His Secret Obsession
Chapter 59

(Carson)

After leaving that hell hole, I can't lie and say I don't feel a sense of relief. To be free of that burden where I am forced to live a life that wasn't my own. It was like a weight being lifted off of my shoulders.. Even though I essentially lost everything, I felt happy..I felt like it was a new beginning and this time I was going to do it my way.

Jackie offered for me to move in with her, but I just didn't want to rush things between us. I wanted to do this right and not add any unneeded stress to our relationship right now by bumming around her place without knowing what I am going to do yet. With Jack and Mr. L, I knew I could earn my keep by working around the garage and helping out. Plus, to be honest..I wanted to live with them. I wanted to surround myself with people I trust and care about.

Even as a young kid, I felt more comfortable staying at Em's house than my own. Whenever my dad was home, it was so damn stressful because it was like constantly having to walk around on eggshells. You never knew what would set him off or how he would react, so most times I would hang out in my room or play basketball. I never understood why my dad treated MacKenzie and I so differently..the pressure he put on me was a million times worse than anything he did with Mack. She was his little princess and I was the fuckup who could never do anything right, no matter how hard I tried. At least that's over now, and I refuse to ever be put in that position again.

We all drove back to our house, the worst part of all of this was essentially having to kick Asher out. I know he has his mom's place and more than enough money to rent an apartment but still, Asher didn't do anything wrong. The way he stood up for me and went after my dad, I was shocked. Asher always hated my dad, I could tell but he put on a good front and didn't show it. But today all of that changed in an instant and seeing someone actually stick up for me and do what I always wished I could..it just made me realize how lucky I am to have him in my life. Not only him, but Em, Jack, and Mr. L too.. I don't care what anyone says..but those people are my family. We might not be bonded by blood, but I would do anything for them and I know for a fact they would do the same for me. "Are you ready to call him?" Emery's gentle voice filled the air, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I glanced over at her, seeing Asher towering above Emery's head as his arms were wrapped around her waist protectively. I guess it's not a bad thing they are together because I truly believe Asher wants to protect and care for Em just as much as I do. I just hope he doesn't mess this up somehow.. He hit the damn jackpot with Em and I would like to believe that he is more than aware of that.

"Yeah, but if there is any hesitation, I don't want you to force them to do this Em, please.." I looked her in the eyes and watched as she frowned slightly. Maybe she thought I was stupid for believing they might not want me there..but it was a real fear and I had to prepare myself for rejection.

"Carson..just make the damn call." She quipped causing me to chuckle. I have never heard Em curse more than she has today and honestly, it was the weirdest shit ever. She is always so innocent and cutesy in that sweet little kid way. Well, maybe that's how I see her..my kind little Em who I always watched over and played with...My little sister..

I let out a deep breath, trying to calm myself down as I felt Jackie's warm hand sliding up and down my back in a comforting motion. Hey..at least she wasn't running for the hills yet after seeing how f****d up my family was.

I placed the phone to my ear, hearing it ring a few times before it was finally answered.

"Hey bud, everything okay?" Allen answered, making my heart squeeze from that nickname he had given me since a kid. Why couldn't Allen Lewis be my real dad?

"Uhh, yeah..well I mean no not really." I sputtered out, not even sure how to come out and say this.

"Carson what wrong? What happened?" He asked worriedly, making me close my eyes as I stood up and began pacing the room. Why was I so damn nervous?!

I tried to think of how to say this when Mr. L started speaking once more..much more calmer this time.

"Carson, whatever it is we can get through this together. Just tell me bud, I promise it will be okay." His deep voice was gentle and full of compassion..the words he spoke made my eyes tear up and I was trying everything not to fall apart completely like earlier. I just needed to get it out and see what he says..

"My dad, he um..he said we can't live in the house anymore. Because..well I told him I didn't want to go to law school." I muttered, looking down at my feet as the line went silent.

"About time you stood up to him, you have no idea how proud of you I am son. For you to follow your heart and do something for yourself for once. Good riddance then, you bring your stuff here and we will figure out the rest later. I can't believe that asshole.." Allen began to rant, I could hear the anger in his voice and the fact that he told me to move in without me even asking..I was shocked.. How could I ever doubt for one moment that they wouldn't want me..because they have been the ones making my life worth living. They make all of that shit with my dad feel insignificant because their love and support outweighs any of his negative crap and I can't wait to show him I can do this without him. Not only that..but I will do it with my true family.

"Are..are you sure?" I needed to ask, I wanted to give him one last time to back out.

"Of course! You've practically been living here the past few years anyway with how much you were coming over. You just bring the stuff you want and we have the storage shed for anything else. What about Asher though? He can take Emery's old room if he needs to, or will he go with his mom?" Mr L. asked curiously and I haven't even discussed it with Asher yet. He doesn't seem to be freaking out though..

"I will let him know about the offer but I'm thinking he will go to his mom's or get a new place." I said, glancing towards Asher who met my gaze briefly and gave me a smirk before placing a kiss to Emery's neck. Which almost made me gag by the way..still getting used to that shit..

"Okay, well we will start getting things ready. I will let Jack know..I'm sure he will be more than thrilled..plus now I will have someone else to buffer me from his constant jabbering.." He mumbled, causing me to laugh as I felt relief wash over me.

"Thanks Mr. L..I just..I mean.." I began, unable to form the words that I was feeling deep in my heart..words that I wanted to say so damn bad but was afraid to put my full self out there.

"Of course bud..We love you and no matter what we are here for ya." My eyes widened from hearing him say it..my own dad never even muttered those damn words to me once, so for Allen to say that without any hesitation brought up emotions I never even knew I had.

"I love you guys too." I confessed, feeling more vulnerable than I ever have in my damn life.

"Well it's all set then. I want you to stay however long you need to, considering this has always been your home too anyways." and with that we said our goodbyes and hung up.

I glanced at Em who was beaming. She looked so happy and relieved that I couldn't help but mimic her smile and let out a sigh.

"I told you it will be fine. My dad loves you and he is probably jumping for joy right now honestly." She laughed softly before coming up to give me a hug, which I noticed Asher frowning about. Damn he had it bad..real bad.

"What are you going to do dude?" I asked, meeting his hard gaze as he shrugged before reaching out for Emery and pulling her towards the hallway now.

"I have a few ideas. Don't worry man, I got it covered." He said suspiciously before glancing at Em and smirking. Oh god..I didn't even want to know right now. Ignorance is bliss...

Before I could turn around I felt two small arms warp around my waist as I looked down and saw my girlfriends beautiful face.

"I'm so proud of you honey." She smiled up at me and I couldn't help but return it.

"Thanks pumpkin..and thanks for sticking with me through this..I know it's probably more than you bargained for." I said sheepishly before rubbing the back of my neck and looking away. I was afraid she would get scared and run off..but nope..I was pretty damn lucky with this one.

"You're worth it..plus you give the best foot rubs ever..I don't think I could give that up just yet." She teased, making me narrow my eyes at her.

"Oh really..that's what made you stick around huh?!" I asked, pinching her sides playfully as she jerked and twisted in my arms, making me laugh.

"Okay, okay! it's your gorgeous ass too..that's the real reason." She added before spanking my butt and making my eyes widen.

"You little minx!" I hollered, picking her up and throwing her over my shoulder before giving her own a*s a little pat.

I can't lie..today turned out to be a pretty good day despite everything..because now I know there are people who love me..truly and unconditionally..like a real family should.