Chapter 13: Honest

"It's been a while since I last saw him," Lyra said, still spacing out until they reached home. Derrick sat beside her in bed, watching her closely.

"I can't believe how he still acts like that. He's been trying to use me to benefit himself, but he does it so blatantly. He can't even pretend to like me or respect my existence for a second. All he wanted was a pet that he could order."

"You've begun to fight back now, Lyra. It's going to get better. You did your best to not let him have it his way, and I am here to help you continue doing just that. Don't worry about it too much, okay?"

Lyra nodded with a pout on her face.

"It just disgusts me," Lyra sighed. "I thought he was going to change a bit at least." But I guess I was wrong. That's just too sad, though. I wish I could forgive my father, but he's not doing anything for me to at least try that."

"Don't force yourself to forgive and forget." It's not the only option."

"He's my father. Even though he never took me under his wing, h