"My father confides in his housekeeper?"
Maddie's face revealed hurt and surprise.
"He is my father and yet he chooses to yell at me, but you are allowed to know what is angering him. I did not realize that you and Father were so close."
"It should be no surprise that your father would confide in me."
"His housekeeper matters more to him than his daughter?"
"Of course not!"
"Then please provide good reason why you have become the benefactress of knowing his business affairs."
"Hayley you are being ridiculous! You and I have talked about how we are like family."
"But I am not being treated as family. Though I am family, I was treated as an intruder into my father's life."
"Perhaps your father has not fully realized the mature lady that you are, and that he does not need to protect you, as he has grown accustom."
Hayley's anger cooled. "You're right. He is still treated me as the young girl he has always known me to be and that is not your fault. I am sorry I took my frustration out on you."
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