My phone lights up with a new message. I glance down to look at it. Seeing Chris' name, I lift the phone to my face to read it.

Chris
Thanks for your phone number.
Now I know how to get in contact with you. ;)

Ciara
The call wasn't so you could have my number. It was for me to get some answers.

Chris
I know. That really sucks. I don't think you actually got any answers out
of me did you? I probably just gave
you more questions honestly...

I set my phone down when I hear my front door open. I really hope Chris didn't show up unannounced again. I know it can't be him. It has to be Darren. "Why are you home so soon?" I ask, moving to meet him in the hallway. "Dad?" I ask upon seeing who is in my home.

"Ciara honey, I have to tell you something."

"Wha-what is it?" I ask, concerned. Why is he here? Is everyone okay? What could be wrong?

"I want you to sit down for this honey." He places his hand on my shoulder.

"Dad? You are scaring me. What is going on? Is everything okay? Is Casey okay? Fiona?" I can't help but panic. The last time he sat me down for a talk like this was when he told me my mom was dying and didn't have much longer to live. I can't handle another conversation like that.

"Honey, sit down." He instructs me. So I sit. I can't wait to hear what he has to say for any longer. It seems to be important and I don't want to delay him.

"Just tell me what is going on dad, please." I beg him. I hate being left in the dark.

"I have great news, well, great for me I suppose. The band is taking me up again as their manager. They say I'm the best there is. So, you'll be seeing a lot more of them I guess." He scratches his head, knowing that I do not like what he is saying.

"You are great at what you do dad, but I think they are just using you to get close to me again." I warn him. I don't want him to get hurt by their evil ways. I have seen how their actions hurt people. I don't want my dad to end up damaged by them.

My dad shrugs. "I feel guilty for signing them again but honestly honey, I need the money. I can't afford to turn them away." He replies. "They'll bring in a lot of money for me."

"You'll find other clients dad. You have an eye for finding talent. Please don't sign with them. I'm begging you." I grab his hand. I don't want him to do this. It is just going to end badly for everyone involved. I am just looking out for

"I wish I had another option honey. But I don't. I have no money left." He states as if it is a well known fact.

"What do you mean you don't have any money left?" I don't know what he means. Does he really have nothing left or is he exaggerating?

"The bank is going to take the house." He replies sadly.

"What?" My jaw nearly drops to the floor. I can't believe what I'm hearing right now.

"That's part of the reason I asked you to sit down. I knew how you would feel about me signing them again and I had to tell you that I'm selling the house. I can't afford to live there anymore. If I don't sell it, I'll be kicked out because I can't pay." He explains.

I shake my head. I can't believe he didn't tell us he was in trouble. "Dad, why didn't you tell us? We could have helped you." I explain. Me and Casey could have done something for him.

"I didn't tell you guys because it's not your problem. You guys don't need to help me." He smiles sadly.

"Let us help you dad. That's what we are here for."

"What kind of father would I be if I asked my kids to help me pay the bills?" He asks with a shrug.

"You would still be the great one that raised us. We won't see you any differently than we do now." Seeing him like this breaks my heart. I wish he would have told me sooner.

He grabs my head and pulls me close to him before planting a soft kiss on my forehead. "I will figure something out sweetie. I always do."

I lift my head from his hands and wipe a tear from my eyes. Emotions are swirling around in my head. Nodding, I continue quickly wiping tears away.

"Don't cry, sweetie. It'll be okay. As much as you don't like this new partnership, it's going to help. Immediately." He smiles, patting my shoulder.

"That's not why I'm crying, dad. I know it'll be okay. You're never going to give up. I know it'll all work out."

"Well if it's not about this, then what is it? What's wrong?" He asks.

I stare at him, the terror of last night looming over my head. I can't have him going into business with the people who are potentially responsible for last night.

But I can't tell him that. He needs this. He needs to feel some sense of purpose.

"Nothing." I force a smile. "I guess I'm just really emotional about the house. And planning the wedding. It's all getting to me I guess."

"Don't worry about the house, Ciara. It's going to be fine. You've got a wedding to finish planning. That's all you need to worry about."

An: I am so sorry. I have had such bad writers block for this story and I let other stories take over my life. Hopefully I am back for good now!!

What do you think?