31

Chapter thirty one: Forgive and forget ?

I wiped my tear stricken eyes as I sat up from the comfort of my bed. The meeting with Evan couldn't of gone any worse; the only positive thing was we that he wanted a relationship with our daughter. I just felt like a complete and utter monster.

Ember was still asleep wrapped up in her blanket which she was attached to, elephant prints covering it and little stars. She looked absolutely adorable with her chubby cheeks pressed into the pillow.

Moving a strand of her hair behind her ear I kissed her cheek "morning darling, it's time to wake up because we are going to see daddy" I mumbled which made her stir.

She blinked a few times before yawning "why didn't you wake me up earlier?"

Chuckling I shook my head in dismay "because mommy has only just woken up herself now get your butt in the shower"

Puffing out her cheeks she got out of bed and towards the bathroom where I began to run her shower. "Are you sure he wants to see me?"

"Of course he does, he is over the moon about you" I reassured but it didn't seem to comfort her in the slightest which was apparent by her same stoic look.

"Mommy you argued"

I cupped her cheeks as I crouched down "we argued about silly adult stuff that has nothing to do with you sweetheart"

She nodded "okay but don't argue again" Ember warned sternly as she got into the shower.

Sometimes I couldn't believe the attitude of this kid, it goes to show she was my carbon copy other than her obvious facial features that were her father all over.

As Ember finished in the shower I got myself dressed into some black skinny jeans and a burgundy bodysuit; accompanied with some black Dr Martens. "You look pretty mommy" she gushed.

"Thank you my sweet girl" I responded sweetly as I started dressing Ember into a pair of black leggings and a cream coloured sweater as the weather had gotten cold. "Can you promise me he doesn't hate me?"

Sighing I forced her to look at me "stop thinking he doesn't like you. You're his daughter Em"

"I-I just want a family" she admitted sadly with her gaze faltering.

My heart ached as no seven year old should be almost in tears over the fear of her father not wanting her company; this was my fault. "You have always had a family. I'm your family"

Grabbing my bag off the table and Ember's rucksack we headed off out into the bitter weather that made me flinch. "It's so cold" she whined whilst pressing her fluffy coat closer to her body. "I know baby we just need to wait for a cab and we will be on our way"

**

Evan POV

I had a fear for a long time that I would come face to face with the woman who I left behind, the woman who I always held dear to my heart. Why I didn't just follow my feelings instead of locking them away baffled me to the core. But now it's worse than I thought, I've been an absent father.

I have a daughter. A beautiful girl who had stars in her eyes when she saw me from the very start, the same facial features I've known all my life as I've glimpsed in the mirror. My double, my child.

I sat at a coffee shop that sold cookies and cakes which I'm sure any child would like and I knew this time would allow me to get to know who this little girl is. I may not want to see Maeve because what she has done to me hurts but I want to see Ember.

"A coffee shop for a seven year old" Maeve mused as she walked in holding hands with Ember. "I must say you're definitely out of your depth"

Frowning I scooted off my chair and crouched in-front of ember who went slightly shy as she hid behind her mother. "Hey you, you don't need to be shy" I reassured which made her smile softly.

"Do you like cookies?" I asked which made her perk up instantly. "Double chocolate!"

Smirking I stood up "double chocolate cookie coming right up" I then hastily made way to order her one whilst they sat down at the same table I was at.

Once grabbing the cookie and myself a black coffee I sat back down where Maeve clearly felt uncomfortable as she refused to make any form of eye contact. "Here you go sweetie" I said whilst gesturing towards the cookie I just bought.

Ember happily took it and began to bite into the sugary delight which left an even more uncomfortable silence "thank you daddy"

"I'll be off soon, don't worry" Maeve breathed with glum eyes which made the saliva in my mouth dry.

"It's fine.. you can stay" I told her heartily though part of me did just want to be alone with my daughter.

"I was angry" I admitted, it was the truth and I still am pissed off.

"It's fine- we both were angry" she replied "I never wanted to hurt you Evan"

I nodded bleakly "I know that. Its difficult when it comes to a child though, I should of been told. Does my mom know?"

Maeve began toying with her hands which I knew so well- she did this when she was nervous or put on the spot. "Y-yes but I made her promise me she wouldn't say anything"

Frowning I lowered in my seat "that's.. disappointing"

"I'm going to get myself a drink" Maeve interjected as she brushed imaginary dust off her jeans. As she stood up I took in all her mannerisms; the way she flicked her hair effortlessly and crinkled up her nose. I missed her.

"Daddy what's it like being a star?" Ember said with piqued interest all of a sudden. "I've watched a little bit of American horror story when mommy has fallen asleep and I've crept into her room"

With wide eyes I chuckled "please don't tell me you watched most of it"

Ember shook her head "mommy noticed after five minutes but you were wearing a black suit. You looked funny"

Almost choking on my coffee I turned away with flushed cheeks "ah- never do that again. That show is scary"

Ember puffed out her cheeks "daddy I am seven I'm not scared of anything. Silly"

Shaking my head in disbelief I saw Maeve walk back over with her coffee cup. "I can tell she is your daughter" I stated matter o factly

Maeve nibbled her bottom lip "is it that obvious ?"

I nodded hastily "very much so"

"How is.. Emma" Maeve asked out of the blue which caught me off guard. I forgot that sore subject but knew it would come up sooner or later.

"Y-yeah we are doing good" I stuttered with fake reassurance "I'm happy"

Maeve frowned "you seem over the moon"

I licked my chapped lips and as a distraction took another sip of my warm beverage "how's your love life?"

Maeve smirked "not the best. A few date nights here and there to ease the loneliness but nothing ever serious"

I clenched my jaw without realising it and knew the familiar feeling burning inside of me. Jealousy ?

"But I have been speaking to Henry again. Did you know he is an actor too?" She said with starry eyes. "He got casted as superman"

"That's really great news" I forced with a tight smile. I knew Maeve had something real with Henry at one point though they never did anything about it other than their fake relationship back in the day.

"Don't get me wrong we had our fake fling but you know we are adults now so who knows. It's all about timing" she said flatly

At this point I hadn't realised my fists were tightened and I hated that I was acting this way. It was foolish and embarrassing but luckily she hadn't noticed.

"Of course. We are adults and can make our own choices that's for sure" I stated "I didn't think you two seemed like a good pairing though"

Maeve coughed on her coffee "and why is that?"

"Because... you're Maeve and he is Henry. I don't know, he just doesn't seem the type I suppose that would suit you. He is too masculine and muscly and.."

"Evan Peters are you jealous right now?" Maeve said with bemusement lathering her words.

I shrugged "no, it's not like I'm single so I can't be jealous about your life choices"

Ember's ears perked up "are we talking about Henry? I love Henry he is great"

Ember was just rubbing salt into the wound at this point but I still kept my falsified smile. "I knew Henry when we were younger and he was such a loser" I joked which made Ember laugh

"Really? Henry doesn't seem like he could ever be a loser but you need to get to Mommy before he does"

Raising my eyebrows I edged forward "and why is that?"

"Because mommy loves you duh" she giggled tediously which made Maeve go red as a tomato.

"Is that so?" I teased with my eyebrows wiggling which only made Maeve even more embarrassed

I couldn't deny I was really enjoying being back in Maeve's company.