What Have I Done

by Timelordderpy

Chapter 7

At the hospital in Chess's room,

Joe, Nancy, and Bob enter. Jenny is sitting in a chair next to Chess's bed with Sally on her lap. Chess is lying in her bed with an oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose. Bandages wrapped around her arms and wings. Joe can't help but feel guilty, but tries his best to hide it. Nancy is the first to act, she runs up to Chess and hugs her tightly

"Oh Chess I'm so happy you're alive."

Chess tries her best to return the hug while Sally hops up on the bed and hugs her sister too then Joe joins in and wraps his arms and wings around his family. A few seconds tick by and they separate then Joe speaks up

"Chess. Sweetie how do you feel?"

"I feel OK. Just a little tired is all. But I'm fine."

Chess's voice is a little bit low in volume since her lungs are still weak from all the smoke she inhaled. Nancy, Bob and Jenny notice the look in Joe's eyes. They know that Joe has something that he needs to tell Chess and he needs to tell her alone. Nancy puts a hand on Joe's shoulder giving him a soft a reassuring smile

"I believe you two need to have some time alone to talk."

She picks up Sally in her arms and walks out the door, Bob turns to them

"We'll be right outside in the hallway if you need anything."

Then turns back and closes the door behind him. Joe takes a seat in the chair next to his daughter and the two sit there for a moment in silence.

After a few moments Chess start to speak

"Dad...I...It was...Please, it was an accident, really!"

"Chess.."

"Please, I didn't want that. Please, forgive me..."

"Chess..."

"Dad, I'm so so sorry! I-I'm gonna make everyth-"

Joe puts his hand on Chess's cheek to stop her from going on, he looked her in the eyes then pulled her into his arms and wrapped his wings around her and held her there

"Chess...This isn't your fault. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for."

He pulls Chess out of the hug and looks her in the eyes

"I should be the one apologizing. Not just for leaving you alone and not taking you to that Wonderbolts show...But for not recognizing my real mistakes sooner...At first I always thought that I was doing everything right. That I was being a good father. We lived in a house that I built with my own hands. I made sure we had all we ever needed. Even though I always cared about my family...I did everything for you Chess. I...I wanted you to...to be just like me. I've put you under huge pressure because I thought you should be the perfect daughter. I know I always made it seem like you were always a disappoint for me..."

Joe closes his eyes as tears start running down his cheeks

"I-(Sniff!) I know you weren't the perfect daughter...Because...there is no such thing as a perfect daughter...(Sniff!)I-I'm sorry I never realized that sooner. And that I have been treating you so so horribly and I don't care how long it takes! I will do everything it takes to make everything right! I promise you that from this day on things are going to be different. I will be a better father! And I will never treat you the way I have done in the past. I-I-I'll get better I promise...Chess(Sniff!) I will get better."

"Daddy."

Chess lifts her hand up and wipes the tears from her father's eyes

"Please don't cry. It's OK we both made mistakes and we can fix them. Just like you said...we'll get better..the both of us..together. I love you daddy."

Chess scoots closer into her father's arms and snuggles up against his chest, listening to the beats of his heart sighing in content. Joe holds her close and wraps his wings around her. He kisses Chess on her head.

"I love you too Chess."

Comments

[Lazruth]

Okay, seriously. The description box is for describing your story, not for what is essentially an author's note. If you want people to read your work, give them something of an idea of what the story is about.

[Timelordderpy]

8400083
Fixed it!