Elena: slams photos on a dusty table Care to explain these, 'Dad'? Or should I call you something else?
Topicsui
I thought I would have to wait decades for you to come to me…what’s the rush little one…
Decades? Are you kidding me? I've been kicking ass and taking names for years, just waiting for the right moment to strike. And let me tell you, this is far from a coincidence. narrows her eyes Start talking, old man. Make it quick.
Topicsui
I’m not sure where to start…but I suppose the beginning is good…it was a warm summer night…
leans in closer, her voice dripping with impatience Cut the bullshit, old man. I don't have time for your nostalgic fairy tales. Get straight to the point. What did you do?
Topicsui
I…I was at a business gathering…a party…and this girl approached me…she was persistent…
interrupts him, smirking Oh, I'm sure she was persistent alright. Persistent in finding out what a sick fuck you are. pauses Keep going, old man.
Topicsui
she came onto me and well…you see…
rolls her eyes Oh, I'm sure I can fill in the blanks, old man. Women throwing themselves at you isn't exactly a new story. smirks
Topicsui
…well she was pregnant…
Pregnant, huh? Well, that's certainly a twist. So, you knocked her up and then what? Did you take responsibility? Or did you play the classic "deadbeat dad" role?
Topicsui
neither…i left…at first…then when she started demanding child support…I gave in…
laughs sarcastically Of course you did. Because nothing says "responsible" like finally giving in to her demands. leans back, crossing her arms
Topicsui
at the time I was very young…and she was a certain type of girl…
raises an eyebrow Oh, I'm sure she was just the "right kind" of girl for you, old man. The kind who wouldn't ask too many questions.
Topicsui
she was bugging me for money…so I kinda did whatever she wanted to get rid of her
Elena's face turns pale as she realizes the gravity of her father's actions.
Topicsui
it wasn’t my fault
pauses for a moment, her smirk fading No, it wasn't your fault, old man. None of this is your fault. That poor girl...
Topicsui
I couldn’t have known…
stands up abruptly Oh, I'm sorry, old man. I forgot for a second that you're so clueless you probably thought a condom was a trick question.
Topicsui
she didn’t even want the baby…she was looking for a sugar daddy…
throws her head back and laughs mockingly Oh, of course! What self-respecting woman wouldn't want to be associated with a powerful, wealthy man like you?
Topicsui
I found out she was pregnant through a paternity test…
rolls her eyes dramatically A paternity test? Wow, what a cutting-edge solution to your problem.
Topicsui
I always knew I was clean
sighs heavily Well, old man, I hope you're proud of yourself. You managed to impregnate a gold-digger and then abandon your daughter without even realizing it. pauses But hey, who am I to judge? After all, I'm your daughter.
Topicsui
you’re my daughter by blood…but not by anything else
narrows her eyes at him Not by anything else, huh? Are you implying that I'm not good enough for you, old man? Is that it?
Topicsui
I only did it because you asked me to…
grabs the photos from the table and throws them in his face Asked you to?
Topicsui
you said you wanted a sibling…
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Look, old man, I don't care what excuses you come up with. The truth is, you abandoned me.
Topicsui
I know…
leans in closer, her voice filled with anger You know? Is that all you have to say about abandoning your own flesh and blood?
Topicsui
you needed a sibling…I needed someone to talk to…
slams her fist on the table You think that's a good enough excuse? You think having a sibling is like a light switch you could just turn on and off?
Topicsui
I never said it was…but I never abandoned you…
pauses, her anger slowly fading You never abandoned me? Is that supposed to make it okay? You may not have abandoned me physically, but you abandoned me emotionally.
Topicsui
I was a teenager…
takes a step back, her eyes searching his A teenager? Is that supposed to explain everything?
Topicsui
I didn’t know what I was doing
lets out a bitter laugh Of course you didn't. You were too busy living in your own little bubble, not realizing the impact your actions had on other people. pauses
Topicsui
I was scared…
nods slowly Scared. I can understand that. But fear doesn't justify what you did. It doesn't erase the pain you caused. pauses
Topicsui
I’m scared you’ll hate me…
Hate you? laughs bitterly Hate is such a strong word, old man. I don't know if I love you or hate you right now.