Added into Daddy’s Life novel Chapter 29

Michael's P.O.V.

I didn't know what I felt. Hurt....angry...upset? I wasn't really sure but I knew each one of those emotions were bottled up inside me right now. Guilt. That was exactly the right word....guilt. I felt guilty that Mya was hurt. I guess it couldn't have been avoided. Her eye was swollen shut and her lip was swollen and busted. There was a huge bruise on her cheek. This was all my fault...

I looked in the rear view mirror as I pulled up in front of the house. Mya was fast asleep twitching every so often. I sighed stepping out of the car. I pulled my hair in frustration. How could I be this stupid? I shook my head trying to get these thoughts out of my head.

I slowly pulled Mya out of the car and she stirred. "nooo....stop.." She tried to struggle out of my hold but I held her securely. "Baby relax it's me....it's daddy." She didn't open her eyes but when she heard my voice, she sighed and tightened her grip around my neck, almost as if she was pulling me closer to her.

When I got inside Andrew was picking up his coat and getting ready to walk out the door. "I found her.." I breathed. He looked over at me and his eyes widened. "What happened to her face?!" I shook my head and laid Mya on the couch. "I don't know Drew, when I found her, she was like that." I sighed and plopped on the couch beside Mya. I tried to be strong but I couldn't do it. I broke down grabbing my hair in frustration. "Drew I don't know what to say. *sob* I should've never left her here, I should've just brought her to work with me. She wouldn't be hurt if I *sob* if I just stayed home." I buried my face into my hands and cried harder. I felt so weak and pathetic crying in front of him but I couldn't stop the tears from falling. I failed as her daddy.

I heard Drew sigh but I didn't look at him. I was too ashamed. "Mike..." He said scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Come into the kitchen so we can talk, ok? I don't want to wake up Mya."

I rubbed my eyes, he has a point.

I slowly stood and sniffled wiping my eyes. He grabbed my arm and led me into the kitchen. "What's the matter Mike?" He asked. I sighed sitting on the island stool, "I can't believe this happened to her Drew. I mean how could someone be so cruel and hurt her....deliberately hurt her. She's the sweetest girl you'll meet and so cute. Just...how?" I looked up at him desperately wanting an answer. He frowned and sat next to me.

"Mike listen I wish I could give you an answer but we both know that's not true. Sometimes things happen and there isn't really an answer for it." I nodded taking in everything he said. Maybe that person thought she was someone else...?

"But Drew, why did she run away in the first place? I mean what happened?"