly pushed around my food. I couldn't stop thinking about my dad with this woman. What did she have that my mom didn't?
We talked mainly about Martha and how she's a camera woman at the tv station. That's how they met and fell in love. It made me wonder if he ever cheated with her on my mom. The mere thought made my stomach spin. The endless scenarios were interrupted once my dad asked the golden question.

"How did you two meet? You don't have an English accent." he directs towards Niall but I decide to answer for him.
"He's Leah's cousin from Ireland who happens to live in London." I shoot a look towards Niall.
"Oh, you're Leah's family! That's great. And what do you do Niall? Do you go to the same university as Zoe?" his sudden interrogation made me uncomfortable.
"Uh, yeah..." I begin but am stopped by Niall.
"Zoe." he gives me an assuring look before continuing, "Actually, Sir, I don't go to any uni. I'm a musician." I know my dad will push the subject and I wondered how much Niall is willing up divulge.
"Musician. Make a living playing bars eh?" my dad's dismissive response makes me a bit angry.
"No, Sir, we don't play bars. We play stadiums." Niall's answer makes my eyes go wide. Is he really going to tell my dad who he is?
"What do you mean, boy?" my dad asks shooting me a look, his eyebrows furrowed with curiosity.
"Dad! Please just stop with this 21 questions game you're playing!" I yell, letting my fork drop on the porcelain plate and storming back out into the living room.

I'm unsure of why tears start to stream down my face but there's nothing I can do to stop them. I sit on the second step on the front stairs and let the tears fall freely. I hear footsteps approaching and am relieved to see they're coming from Niall. Without a word, he sits next to me and wraps me in his strong arms.

I don't know why I reacted the way that I did. I just know I didn't like the way my dad was interrogating Niall. As if he has any right to demand answers or make fun of his job when I'm expected to come here and accept this new woman with no questions asked. He had no fucking right.

"How do you feel?" Niall asks once he noticed my sobs have died down.
"I'm ok but I just ruined everything." I confess.
"No, Zoe, what you're doing is not easy. It's ok, princess, I'm here for you." he says rubbing my upper arm with his hand. Things seem to fall back into place when Niall takes his finger and props my chin up to face him. His soft face comes closer until his delicate lips place a kiss on the corner of my mouth. Suddenly, I wished nothing but to be back in England with Niall. London is home.
"I want to leave." I whisper, still lightly sniffing.
"We will, but first you should go back in there." I hate to admit that Niall is right. I need to go back in there and apologize.
Niall helps me up and walks with me back into the breakfast room. They're both clearing the table, exchanging looks as I stand just a couple feet away.
"I'm sorry for my actions. I didn't mean to act so harshly." I say looking at my dad and then at Martha.
"Your dad was only trying to get to know your friend better, Zoe. No harm intended." Martha explains, her warm brown eyes set on me.
"I know. Again I'm sorry."
"This was a bad start, Zoe. How about we start over by all going out to dinner tonight?" my dad asks and I know I can't deny him. As much as I don't want to, we came all the way from London so we need to make the most of this trip.

I agreed and turned to Niall who put an arm around my shoulder and kissed my head. I closed my eyes momentarily to enjoy the sweet gesture. When I opened them, both Martha and my dad were sporting slightly shocked expressions. I'm glad when they decide to look past the moment and not ask any questions.

Notes

I think I'm going to do a double update today. That is if I finish the next chapter within the next 20 minutes. Do you think Zoe over reacted? Will dinner go better than breakfast?

Ps. Here's your Niall gif. :)