Blindsided

BLINDSIDED

by

L. M. TATE

Contents

Title page

Acknowledgement

Copyright

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Acknowledgement

Thank you to my husband for always believing in me and for being with me on this journey.

Copyright © 2019 L.M. Tate

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.

Chapter 1

Tears streamed down Kat’s face as I cuddled her tight. This was too much for an eight-year-old to have to go through. Kat pressed into me like I could absorb her pain and I wished I could make it all go away but I had no clue what I was doing. To say I was out of my depth was an understatement. Her older sister, Amy, tried to comfort Kat as she batted away her own tears. At just twelve Amy had been the mother figure in this family for too long. Now that responsibility was mine. Their brother Luke stared ahead sadly as their father’s coffin slowly disappeared behind a veil of red curtains. Art Garfunkel’s Bright Eyes drowned out the muffled sound of crying. Their headstrong eldest brother, Daniel, looked across to me in disappointment, knowing I’d fail. He was seventeen and his father’s death had left him as head of the household until I turned up three days ago, the aunt they never even knew existed.

Their father, Josh Walker, had been my older half-brother. We’d never met, seeing as I was the result of an affair his father had with my mother. Unknown to my mother the charming man who’d swept her off her feet during his business trip already had a wife and was not interested in having a daughter. Even when Josh’s parents had passed away, he’d never tried to contact me. It was a shock when his lawyer contacted to tell me I was named in his will, which meant I was the recipient of a debt amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds and guardian of his four children. Me of all people. I was his only other living relative so he must’ve been desperate. I’d never even wanted children, could never hold down a stable relationship and was so busy as a magazine journalist, I sometimes forgot to even eat, which was not good criteria for being equipped to take care of four other human beings.

At the end of the service I stood next to the vicar at the exit, alongside my nieces and nephews to thank everyone for coming. There was no family but lots of friends. A tall, broad man came over followed by two boys, who were almost as tall as he was and two younger girls. The man was built like a wrestler, with long dark hair tied back in one of those man buns and naturally tanned skin that made his hazel eyes iridescent. His black suit barely contained his muscular frame. Charging straight over to Daniel, the man hugged him fiercely.

How are you doing son? he asked. His voice was deep and his accent sounded similar to Australian.

Daniel looked at me with that disappointed look then sighed. I’m fine. We’ll be fine Coach. Daniel must’ve played a sport if he had a coach. There was so much I didn’t know about these kids.

The coach looked at me disapprovingly, which was confusing and a little hurtful. He nodded to Daniel reassuringly and squeezed his shoulder. If you need anything at all. You know where we are. Anything, anytime. Promise me.

I promise Coach. Thanks. Daniel was trying hard to hold back his tears.

The eldest boy, who was coach’s doppelgänger, hugged Daniel like a brother. In fact, all coach’s children acted more like family than friends.

So, you’re the sister? the Coach asked with distain as he stood in front of me with arms folded. The way he assessed me let me know I didn’t meet his standards. I tucked my blonde hair behind my ear and pulled at the sleeves on my dress, feeling inadequate. As annoyed as that made me feel, my mother brought me up to be polite. He’d evidently lost a good friend, so he was bound to be upset.

Yes, I’m Josh’s sister. Nice to meet you, I’m Hannah. I smiled as kindly as I could and offered my hand. He didn’t take it and I could feel my face flame.

Do you really think you’re up for this? His question was like an arrow and it hit exactly as intended because in no way did I feel up to this. He narrowed his eyes. Bringing up four kids is not easy, I should know. Do you have any idea what you’re taking on? Do you even know anything about these kids?

I was stunned silent at his directness and I could feel my face redden further. His words shredded my confidence even further. It must have shown on my face as he said, That’s exactly what I thought. He walked away shaking his head and I knew he was right; I had no clue what I was doing. Josh had never wanted to know me but I still felt sad for the loss his children had suffered. Now all they had was me, an inadequate replacement. I was ready to cry. At that point I just wanted to go home, curl up in my bed and pretend I did not have four human beings now relying on me.

Chapter 2

The house had to be repossessed and there was nothing I could do about it. It had been three days since the funeral and I’d been staying with the children in their family home. Josh’s debt was so huge that the only way to clear it was to repossess the house. I tried to explain the situation as sensitively as possible to the kids but it didn’t go down well. Not mentioning their father’s huge debts left them with the assumption that I was somehow to blame.

You’ve been here days and already you’ve lost our house? Daniel roared.

I understand you’re upset Daniel but I tried everything I could. Believe me, I did. There is no other way. I’m so sorry. I felt guilty that there was nothing more I could do to save their home. To lose their home on top of what they had already gone through was devastating.

I took a deep breath to mask my nervousness and pretended I was in control. We have a month to look for somewhere else to live. You will all be involved in looking with me, so we can pick something we are all happy with. I already have some ideas of places to look at. I know this is not ideal but it will be an adventure for us all.

Daniel pushed his chair back and stormed out of the room.

Amy stood up next. I wish you’d never come here, she shouted before storming after her brother. They hated me and I felt crushed. Kat patted my hand and tried to comfort me but looked up at me with wide eyes that looked worried. I smiled down at her and gave her a little hug to reassure her.

Luke stared down at the table in silence and then looked up at me seriously. Let me know when you’re going to look. I want to come. He got up and walked away from the table solemnly with the weight of the world on his fifteen-year-old shoulders. These were grown up problems and I wished I could shield them from this worry. I needed to call my mother. It was all falling apart and I had no idea what to do.

They hate me mum, I said to her on the phone when everyone had gone to bed. I paced outside in the huge beautiful landscaped back garden, so there was no risk of anyone hearing me.

They don’t hate you love. It’s just that they don’t know you. They’ve been through a lot and now losing their home on top of all that is going to be difficult for them.

I know mum but they think it’s my fault. I couldn’t tell them about Josh’s debt so they think in the three days I’ve been here that I’ve lost their house.

It’s hard sweetie but I think you’re right not to tell them about Josh. They need to hold on to their good memories of their father right now. Maybe when they’re older they’ll understand but right now as harsh as it is, you’re their guardian and when you’re a parent your feelings don’t count so much anymore. It’s all about them honey.

I thought about what she said for a moment and realised that’s the sacrifice she made for me. She never told me that my dad had rejected me as a child. I figured it out later in life. There was so much she protected me from and she’d always put me first.

Being a parent is hard work mum and I’ve only been doing it three days. I don’t know how you did it.

Well I had a wonderful daughter.

I’m selfish mum. I like my time to myself and I don’t like answering to others. There are people around here that want to see me fail. You should’ve seen the way Daniel’s coach looked at me the other day, like I was about to ruin these kids’ lives. You know what, he might even be right. What do I know about kids? I was working myself into a panic and could feel my anxiety rising. Taking deep breath, I tried to calm myself down.

Why did you take this on Hannah?

You talked me into it, I answered.

She laughed at that and said, Honey, I’ve never been able to talk you into anything in your life. This was not my decision. Think about it.

I was worried about where they’d end up. I don’t want to see them split up mum. I know they don’t all like me but when I see how good they are together, how close they are, it’s amazing. Although I never really got to meet Josh and he landed me with some major issues here with this debt, he must’ve done something right to have such good kids. Well, when they’re not hating me that is.

Without even seeing it, I could tell my mother was smiling. You love them, she stated. I know you’ve only just met them but you love them Hannah. I’ve never heard you talk so passionately about anything. That is what will get you through this. You’ll be fine.

I could barely sleep that night worrying about finding somewhere to live. I’d taken a couple of weeks off from work, so I could dedicate all my time to finding somewhere to rent. As promised, I took Luke to view the first house and Kat came along too. Daniel and Amy were still not talking to me. The house was nothing like their current five-bedroom home. With only three small bedrooms, they would have had to share. It was also pretty run down and would need a lot of work. As we looked around the property, Luke looked at me in dismay, like I was ruining their lives. Unfortunately, there were few options in the town for renting, so we were hardly spoilt for choice but it was not big enough anyway. It was only just affordable on my salary, so I dreaded to think how much a bigger place would be.

So what do you think? the property agent asked.

It’s a bit small for our family. Do you have anything bigger? I asked hopefully.

Not in this town I’m afraid. The other properties we have are all two-bedroom apartments. More for young couples than families. I imagine you’ll have a difficult time finding something bigger than this to rent.

Luke told me he hated it and I promised I’d find something better. The rest of the week, I viewed a couple of houses myself while the kids were at school but the pickings were slim. In the middle of the week I insisted that Daniel and Amy join us for dinner. They’d had enough time to stew and we all needed to talk.

Did you find anywhere yet? Luke asked, looking worried.

Not yet. The ones today were smaller than the one we looked at. I have a few more viewings this week. The table went silent and Daniel glared at me.

Coach would let me live with him if I asked, Daniel announced. His son Tane is my best mate, like a brother really and I’m always around there anyway.

I was shocked that he could think of leaving and Kat started to sniffle beside me. Luke looked like he’d been kicked in the stomach but Amy didn’t look surprised at all, like she knew Daniel was going to suggest it.

No Daniel. We’re not splitting up the family, I said, patting Kat’s hand in reassurance.

You’re not our family, said Daniel. His words stung but I tried to ignore it. His house is huge. He’s building an extension so there’ll be plenty of room.

I said no Daniel. I just need a little time. We’ll find somewhere even if it means moving a little further out of town.

I don’t want to move out of town, Amy said, looking panicked. I bet Coach would let me move in too. I’m friends with his daughter Maia, so I bet he’d let me stay.

My knife and fork slammed down more forcefully than I intended and everyone stared at me in silence. It was the first time I’d let my temper show. I’d held back because I knew they were grieving but I wouldn’t let them split up this family.

There’ll be no more talk of moving in with Coach. I don’t want to hear another word about splitting this family up. I am your legal guardian, whether you like it or not.

Dad never even liked you, said Daniel. We don’t like you and we don’t want to live with you. What’s the point in us all pretending? I knew it would take time for them to get to know me but I was stunned at him saying they didn’t like me. It was painful to hear.

My dad hated you but had no choice but to leave us with you. Coach told Tane all about it. He would have left us with Coach if it wasn’t for the fact that he already has four kids, announced Daniel.

Well I think Coach needs to mind his own business, I shot back angrily.

You don’t know him and you don’t know any of us, Daniel shouted and stood up before storming out. As predicted, Amy was hot on his heels and Luke also followed this time.

Kat looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said, They won’t really leave us, will they?

No, they won’t because I won’t let them. I was resolute about keeping this family together. Daniel and Amy didn’t know yet how stubborn I could be. A pain in the backside Coach was not making things any easier for me and it was time I paid him a visit.

Chapter 3

It wasn’t difficult to find Coach. He was like a saint around town so everyone knew where he lived. Seething from what Daniel had told me the day before and with the added stress of having looked around three grotty properties that day, I was ready for a showdown. The children were at after-school clubs so I wanted to catch him without them being there.

His property was surrounded by a huge stone wall, trees and tall iron gates. I was surprised there was no electronic device but then this was a sleepy town. Where I came from it would’ve needed electronic gates, surveillance cameras, alarm systems and a guard dog.

I walked up the long gravel pathway, past the perfectly landscaped gardens to the large two-storey double fronted stone building. Rallying all my courage, I pressed the doorbell. There was no answer but I could hear machinery at the back. Determined to speak to him before I lost my nerve, I made my way to the back.

It looked like a large extension was being built on to the rear of the house. There were three workmen in hard hats working next to a tractor. Closer to the house was an older man in a contractor’s vest and hard hat. I could only see the broad back of the other man who was wearing a hard hat, jeans, a checked shirt and work boots but there was no doubt that giant form was Coach. His deep laugh at something the contractor said annoyed me. He was having a fine time while he was ruining my life.

I walked up to the men and the contractor raised his eyebrows when he spotted me. I imagined my face did not look happy. Coach didn’t turn around immediately and it took him a second to realise someone was behind him. When he turned and faced me his smile disappeared.

Oh. It’s you, he grunted in that accent that I still couldn’t quite place. He didn’t look happy to see me but I didn’t really want to be here either. Do you make a habit of trespassing on people’s property?

Only when they don’t bother to answer the door, I bit back, hands on my hips. I wouldn’t let him intimidate me, especially in front of these workmen, who all stopped what they were doing and seemed to be enjoying the show.

So to what do I owe this pleasure? he asked sarcastically.

Mika, I’ll just go and check on the men, the contractor said, looking between us in confusion.

Thanks Frank, Coach answered respectfully and shook his hand before turning back to me. Well? What do you want? he barked.

Mika? Is that your name? I asked.

Most people call me Coach but I don’t really care what you call me.

Well, Mika, I’m here to ask you to stop spouting your mouth off about me to your kids. It’s affecting my family.

Your family? You’ve only known them two weeks. I’ve known them their whole lives.

Either way, they’re still my family and I’m asking you to stop telling your children things about Josh and me.

So what is it I’m supposed to have said exactly?

That Josh hated me.

He did hate you. That affirmation stung but I shook it off.

You don't know that.

Yes, I do. We were best friends. He told me how much he hated you and your mother.

And did he explain why exactly?

I didn’t need to know. He was my best friend. If he hated you, he had a good reason.

I would not lower myself to tell this narrow-minded buffoon how Josh’s father had treated my mother. He was not worth it.

That’s none of your business, so I’d appreciate it if you’d stop spreading your venom about me to your children.

Venom? The only venom here is you doll. I heard you’ve already lost their house. Have you spent your inheritance already? He was angry and I was now understanding that he thought I was some sort of gold digger. My fists clenched around the strap of my handbag which I was dying to smack him with.

No, I did not. The only inheritance I got from Josh was hundreds of pounds worth of debt, I shouted.

That is bull. You’re lying, he