《Love Of My Lies》


 One

    "Any chance he''s my actual Dad?"


    "The dates line up better than usual." Mom shrugged, putting on her makeup. She missed my frowning, but noticed my sigh. "You won''t have to lie about your age at least! But who cares? He''ll run for the governor''s office! That''s a gold mine... Squeeze him just a little, and I can retire."


    "You said that the last time..." I noted, pulling my knees up.


    "I know Sweetheart, it was my bad!" She said, reaching for me but I pulled away. "This guy can''t have anything incriminating on him during his campaign, you''ll be safe! In fact, you should throw yourself in a little... Show some cleavage, you know! You''re sixteen, you have what it takes!"


    "I''m fine!" I swept her hand away. "Didn''t inherit your big boobs, but don''t plan on becoming a prostitute anyway..."


    Her slap surprised me, and stung a lot more than I expected.


    "Your nice elite school or the lessons I paid for weren''t free! You get to eat! Have your little clothes to wear! And all I get is you calling me names?!" I had to force back my tears. Even knowing how she manipulated people, couldn''t decide if the slap or her words hurt more. She was a Catfish, a Gold Digger, but also my Mother. "My parents together couldn''t pay for any of this, and I''m alone! You should be more grateful!"


    And with that, she went back to finish her makeup.


    Her next victim showed up right on time. No idea where she got her information, but we parked right in front of the restaurant he went to. Stepping out of the car, she hit him with the door. Like a stuntwoman, she tripped right into his arms. He caught her firmly.


    He was tall, kind of bulky, yet elegant in a casual suit. I wouldn''t recognize him from Mom''s description or the pictures they had in the newspapers. He had to be in his mid thirties, and was rather handsome.


    "Sorry, Dear, did I hit you?" Mom started her show. "George?! What a surprise! I was looking for you, you know! How is it going?!"


    "Sue?" He had a deep voice. For someone he met ages ago, it didn''t take him a split second to recognize Mom. "H-how long has it been?"


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    "Seventeen years!" She said regaining her composure. It was my cue to enter the scene. "See, I have a reason to know exactly..."


    Eyes red, and face still stinging, it was my time to act. Only looking up for a second, then staring at my converse shoes, I waved at him.


    "Let me introduce you to my daughter, Dora!" Textbook acting.


    In five minutes, we were all inside, and he treated us to dinner, while Mom explained the situation. The place was plain, but the food smelled great. My loose black crop tee and denim shorts were way less out of the ordinary than the guy''s suit. Mom gave up on dressing me. Decided to wait until my phase is over. But she put her own goods out, somewhat casually.


    For a drug addict in her mid thirties, she still had a decent figure. Big boobs. With enough makeup, she could even hide all the damage of aging.


    "So I have a daughter now." He looked like he saw a ghost. But his reactions were cold. He gave me the creeps. "And we coincidentally meet right after the news talk about my nomination..."


    "What can I say? It did help me find you." Mom smiled.


    "You had my number all along." He noted, taking a sip of his drink. I expected him to throw us out any moment. Although rarely, it did happen before. "I just had this conversation with my campaign manager. She warned me about people from the past, that will show up and ask things."


    "Dear, I didn''t ask anything! If I wanted money, I would have gone to a reporter right away." Mom answered with a poker face. I was trying to disappear in plain sight. "We''re fine, the two of us. But I saw you on TV, and wanted her to know you. Thought you might be interested too, but I''m not forcing it. Can also arrange a test, though they aren''t exactly cheap."


    "I see, very considerate of you." He said. "How much would it cost?"


    "A thousand bucks, maybe." She lied without batting an eye. It was around a hundred. She usually asked more, but this was a new record.


    "And why now?" He asked, looking at me. Fishing his wallet out, he didn''t look angry, but disappointed. And I couldn''t stand it! He handed the money over like it was nothing. He was either stupid or stupid rich.


    "I don''t know. She was curious, and then I saw you in the news, and it all aligned." Mom acted, starting the I just want my daughter to be happy routine. "I''ll be busy next week. Wouldn''t want to leave her home alone. You''ll have your campaign starting soon... The test takes about ten days. Until it''s done, you could take her somewhere! I won''t butt in! You could figure, if you like the idea of a daughter or not... No pressure, Dear!"


    "And the next thing I know, the FBI is breaching my front door for kidnapping a minor, right?" He raised an eyebrow. "If you sign a paper, that she''s with me legally... And you won''t have any demands after the test is done, regardless of the results! Then I''m happy to take her somewhere."


    "I... guess I can do that." Mom answered, her poker face crackling. It seemed like she didn''t expect legal documents to be involved. And now that she played this card, it was too late to dance back. "I need a second in the restroom, and we can sort the details out!"

 Two

    What the hell was this situation?


    Good thing I took all those acting lessons. My heart was pounding like it wanted to explode. But I had to stay calm. Or at least show that I''m calm. Here was the woman I foolishly fell for! It was more than fifteen years ago! And she had a daughter here? She had to show up right now?!


    Dora sent an angry stare towards her. Pouting behind her knees as she was leaving. Then, as our eyes met, she quickly turned away.


    "I didn''t want to sound harsh. I am interested in you! But can''t be careful enough... In my position! I hope you understand!" I explained, once alone. "So would you like to have a short vacation with me?"


    "Whatever." Was all she said. Still hugging her knees, full of bruises. She only released them when reaching for her drink. I could vaguely see her mother in her. But she was different. Wilder. Especially her style.


    "Aren''t you a little young for that?" I tried again, pointing at her top. It had a classic rockband''s logo on it. "Or is it just for fashion?"


    "I don''t think age has anything to do with taste..." She said, frowning.


    "I might not look like it but they''re one of my favourites." I explained, disregarding her hostile tone. "Your Mother used to hate them though."


    "She still does. That''s why I picked it for today." She answered, adding. "I do like them. Music nowadays are crap."


    "Couldn''t agree more!" I smiled. "And what happened to your knees?"


    "I was skating..." She said. "Sort of..."


    "You can skate?" I asked, acting surprised.


    "Obviously not, or I wouldn''t be full of bruises!" She claimed, eyes rolling. She showed off her elbows and shoulders too. Most of her injuries already healed, but the differences were noticeable in her tan. She stretched before leaning back, and she seemed relatively tall."Now Mom won''t let me do it anymore. She thinks I might break something."


    "What about swimming?" I continued. "I know a pretty nice beach."


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    "Beach... sure..." She stared at me. "I''ll have you know, I can break your arms if you try to put a finger on me. However big you are!"


    "I''m not even doubting that. You do look fierce!" I noted, laughing.


    "The previous guy Mom tested turned out to be a molester, and have been dealt with accordingly!" She claimed. Then realising what she just said, nervously looked towards the restrooms. As if expecting her mother to fly out and slap her in the face. I couldn''t say I was surprised this time.


    "And what about the rest? All nice guys with a fat wallet?" I inquired casually. "I wonder if your Mom was sure about them too?"


    "It''s not what you think! The reason she''s sure now is that she already tested a few candidates. And you are basically the only one left from that time." She went on the defense. But her speech felt well rehearsed, and not really genuine. "She must be after your money and all that crap, right? Telling that I started to be curious... But let me be honest with you: I''m already sixteen. If my Dad didn''t show up so far, I don''t care. But she does. Like, she has this mid life crisis or something. Just go along with it!"


    "Well, your thought process is a mess, but I don''t blame you." I noted, but tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. "So when is your birthsday?"


    "Huh... The 18th of March, why?" She seemed surprised by my question. But at least I could assume she told the truth. Trying to remember the time I spent with her mother, and doing some math, the numbers did seem to line up. Realising why I asked, she started blushing.


    "Don''t worry, you pass." I said smiling. Entertraining myself with the thought of actually having a daughter for the first time. "So how about it? Would you like to come with me for a week or so, or have better plans?"


    "Once Mom does the test she''ll disappear for a few days. So I''d have to spend that time with my grandparents in Boring-ass-Ville. I guess your beach will do." She answered, like she''s doing a favor for me. "But if I see you staring, or trying to pull some perverted stuff, I''ll tell every reporter in the entire state about it! I''m not kidding! Don''t even think about it!"


    "I can take you to Alaska as well, if you are so worried..." I offered joking, but she shook her head like crazy. "No swimsuits needed there!"


    "Nooo, I can''t stand the cold!" She protested. "Ok, you won, you can check me out in my bikinis, but still no touching!"


    "Deal!" I laughed. I noticed how relaxed she became once Sue left for the restrooms. "So what did your Mom tell you about me?"


    "Hmm... That you were an actor... But I don''t think I saw you in movies." She said, looking at the ceiling. If I had to guess, that was it.


    "Yeah, there is a good reason I quit..." I laughed. "I''ve only been in some B movies and a few commercials you couldn''t possibly see. My wife became relatively well known though, once she moved to LA."


    "Wait, you have a wife?!" She asked, with eyes the size of a planet.


    "Had. And have a son too, a few years older than you." I explained, adding. "She divorced and married three more times..."


    "Oh..." Was all she said. Then noticed her Mom returning, and curled up with knees to her chest. Just like before; blushing, and looking nervous.


    "Ah, right on time!" I shouted. "Looks like we''re going to the beach!"

 Three

    It was happening.


    Mom was already gone, and I was going on a trip.


    I couldn''t believe she would agree to this, after she had to sign a paper that basically foiled all her plans. This guy saw through her in a glance, and it didn''t help that I accidentally spilled the beans either. So here I was, with three packed suitcases, waiting for this complete stranger.


    Well, Mom still pocketed a thousand bucks in cash. So I guess she took this as a win. She instructed me to find or fake something juicy so we can make more, but I didn''t even know where to start. She disappeared as usual, probably to get her fill, and I didn''t care anymore. I decided that I''ll have fun too, no matter what. It was my summer vacation after all.


    What I didn''t expect was the Suit Guy showing up in a hawaiian shirt and shorts, and leading me to an ancient Mustang. Our clothing wasn''t that much different this time, although my crop tee was less colourful and my shorts were denim. The car was the two door kind, no back seats, and we could barely squeeze in all our stuff. It had no AC, and was so loud, that once the engine was running we had no chance to talk. I never considered myself a car enthusiast, but man, it was pure awesome!


    He was driving for two hours, and I wished we didn''t get there so fast. It was a hot afternoon. Had to tie up my tee, but was still sweating bullets. The feeling of eating all those miles, flying over the road to the sound of the huge engine was worth it though!


    Then we pulled over next to a villa, and I couldn''t believe my eyes.


    It was huge! It had it''s own pools, yes, plural! Great view of the sea, less than five minutes walk from the beach. Unsuccessfull acting career or not, it was obvious, this guy was packed with money like crazy.


    "Go ahead and look around. You can pick any room you like. I''ll take your stuff inside!" He offered, but I was running so fast already, I could barely hear the end. The villa had three stories and at least a dozen rooms. I ran out of breath before I was able to check them all. "Once you settled in we can go down the beach. There is a great hot-dog stall every year. Or we can go to a restaurant, if that''s what you prefer for dinner!"


    If he didn''t say, I wouldn''t notice I was starving. But since I was still sweaty and disheveled after the drive, I settled with the hot-dog stall. It wasn''t even my first time at the sea, but this place was something else. I kind of wished I put my bikinis underneath my clothes, so I could run into the waves before swallowing the food. But I got to enjoy the best hot-dog in my life properly this way! Mom was right, he was the Jackpot.


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    "I never would have thought that politicians are this rich!" I noted, once I calmed down a little. "Or do B movies pay this well?"


    "As much as I hate to admit, this is my parent''s villa, not mine. Of course I can come here whenever I want. Like, to impress my daughter-candidates... But being a failed actor or a novice politician doesn''t actually make this kind of money." He explained with a laugh. I felt myself blushing. "Not like I''m poor myself, but this place belonged to my family even before I was born. I hope you''ll like it as much as I do!"


    "Yeah, I guess it''s not bad..." I fought hard to suppress a smile. "And what''s with the food? And the view? It has everything... Not really fair..."


    "It''s a popular spot, so I guess it draws in the best food stalls too." He said. "Everything''s connected, you see. I can''t be blamed for all of it."


    "So how did your family get rich?" I asked a few minutes, one more hot-dog, and some ice cream later. We settled in the shades on the sand.


    "From what I was told, their parents had a boat company. They were contracted to build those Liberty Ships during the war. Then sold the whole thing and bought some land in Texas." He explained, sitting next to me. I had no idea about half the stuff he said. "The land turned out to be on an oil field, so they started drilling. Then my parents sold it with hundred times the profit. They basically just bought and sold stuff, all kinds. Land, houses, rights, patents... And built this villa and a ranch way out west. They live there now, but still doing business every now and then..."


    "And what do you do?" I asked, genuinely curious.


    "You mean for a living?" He turned towards me then looked up to the sky. "Honestly, not much... I took over the family business in name after I quit acting. Also invested in some stuff, but nothing large scale. Once you get involved with politics you don''t really have time for anything. I do try to squeeze my hobbies into the schedule though..."


    "Such as?" I wasn''t sure if the topic or his deep voice was the reason I wanted to keep him talking. I caught myself staring at his mouth a lot.


    "That car for example." He said. "I bought it as a wreck and rebuilt it from scratch. I love to drive it. And it feels satisfying to bring something old and battered back to life... Something with a history..."


    And he went on to talk about cars, engineering, and his other hobbies too. Stuff I never heard about or was never interested in. Yet I wouldn''t stop him for anything. Seeing that spark in his eyes, and his thick lips moving... Talking about how he could pour his heart and soul into trivial things... Really wished I had something I could talk about, the same way...

 Four

    My political career was off to a bad start.


    Barely an hour after we arrived, I made Dora fell asleep. Just by talking about myself! In fact, I talked so much, my throat felt sore. I had to do all kinds of speeches, but couldn''t remember talking this much at once. Nor what I was talking about. Guess I was starting to get old.


    She, on the other hand, was looking like youth itself.


    Her chest calmly rising with her breath, she was peacefully sleeping on the sand. I felt a little bad for doing all the talking but she did seem interested at first. Then was out cold the next moment. At least she seemed relaxed, her lips in a smile. I still barely knew anything about her.


    Having a daughter did not seem so bad though.


    Or, rather, having a daughter like her. Even assuming that it was all a plot by her mother to make a living. But everything happened so fast, and seemed so surreal. This was the first time I even got to think about it in a soberly fashion. Met her two days ago, and now she was sleeping next to me. We agreed to take the test, then come here on a friday evening. Stay until the next sunday, ten days to spend together. Just the two of us! A weekend at first might have sounded more sensible.


    What if she gets bored? I mean, I already put her to sleep. I could come up with some stuff to do. That could be fun for a few hours, but to keep her engaged for ten days? It would require a complete planning staff!


    What did teenage girls like to do to begin with?


    I never got to spend more than a week at once with my son either. And figuring out what a boy would like was much easier. Plus, I knew him from his birth. I acted confident to foil her mother''s plans. But finding myself in this situation made me realise, I''m completely clueless. I grabbed my phone, and tried every keyword I could think of, to figure out what she would like. And what kinds of options we had available nearby?


    "Hnng... Whatcha'' doing?" I heard a sleepy voice, almost dropping the phone. "Uwah, the Sun is going down, how long did I sleep?"


    "I think about two hours or so." I said, but I had to glance at the time. Watching her stretch and yawn like a cat, I realised how much I spent searching, but barely found anything. "I was looking for stuff to do, in case you get bored of sleeping on the beach. There are four amusement parks in a twenty mile radius, and some museums with interesting displays..."


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    "Yeah... amusement parks..." She looked down and to the side. Sitting on her heels, as if contemplating how to say it. "They must be really fun and all, but... can we just... not? The sea seems plenty fun enough!"


    "Oh, okay, that makes my job easier." I noted, then realised. "You did this same vacation thing with the other candidates too, right? Let me guess, all of them took you to amusement parks?"


    "I... um..." She was looking in every direction, but towards me. She blushed more and more by the minute. "Maybe... But none of them brought me to the beach, so it''ll be fine, don''t worry!"


    "Well, I''m not worried about that..." I noted. "May I ask how many such trips you had so far? A rough estimation! And how does this even work? Sue is always sure they are your father, so they should take you somewhere? And why not wait until the test is done? I mean, I was a bit tight on time, but how was she able to play this with everyone? And what''s the point to begin with? Where is she disappearing in the meantime?"


    "I don''t know the details..." She claimed quickly, but I could tell she knew much more than she told me. "At first, I was convinced she actually found my father. Thought he would take care of me from then on... But after two weeks, Mom showed up and told us that the test was negative, and we moved on. I don''t even remember all of them, there was maybe five or... seven. Why is she doing it like this? I don''t know, other than what I told you already. She always thinks she found him, then it''s all going down the drain. Never spent more than a month with any of them."


    "That''s not even mathematically possible!" I said confused. I expected a few guys, but not seven. "She spent a few months with me. Unless she was with a different guy every night, there should be no more than three legit candidates... Although I won''t pretend I know her."


    "Again, she wouldn''t tell me the details. But you have nothing to worry about, right?" She asked, looking a bit offended. "You made her sign that paper, so she couldn''t do anything with you anyway."


    "It''s not entirely true, but okay, it''s certainly not your fault. Sorry for venting on you." I said, calming myself down. "Anyway, if not amusement parks and museums, then tell me what you''d like to do. It can be anything, as long as it''s sensible, it''s your vacation after all, so don''t be shy!"


    "I, um... would... like to drive your car!" She anounced, surprising me. But it wasn''t anything crazy, so I was happy to comply. She blushed to her ears before the next though. "Would like it if you''d tell me about all the stuff I missed again too... Once I fell asleep."


    "Bed time stories, gotcha!" I noted laughing, earning a big punch on my shoulder. "I would have thought you are older than that already, but it can be arranged! And where do you want to drive?"

 Five

    "So have you ever driven a car?" He asked, and I shook my head.


    "No, but as far as I know, you just push the pedal and use the steering wheel to navigate." I answered, putting my hands on said wheel.


    "Well, not exactly. This car''s a manual, so you have three pedals. And have to shift gears too..." He explained, then did a five minute rundown on what everything does, and how to use them. Once my head was spinning, he flashed his annoyingly handsome smile, adding. "You''ll figure it out!"


    It was my second day here. The previous one went by in a blur. The bed was super comfortable and my room was huge. It had it''s own bathroom too, and a TV and a Hifi system. I didn''t even have time to swim yet. But today, as I woke up, I put my bikinis on first. Just to make sure!


    He was chill, although he suspected something. I guess he was right about that. But not even I had any idea of what Mom would try to pull this time. He left me plenty of space, and offered a driving lesson early in the morning. It was already pretty hot though. I wore my shorts over the swimsuit, and a baseball cap, pulling my hair out in a ponytail.


    "Push the left pedal, make sure the stick is in neutral, and turn the keys!" He gave the order, and the huge engine suddenly came to life. The whole car was vibrating and I felt immensely powerful. "Now put it into first gear, and slooooowly let the left pedal up! Don''t worry about the rest."


    I tried to comply, but my converse slipped. The car suddenly jumped and went silent. I was gritting my teeth and was worried to look over to my right. But he was smiling in his red hawaiian shirt. It made me smile too.


    "No worries, let''s try again!" He said, and after two more failed tries, the car started rolling. Very slowly at first, then my leg was completely off the pedal! He gave the next command. "Ok, now slowly push on the right pedal. Just a tiny bit! And keep the wheels straight!"


    We were picking up speed now, and the engine was getting louder too. Next thing to learn was to shift gears and I seriously sucked at it. Kept drowning the engine, stopping the car, or veering off course. I had to do multiple things at once for the first time. He was insanely patient and chill about me, basically wrecking his car. We spent the entire morning with this, until my legs were shaking. And I still haven''t gone faster than ten miles per hour. My phone started ringing right as we stopped. It seemed like Mom was curious about how things were going.


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    "Did you seduce him yet?" She asked, and I had to run into cover before even attempting to vent on her. "I bet you are having fun over there. But think about the times once you are back home too!"


    "Mooom! I told you I''m not going to do that!" I whispered. "He is already onto us, but he is super nice. I don''t want to piss him off. I couldn''t even do anything anyway, he''s not a dumb pervert..."


    "And what happens once the test results are back?" She inquired, shattering my peaceful vacation vibes. "You could be his daughter. But if you don''t have his sympathy, you just got a nice summer break, and back to poverty! And I wouldn''t get anything out of it... And if you aren''t even his daughter, then what? Yes, he was smart to write that paper, but you can still turn this around. So don''t let Mommy down! Throw yourself in!"


    "What do you want me to do?" I asked frustrated. "I''m already in bikinis, and he wouldn''t even look at me. I''m actually glad he doesn''t. I''m not you, never had a boyfriend or anything, so I can''t seduce people!"


    "Of course you can!" She claimed. "It''s not what you wear, it''s how you wear it! You have everything you need to be sexy, you just need to suggest it for him, so that he''ll notice! Ask him to take pictures of you!"


    I could have tried to argue with her, but I knew it was pointless. She didn''t set me up to have a little fun, but to sort out our finances in the long run. And I had to admit, George seemed so filthy rich, he wouldn''t even feel it. But I really had no idea how could I seduce him. After the latest debacle with that molester guy, I tried my best not to look sexy the slightest. But Mom wouldn''t calm down until I promised.


    Looking up once we hung up, I noticed we were all alone in a huge parking lot. My reflection on a nearby shop''s window was all I needed to feel myself embarassed. Wouldn''t normally dress this light, barely any clothes on. I was practically showing all. There was one thing I could try.


    "Hey, George! Umm... can I ask you something?" I shouted, running back. He was waiting patiently, leaning against his car. "Mom reminded me of school and... I want to make the guys back there jealous! Can I sit on the hood, and like... You''d take some pictures of me? Then a few behind the wheels too? And... um... could you possibly make them look sexy?"


    It was way harder to say it out loud than I first imagined. I felt myself blushing. Had to look away, missing his reaction. Just kept my arm extended, offering him my phone, until he finally took it.


    "I... guess... it won''t be a problem..." He was sounding the least confident since we met. My first thought was, he might found it hard to make me look sexy... But once I finally looked up, I caught a glance of him blushing too. "Let''s get started then!"


    My heart was beating so fast, it almost jumped out!

 Six

    Sexy, she said.


    As if it was possible to take a picture of her that didn''t look hot... This getup was already a killer. Casual, but showing too much! And once she specifically said the word, I became painfully aware of it. Hopping on the hood, her legs pulled up, she could easily be the most popular hostess in any car show. Especially wearing nothing but bikinis. So far I tried to look at her as the innocent daughter-candidate. But she was a hot teen at her core. The fact that she seemed unaware of it, made everything worse.


    I got her phone, my hands shaking. She kept coming up with pose ideas, in and around the car, and I was taking the shots. She changed little details along the way. Like taking her cap off, or borrowing my sunglasses. Letting her hair loose, or actually holding it up, she quickly eased into it. Once her shyness was gone, she became a true natural.


    We had the entire parking lot for ourselves, and nothing to worry about. Slightly out of season, the place was empty. Took a few selfies together too, and the length of my arm made it necessary to get close to her. She threw her arms around me without second thoughts. I did the same, touching the smooth skin of her thin torso for the first time. It took all my self discipline not get a boner from her. Then she pulled the trigger.


    "Ok, I know it''s stupid, but I want a picture, kind of like Daddy''s girl, you know? I''d tie my hair up into pigtails... Then hug you from the side! And we''d make a selfie in front of the car like that..." She pitched the idea, and it finally awakened something in me. Twintails! Possibly the most destructive weapons of a teenage girl. And she looked so adorable and hot at the same time! I could barely hold her phone still. "Okay, now you should hug me from behind, and I''ll take a picture... And now if you sit on the hood, and I''d sit on your thigh... And what else we could do?"


    I was done. Didn''t even care at this point. She was way too close, and irresistible. I had some ungodly thoughts about the things I''d do to her in a paralell universe. But if I could only get one thing, I had to try...


    "Okay, how about I get a smooch on my face then?" I asked, expecting a frown. But she was so deep into the flow, she did it without thinking. Even repeated it a few times, until she got the picture right. I could no longer hide my erection. Thankfully, she didn''t seem to notice. Had she moved any higher up on my thigh, I''d been in trouble. "All right! Any other ideas? Or should we go now? It''s past lunchtime, and I''m starving!"


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    "Ah, me too, actually!" She answered, hopping off. She sweeped through the pictures we took. "This was pretty fun! Let''s move!"


    "I''ll drive us home then. You should put on some clothes, and we''ll go to a classy restaurant!" I offered to minimize the danger. "Nothing fancy though, unless you want to..."


    "Hmm, maybe another time. Not sure if I have a fancy dress to begin with. And I''m too hungry to even think about it! So let''s just go with a casual one!" She said cheerfully, and we jumped back in the car. "And tomorrow I''ll keep practicing, until I can drive us back home myself!"


    "Well you weren''t that bad for your first time." I claimed, as the engine revved up. "Most people can''t even drive a stick shift around here..."


    "I think I sucked... But if not, that''s because I had a great teacher!" She answered, sqeezing my arm. She placed a sweet little kiss on my face. I was surprised, turning to the side. It almost became a proper kiss on the lips. Then to rub salt into the wound, I had to realize, she didn''t squeeze my arm with her hands, but with those barely covered, firm little breasts.


    "N-nobody learns it in a day! You did fine!" I said, clearing my throat and trying to pull away. "Strap yourself in, and off we go!"


    "H-hey, can I... ask you something?" She blushed, reaching for the seatbelts. I could barely hear it over the engine. "Do you think I''m pretty?"


    "Huh?! Um... Well, yeah." It came out in the worst possible way. It seemed like we were both heavily flustered this time. "I mean your Mother was a beauty back then... But you''re already hotter... Kinda''! Even though you''re still growing. I guess... I mean she had a killer shape, but your''s is... Um... So, yeah, you are... khm... really... pretty... Yeah."


    "T-thanks..." She said with the most adorable bashful look. I had to try my best, and keep it together. The car got near, to end up in the sea...


    We avoided eachother''s gaze for the rest of the road, and remained silent. I felt a steamy aura in the car, and couldn''t wait to get out. Needed a cold shower to come to my senses. By the time I was ready, she was also back to normal. This time in regular clothing. She was waiting for me in the front hall. Hair down and freshly brushed out. A short sleeved t-shirt with another band''s logo, and a plaid skirt down to her knees. It was the same style but still something new from her.


    Yes, she was definitely pretty.


    And now I couldn''t unsee it. For the rest of the days, we planned to spend together! She flashed an innocent smile, and I wanted to punch myself in the face. But there was no helping it. I forced on a grin too.


    I grabbed my keys, and motioned towards the front door.


    "So, shall we go then?"

 Seven

    I wanted to die.


    I hated myself.


    I was so embarassed, I could die only from that... But he was so sweet. And he called me pretty! I felt really bad for pulling this on him, but at the same time, his reaction made me so happy. I know, I was all over the place.


    My face was stuck in a stupid smile the entire way to the restaurant. I replayed that scene in my head over and over. It really surprised me. I asked him so directly... And it so worth it! I''ll go to hell.


    "So how did you meet Mom?" I asked much later. We were halfway through our lunch. She didn''t tell me more than what''s absolute necessary, and I was curious. I also felt bad. Decided to make up for it somehow. Maybe with a burst of honesty... "All I know you were an actor."


    "Yeah, so I was married, right? And just finished a movie that bombed. Then my wife decided, she deserves better, and just like that, she kicked me out of my own house." He started in a way lighter tone, than the actual meaning of his words. "I even had a fallout with my family at that time. I was a bit short on cash too, so rented the cheapest flat I could find. Wanted to go all out... That was the only time I ever did drugs, and... yeah, don''t do drugs, okay?! Not a smart idea..."


    "Tell me about it..." I interjected, rolling my eyes.


    "So anyway, I wake up one day... Don''t remember anything! And your Mother is right next to me..." He stopped to take a bite, then burst into laughter. "Such a romantic story, am I right?!"


    "To be honest, that''s exactly how I''d imagine her picking up her victims..." I noted, waiting for him to swallow. "She, and drugs are best lovers ever since... But what about you? Or was it a one night stand?"


    "No, it was just the beginning." He continued. "She wakes up, and walks out my flat without a word. I''m completely shocked. Couldn''t stop thinking of her. So I went back to the same pub again, and swore I''ll stay there and stay sober until she shows up. And she did, five days later! At least a dozen guys tried to hit on her! Right as she entered the place... But she ignored them all, walked right up to me, and gave me a french kiss."


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    "Wow, okay... so what happened next?!" I asked, waiting for another bite. Things started to get interesting! He took his time, smiling.


    "We started talking. I told her I don''t remember anything, but wanted to get to know her better. And, well, we ended up in my place for the second time. But now I remembered everything." He said, sounding nostalgic. "She was in college, and seemed pretty smart too, and... well, I guess you don''t want to hear the dirty details... But let''s just say... I qualified myself to be your Dad. Multiple times... She basically moved in with me for a few weeks. But we didn''t really go out together. Both of us did their thing, and then spent time in the bed... Then one day, she disappeared again. The next time I heard of her was this week..."


    "Oof... sorry... Yeah, that''s pretty much like her." I noted, now feeling extra bad for him. Especially after my attempt at seduction. "I don''t want to make it worse... But there were a few more guys, who''d tell a similar story... Of Mom showing up and disappearing... And that''s not counting the guys she met before that, or after I was born!"


    "I can imagine, yeah... But hey, It''s in the past, and I learned my lesson the hard way. I bet it isn''t easy for you either..." He claimed. "She did not make a secret out of her habit of eating men alive. But I wonder what she did being pregnant, or what happened to you? If it''s okay to ask..."


    "Yeah, sure, I don''t really care." I shrugged. "She dumped me on my grandparents right away. They were totally fine with it... I mean they didn''t even ask how she got pregnant! Or what is she doing... They took me in and that was that. I guess it''s nice of them but also pretty stupid."


    "Hmm, I know what you mean..." He agreed, reaching for my hand, gently sqeezing it. I was blushing, but continued with my story.


    "They gave a pretty liberal education to Mom, as they themselves put it. Like, always let her do whatever she wants. Didn''t care about anything, just her own happiness. You could say, it bit them in the ass." I said. "I, on the other hand, was brought up like a spartan... Since they learned their lesson too, apparently. They wanted me to turn out better, I guess. Except, Mom would stop by every now and then, and still get spoiled rotten. Then they would talk shit once she''s gone. So when she finally decided to take me with her, I was happy to go. And got involved with her schemes..."


    "Umm, I''d love to hear about those, but I don''t want you to get into trouble..." He was so sweet, still holding my hand. At this point I wanted him to know everything. I was sure he wouldn''t be mad, and if anything, he''d want to protect me. Mom would have been so, so mad!


    "Just what you''d expect. She''s getting old, so she made a list of my possible fathers. Or people with terrible maths... And did the same show as she pulled on you." I told him. It felt great, giving it all out. "That test she''s doing? That''s perfectly legit! She''ll even show you the real results. No tricks pulled... Except it''s about a hundred bucks, not a thousand. And she was basically screwed once you made her sign that document..."

 Eight

    Well, I was right after all.


    The thing about always expecting the worst is that you often end up being spot on. And I did not like it the slightest. Especially since I realised, I do enjoy this little vacation with Dora. Whether she''s my daughter or not.


    Of course, this oughta complicate things now. With my political career on the line! Sue could try and ruin it, regardless if she signed a paper or not. And she didn''t even have to ruin it. All I needed was a reporter asking questions about me spending time with a girl, half my age.


    But she was honest with me, and I couldn''t just throw her out.


    She spent the afternoon in the sea, until she could barely lift her arms. Then I stuffed her with pizza. I was working on some speeches on my laptop. My campaign manager was furious! I told her I''m taking the entire next week off. But I was still her boss, not the other way around...


    We hopped into the jakuzzi in the evening. She was so spent, I almost had to carry her to bed. The next day she kept practicing her driving skills. Her mother called halfway through. She seemed kind of down, or rather, conflicted after that. I had a pretty good idea what was the reason.


    "Look, I can''t say I would play along with your Mother''s plan... But I like you, okay?" I told her during our lunch. She smiled, but it looked forced. "If you are my daughter, then I''ll make sure you''ll have everything. And if you''re not... You are still the friend of a politician! So use that to your advantage! Get into the best state schools or find a job. Feel free to refer to me any time. And remember, it''s only corruption if you''re left out!"


    This at least made her laugh.


    "Jeez, politicians sure are the worst!" She claimed. I had to agree, even as planning to become one. "So you say, we''re friends?"


    "I hope we are." I confirmed. "I''m having fun with you at least!"


    She suddenly hugged me as we were walking home, and all was fine.


    Then the storm hit.


    Well, a literal thunderstorm, which wasn''t rare in this area.


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    We were already out cold after a long day. I woke up as something landed on my blankets. Half asleep I really hoped it wasn''t some palm tree knocking out a window. But opening my eyes, I was met with a shaking little girl. She was straddling my hips, and grabbing the bedsheets.


    "Seriously?" I asked, trying to sit up, and reach for her. "Being afraid of storms is such a cliche... Something that only happens in manga..."


    "Y-you mean in movies, you weeb!" She tried to strike back, but was still shaking and stuttering. "A-and w-what if I am? I-it''s not like I have any reason to end up in y-your bed... So shut up and l-let me in!"


    "Oh, nice, and that''s another classic! Perfect tsundere!" I teased her, but made some space. She crawled under the blankets. I realised too late, that I only had my boxers on, as usual. She didn''t wore much either... An oversized black tee, and panties. But she looked adorable.


    "J-just as I said, a complete weeb! Aren''t you too old for anime?" She asked, curling up right beside me. I dropped the covers on us.


    "I don''t watch them. Read some manga at some point. I see nothing wrong with that..." I tried to defend the genre, while making sure to leave some space between us. It was futile. As the next thunder hit, she jolted towards me. "Come on, what''s to be afraid? Don''t act like a child! What would you do if the storm hit while you were with the molester guy?"


    "H-he came to my bed regardless." She explained, turning her back towards me. She grabbed my hand, pushing it on her tummy. "It was kinda weird b-but... I thought he just wanted some bonding. E-even gave him the benefit of a doubt when he brushed against my t-tits... Once he wandered too far south, I literally broke his fingers. Storms are worse than perverts."


    "Well played!" I noted, trying to pull away. Just to make sure I won''t end up in the same way. "Good thing I''m not him then!"


    "Every weeb''s a pervert!" She pushed back. Her round little bottom ended up against my abdomen. An inch lower and I''d have been in trouble.


    "You seem to know more than me in this matter." I teased her, tickling her sides a little, adding. "Your tsundere acting is on point!"


    "A-and I didn''t even say Onii-chan yet!" She rolled to break free and face me head on. "W-would that turn you on? Oniiiii-chan?!"


    "The word you''re looking for is Otou-san!" I corrected her.


    "Ugh, only a weeb would know the difference!" She claimed, and we played until the storm quieted down a bit. She fell asleep in my arms.


    She was gone by the morning, and my memories were hazy.


    I didn''t mind though. I woke up with some serious morning wood, stumbling my way towards the bathroom. Opening the door with a huge yawn, I was met with a similarly sleepy Dora. She was about to kick her panties off, standing tall in front of me, wearing nothing but her tan.


    Pale triangles surrounding her nipples, a small bush was all that covered her ladyparts. The panties landed right on my toes. It took a second to realise what was happening... But the image burned into my half-asleep brain forever! I jumped back and slammed the door shut. But it was way too late for that... My morning wood started to ache.

 Nine

    I was never in my life this embarassed before.


    Not only my face and ears, even my crotch was burning. He left a minute ago, but I was still desperately covering myself.


    "Why didn''t you lock the door?!" I heard him shouting from outside.


    "Why didn''t you knock?!" I yelled back, gathering my clothes from the ground. There wasn''t much... My panties, a shirt, and a hairband. Taking inventory, I already felt embarassed for spending the night in his bed like this. But the current situation was even worse.


    "Well, sorry, this is my bathroom, and I thought you went back to yours!" He explained. He was right, but I felt like shouting a little more. Once we calmed down, he came up with a solution. "Go ahead and take a shower. I''ll procure some breakfast, and we forget this happened!"


    It was easier said than done. I set the water to the coldest, but the burning in my crotch persisted. The recent experience mixed with how close we actually were at night made me tingle in all the wrong places. I kind of imagined what would have happened, if we were naked in that bed at night, and he tried the same as that other guy. If it was him, maybe I wouldn''t mind... He could have kept his fingers wherever he wanted...


    With that, my guilt set in, and I felt even worse.


    I wrapped myself in his towel, noticing his smell. I was able to sample it plenty of times last night. It turned me on even more somehow. I rushed to my room, and grabbed my plainest looking clothes. I tried to look as cool and casual as possible, before facing him again.


    "Breakfast ready!" He announced, making me jump.


    I threw on everything, and let my hair down. It was all cold and wet, as I headed for the stairs. I heard some doors open and close on my way though. As the front hall came into view, I saw a woman! She wore glasses, a suit and skirt, her hair in a tight bun. A very elegant, cold beauty. The sexy secretary type! She was in her thirties. I stopped in my tracks.


    She must have heard me. She turned around, staring a hole into my shirt. Looking surprised for a split second, then completely hostile. But she didn''t have time to say anything. George entered from the other side, and froze up too. He was at least a feet taller, bigger, a knife in hand, but I could have sworn he looked scared. The woman turned to face him.


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    "Did I interrupt something, George?" Her voice was a bit husky and cold. Sounded like someone who''s often shouting her brains out, ordering people around to great effect. I was too afraid to move, bouncing my gaze between them. "Or do I even want to know?"


    "We were about to eat breakfast. I can throw in some extra, if you want to join!" He finally said, pointing the knife towards the kitchen. "In the meantime, Dora, this is Janice, my campaign manager. Jen, this is Dora. She''s on a job interview for becoming a politician''s daughter."


    She was scary. Like, seriously! I could see her kill people with those eyes. Not even the slightest reaction to that joke, but she did join our breakfast. She had a briefcase with her, and sat right next to George. Not wasting time on politeness or protocol. Just an ice cold stare my way.


    "I hope you weren''t serious about taking an entire week off... Right before your campaign starts! You didn''t even have your roadmap planned yet. I haven''t seen any of your speeches." She pointed it out, taking up half the space on our table. Considering how large it was, this was quite an achivement. "I can accept unforseen circumstances or you working from here. But if you seriously want to run for the governor''s office, I''d like to see it on your attitude too. And let''s not even go into how big of a backlash it would cause, if someone else came to check in on you... Finding you alone with a teenage girl in a luxury villa!"


    If only she knew half of the story! She''d probably kill me in place, then get rid of the body... She didn''t seem like she''d be having doubts either. They went through a lot of papers. Plans and speeches and whatnot during the breakfast, which was stretched out for a good three hours this way. I didn''t want to get in the way and anger Janice, so I spent most of that time in the pools outside. Until my phone started ringing.


    Now it was my turn to be monitored by my Mom-nager.


    "There was some, um... accidental progress, but also complications." I told her, making sure the other two can''t hear me. "I played the afraid of storm card as you asked. But he didn''t try anything. At least at night... But in the morning... He saw me completely naked!"


    "Well played!" Mom sounded enthusiastic. I forgot to tell her, it was an accident... "I''m proud of you! Keep going like this, and he''ll be wrapped around your fingers! Try some topless sunbathing next... Say that he already saw you anyway, and then..."


    "No, no no no! I could never do that!" I stopped her quickly. I already blushed from imagining the situation. I don''t think she realised, this was the first time anyone saw me naked to begin with. "Besides, I told you, there are some complications... His campaign manager suddenly appeared and put him to work... Also told him it was stupid to bring me here. So I can''t try anything, even if I wanted! And she didn''t seem like leaving!"

 Ten

    "She should go home." Jen noted. I was worried that Dora might hear us, but she was on her phone. "She might be your daughter. Great! But you don''t want the media to get wind of this. You can spend another weekend with her, once you have the results. If the campaign goes well..."


    "Sensible from someone with no kids." I protested. "But I already gave my word. And her mother is out of reach. She has nowhere to go."


    "Just don''t say I didn''t warn you!" She sighed, adding. "And next time something happens, I''ll be the first one to know. You''ll tell me immediately. Not five days later! Or through e-mail... Or having to ask the legal department! Well, at least you got them involved..."


    "If I didn''t know you, I''d say you are jealous..." I tried joking.


    "I don''t have time for this nonsense!" Was her answer, and I decided to leave it at that. I spent the better half of the morning finalizing the plans for the campaign. She went through the speeches I wrote so far. We sent out a bunch of emails to all the departments, and it was lunchtime once she seemed satisfied. "Okay, this''ll do for today. But I''ll be back tomorrow to work out the details for this new... Addition to your issues..."


    "Try to be nice to her!" I asked. "That way you might learn some empathy! Maybe even get a boyfriend at some point... As a human!"


    "If that was my goal, I could get one within my work hours today. But as said, I don''t have time for this nonsense." She noted, and summer or not, I got the chills from her look. Well, I didn''t pay her to be nice. And she was the best in what she got paid for. I couldn''t complain. I saw her to the entrance, where she gave me one last warning. "At least try to lay low!"


    "Will do!" I promised and ran all the way back to the pools.


    If her visit was good for one thing, it was to take my mind off of the bathroom incident. Or that''s what I thought, until I got back. Dora was sunbathing, next to the pools. She did it laying on her back, and topless!


    "W-what on Earth are you doing?!" I shouted surprised. I made her jump, blush, and cover herself at the same time. "I''m still here!"


    "Shith, don''th go schale me lihe hat!" She bit her tongue. "I knew that you''re here! But you saw me already... So whatever! I was out in the Sun all day. Bored to death! I don''t want stupid triangle tanlines... Once I saw that she left, I decided to even it out a bit. What''s your problem?!"


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    "Ugh... Nothing, sorry!" I apologized, turning away. Wasn''t sure if I was allowed to see her breasts. "And sorry... This took ages. I know you wanted to practice... Had no idea, my campaign manager would show up."


    "She hates me, doesn''t she?" I heard her ask. Her voice was coming from much closer. "Can''t really blame her... Thanks for taking my side!"


    "Well, you are my, um... Guest! I made you a promise and I''m going to keep it." I claimed, as she walked around me, holding her top in front. She seemed at least as embarassed about it as I was. "Sorry for scaring you, didn''t expect to walk in on that... For the second time today!"


    "It''s okay. I thought, if you already saw me, then might as well... Wanted to roll with it, but..." She said, turning her back to me, fixing the top in place. "Sorry, if I embarassed you... Could you tie it for me?"


    I reached for the straps, but then stopped halfway through.


    "Nah, I''m sorry, for overreacting. If you want to even out your tan, feel free. I said you can do anything... "I reasoned, putting my hand on her shoulders." And if I''m in the way, I can move into the house and do some work. Then there will be less to deal with tomorrow!"


    "Nooo!" She protested, suddenly turning around. "The morning got wasted already! If you weren''t allowed to see, I wouldn''t have done it..."


    With that, she slowly lowered her hands. And the bikinis with it! Her firm breasts came into clear view. The way she acted, I couldn''t help but look at them. Then turned my gaze up and away. She was as flustered as me. That made it weirdly exciting! I could only hope she wouldn''t look down to notice my bulge... But what happened was much, much worse.


    She suddenly threw her hands around me, giving a tight squeeze. She laid her head against my chest. I mirrored her, closing my arms around the warm, naked back. We stood there dumbfouned for a long minute.


    The spell was broken in the most unexpected way.


    Her stomach grumbled, so loud, both of us jumped a bit.


    "Yeah, it''s past lunchtime... I didn''t even make anything." I apologized again, adding. "And Jen commanded we lay low... Restaurants would be a bad idea... How about we order pizza?"


    "Works for me." She noted, stepping back. Her almost naked body came into full view again. I tried to concentrate on her eyes. But once she stared back into mine, I got worried about losing myself in them.


    "Let''s get their number then!" I found myself an escape route. While we were waiting for the delivery, she went back to work on her tan. I caught myself looking more often than I would admit. I had to try and find creative ways to suppress or at least hide my appreciation for them. Surprisingly, I also caught her glancing my way! She then turned away, more than a dozen times. If only my heart was pumping all that blood back up to my brains... I could have figured out what was going on.

 Eleven

    I guess Mom knew what she was talking about.


    She wanted me to seduce George. I couldn''t believe it worked. Even more surprised, that I was able to pull it off. Well, I did want to seduce him... My reasons just didn''t align with my Mother''s. I never would have gone this far, for any reason. Felt like I was losing my mind.


    "I never had a boyfriend..." I noted for example, out of the blue.


    "That''s pretty surprising." He claimed, chewing on a big slice of pizza. I put a shirt on since, but nothing underneath. I felt weirdly open and vulnerable. Especially talking randomly. "And what brought that up?"


    "Uh, I just..." I had no real answer for that. "I didn''t want you to think, that I''m like Mom. Or that I''d drop my clothes for every guy... So I never had a boyfriend or someone who saw me naked. Outside the family."


    "I''m still very sorry about that!" He apologized for the hundredth time, adding. "If that helps, I might be family too, so it could still stand..."


    "It''s not what I meant!" I explained. But in reality, I had no idea what I actually meant either... "I trust you! And realised I won''t die if you see me like that... That''s why... I decided to go topless too. But it doesn''t mean I would have done it, if it was with someone else, sooo..."


    "Oh, I think I get it." He said with a sigh of relief. "And thanks, I guess! I appreciate your trust. I do trust you too, it''s just that... I know your Mom will try and pull something on me... I can''t lower my guard."


    "Yeah, that''s fair! Sorry about that..." I apologized this time. Then I had an idea, which felt very smart at that moment. "So, what if we make a selfie? Like, one that''s pretty... Um... Incriminating! But both of us are on it... So we''d know, the other can''t use it against us willy-nilly!"


    "Huh, what do you mean?" He asked, but I was already up. Grabbing my phone in one hand, and my shirt with the other, I rushed over his side. Before he could stop me, or I changed my mind, I took at least a dozen shots. He seemed flustered, rather than angry. "Now what was that for?!"


    "Sorry!" I laughed, blushing. With the same inertia, sent him all the pictures at once. "Now you are incriminated! You have pictures with a flashing teen... But that happens to be me. I don''t want to see myself like that on the news, so... you have nothing to worry about now!"


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    "I don''t think that''s how it works!" He noted, checking his phone in disbelief. "If you don''t want stuff to circulate about you, don''t make it in the first place! And what if your Mother gets them?"


    "She would never use me like that!" I claimed. "I can imagine her emotionally blackmailing someone, but to release my pictures for the public... She knows, I''d never talk to her again!"


    "That wouldn''t exactly help either of us at that point..." He noted, and all my earlier conviction was gone. He was right, I had no idea how far Mom would go. He really was the Jackpot afterall. She wanted to retire.


    "Ok... Maybe we should delete them..." I offered, opening the gallery again. He grabbed my hand. He had this annoyingly handsome smile.


    "No need. It will be our secret." He said. "If she doesn''t know about it, can''t use them either. I understand, you kind of meant it as a blood-oath or something. I''m up for that! And I promise, I won''t betray you!"


    Now I was smiling too. And blushing. A lot. And couldn''t help but throw my arms around him again. I never even knew I was this cuddly.


    The afternoon and evening went by in a blur. Since we had to lay low, my car practice was cancelled. He noted regretfully, that he can''t take me for a walk either. He couldn''t show off the best parts of the beach. But once he wasn''t busy with work and collegues, we had plenty of fun in the pools. We were talking, sunbathing, and I managed to lose my top again.


    He still gave my chest a few glances. I felt my heart beating faster every time. Once the Sun set, we ended up returning to the earlier topic.


    "You know, I had quite a few girlfriends. Before I got married at twenty... I was relatively popular. Which was one of the reasons, why I chose an acting career." He told me, as we moved back inside. "My parents really hated it, but liked my wife. They didn''t even mind we had a shotgun wedding... They blamed the divorce on me, and I had a fallout with them. I think I told you before... I kind of lost faith in love in general. And that''s when I met Sue. It was so surreal, but it kept me going."


    I saw where this was going, and already felt bad.


    "When she disappeared, I was looking for her. I dropped everything else, but no luck... "He explained, adding. "I gave up on acting not long after. I couldn''t find motivation, and I stopped dating too... Well, not completely. There were a few women, taking the initiative. My family literally forced dates on me as well, but nothing lasted..."


    "Sorry if Mom made you hate woman!" I said, but he laughed.


    "Oh, I''m not hating them!" He claimed. "In fact, most of my staff is woman. I''m not interested in dating them in particular... but I love working with them! They''re smart, many of them beautiful... But I didn''t really have a love interest since... Not sure how much of it has to do with Sue or my Ex. I haven''t really felt close to anyone since... Until I met you..."


    I was smiling, hearing that, until it finally sank in.

 Twelve

    Why did I say that?


    She was sixteen, for crying out loud! Even worse, she could have been my daughter! Well, I had my doubts about that... But still! So many red flags... I blurted it out, but she didn''t seem to notice. It was fine... It kept me up long after we went to bed though. I tried to make use of this opportunity, and do some work. I hoped I could take my mind off things.


    It didn''t really help. But I was making some progress. That is, until I heard my door open. She quietly slipped into my room. Only wearing panties and a shirt like last night. But it was way shorter this time. I could see her navel by default! Coming towards me with a yawn, she arched her back, showing a glimpse of her breasts too!


    "I didn''t notice there was a thunder!" I teased her. I turned back to my laptop. She walked up behind me, landing her elbows on my shoulders. She was peeking over them, to see what I was doing. "I thought I''d try to impress Janice... In case she''d let me off the hook earlier tomorrow."


    "No thunder here, but I couldn''t sleep." She explained. "And looks like you can''t either... And what would you do if she leaves early?"


    "Don''t know. Would be wise to lay low... Maybe take you to the basement." Her weight was off my shoulders. I turned to see her eyes open wide. I couldn''t help but laugh. "Maybe I can take you there right away!"


    "That was probably the creepiest thing anyone ever told me!" She noted. She seemed genuinely worried, but followed me regardless. We took the stairs from the second floor. She looked ready to run. "This place even has a basement? That''s where you torture the kidnapped teenagers?"


    "No, I do that in my office. Less work to get rid of the bodies!" I went with the joke, and opened one of the thick doors along the corridor. "It is soundproofed though. Not sure if you are into it or not?"


    She seemed too curious not to step closer. I turned on the lights, and revealed the gym in front of us. It had pretty much everything you''d need for any kind of workout. Including a boxing ring in the middle, and she did seem amazed. Jaws dropped, she walked around. Still barely wearing anything, she punched a random bag in her way. Her technique didn''t even seem bad. She came back towards me with a grin, punching her palm.


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    "I''d love to have a boxing match with you!" She anounced. "To knock down that big, bulky body of yours... Although not my cup of tea..."


    "Then maybe you will like this one better!" I said, stepping out. I opened the door on the opposite side. She skipped across the corridor to check in. "I''m not forcing either of them. Just an idea to mix things up!"


    "Woah, this looks like a music studio!" She shouted. Even better reaction than before. "Is that a real piano? And that''s a drum set! Do you have guitars too? Always wanted to try, but Mom vetoed anything loud..."


    "Well, this is an actual music studio! Pick anything you like from here!" I pointed out, opening a closet packed with instruments. "It is also soundproof, so be as loud as you want. You can come whenever."


    "Seriously?!" She almost screamed. "But I don''t know how to play!"


    "You didn''t know how to drive either..." I noted, adding. "Well, you still don''t, but we''ll work on that. Same applies here."


    "Don''t tell me you can actually play them?!" She asked, eyes beaming. I didn''t really have a choice. I picked up a guitar, walked over to the recording area to plug it in, and played her a few chords. "No, no, this is not real! This is too awesome! Teach me something too, please!"


    "You''ll need strong fingers." I answered, but couldn''t break her enthusiasm. "I wouldn''t say it''s hard, but driving a car is way easier."


    "At least I can practice this alone while you work." She noted. "I can''t exactly do that with the Mustang... Please, just the basics!"


    I gave in, offering her the guitar. She threw the straps over her shoulders like a pro, but seemed surprised once she felt the weight of it. Deciding to sit down, she strummed the strings, with eyes like a puppy.


    "Okay, what do I do now?" She asked, glancing up at me.


    "Try this..." I described the basic chords, but she couldn''t make them sound right yet. Trying to point out the positions while everything was backwards confused me a bit. Sitting next to her, the guitar''s neck was too far. After a few minutes, she had enough, and suddenly sat on my lap.


    This way it should have been easier to instruct her... But was way harder to concentrate! She was light, and almost naked...


    When she tried to repeat the chords, my palms wandered over her sides by instinct. In case her fingers didn''t get tired that fast, it might have turned into something else. But she had to give up soon, and begged me to play something instead. Sitting on the floor, she was intent to watch me and listen. She had a thousand watt smile on at first... But I did it again!


    The next thing I noticed, she fell asleep...


    Taking her in my arms like a princess, I climbed the stairs. I had to be careful where to put my hands... With the lack of clothing, all I felt was her naked skin. Brushing against her firm breasts at one point, I barely managed to put her in bed without a major accident. Giving her a good night kiss, I went back to work.

 Thirteen

    Was it lying? Pretending to be asleep?


    I felt bad. But happy and excited at the same time! I was turning out to be the same as Mom... But my feelings were genuine! I still had no idea if I were doing all this for her sake or my own though.


    He was sweet, strong, funny, smart, rich... And even played the guitar! Felt like it was harder not to fall for him. Once I was under the blankets, and he put a kiss on my forehead, I had to resist throwing my arms around him. I wanted to give it back on his lips! Wondered what it would be like...


    I was waiting for a few minutes, once he was gone. Then I reached for my phone, and gave my usual report to my Mother. About the stuff we did during the day... She must have been asleep, so I sent her a few messages instead of calling. My eyelids were getting really heavy by the end. I fell asleep quickly, for real this time.


    I had no idea how long he was up working. When I woke up, he was already in the dining area with Janice. Even before I finished my morning cereals, she was about to leave. Barely got time to send a few ice cold glances in my direction! Was glad I put on some warm clothing this morning, so I didn''t freeze from them. She still wasn''t happy about me being here. But apparently, she greenlit to go out for the day.


    "If you are ready, I''ll take you to a walk around the beach." George told me, adding. "You are here for the fifth day, and still barely seen a thing... After that, we can go swimming. Or continue the driving lessons! Whatever you''d like. But I''d hate it if you left without a good sightseeing!"


    I was absolutely up for it! The area was really stunning, not just the awesome villa! The beach itself, and the town close by were both amazing. To make it all better, I grabbed his hand early on, and it really felt like a date. Since it was an early Tuesday, the place was relatively empty. I guess that was one of the reasons he picked this time. Or that her slavedriver even let us go out in broad daylight! By lunch, we walked at least half a dozen miles, and the Sun really got to us. He took me to yet another restaurant, then we rushed into the waves, to survive the heat!


    By this time I was smart enough to always keep my bikinis on. Regardless what plans we had, the sea was always nearby. Looks like he had the same idea! He jumped in with me all the same. And once you get started, it''s not like you can swim for a few minutes and walk away.


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    The number of people around us started to grow exponentially. By the time I noticed it, we spent almost four hours playing in the water. Goes on to show, that everything was fun to do here. Especially with him around!


    "Should we go work on my guitar skills?" I asked while we were drying on the sand. But to my surprise, he shook his head, dressing up.


    "Not a great idea, look at your skin!" He pointed it out. "Your fingers are all wrinkly. The strings would cut in deep... Especially, since you''re a beginner... How ''bout we go for a ride instead? We skipped a day already!"


    "Oh, I''m sold on that too!" I agreed, picking up my clothes. In reality, I was already working on a plan to get ourselves completely alone... Now I had to recalculate from scratch. I had to add, laughing. "Don''t complain if I end up wrecking your car though!"


    Maybe if I knew what foreshadowing means, I wouldn''t have said something so stupid. But we did end up practicing, and I was on a roll. Driving faster and faster, I even mastered shifting gears! I barely noticed, that it was getting dark around us. We even had to fill the tank, but he didn''t complain. He navigated me to a speedy national road with no traffic on it. I was encouraged for the first time, to push the pedal to the metal!


    It was awesome.


    The huge engine roaring louder than I could shout, the Mustang was flying over the road! I really felt like the most powerful being in the world!


    But with great power comes great responsibility... When I noticed that dog... Or deer, or whatever... I knew there''s no way I could stop. I didn''t needed years of training to figure that out...


    It would have been better, if I hit it instead...


    Instead, I spun the steering wheel, and jumped the breaks. The next second, the Mustang was spinning out of control! It left the smooth road, skipping over the uneven ground, and flew straight into the woods!


    Everything got blurry, even as the adrenaline rushed my brain. The only thing I noticed was the heavy weight pushing on me from the right. Forcing a deep breath, and opening my eyes, I saw him grab the steering wheel, while accidentaly pressing me against the door.


    My legs lost their strenght. I was no longer on the breaks, which actually helped him steer us clear of the trees for a while. But as the woods got thicker, they suddenly surrounded us from every direction. There was no way the Mustang could fit between them. Neither could we slow down... George yanked the wheel towards me, and a second later we stopped with a crashing sound. The car''s right side smashed into a tree.


    I was still pushed against the door, but I haven''t got a single scratch on me. His side on the other hand, was a complete mess!


    That''s when I realised, how he just saved my life.

 Fourteen

    We finally stopped.


    Glass fragments covered my neck. The door was slightly pushing on my back. But I was fine! More importantly, she was unharmed too.


    Looking up at me with panicky eyes, she suddenly jumped, hugging me as hard as she could. I was worried she might cut herself with the glass, but she wouldn''t let go. Her face was burried in my chest, and when she did look up, I only saw her tears. I was about to try and comfort her... Heart still beating like mad... When she suddenly leaned in even closer, and kissed me firmly on the lips! I kissed back, without thinking.


    "I''m so sorry!" She sobbed once our lips finally parted. I still haven''t came to my senses. "I almost killed ourselves... Are you hurt?!"


    "No, are you?" I asked.. She shook her head, eyes still teary. She leaned on my chest again, and I caressed her hair. "It was my fault. You didn''t want to drive today... I told you to go fast too. I should have expected some wildlife on this road... I''m really sorry!"


    "No, no! It was so awesome... And I got careless..." She protested, looking up again. I got the urge to kiss her lips again. They were so sweet! With all the adrenalin, I couldn''t think straight. She did not resist either, and we spent another minute stuck on eachothers lips. She was breathing heavily by the end. We didn''t push it any further, for now... Tongues weren''t included either. "This... was really awesome too... I guess..."


    She was blushing heavily. As I slowly came down from this adrenaline high, I realised what we were doing. I almost slapped myself on the face, gently pushing her away. It was my turn to apologize.


    "Sorry, I shouldn''t have done that..." I said, and it seemed like the mist in her eyes were also clearing up. "I guess my head isn''t clear yet... But we should move and check the damage first! Um... my door won''t open..."


    "Mine''s fine." She noted, stepping out of the car. I crawled through on all fours to follow her, but was met with a punch into my arm. She complained. "Don''t you ever say sorry for kissing me again!"


    "Wha... But we really shouldn''t!" I noted, sweeping the glass off myself. I tried to keep some distance from her. "Not only you are a minor... Which would already raise a red flag... But you might be my daughter too! This shouldn''t have happened in the first place..."


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    "I''m over the age of consent, and knowing Mom, there''s only a tiny chance we''re actually related..." She claimed both proud and sad. Especially about the second part. "I no longer know, which one I''m hoping for... To be your daughter... And then this is all messed up... Or..."


    "No. Look, this is all messed up! Regardless of how you look at it." I said, taking a few steps back. "I really like you! And had all kinds of fun... And heck, I even find you attractive... But this is really not something we should do! I''m about to start a political career. You have all your life ahead of you. I''d love to be a part of that, but mostly as your father... And then, yes, there is your mother''s scheming. And we had an accident... Which reminds me: I can''t even call a towing car... Or the media would be all over us! Let''s calm down for now, and check the damage!"


    She was pouting, and looked like she wanted to say something. But her comeback had to wait a little. The car wasn''t in a terrible shape. There was no way to reverse it back to the road though. The right side was smashed, and the door got stuck. Other than the broken windshields and a headlight, it was all right. I took my phone, and noticed it was midnight.


    I only had one name in mind I could call. I was in for trouble.


    Janice appeared in about thirty minutes. With a towing car following her! I couldn''t decide if the night got colder, or if it was her aura... I expected a scolding right off the bat, but there was none of that. She gave me her keys, and we drove her car back to the villa. She sat with the service guy, following us with the Mustang in tow. Only once we arrived, and the guy was gone, she opened her mouth.


    "Thanks for calling. Nobody got hurt. You can fix your car, so nothing happened officially." She claimed, adding. "In case someone saw you, you were out, driving alone. Dora was an eyewitness, we took back with us. I''ll be back in the morning... But I''m sleepy, so good night!"


    She was a cold professional. The reason I wanted her to lead my campaign! Even Dora''s jaws dropped, expecting a shouting match at the very least. I put an arm around her shoulder, and led her into the house. Once we heard the car driving away, I added my bits too.


    "You heard it. Nothing happened. "I started. "No kissing either, okay?"


    "Okay..." She nodded, sounding sad. "But if you were to change your mind, I''m up for it anytime! And we can keep it a secret forever..."


    "As if something like this could be kept a secret!" I said, dropping on a couch. "Maybe in a paralell universe... But for now, let''s order food!"


    "What if the test is negative?" She asked, looking serious. "Then would you... Date me? Or would you throw me out immediately?"


    "I would never throw you out..." I told her, standing up for a hug. "I''m not sure about the dating thing... But I did say I like you. And I wish someone this sweet and awesome were my daughter..."

 Fifteen

    I thought it would be impossible to sleep.


    Boy I was wrong! I was out cold, and slept in late. I even forgot to write anything to my Mom. Neither about the accident, nor the kiss... I guess the first would only made her worry for no reason, and the second... She might have gotten the wrong idea.


    I had to think about it first.


    I dressed up, then took a few deep breaths. I went down, expecting to see the campaign manager. But apparently, she was long gone. George was busy fixing his car. It wasn''t looking that terrible in daylight. I still felt bad for crashing it though! He pointed me to the kitchen, having my breakfast prepared for me. Once it was gone, I got rid of my shirt too, and joined him in the garages. I wore my baseball cap, a bikini top and shorts like the first time I drove his car. I wanted to help fixing it this time.


    "How can I help?" I asked, bumping into him on purpose. "I can''t promise I''ll pay for the repairs... But if I can do something, let me know!"


    "Well, it''s nothing major." He claimed, patting my back. "I''ll need new windshields, a headlight... The rest is an easy fix, even by hand. Well, it will need a paintjob. I can''t do that here, and it would give us away... I''ll have to spray some paint on it for now, then take it to a professional. You can help with that, once I straightened the door."


    "Leave it to me!" I said determined, hanging around as he did the fixing. He explained everything he was doing. Even showed me that huge engine under the hood. Fortunately it didn''t need fixing. I still managed to get some oil on my hands. It somehow ended up on my waist, then belly... In five minutes, I looked like those fake car mechanic girls in photoshoots. Inappropriate clothing, sweaty and oily and all...


    At least my shorts remained clean. We were both laughing a lot, like nothing have happened the day before. I was glad he wasn''t avoiding me, but also sad that he could still resist... Not because I let down Mom! My chest was simply aching for his attention...


    "Hey, what about we take some more pictures with the car? I already managed to stole this mechanic look..." I asked, turning my bottom towards him, so he could fish my phone out.


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    He seemed to be into the idea, and gave me a gentle spank. It made me, and my heart jump! Since it was already out of control, I drew some black lines on my face too. Once I got a towel to clean my hands, I started posing. In, and around the undamaged side of the car, I grabbed some tools, or spraying paint, and laughing a lot, not just for the pictures.


    It felt like I''ve been through a lot lately. Stress, lovesickness, worries, sadness... But lots of fun and laughter we had together too! I didn''t remember laughing this much, ever! My stomach hurt in the end, and my throat was hoarse. He recorded it all! Me posing, sexy and having fun around his wrecked car... I went on to make twintails again, and taking some selfies together too. Getting that close, rubbing against each other made me feel hot in all kinds of ways! All of a sudden, I found myself turning to face him, and agressively attacked his lips.


    I caught him off guard. But in a few seconds, I got gently but firmly pushed away... He was so much more stronger! I could try as hard as I wanted, I couldn''t make our lips touch again. He looked conflicted too.


    "Look, this isn''t fair..." He claimed. "Here you are, so sexy and open and vulnerable! Then even make a move on me... How am I supposed to resist this? We really shouldn''t do this... Making out with my own daughter is probably the worst I could ever do in my life..."


    "But what if I''m not your daughter?!" I insisted, unable to get closer.


    "It would be still wrong but..." He was stopping to think. He took a deep breath. "If you weren''t my daughter... I couldn''t resist anymore..."


    "Okay, then promise me!" I demanded. "Promise me that if the test is negative, you''ll give me a chance! And I can kiss you all I want!"


    "Huh... I... Uh... Okay, I promise." He said after hesitating for a while.


    It made me really happy. For the first time, there was a Dad candidate I really liked! And yet, I was hoping with all my strength, that he wasn''t it. We were both too turned on to continue. The Mustang was basically finished, other than the missing parts. We were late for lunch already. I took a long and cold shower to calm down I had to get rid of the black oil stains too. I imagined, he was doing the same...


    He promised it. And I really hoped he would keep it. He had to, being a politician or not... I couldn''t survive my first love getting rejected... No matter what! I had to make sure, everything''s working out.


    That''s when I decided to call my Mom. I wanted explain the situation my way. Which meant, I kept everything a secret. Praise him for being super nice, and claim that I won''t ever make a move on him. Because I can''t do it! Mom wasn''t happy to hear it. I had to put all my confidence into my words, until she could not convince me otherwise.


    "Well, the test will be done soon. I''ll try to make them rush it a bit! And we can come back to it later..." She offered. "With a little luck, it will be still before the end of your vacation. And hopefully it''ll be positive..."

 Sixteen

    I was on a shopping trip.


    It was odd calling a taxi, but I couldn''t drive around with the Mustang. Was a bit worried about calling Janice instead... What was even weirder, that I went alone. Didn''t even think about it, but basically, I spent all my time with Dora in the last week. This was the first time I went somewhere without her. But taking her on a taxi ride would have been more than risky. We both agreed on that. In the meantime she was practicing on the guitar. Swearing she will do it the whole time, regardless when I get back! Even if all her fingers will bleed... I hoped she won''t overdo it though.


    Fortunately, I found a place nearby, selling the parts I needed. Could even get them delivered to my place. Was looking for something to eat in the evening next. Making such a weird promise was probably not smart... But I was just as conflicted about her, as she seemed to be about me. Had she kept up her attacks, I had no idea how long I could resist. So making her stop, even if temporarily was worth it. Yet, I felt bad for basically playing with her feelings. I wanted to make up for it with a great dinner. Since I lived alone for the better half of my life, I was pretty good at cooking. Something I was yet to show off for her!


    I was away for an hour. Kept noticing my thoughts going back to her, over and over! I was missing her voice, her smile, and her criminally sexy shape... If this vacation was for bonding, it was extremely successful! But in an unexpected way... My phone started buzzing at some point, and my heart started beating faster, when I saw she sent me something. Especially, when I found out what it was! She got bored with guitar practice, and took it over to the gym. It had mirrors along an entire wall. She took selfies!


    Not the innocent, or the showing off kind... Rather erotic ones! Covering her nicely tanned body with the guitar at most! Even letting some of her more intimate parts slip out every now and then... Well, she agreed to stop making advances on me... But didn''t say she won''t send images. She''d make a great politician... Which reminded me, my current boner could have been for my actual daughter... Talk about confusion.


    I managed to get everything, and taxied my way home. Sneaking into the house, I started cooking a three star dinner. It turned out to be harder than expected! Not because my skills got rusty, but I wanted to see, and talk to her as soon as possible... Of course I could watch her pictures and send her a message. But the first would distract me in the wrong way, and the second simply wasn''t the same! I got hooked on her!


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    Once finished, I called her number, but it was busy. I decided to go to the basement, and talk to her personally. But I heard her talking even from the bottom of the stairs. Every room was soundproofed down here, so the studio can operate. But she seem to have left the door open.


    She also sounded angry! Shouting into the phone, as I was about to enter, I stopped. I didn''t want to eavesdrop per se, but did not want to interrupt something important either. Decided to listen for a bit...


    "No, Mom, I told you! I''m not doing anything now." She said, adding after a short pause. "No, he is not that dumb. And it''s not like I didn''t try! But he is on to us already... There''s no way I can seduce him! I don''t care! You''ll find someone else you can get your money out... That''s what you''re best at... But this won''t work! Stop asking! I don''t need your tips!"


    I felt really dumb.


    I knew this whole thing was a trap from the start. But to think Sue would make her seduce me... Potentionally her own father! That went beyond my wildest expectations... Especially after Dora''s talked about that molester... Or all the times, she seemed to reveal her mother''s secret. Because she didn''t want a part of it. But apparently, she was told to seduce me. Heck, she was pretty close to succeed! I was curious how much of what she did came from Sue, and how much was her... And if any of it was genuine at all? From the way she was shouting, it seemed like she wanted none of it... It seemed, her Mom forcing it all on her...


    Now I really didn''t want to interrupt, or hear any more! As quiet as I could, I went back upstairs. Sent her a text a minute later, calling for dinner. I did my best not to give away anything, when she showed up. She wasn''t the only one who took acting classes afterall...


    "Wow, you said you don''t want anything until we see the test results! And now you invite me for some romantic dinner date?!" She asked with a smile. "The only thing missing are the candles... Like in the movies!"


    "Well, that would have been too obvious, I guess..." I told her. I had to concentrate, so my voice wouldn''t start to shake. For a second, I thought I should try and seduce her too... Since two could play that game! But thinking about it in that moment made it painfully clear. There was no way, a sixteen year old would fall for a guy twice her age! Especially for someone, abandoned by her mother too... Well, other than my money. As a grown man, I felt like crying... But put on a smile, saying. "I wanted to thank you for your help! And how you were such a great playmate... This is a demo: you could eat dinners like this every day. If you were to come, and visit your Daddy..."

 Seventeen

    I fell in love. Again.


    Mom couldn''t cook. My grandparents ate healthy, not tasty foods. The school put more attention on the education than on their mensa as well. The only comparable food I ate so far was in restaurants. And he was the one taking me to the best places so far... Yet this was on another level!


    The hell was with this guy? How did he have no girlfriend or wife at this point?! And how could his ex, and even my Mom leave him? It was beyond me... And with every bite I wanted him more! Maybe I would have settled with him being my actual Dad too... If I could eat this every day! But I hoped we aren''t actually related, so I can kiss him again...


    He was oddly silent though. Maybe just enjoying his own food... Or tired. He called it a day soon after. I considered following him to his bed, but right after making that promise... It would have been rude, to say the least! But I wasn''t tired at all... My fingers hurt from all the practice. It felt like I still couldn''t play a single chord properly...


    Instead, I took inventory of all the images we took so far. I made more in the last week than I usually did in an entire year. I didn''t thought of myself as hot or photogenic. But after a little push, I got into it. When I saw his reactions... And told me I''m pretty... There was no stopping anymore! A few days earlier I couldn''t even imagine myself, posing like this. Let alone flashing my tits... And even taking a picture of it! Maybe I''ve gone crazy... Mom pushed me to do it at the start. But I sure wasn''t doing it for her sake anymore! I wanted to impress him somehow!


    Seeing his reactions became my drug. I even fell asleep, thinking about him. I was dreaming about him! Something very weird, but I forgot everything by the time I woke up. And it was a Thursday now. We only had four days left! Maybe less, until the test was done...


    Whatever the results were, and however things went between us, he had to start his campaign after that. I already missed him! I didn''t want to waste time. Put some clothes on, and rushed over his room. It was empty, so I wen''t to the kitchen next. He wasn''t there either, but Janice was. Cold and elegant as usual, she was reading something.


    "Where is George?" I asked as she looked up, taking her time.


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    "Fixing his car." She answered, not using any more words. I could almost feel, like she added something like, ''that you wrecked, like you try to do it with his career''. What she did add was. "He left you food."


    "Thanks." I said, grabbing the plate. I tried to keep as much distance from her as I could. It wasn''t enough. "I''ll eat it outside!"


    "I''d rather we had a talk." She said, suddenly grabbing my arm. I almost dropped my plate, feeling her cold hand on me. "Take a seat!"


    I was genuinely scared! Not like she looked strong, or had a gun... But I was sure her eyes could kill! And probably her words too.


    "I ran a background check on your family." She started menacingly. "I did it on my own. George refused to look at it.. But we both know what your little game is about! I also saw the documents Susan signed..."


    "I don''t know what you''re talking about!" I tried the cliche line. I forced my arm free, but it was no use. "Mom has her own things. I have nothing to do with them... And it''s not like I came here on my own."


    "I''m sure you have nothing to do with that twelve people you spent time with... From a few days up to a month." She noted. "It''s also a coincidence, that all of them paid a considerable amount of money to your Mother. I thought it was ordinary child prostitution... But after some digging, I realised that she pitched you to all as their potential daughter... Like here! But with that document he made her sign, the plan would no longer work. Or at least that''s what he probably thought... He is too naive for a politician. I''m well aware of your doing!"


    "I never did anything to those men!" I protested, adding. "What my Mom did with them, I don''t know! And don''t want to know either... Yes, she probably wanted money. But once she signed that thing, she didn''t want to back off... Yes, she also told me to try and do something on my own. But I never did before, and I won''t start doing it now! Even if I wanted... I''m not cut out for it. And he is way too nice anyway..."


    "Very convincing. You forget that I''m already working with a retired actor. And he''s better at it!" She said, pulling a checkbook out. "I don''t really care. If you need money, I can provide a generous amount. It won''t bankrupt me, or him... But then you sign a paper, and you''ll never tell anyone about this! Nor that you met him. And won''t try to ruin his career! Let''s start with a hundred-thousand. That''s more than the highest payout your mother ever got from these schemes. And I give it to you directly..."


    "Fuck you and your money!" I jumped, tears welling up. I wasn''t sure if it was because she offended me, or because she was right. But I felt like screaming at her on the top of my voice. "I''m not my Mom! You can buy her out with some shit like that... But I''m not here for the money! I came to finally find my Daddy! Who''d put an end to all this scheming and bullshit! And now I ended up falling in love instead... I don''t even know what''s happening anymore... But I won''t let anyone stand between us!"

 Eighteen

    The Mustang was good as new.


    Doing some manual work was still the best recipe to clear one''s mind. But of course it didn''t really work in a hurricane. The moment I finished, I saw Dora running towards the main gates. I was too far to make out the details, but she seemed upset. I tried to rush after her, but met my campaign manager halfway through. She tried to stop me.


    "What did you do to her?" I asked, rememebring what she said earlier.


    "Just shared my research, and offered her some money." She said in the calmest of voices. "Let her go! That is the best possible outcome..."


    "For fuck''s sake, I told you to stay out of this!" I knew she wanted to help. I already had my suspicions! But I was mad. "She''s just a kid!"


    "That makes it a lot worse..." She noted, holding up Dora''s phone. It was unloced, the gallery open with our latest pictures. "Erotic photoshoots.. Flashing on selfies with you... A kid, right? But the messages with her mother should interest you even more..."


    "Wha... How did you got her phone?!" I shouted, feeling the ground slipping out under my feet. This was getting close to the worst case scenario I imagined. I grabbed the phone to close the gallery. The texts she mentioned were right underneath. She was giving status updates to Sue! About how her seduction efforts went, and how her advice was working...


    "She got nervous that I found out her game. She dropped it, running away." She explained coldly. "Not the smartest. Not even a lockscreen set. When you have all the evidence against yourself in the world..."


    "And where did she go? What if something''s happening?!" I asked, still upset. "If she runs into a reporter right now, I''m screwed."


    "No, this is actually best case scenario." She noted. "We have her phone and all the evidence. We delete the pictures and expose their texts! Now you''ll be the victim of a scam. She didn''t send them anyone yet. Not in the cloud either... This is the cleanest way to end it."


    "I''m not ending anything! I''m going after her! And hopefully find her before something happens!" I claimed. It was better if I didn''t think about how she got all this from her phone in less than a minute... I pocketed it for now, and rushed to the street. But I wasted too much time. She was off to somewhere. She wasn''t even familiar with the area though!


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    Good thing I fixed the car! I ran back, and jumped in. Disregarding Jen''s protest, I was speeding after Dora, like my life depended on it. From a certain point of view, it did. But somehow, she literally vanished.


    I drove around the block, but no sign of her. With no idea which way she went, all I could do is doing larger and larger circles, but no luck. I went back to the villa an hour later, but she wasn''t there. Her phone didn''t ring. Of course I couldn''t call her either. I decided to continue on foot. Went down to the beach, following the path we walked together earlier. Still nothing. I was starting to panic, and decided to check her phone if it had any clue where she could have gone.


    Didn''t really find anything, but I ended up going through her messages. She barely had any contacts saved. Only a few school related texts. Most of the time she was calling her mother, or messaged her. Rarely her grandparents too. It felt like she didn''t have friends at all. The pictures she took were mostly fresh. Before that, only a few from interesting places, or herself. Almost always alone!


    I scrolled her messages up all the way before we met, and noticed a pattern. She met way more of those father candidates she told me about! One every few months... Spending a few days with them, until Sue got what she wanted. She often sent sensitive information about them to her mother. Their duo basically extorted money out of naive guys, using the pretense of Sue looking for Dora''s fater. My case was barely any different! But since I made her sign that document at the start, seemed like she wanted Dora to do all the heavy lifting... Seduce me, and use it as a leverage... Parts of the messages were missing. But they were probaby talking more on the phone. I was able to find a lot of pointers regardless.


    When we took the first images with the Mustang, it was her mother''s suggestion. Well, it worked! The time when she came over to my bed at night? I thought it was a cliche, and indeed, she played being afraid... Sue''s suggestion again. The topless sunbathing was also initiated by her. At least she kept saying in the messages too, that she never did such things before, and that she can''t...


    Well, she did it in the end... In fact, she did a great job! My world was pretty much shattered. I realised, she was way better at acting than me.


    Even with all the red flags, I believed her! Looked like I''ll have to pay for it dearly... Yet, I was still more concerned about where she could be. Was she was safe? I was looking for her in vain for the last few hours. It was way past lunchtime by now... She didn''t have money or her phone with her. For all I knew, she ran off before even eating her breakfast! Without any better idea, I returned home again. Janice was busy on her phone, waving to me. She looked annoyed.


    "I rented a few drones... Looks like they found her!" She said.

 Nineteen

    I was beat.


    I was hungry, got lost, and couldn''t even find my phone. It would have come in handy to find a familiar place. Or at least use it to have a shouting match with Mom. I couldn''t cry any more. I did that for hours, and had to blame someone... Well, she suggested me to try so many cliches. At least it was my own stupid idea to go maverick this time.


    They found me out the worst possible time! When I finally told Mom that I won''t take part in her game... And decided that I''ll stick with George instead. Now he probably hated me! And since I refused the money, Mom would hate me too... I was completely alone, in every meaning of the word... I couldn''t handle it! I mean, I felt like I was alone my whole life.


    Left behind, abandoned by everyone... Mom didn''t need me until I could serve a purpose... My grandparents acted like they hated me, because of how she behaved... Instead of hating her! The kids in school were vary of me from the start. Once a gossip started to go around about what my Mother did for a living, things got much worse... So being alone, left to my own devices was nothing new. In fact, I preferred that way. Better than being controlled by her. Thrown around between all the Dads...


    But now it was different. I got attached to him in too many ways! Felt like my soul could bleed out if we are ripped apart... And of course I was sure that his campaign manager already alerted him too. They will never believe me anymore! At the same time, I betrayed my only family...


    So this time, for real. I was completely, utterly alone.


    It was odd. Walking away from the town just a single mile, the country changed a lot! It was empty. No sign of humans, other than a few barely used roads. A fence in the distance. But no sound. Some birds and the wind, wherever I went. That was all! At some point, I heard a river too. Water flowing lazily towards the sea... I stumbled upon a small road, that had a tall bridge over it. It seemed an overkill for the little river. I walked towards it, no railings or anything. It was at least thirty feet tall! I sat down on the side, wobbling my feet over the edge. It was rather peaceful. Everything looked so pretty and chill. If only I had my phone with me! I wanted to take a picture of this, but no luck... The sound of the water was calming, but at this moment, it only made me cry once again. My tears running down my face, then dropping into the river, adding some extra salt to the sea. I was so, so lost! Kinda hoping never to be found...


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    I don''t know how much time I spent sitting there. The next thing I noticed was the Sun going down. I was hungry, although that was the least of my problems. No matter how long I was thinking about what happened, I saw no way out. I failed and betrayed my Mother. Once I served no purpose for her, she''d get rid of me again,without second thoughts.


    If George figured out that I was lying to him... I was following instructions to seduce him. He''ll never talk to me again! Which was fair. I really did some nasty things... Thinking about them now, I couldn''t convince myself, that I did those on my own. I seduced him on my Mom''s whim. Falling in love mid way through did not make it acceptable.


    I was really thirsty. Sweating and crying all day took it''s toll. I thought about drinking from the river, flowing underneath. It seemed pretty clean, and felt like it was calling for me. I stood up, and probably did it too fast. Everything was blurry! I lost my balance for a moment... I felt myself falling in the dark, and something hit me hard!


    I was completely out of it! Logically, I''d be on the bottom of that shallow river... But it didn''t feel cold or wet. Maybe I was killed by the fall itself... I wasn''t even worried about being dead.


    Not like I wanted to die. I might have been depressed. Maybe didn''t see a way out... But I was never that suicidal type! Like, I could understand people doing it, but I didn''t have it in me. Well, falling to my death by accident was a different question... I was okay with that. It wasn''t even my first near-death experience this week. That time I was saved by his strong hands... Pushing me against the car''s door, to keep me out of harm''s way... And he made sure, the car crashed on his side!


    The current feeling was similar too. As if I was held in his hands! Held strongly against his chest, and never let go. I could even hear his heart beating... If death was like this, I really didn''t mind! It was warm. I no longer felt being alone. Like I was with a loved one!


    My eyelids were heavy. I didn''t see a point in trying to open them ever again. So it was fine! But other than feeling his heartbeat, now I could even hear his voice... It wasn''t an angry voice. It was kind. Maybe worried.


    It called my name, and that made me smile. Just a little bit! Then I had this weird thought... If I can already feel his arms around me, and hear his voice... Maybe if I forced my eyes open, I could even see him! For the last time... Then I''d have been fine with anything! So I tried my best. I opened them slowly, expecting a strong light in the heavens... But it was still pretty dark. It didn''t matter, because he was there, and close!


    "Finally!" He said, and it looked like he also had tears in his eyes. "I thought you''ll never wake up! Don''t you dare to jump off a bridge on me!"

 Twenty

    She was out cold.


    Clearly hallucinating, she mumbled something about being together in the afterlife... But we managed to make her eat and drink a little. I carried her into the car, and she slept all the way back. Jen thought she''s fine, but I was adamant to take her to a doctor first. She was dehydrated, with a light sunstroke. All she needed was a good, long sleep.


    That, I could provide! Of course none of our problems were solved yet. But seeing her standing on that bridge... About to fell over! I couldn''t think about any of them... Just wanted her to be safe! Once I carried her to bed, Janice went on the offense. She waiting for me in the hall.


    "Just so you know! If you ever decide to run away... I can find you all the same! Even underground if I have to!" She claimed. I couldn''t even take it as a joke at this point. "She''ll be all right. But will you?"


    "Thanks, I''ll manage." I said, adding. "Thanks for the drones too! I would have never thought of them... Couldn''t find her without you!"


    "This is why I get paid. To think of stuff you can''t." She noted, arms crossed. "But she''s still a security breach. She''ll cause you issues..."


    "You are scary..." I told her. If I didn''t know her better, I would have said, she was smiling. "One thing at a time. If she survives the night, you can kill her tomorrow. But I''m not mad at her... I think... I''m glad she''s fine. I have her phone too. So there is no security risk anymore!"


    "Don''t try to say, she''s a kid! She''s dangerous..." She said, walking towards the entrance. She turned, frowning. "And for crying out loud! If you do say, that she''s a kid... At least delete those pictures!"


    She knew how to stab people with words. But she was right, as always. Yet, I couldn''t destroy those memories we made together. I ended up copying everything onto my phone, before deleting them from hers. I felt this much can be justified... After all the things she pulled on me! Then I took the phone to her room, watching her sleep for a while. Once I made sure she was really all right, I went to sleep as well. The adrenaline finally thinning out in my brain, I was out fast.


    Janice woke me up the next day. Looking the same as always.


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    I couldn''t tell if she was a living organism, that needed actual sleep... Maybe she hooked herself onto a charger for a few hours, then kept going! I was sleepy, and feeling old. But nothing some coffee couldn''t solve. I also made some breakfast for the three of us.


    Dora was still asleep, so we ended up eating without her. Then work as usual! Well, this time she was one of the main points of our little conference. Janice was still adamant to throw her out as soon as she''s awake. She pushed all the info she could gather on her down my throat. No amount of protesting could help. But that stuff was pretty ugly for sure...


    "Look at it this way... If you were right, she''d have taken the money, and gone home." I claimed. "Instead she ran away, and almost jumped into a river! You can''t act like that... No matter how good you are!"


    "That little water couldn''t kill her... Neither the fall! Maybe she just noticed us coming..." She said, but added. "Well, you can''t fake dehydration and sunstroke... She went that extra mile..."


    "She''s just a..." I started, but was cut in half.


    "Don''t you dare! She''s sixteen! In her age, I was working alongside school. And solved adult puzzles!" She stated. "I can believe she didn''t mean any harm. Or maybe she wanted more money... Or panicked. Or it was all part of their plans... All I''m saying is, don''t underestimate her!"


    "I don''t need the money..." We heard a quite voice. Dora was on the stairs! "Mom would do anything for it, but I don''t care!"


    She turned, and tried to run. She was still weak, kept stumbling on the stairs. I immediately jumped up, not willing to let her run away again. Janice tried to stop me, but I almost dragged her along too.


    "Chill, she''s going upstairs." She pointed out. That comforted me a little. "You should think about what to say, instead of rushing after her!"


    "You''re right... Calm down." I said to myself. I took a few deep breaths, before following her. "I guess, I want her to know that I''m not mad. And I won''t throw her out... I''m willing to believe her, if she tells me everything. For real this time! Then I can figure out the rest..."


    "No, you are missing an important point." She noted, grabbing her briefcase. She was about to leave. "The first thing you should say is..."


    Her voice was always so strong and cold, yet I could barely hear her this time. Barely... but her message still got through. Not something I ever expected from her... But it was something sensible in it''s own way. She left the next moment, and I slowly walked up on the stairs. Dora''s room was left open, but she was inside. She threw herself on to the bed, throwing a tantrum as well.


    I had to make some noise so that she noticed me. I saw anger. And fear. All kinds of different emotions on her teary face... She was beautiful, even looking like this. I couldn''t help but walk up to her, hug her tight, and repeat the words Janice told me, from the bottom of my heart.


    "It doesn''t matter what happened! I will always love you!"

 Twenty One

    I was such a crybaby.


    But it felt good to cry for the first time. Being embraced! Told, that I''m loved... And held while I cried, felt better than almost anything! Well, maybe apart from kissing... But it wasn''t the right time for that.


    Once I calmed down, and ate my breakfast, it was almost late for lunch too. He went ahead to cook something delicous, while I was chilling in the pool. Nothing got solved, to be fair. But I was back to where I belonged! It was quite a shock to realise, all my recent images were gone! And quickly concluded, that he must have read all the messages as well. I had missed calls from Mom. Since a lot happened, felt like I should call her... I had no idea what to say though. Telling the truth seemed the only option at this point. Or I might have drown in my own web of lies...


    "What do you mean he figured it out? What do they know?" She asked. I explained that they got my phone, and read the messages while I ran away. Told her I refused the money they offered. I wouldn''t say she was angry, more like panicking... But she sure shouted a lot! "Do you know what you have done?! It was going so well! Why did you have to ruin it?! You ruined me! Refusing the money is one thing... They know every detail! All the previous ones too... Do you realise, that they can send me to jail? You gave them all the evidence against me!"


    "They won''t!" I said, although wasn''t really sure myself. She never asked me how I felt though. Or what happened to me? All my frustration and anger was welling up inside! After talking a few minutes, I was at the point of exploding. The call turned into a real shouting match. "Even if they do, you deserve it! You used me to make easy money! And never asked if I wanted it or not?! You say you did it for me... But whenever you had no use for me, you threw me off at your parent''s house! And never, ever asked how they treated me! You know nothing about me! Or how I was being gossipped about in school! Yeah, I don''t think they would put you in prison... Because you are too small of a fry! Not worth the effort! An absolute nobody! But you would really, really deserve it!"


    At this point, I could barely even register her answers. Just shouted all my frustration, I ever had at her. Already regretting most of it, by the time I said them, but it had to come out. I almost threw the phone into the water too... But a strong hand grabbed my arm, as it happened so many times by now! It was George! Jumping into the pool for me, fully dressed...


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    He hugged me, to calm me down. Held my hand, and kissed my neck.


    "You know what?! Whatever happens, happens! But I will no longer be your toy, or money making golden egg!" I said, trying to release it all. I pushed as hard into his embrace as I could. He knew everything already, and still remained. No, not only that! He came to embrace me! To calm me, and be with me... It was all I needed! But I didn''t expect her answer.


    "You had one job!" She claimed. "I never wanted you! I hoped, you could be at least a little useful... But I was wrong, and now I have to pay the price... Do whatever you want! I don''t care! I don''t have a daughter!"


    For a few seconds, I couldn''t even say anything. I was shocked! I wanted to vent on her... Didn''t even say half the things seriously... I did expect something in return, but... This went far beyond my expectations!


    I was crying and moaning and screaming! The only actual words that came out were ''I hate you''. I ended the call with that, and turned into George''s embrace. I cried for a long time... But he didn''t say a word. Kept holding me, caressing my hair, and kissing me all over!


    I was a mess, for sure. He gently pulled me out of the water some time later. He brought a towel, although in this summer heat I would be dry on the sun in a few minutes anyway... He sat me down at the table, food ready. He did all that while still in his wet clothes! I was famished, but refused to start without him. He just smiled... Reaching across to hold my hand, we ate together like a couple on a date! Except, whenever we were talking, I started crying. I had to explain the entire situation from the start, again. He told me where my pictures gone, and how he got my phone. We agreed that both of us should have been more honest from the start. That the food was delicious, and I regretted being full so soon.


    We didn''t do much for the rest of the day. It was already more than I could ask for. We laid on the couch. I was resting my head on his lap, or on his shoulders. Or we both laid down and just cuddled for hours...


    "You need to rest, so don''t worry about anyting!" He ordered. "And don''t worry about your Mom! You guys will figure it out..."


    I hoped he was right. It was nice of him, telling me that. While he had every reason to hate me... And more than enough to hate her as well! Yet, he said all will be okay... It was comforting. And I calmed down at long last! Taking deep breaths, hugging him tightly. I fall asleep way before the sun went down. He remained with me the entire time.


    Not like I would let him go anywere... I was squeezing him as tight as I could! Even in my sleep! Until both my arms went completely numb... I never had such a relaxing sleep. Never in my life before! It felt like this is where I belong: into his strong arms and tight embrace.

 Twenty Two

    It was the weekend!


    We''ve been together for an entire week by now. So many things happened! Would have been enough for a lifetime... Janice called early in the morning. Once I told her everything is fine, she spared us from coming over. It was her day off anyway. Dora and I stayed on the couch for long. I never let her go, and we woke up completely entangled.


    I made us breakfast, then took her for a ride. We started our lessons from square one. But I was glad to see, that she wasn''t afraid of the car! She got interested in dealing with all kinds of situations, and how to minimise damage after our accident. To have the best chance to survive. I was glad to share what I could, from my almost thirty years of experience. She was back on the road, speeding around like it''s nobody''s business! Then she insisted on showing off her guitar skills.


    Well, not that they existed! She barely had any time to practice, but she was enthusiastic... Swore that she will learn her favourite songs and play them for me in a few days. Not that either of us had any idea, what''ll happen in the near future... But we tried to be looking forward to it!


    I took her to a really fancy restaurant for lunch. As it turned out, she did have some fancy dress! She brought three suitcase worth of clothing after all, and everything looked amazing on her! I couldn''t resist, and took a photo together... Dressed up all nicely! Also promised, I would safeguard all our earlier pictures for her. Until things calmed down. We walked around in the city a bit, as if we were nobles on a date. Then went home, changed into our casual clothing and swimsuits, and ran into the waves together. It was a packed day! Rather idyllic, and we spent it all together! Not a single moment felt wasted. In the evening, we held a movie night.


    The villa had multiple TV sets in almost every room. But it had one huge projector as well! I didn''t it show off so far. It was an average action movie. Neither of us was really interested in it... But since we could spend the time together, close on the couch, we didn''t complain...


    "Do you have anything you played in?" She asked, once the movie ended. If we didn''t agree on being completely honest from now on, I''d probably say I did not... This way, I had to sit through one of my own movies... I wasn''t exactly starring, but had more than one lines in it... Cringing all the way through. She couldn''t hold back her laughter either!


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    "As I said, there was a good reason I quit!" I said in the end, and she gave me a kiss as a consolation price. Just on the cheeks of course! We still had an agreement, that we wouldn''t do anything until we got the test results back. But it was pointless to deny at this point, we both had feelings for each other. "Well, it''s time to sleep. I had a great time today!"


    "Me too!" She confessed, not letting my hand go. "Would it be okay, if I slept with you? I swear I won''t try anything! Just like yesterday..."


    I couldn''t really say no to that. Although she still had a trick up her sleeve, I didn''t expect. I took a quick shower, and came out in my boxers as usual. She went and used my bathroom as well, also returning in nothing, but her panties. I guess we agreed that being topless is allright...


    Since I already saw, and even had a picture of her like that... But getting into bed this way felt like torture! She was adamant! I didn''t really want to protest either... We finally climbed into bed, barely wearing anything... It was hard to fall asleep! Inhaling her sweet scent the whole time. I spooned her, caressing all that exposed skin... We kept talking, whispering about our plans and hopes and dreams.


    It felt so natural, it scared me! How could I go to bed or sleep without hugging someone for all those years? She could really get people hooked.


    I was hoping this idyllic moment would never end... But for the first time today, her phone started ringing. Her Mother was calling! She seemed a bit worried to pick it up... With a little push from me, she answered, and put it on speakers. There was a loud noise in the background. As if she was calling from a club. Her voice was odd too...


    "Hey Sweetheart, how was your day?" She shouted through all the noise. "I''m so sorry about yesterday! You know I wasn''t serious, right? Don''t worry about anything! We''ll sort it out! Although I hope you''ll convince him not to take revenge on me, or something... But I''m all right!"


    "Mom? Where are you?" Dora asked, looking a bit confused. "I''m sorry too! But are you drunk or something? I can barely hear you!"


    "Yeah, maybe a little tipsy, don''t worry!" Sue said, laughing. "We have a little party here... You know! I said I know a guy at that laboratory... Rushed them a little! So we are celebrating now... All fun and games!"


    "Celebrating what? What was the result?" She asked, suddenly sitting up on the bed. I also wanted to know! But we could barely hear anything.


    "Ah, I''ll show you tomorrow! I''m a bit busy right now..." The line cut out for a moment. Then we heard her shout again. "It''s not what you''d expect! But we''ll figure it out... I just wanted you to know! I''m not mad, and everything''s fine! I''ll go back to party, you have fun too!"


    "Okay, take care..." She said, then added after a pause. "Love you!"


    "I love you too, Sweetheart!"

 Twenty Three

    Now I was too excited to sleep.


    "What did she mean?" I asked George. As if he would know my Mother better! "She was celebrating... That means..."


    "Maybe she found something." He guessed, looking excited. "Which one would you prefer? Would you rather be my daughter, or...Um..."


    "I... I don''t know." I answered honestly. "I just want to be with you!"


    We couldn''t find out. Mom wouldn''t pick up, or answer my texts. Both of us were conflicted. I''d rather be his lover! But could settle as a daughter.


    He''d rather be my Daddy, though he couldn''t deny his feelings... But he couldn''t start a relationship with a sixteen year old. Right as his career was starting! We agreed, we''d stay in touch no matter what. That''s how we fell asleep. In each other''s arms. We had a restless night together... I had all kinds of weird dreams. Woke up in one side of the bed, hugging all the covers for myself... He was on the other side, laid out, uncovered.


    I crawled back to him. Sharing the bedsheets, and hugging him again. He slowly woke up, hugging me back. This was meant to be our last day here. Probably in general too... At least for some time! I rested my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He caressed my hair and sides.


    His phone rang. Janice checked in on us as usual. Since it was all well, she let us be after a few seconds. He was the first to leave the bed, and ordered me to stay. He brought my breakfast for me! It was so sweet, I couldn''t say no... We ate it together, and started planning our day. We didn''t get too far... My phone rang this time! It was an unknown number. I didn''t recognize the voice either.


    "We are calling you from the county police. We were dispatched to a party that annoyed the neighbours." They got my attention. "We found multiple people with suspected drug abuse and no identification. We managed to identify some of them. But one was nonresponsive, and taken to a hospital. The only paper we found on her was an opened letter with the results of a paternity test. One of the tested party seems to be you. I would kindly ask you to head over to the county hospital, as soon as possible! We need you to identify this person for us! We can send a car for you, if it helps... Just give us an address!"


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    I was suddenly awake! But I couldn''t comprehend, what they were talking about. I made them repeat it three times... Trying to puzzle the pieces together. I declined their ride, and hung up the phone. I looked at George, with tears already welling up. He was all dressed by that point. I rushed, to get my clothes too. It was a two hour drive from the villa. I tried calling my Mother''s phone over and over... No response!


    I still couldn''t believe she was in a hospital. Even as George pushed the pedal to the metal, ignoring every and all speed limits, it felt an ethernity until we got there. Normally, this could have been the most awesome ride we had together. But I was completely out of it... He held my hand almost the entire time. But I barely noticed. Just kept dialling the same number, trying to reach her... My messages were left unread. I felt tears rolling down my face... But no sound came out of my mouth.


    Once we arrieved, I rushed up to the entrance, and asked the reception where my Mom was. Of course they didn''t know. I was called there to identify her after all. But a young police officer noticed me. Quickly figuring out what it was all about, he pointed me to the right direction. I ran faster than George could follow. Couldn''t think about what would happen, if we''re seen together in a busy hospital... But he followed me regardless. That was probably the only thing giving me strenght.


    I went until I ran into another police officer. He was talking with a doctor at the moment. Once I told them who I was, they both went silent. I got pulled to the side... I was shaking at this point! If he didn''t grab my shoulder, I might fall to the ground. The doctor spoke softly.


    "We found her phone since. But we would still like it, if you could help us confirm her identity." He started. He told me the unthinkable. "She sadly passed away an hour ago. Drug overdose... Even though we tried to detox and revive her multiple times... There was nothing we could do to help her. I believe she was your Mother... My condolesces!"


    I couldn''t believe it. I just cried and cried. George tried to convince them, that I shouldn''t do the identification. Or at least let him come with me... But they wouldn''t let him. I wanted to do it alone anyway. There was no mistake. It was her! Covered with a white blanket, eyes closed... Her mouth in a smile as if she were but sleeping... I confirmed her identity to the officer. They gave me her personal belongings, what they found. I asked to be left alone for a few minutes. I didn''t tell them to let George in.


    I sorted through her stuff with my hands shaking. I found her phone with all my unanswered calls. Car keys, business cards, a lighter... But her wallet was missing. The most interesting item was a yellow envelope. Already opened, with a letter inside. I took it out, and could tell in a single glance what it was. I could barely see through my tears... But I tried to read it as fast as possible. I found the results between all the raw data.


    With ninety-nine percent accuracy, the subjects are parent and child.

 Twenty Four

    She looked like a ghost.


    She stopped crying, but was completely out of it. She spent around ten minutes inside. Once out, she collapsed into my arms. I was slowly walking her back outside. She was mumbling something the whole time.


    "I said so awful things to her... How can I ever forgive that... And now she''s dead..." She repeated it. "What will happen now? I don''t even know."


    "She forgave you!" I noted. "Remember that she called yesterday! She said she loves you! And you told her the same! I promised... Whatever happens, we stay together! Even if the unthinkable... I will take care of you... If you want me to... Or I can take you to your grandparents. I will do anything! Just say the word! And stop blaming yourself..."


    "I want to stay with you! I couldn''t face her parents..." She whispered, barely audible. "The police will call them... They never liked me..."


    "Okay, don''t worry. We will figure it out!" I promised. Once we were outside, I led her to the car. We sat there for a while. "I won''t leave your side. However long it takes! I know it will be rough... But we''ll get through this together. No matter how busy It''ll get! I''ll have time for you!"


    "Thank you..." She cried into my chest, hugging me tight. "You are the only one left... I wouldn''t even know where to go now..."


    I did not either, for that matter... We were in such a rush that all her stuff remained in the villa. Two hours away... I could have taken her to my house here... But I had to think about the paparazzi. Janice rented a room near the villa, so I could ask her to go over and grab some things before returning... Had to call her anyway, or she''d kill us both in short order. But there were so many things going on... I couldn''t think straight. And she wouldn''t let me go! I kept caressing her hair, as she pulled her knees to her chest. Something I haven''t seen her do since the first time we met.


    "She was a drug addict, since before I could remember..." She said after a while. "I knew it, but never tried to stop her. Like, it just seemed so natural. I hated it though. My grandparents also said, drugs are the devil, or some other nonsense... But I never would have thought It''d kill her."


    "Yeah, she was already doing them when I met her." I noted. "I was doing them too, at the time... It was hard to get rid that shit later... I can imagine how hard it was for her. Probably most of the things she pulled, was to protect her supply of drugs too."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "So you could say, her schemes killed her..." She came to the conclusion. "If she wasn''t that good at them... She couldn''t afford all the shit... And she''d be still alive! Maybe... Nothing makes sense anymore..."


    "We can''t turn back time... I wish we could..." I whispered.


    After a while, she started to empty her pockets. She put some random stuff on the dashboard. A lighter, a phone, car keys... I noticed something. Or rather, the lack of something. I didn''t want to rush her, but I had to know! In a way, that was the most important thing at the moment... It could set the direction of our future together. Caressing her face, I asked.


    "Did you find the test results?" She didn''t answer. Just slowly nodded. I had to ask again, after a while. "Where are they? Did you take them?"


    "I burned them to ashes..." She whispered, as if admitting a crime.


    "Why?" I asked surprised, but careful not to upset her.


    "I didn''t want anyone to see..." She explained. "It could ruin your career and whatnot... We have to be careful, I know..."


    "I mean... That''s the least of my worries right now... But thank you for thinking about me!" I said, embracing her tighter. "But... Do you know the results? Did you see it before lighting it on fire?"


    Again, no answer. Just a slow, barely noticable nod.


    I was really curious... But seeing how fragile she was, I couldn''t force it out of her. She was crying again already... She pulled away, turning to face me. It looked like she was making the hardest decision of her life. She took her time with it. Breathing heavily, she finally announced.


    "It... It was... Negative!" She ended up shouting. Crying loudly, and dropping back into our hug... She wouldn''t calm down. No matter how much I caressed or squeezed her. I started kissing her forhead instead. Her ears, cheeks, until she responded to those... With her own kisses! She cried out. "I''m so sorry... I wanted to stay with you forever!"


    "We will stay together! I promised you, no matter what!" I repeated, over and over, finally adding. "I would never lie to you. We will always be honest! And we will always work it out together! Okay? Promise me!"


    She was crying even louder now, becoming almost hysterical. Then, as if a flip was switched over, she looked into my eyes. Deeper than ever! She suddenly kissed my lips. Parting hers, probing with her sweet tongue. I let her inside... Her tongue twisted and twirled inside my mouth. Dancing with mine. There was no way to resist her. No reason to do so either! Our eyes closed, and the embrace tightened. I haven''t had a french kiss in a decade... Forgot how passionate, and insane they can be. Could barely believe it was her first... It lasted a few minutes, before she finally pulled back. She struggled for air... Looking deep into my eyes, she told me.


    "No more lies. Never again. I promise!"