Holding on

Chapter Fifteen

Before I begin I would like to dedicate this chapter to Chorletta. Thank you so much☺☺

"Hey dad, I'm off to work", I say to him when I descended the stairs.

"Hey pumpkin, take care of yourself", he kissed my forehead. But I heard him call my name just as I was about to exit the house.

"Um, Danny", he looked nervous and I've never seen my dad look nervous before.

"I know its a bit too early but I would like you to meet someone tonight", the way he said it with his facial expression made it look like he was asking me a question. This was very strange.

"Okay dad, no problem. Just take care of yourself, I have to go or I'll be late", I kissed him on his cheek and made my way to the bus stop.

Michael couldn't drop my off today because he had a very important meeting with some investors.

During the bus ride I decided considering community college after a few months. I was yet to discuss it with Michael and my dad.

Most of my classmates may ave completed college by now, but it didn't matter to me. After all now all trains move at the same time.

Once I got to work, I quickly changed into my uniform and got to business. Today was going to be hectic.

The restaurant was half way full of customers by 10. Tess, Claire and myself had to attend to almost all the tables simultaneously. And when there weren't much customers asking for drinks Sam would lend a hand once in a while.

I had no idea what was going on, yes we've had busy days once a while but today was something else.

Soon we were outnumbered so Mr. Arthur took over the bar and drinks while Tess, Claire, Sam and myself handled the customers.

By the time we closed, to say we were exhausted might have been an understatement.

My feet was sore and I could barely walk out. Mr. Arthur tipped us handsomely.

I was only glad that tomorrow was a Saturday so I could get the beauty sleep my body desperately needed.

When I got home I was greeted with giggles and an aroma of lemon garlic grilled chicken breast and mashed potatoes.

My mouth instantly watered, dad didn't cook. He rarely did unless it was really special.

I made my way to the kitchen but stopped at the door when I saw my dad smiling.

It had been really long since I last saw him smile. Tears glistened in my eyes at the beautiful sight before me.

Suddenly a nice lady walked toward him and kissed him, I cringed and cleared my throat.

"Hi", I said timidly. "I'm sorry if I interrupted, I will just go to my room", I turned to go when my dad called me.

"Danny wait, I want to introduce you to someone, she very important to me AMD she's special too", he said to me.

"Um, I don't know dad", I was nervous. "What if she doesn't like me, you know--", I started but he cut me off, "you'll be fine and she likes you already", he was having a boyish ile on his face.

It was so happy seeing my dad happy so I told myself I have nothing to lose.

"Okay, here goes nothing", I put on my smile and followed him into the kitchen.

He gestured me to sit as the lady had set up the table already, we were having dinner together.

"So Danny this is Henrietta Owens, Henrietta, my daughter Danny", he introduced us and being polite I held out my hand and she shook it lightly.

I studied her carefully,she had honey brown eyes, high cheekbones, dark brown hair and a tanned skin.

She was very beautiful, I don't know what it was but there was something about her but I couldn't place it.

"Nice to meet you", I smiled at her. "The food smells delicious, I can't wait to taste it".

We started eating while dad and Henrietta made small talk.

"So Danny, Henrietta here is a therapist, well she actually helped me overcome my drinking", he told me.

I realized that all the time her was holding her hand.

"Oh okay, thank you Miss Owens for giving back my dad, I really missed him", I said to her.

"Please call me Henrietta, and you dong have to thank me, I was only doing my job.", she returned the smile.

I could tell it was a genuine one.

"So if you don't mind me asking, what is going on between you two?" I look at both of them.

"How do I say this Danny, I don't know where to start but I asked her out after my last session with her as a way of showing my appreciation and I guess it tool over from there". My dad ended with a smile and he squeezed her hand.

"I hope you're happy because that's all I want for you, you've been through a lot dad and I really want you to be happy", I tell him and his begin to swell with tears.

"Danny, I know its a bit early but I like your dad, a lot. And yes, he's been through a lot, when he first came to me he was a broken man but he was willing to put in the effort. One thing I know is that he really loves you". She said to me.

"Did he tell you that?", I looked at my dad and then at Henrietta.

"I say that because during my sessions with him, the one thing thatade him cry the most was the pain he caused you".

I flinched when she mentioned the pain and it flashed before my eyes all the times he used to throw bottles at me and yell at me for no reason.

I think she noticed and quickly apologized for mentioning it.

"It's fine, please don't apologize, it's in the past now", I say to her.

"Danny I want you to know that I really care about your dad, I really like him. I'm not expecting anything from you but I want you to know that I'm always available anytime you want to talk", she reached over the table and held my hand.

"Thank you, I said with a croaked voice and sniffed, I'd like that".

After we finished with dinner I did the dished and went to my room after dad kissing me goodnight and Henrietta hugging me.

Dad went to drop Henrietta off at her apartment.

I called Michael after I took a shower and changed into my nightie.

He was now on his way home. We talked for a while as he ate and said our goodbyes after he told me he'd drop me off at work tomorrow.

A/N: Merry Christmas guys and a prosperous new year. If you liked this chapter don't forget to vote and comment. Your comments mean a lot to me and are very much appreciated. So as a Christmas gift here's a double update.

Stay safe, till next time.
K.S