Chap-158*Bad Father*

Cynthia Dion:  "Tell me, what did he do to you?" Atticus released the hug and gently cradled my face in his hands. Thea immediately withdrew, concealing herself within me to avoid being seen by him. "He wa---s ummm-," now that I was back in control of my body, I struggled to find the right words, "I just need some time alone." I pulled away and stood up, heading back to my room. I didn't pick up the pace. I might know a thing or two about acting, but Gosh! Thea really caught me off guard today. After a few minutes of solitude in my room, I noticed Atticus returning and flopping down on the couch. "I just–I just feel like I owe you an apology for leaving you out there," he said, his face gazing at the ceiling, his neck stretched back as he reclined on the couch. "It's not your fault. You can't always stand up for me. I just wish you understood how crucial it is for me to return home now," Since that's what I realized last night, I requested that he take me back. "Alright, get ready; we'