I hated Steve from the first day I met him. I remember it clearly, even though I was only seven years old at the time. My mom had just divorced my dad and I felt so alone. I felt that she had dumped daddy to be with Steve. I had always felt that way.

Growing up my anger towards Steve grew stronger. I knew the only thing I was upset about was my parents splitting up. Even though Steve was the best father a girl could ask for, I always held that grudge against him.

My mother and I would always get into huge arguments because of Steve. As I became a teenager, things got worse. To my surprise, Steve always stuck around no matter what. My mother couldn't have any more children, and Steve still stuck around. I figured he would have left, but that showed he really cared about my mother and I. When I was 13, he decided to adopt me and claim me as his real daughter. I too was shocked about that. Being the brat that I was and saying so many hateful things to him, he still wanted to adopt me.

"Why does he have to adopt me? I don't want his last name! He's not my father!" I screamed out the day after reading the adoption papers.

My mother looked at me sternly. "Young lady you better be quiet right now! Steve has been very good to you and me both. Now I don't want to hear you complain about him anymore!"

My eyes swelled with tears. "But mom! How could you take his side?"

"Because he takes care of us. He's never hit me, hit you, or been mean to either of us. I wish you would give him a chance Lindsay. He's more of a father than your biological father would ever be."

"That's not true! You never even gave daddy a chance to be my father. You just pushed him away and messed around with Steve! Besides he's like ten years younger than you!"

My mother sighed. "Lindsay that's enough. Steve's only six years younger and that has nothing to do with this conversation. I left your father because he used to beat me. You were too young to remember. Now that's the end of our conversation!"

"When I turn 18, I'm going to live with my real daddy. Steve is just a replacement! I hate him!"

SLAP!

I felt my cheek burn as my mother slapped my face. I held my hand against my face and cried more. I didn't say anything and my mother looked shocked and seemed as if she wanted to apologize but I just ran to my room.

That day I cried so much thinking my mom didn't love me and that Steve was stealing her away from me and he was the one to have destroyed our family. I didn't understand why my mother wouldn't understand that.

When I was 15 that's when everything changed. My mother had been on her way to pick me up from school. It was cold, rainy and very wet outside. I waited for over an hour and there was no sign of my mom. I was about to go walking home, but that's when I saw Steve's car pull up.

"Lindsay, get in. You're mother... she's been in a car accident."

I frowned. "What? What are you talking about?"

"Please get in. It's cold and we need to get to the hospital."

I didn't argue and got in. We drove in silence and I felt my heart racing hoping my mother was ok.

Once we got to the hospital, we rushed up to see my mother. The doctor was waiting outside and his face looked so sad. Steve held on to my hand as we walked.

"Mr. Sayers?" The doctor asked.

"Yes! That's me. Is she ok? Is Pam ok?"

The doctor took a deep breath. "I'm afraid we lost Pam. She lost so much blood."

My hand trembled and Steve gasped. "No! Please no!"

"I'm very sorry," the doctor said.

"I didn't move. I couldn't. I was numb holding on to Steve's hand. He looked at me with his blue eyes full of tears. "I'm sorry Lindsay. I'm so sorry."

It took a while until finally I felt tears running down my face. I was in shock and couldn't say anything. Steve put his arms around me and I was still stiff with my eyes dazed. It felt like a nightmare and I hoped to wake up and see my mother still there with me, but it was no nightmare. It was so real! My mother! She'd died.

After a long moment of numbness, I pulled away from Steve and he looked at me with sad eyes. His eyes were red from crying and I just looked at him with shock. "My mother! She's gone! Noooo!" I finally shouted.

Steve grabbed me and held me in his arms again. For the first time in my life I hugged him back. We both cried together for a long time.

After my mother's death, I went through a big depression. I lost a lot of weight because I wouldn't eat. Most of my afternoons were spent in my room listening to music or drawing. Steve worked afternoons since he was a restaurant manager so I had the house to myself until about ten at night.

Steve and I didn't talk much. I still felt resentful for him being in my life. I was still convinced in my warped mind that he had been the one to destroy me and my moms relationship. The whole time I thought about my dad. My mother had never talked much about him. She just kept telling me I was too young to remember what a jerk he was. I guess I had been too young. I was only three when they ended their marriage. Ever since then, I had never seen my father. I kept thinking my mother kept me away from him.

At school, I had become a social outcast. I had lost many friendships because of how withdrawn I had become and didn't care. I had so much hate in me, I could scream! Being with boys had never occurred to me either. I wasn't your typical high school girl that crushed on the cute boys. Instead I just concerted on school work and drawing.

One night, on his day off, Steve had come up to my room, which had hadn't done in months. I was busy drawing and he gently tapped at my door. I looked over at the door and didn't respond. I was hoping he'd get the idea that I wanted to be alone. Instead, he opened the door. "I should have locked the door," I said to myself.

"Lindsay?"

I looked up from my sketching. "Yeah?"

"I was going to go into town to buy some groceries and was wondering you'd like to come along. Maybe you can pick out some snacks that you like?"

"No thank you," I replied dryly and continued sketching.

I felt him standing at the door for a while. "Um ok. But if there is something bothering you, please let me know. I am your... father and I'd like to help."

I looked up and narrowed my eyes at him. "No Steve, you're not my father, you're my step father."

His eyes grew sad. "Ok then, I'm your step father. I'm really the only family you have left."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "No you're not! I still have my real father, or have you forgotten?"

He sighed and nodded. "Very well then. I'll be back later."

With that, he closed the door and left. I went back to my sketching but felt hot tears running down my face. Was it always going to be like this?

At school, things weren't any easier. Being depressed made me lose a lot of my friends. I ate lunch alone and walked from school to home alone as well. I figured it would be like this for the rest of my days in high school.

It wasn't until my senior year, that I met Delilah. She was in my art class, not because she liked it, but because she needed to take an elective. She was wild, one could tell just by looking at her.

Her long hair was dyed black and her eyes were covered with heavy makeup and her lips bright red. She was tall, skinny and dressed provocatively. I began to feel comfortable around her for some odd reason, maybe it's because she was an outcast too.

"So listen, we are going riding around tonight, you think you can come?" She asked one day after school.

"Oh I don't know, my step dad sorta wants me home tonight."

She laughed. "Your step dad? Didn't you say you couldn't stand him?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, but-"

"Come on Lindsay, you have to go! There'll be some hot guys!"

"I'm not interested in boys Delilah."

She looked at me with a puzzled face. "You gay or what?"

I laughed. "No, it's just that I'm not very happy right now in my life to be meeting boys."

She eyed me for a moment. "Look, you are already 18. You're not a kid you know."

"I guess I can go."

"Alright then, come on!"

I didn't bother to call or come home that day. Instead, I left with Delilah we went to her house and she let me borrow some of her clothes. I wore a short black skirt and a dark purple low cut top that showed my belly as well.

"You need to get a naval ring. Guys love that shit," Delilah said to me.

"I've wanted one for a long time."

"I know this guys who can do it for you. He'll only charge you twenty bucks."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah we can go Monday after school if you want."

"Sure!"

"Now hurry up we got to go pick up the rest of my friends."

That night we went over to one of Delilah's friends house. Her name was Kara and she was just as wild as Delilah. She let us in her apartment that she lived in. She was 19 years old and lived with a 24-year-old guy. We sat around for a few minutes waiting for Kara to get ready and then took off in her car. We headed off down by the beach where a group of people waited for us.

"See that guy over there?" Delilah asked pointing towards a tall dark haired guy.

"Yeah?"

"He's the one I want to introduce you to."

I gulped. He was gorgeous but looked dangerous. His hair was jet-black and he wore a lip ring and dark eyeliner under his eyes. Delilah and I hung out until this one guy with long hair came and lured her away.

I stood there crossing my arms and hoping someone would talk to me. I looked around and realized there was plenty of pot smoking going on. The guy Delilah had mentioned stared at me and I kept trying to look away.

"Hi," I heard the male voice say.

I turned around almost jumping up. He laughed. "H-hi," I stammered.

"What's your name?"

"Lindsay."

"Hi. I'm Chris. So you're friends with Delilah?" He asked holding a joint.

"Yes." My eyes focused on the joint.

"Would you like some?" He asked offering it to me.

"Uh... s-sure."

I took a puff and immediately choked. He eyed me curiously. "You've never smoked pot?"

"Y-yes I have. But a long time ago," I lied.

I could see by the look of his eyes that he didn't believe me. "You want to go for a quick walk?"

"Sure."

We began to walk and he handed the joint to another guy that was nearby. He was silent as so was I. The night was cool and I couldn't keep my hair from flying everywhere.

"Here let's sit her by the dock," he said.

We sat there in silence once again. I figured he and I had nothing in common. I couldn't believe I was here instead of being at home. I knew Steve would be worried but then again I really didn't care.

"So you are a good girl huh?"

"W-what?" I asked suddenly coming back to reality.

"I asked if you are a good girl."

"Not really."

"Yeah right. I can tell you are. Are you a virgin Lindsay?"

I was shocked. Never in my life had a guy I just met only minutes ago had ever asked me something so personal. "Excuse me?"

"I asked if you're still a virgin."

"That's personal," I snapped.

He laughed. "Yeah you're a good girl. A bad girl wouldn't take offense to that question."

I was starting to feel more uncomfortable but I only wanted to fit in. I hadn't talked to a guy in such a long time and now this guy was actually paying attention to me. It felt pretty good.

Chris scooted next to me and I felt him put his arm around me. I didn't move and just let him continue his game. He leaned down and cupped my face making me look at him. His lips met with mine instantly and I pursed my lips at first but then let him slip his tongue in my mouth.

We kissed and then he pulled away and put his hands under my top pinching my nipples. It felt good to a point but then again everything felt so empty. I didn't love this guy, hell I didn't even know him! I knew getting intimate with someone had to have feelings involved and I knew this was not right but I continued to let him fondle me.

His lips trailed down my neck. He began tugging at my top for me to peel it off. I didn't know what to do so I just let him take my top off. Soon enough his mouth was on my nipples licking and sucking on them. I got a tingly feeling between my legs, but it was more of a lustful feeling than a loving one.

By the time I knew it, Chris had my skirt up to my waist and my panties were off. He got between my legs and shoved a finger inside of me hard.

"Owww!" I whimpered in pain.

"Shhh, it's going to feel good in a bit," he rasped. His finger began to violate my virgin hole. The pain was slowly going away but still hurt some. Chris took his finger out and licked it. I watched him taste my juices. He smiled wickedly. "Hmmm you taste really good. I know you're a virgin."

I didn't say anything and let him continue. I knew he was going to fuck me. I should have cared, but I didn't. His cock entered me and I screamed out loud. Chris put his hand over my mouth as he began to fuck me, taking my virginity away.

I had heard sex could be over in 5 minutes but I never believed it, until that night. Chris began moaning and I could feel him twitching inside of me. He didn't wear a condom, but luckily I was on the pill. At that moment though, I knew I didn't want this strange guy's cum inside of me.

"Pull it out!" I urged him. "I'm not on the pill."

Chris groaned in agony and pulled his cock out shooting his cum all over my belly. I felt the warm liquid hitting my skin and I grossed out. I wanted to leave at that moment. Chris finished and zipped his pants back up.

"Hmm damn you were so fuckin' tight. I haven't been with a virgin in a long time."

His hands stroked my hair. I grabbed a tissue from my purse and wiped his cum off me. He laughed. "Oops sorry about that, but I though you were on the pill?"

"Well... I'm not," I lied.

I put my top and panties back on. After fixing my skirt Chris and I headed back with the rest of the group. He went on to talk to other girls but I didn't care. I finally had experienced sex, which was something I had always wanted. Even though it hadn't been what I though it would have been, at least I had gotten sex over with.

Later that night, Delilah drove me back home. She told me about the guys she had talked to that night. I listened but my mind was somewhere else.

"So I heard Chris got in your pants huh?"

I nodded.

"Well? How was he? I hear he's really good."

I shrugged. "He was OK."

"Just OK? Give me more information Lindsay!"

"It wasn't what I thought it would be."

Delilah laughed. "Of course not. You're first time always sucks. I know mine did."

I turned to her. "But shouldn't it have been a little more satisfying? I mean I didn't really feel satisfied."

"Of course you didn't. It's because you're not used to sex. Once you get used to it, you'll feel the satisfaction."

My eyes turned to look at the dark road. I didn't say anything else.

Once Delilah dropped me off, my heart sank. Steve's car was in the driveway. I had thought he'd be at work. I walked into the house slowly, hoping he'd be asleep. Instead, he was waiting up for me. He sat on the living room couch narrowing his blue eyes at me.

"And where have you been?"

"Out," I said ignoring him, walking past him.

"Lindsay, come back here. I'm not done talking to you."

I stopped and turned around slowly. Placing my hands on my waist I waited for him to give him is usual lectures. He stood up and walked towards me. I stared up at him, without any fear. He was very tall, but still I wasn't afraid of him.

"Who do you think you are staying out so late without even calling to tell me where you're at?"

I scoffed. "Uh hello? Have you forgotten that I'm 18 years old and I am an adult?"

He frowned. "I know you are but have you forgotten that you are living under my roof so that means you follow my rules?"

I felt my anger rising. "Just leave me alone! Like I say now and I've always said you are not my father! I do as I please!"

He nodded. "Oh but I am your father. Or have you forgotten that I adopted you?"

"Steve, I will never look at you as my father! I have a real father and you know what? I'm leaving tonight and I'm going to go look for him. He'll take me in."

Steve kept a stern face. "We'll see about that Lindsay. Go on. Go look for him."

"I will!" I screamed and stormed off to my room to get my things.

I quickly packed some clothes into my school backpack and ran out the house. Once I walked a few blocks, I came upon a gas station and used the payphone to call Delilah on her cellular phone. Luckily she said she would give me a ride to my father's house.

My father lived two hours away. I knew his address because my mom had it in her phone book. She said she had tried to contact him several times but he never replied. I always thought that was a bunch of bullshit.

The sun was rising by the time we got to where my father lived. He lived in a small house out in the middle of nowhere practically. I got off the car and Delilah waited for me. I asked her to wait until I gave her the signal for her to go ahead and leave.

As I walked to the house, I threw my backpack over my shoulder and tried to keep my hands from trembling. It'd been years since I'd seen my father. I rang the doorbell once but there was no answer. I waited a few seconds and rang it again. Suddenly, I heard a female voice.

"Alright quit ringing, I'm coming!"

The door opened and a tall blonde woman stood at the door. "Yes?"

I looked puzzled. "Uh, yes is Martin Larson here?" I asked slowly.

She eyed me curiously. "Yes. Why? Who are you?"

"I-I'm his... I'm his daughter."

She raised a brow. "Oh my goodness. Hold on."

She closed the door and I turned to look at Delilah. I gave her the signal to keep waiting. A few minutes later, I heard the door open again. My jaw dropped when I saw my father. He didn't look like the man I remembered. He looked like he hadn't shaved in days and he carried a strong smell of liquor. His hair was a bit long and messy filled with gray strands.

"Dad?" I asked.

"W-who are you?" He slurred.

"It's me. Lindsay. You're daughter."

I smiled but my smile faded when I saw a blank expression in his face. "Who?"

"Lindsay!"

"Oh, yes, Lindsay. How are you?"

I stood there, my eyes filling with tears. I didn't want to even hug him anymore. "I'm fine. Dad, can I come live with you. My step father is not very good to me."

He rolled his eyes. "Lindsay, I can't take you in. I have enough problems right now."

Tears ran down my face. "You don't want me here with you?"

Then the blonde woman came to the door. "Honey, your father and I have a new life together. We can't take anyone in right now."

"Shut up! I'm asking my father not you!" I yelled at the woman.

My father frowned. "Now listen here girl, she's my wife so you don't talk to her that way."

I was shocked. My own flesh and blood did not want me! I stood for a moment, speechless and turned around. I ran back to the car with tears streaming down my face.

Once in the car Delilah stared at me as she started the car. "What happened Lindsay? Are you OK?"

"Just take me home," I sobbed.

Once Delilah dropped me off back home, I was relieved to see Steve's car was still in the driveway. I felt shame and knew he hated me for the way I had talked to him earlier that day. I had to forget my pride and apologize to him.

I walked in the door; surprised that Steve had not locked me out. He was in the kitchen reading the newspaper and sipping on some coffee. He looked up at me then went back to reading the paper.

"So I see you didn't have much luck with your father huh?"

I felt the need to cry again. "No, I didn't."

"What did I tell you Lindsay?"

I put my backpack on the couch and began bawling. Steve quickly got up from his chair and rushed towards me. He put his arms around me and held me. I was hurting so much at that moment.

"It's ok honey. It's ok." He assured me holding me close.

"I-I'm such a fool!" I cried out.

"No you're not. You didn't know. I shouldn't have let you go look for that man."

"I'm sorry Steve! I'm so sorry!"

"I forgive you Lindsay." He held me until I finally calmed down. He stared into my eyes and wiped my tears.

For the first time in my life, I really felt like I had a father. I had been foolish to think my "real" father would someday take be back as his daughter. Steve had been there for me, financial and emotionally, even though I never let him get close.

"Now just sit here and I'll go make some more coffee," Steve said. He got up, walking to the kitchen and put on a fresh pot of coffee. I sat on the couch and laid back. My eyes felt heavy, since I hadn't slept. It was good to be home. Everything made sense. Slowly, I drifted to a deep sleep.

"Wake up sleepy head."

My eyes slowly opened and Steve stood looking at me. He smiled so sweetly and brushed my hair out of my face. "What time is it?" I asked rubbing my eyes.

"It's almost four in the afternoon."

I slowly sat up and yawned. "I guess I must have fallen asleep." I realized Steve had thrown a blanket over me since I was still wearing Delilah's black skirt.

"Yeah you did. I could hear you snoring all the way in my room."

I laughed. "I don't snore!"

"Yeah, ok whatever you say," he teased. "I'm going to work in a while but I whipped up a tuna casserole in case you get hungry later."

"I'm hungry now."

"Well dig in whenever you like." His smile was so comforting.

I took his hand in mine and stared into his beautiful eyes. His dark hair was combed neatly and I could smell his aftershave. "Steve, thank you once again. Thank you for being there for me all these years."

He gently squeezed my hand. "That's what I'm here for. I'm your... dad."

I gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek, something I'd never done before. His eyes danced as he stared into my face. "Have a good day at work." I whispered.

"Thanks honey. I'll call you later on to check up on you."

He walked away slowly.

"So what's going on with you and your step dad?" Delilah asked Monday after school.

I grinned happily. "We are friends now. I feel so lucky to have him in my life."

She raised a brow. "Hmm really? Well me and my old man don't get along, at least you and your step dad finally do."

"I finally feel happy for once. I'd been really depressed since my mom passed away, but now I feel content."

"At least one of us does. Speaking of fathers, the school is going to have a father/daughter dance next month. It's sort of a way for fathers to say goodbye to their daughters you know since we are graduating."

"Really? Are you going?"

She scoffed. "Yeah right. My old man would never come to a dance with me. Besides, you know I hate social dances."

I laughed." I know you do. I think I will invite Steve. To show my appreciation."

Later on that week, as Steve and I had dinner together on one of his nights off, I had to ask him something I had never noticed until that week.

"Steve?"

"Yes?"

"Can I ask you something?" I asked.

"Sure."

"Why don't you date? I mean it's been over three years since my mom passed away and I have not seen you date."

"I really loved your mother."

"I know you did, but I see so many times men often jump back into dating after their spouses passes away. I think it's easier for men to start dating than women to start dating."

He laughed and took a sip of his drink. "Oh Lindsay, where did you get a crazy idea like that?"

"Well I watch TV."

"Figures," he smiled. "It's not that easy to begin dating again. I actually haven't been interested in any other women since your mom. I loved Pam with all of my heart. I still do. She meant everything to me."

At that moment I don't know why but I felt tears streaming down my face. Steve looked sad and came over to put his arms around me. "I'm sorry honey. I didn't mean to talk about your mom, but I just needed to explain."

I sobbed. "It's not that, it's just... I miss her... and I now realize that you loved her so much."

He wiped my tears and kissed my forehead. "I did love her, I still do and I love you too Lindsay."

My heart pounded. I hadn't heard someone tell me that for years now. I cried more as Steve held me. I wanted to tell him that I loved him too, but the words wouldn't come out.

The father/daughter dance was getting closer to date and I had no clue how to ask Steve. I knew he was busy with work and also that he always needed to give at least a few days notice that he'd need a night off. I had no idea why I was so nervous to ask him out. It was as if I were trying to ask out a boy at school.

One night after dinner, I finished cleaning up the kitchen while Steve watched some TV. I took a deep breath and went to join him on the couch. He looked up and smiled at me.

"You going to watch TV with me?"

I stared at the TV. "Uh... yeah."

We sat in silence for a while as I twiddled my thumbs since I was so nervous. "Steve?" I finally asked.

"Yeah?" His eyes stayed glued to the TV.

"I was going to ask you if you can... or if you want... if you..." I stopped not being able to get the words out.

He turned off the TV and looked at me. "Yes?"

"I was going to ask you... see there is this thing at school called the father/daughter dance, and I wanted you to... I wanted you to go with me... if you can."

Steve beamed. "I would love to."

I gasped. "Really? I mean are you sure you can get that night off? It's next Friday."

"I can and I will."

I yelped and threw my arms around him. He fell back some and grunted. "Owww Lindsay you almost made me hurt my back."

I quickly released myself from his hold. I was concerned. "I'm sorry. I was just so happy. Are you ok?"

He laughed. "Yes, I'm fine. That was a nice hug from you Lindsay."

I blushed and hadn't realized I was sitting on his lap. I quickly got up and fixed my shirt, which had rode up a bit. "Well I'm going to take a shower and head off to bed. Tomorrow I'm going to the mall with my friend Delilah to look for a dress."

"Very well then," he said as his eyes pierced at me.

"No, not purple. Purple's not your color. Try a dark red. That's more you're color," Delilah advised. We were at the mall the next day trying to find the perfect dress for the dance.

"Here, this one!" Delilah exclaimed pulling out a stunning spaghetti strap dress from the rack.

"Wow! That's gorgeous. But how much is it?"

She looked at the price tag and smiled. "It's on sale!"

The dress was too perfect. Not too short or too long. It was classy, yet very sexy. "Let me go try it on. I hope it fits."

I headed to the dressing room and after a few minutes of struggling with the zipper, I walked out to show Delilah. She whistled at me and gave me a thumbs up. "You are going to kill. Too bad you're only going with your step dad, instead of a hot guy in school."

I stared at myself in the mirror. I must admit I looked so different. I felt pretty for the first time in my life. I spun around and noticed the dress was perfect for me. After buying the dress I found the perfect red shoes to go with my dress. It was going to be a wonderful night, I just knew it.

I never showed Steve the dress until the night of the dance. He waited for me in the hallway outside my room. I stepped out slowly hoping he wouldn't think the dress was too much. I saw his eyes widened. He was speechless.

I thought he looked striking in his rented black and white tux. He held a beautiful red and white corsage in his hands.

"Wow! Lindsay, oh my goodness." He said never taking his eyes off me.

I couldn't help but blush. "You look so handsome," I blurted out.

He got quiet again and continued admiring me in my red dress. "And you look... so beautiful."

My heart raced. "Thank you," I whispered shyly.

"Here," He said taking my hand and slipping on the corsage. I smiled and gave him a hug.

"Thanks... dad." The words just came out so naturally.

Steve looked shocked. He didn't say anything at first.

"Are you ok?" I asked as we stood holding hands.

"Y-yes. You've never called me... dad before."

I gently squeezed his hand. "I know. I'm sorry. But you are in fact my father. You've taken care of me better than my biological father. I love you dad."

He gasped and took me in his arms. "I love you sweetheart. You mean the world to me."

We held each other for what seemed to be forever. The night was young and so much was still to come.