Blame me

They walked back inside to find it was time for the birthday gifts.

"I hope he did show you the terrace this time" Nathan's father muttered to Alex.

"It's beautiful" she answered.

"Am sorry about what happened?" he said.

"I should be doing that instead, Dad. It was my fault I let their words get to me" she said.

"What they said was horrible they deserved what they got. Am glad you took care of it" he bent closer to her, "I like a lady who knows how to defend herself"

She laughed, "I will take that as a compliment"

"It is, my son, can protect you but he won't be there every time, so if you can throw one or two slaps at your enemy it's more than enough" he chuckled.

Nathan pulled Alex away, "Dad stop telling my girlfriend to fight. I can protect her always"

"Then where were you earlier and it's good she can do that. It will show your enemies that even your girlfriend isn't to be messed with" his father said.

"Alex don't little to that old man, he just loves violence," he said, "but I also don't mind you losing your temper like that, I kind of loved it"

Alex pulled away from the two gigglings.

"Excuse me father, let me go say goodbye to my family," she said noticing them leave.

.....

"Why are you guys leaving now, the birthday party isn't over yet," she said.

Her father sighed, "After what happened we can't stay longer. Your mother ashamed us in front of all these important people"

She held his hand, "Am sorry father, it's my fault I should not have reacted"

Her father smiled, "I don't even know how you were able to keep your silence all this time, but am glad you finally stood up to her".

Alex chuckled, "I was afraid you would blame me".

"Why would we, mom has been mean to you for so long. And we tried stopping her but she never listened. So this time with you standing up for yourself, I think she won't bother you again" Cynthia said.

"So don't worry about what happened, she deserved it," her father said.

She hugged them, "I will see you both later at home"

"I don't think that will be possible, Alex" Nathan's voice said.

She turned to see him walk up to her, he smiled at her father.

"Thank you for not blaming my girlfriend for your wife's mistake. And Dad and I hope she won't ever appear in front of us again" he said.

"But..." Alex said.

Her father stopped her, "It's alright dear, he right".

"But why isn't my sister coming with us?" Cynthia asked.

"Dad wants her to stay over, we have things to show and do with her," he said, "will that be okay Mr White" Nathan's gaze turned to her father

.

"Of course, she can stay as long as you let her" he turned to his daughter, "behaviour well dear".

"I will Dad" she smiled.

"Okay, thank you, Mr White. Have a good night" Nathan said.

"Tell your father we left early," he said holding his daughter's hand they walked out.