Beautiful Joy

4

After my quick nap, Max headed out to grab clothes for himself and Kate and to pick up our pizza. I helped the girls with their baths while Kate painted their nails. By the time Max got back with the pizza, we were all snuggled into our pajamas and ready for our movie marathon.

We were midway through the second movie when Jewel, Faith, and Kate had all drifted off to sleep. Max and I carried the younger girls to their beds, and Kate was already curled up and asleep on the smaller couch.

I was stretched out on the other couch, engrossed in a book, while Max lounged at the opposite end, absorbed in his phone. My feet were propped up on his lap, and it was one of those moments where everything just felt easy. We didn't have to chat constantly; just being in each other's company was enough.

"It's getting late," I said, breaking the silence. "Do you think they changed their mind about bringing my phone here?"

Max kept scrolling through his phone. "Maybe something came up. I'm sure if they went through the trouble to call your dad, they'll come through."

I nodded, even though he wasn't looking at me.

A loud snore from Kate shattered the quiet, and both of us burst into laughter. She mumbled something incoherent and rolled back over. Max shook his head. "Unbelievable. She even talks in her sleep."

Suddenly, Max asked, "How are you feeling about school?"

My laughter faded as I considered his question. "Nervous, excited, scared... a bit of everything. It helps that we have classes together and I know a few of your friends. Plus, Kate and I have the same lunch and art class."

Max just waited patiently, letting me sort through my thoughts. That's one of the things I love about him—he's such a great listener and always knows when I need to talk.

"I'm excited to go, but every time I think about it, memories of my mom come flooding back. She put so much into being a stay-at-home mom and teaching us. I want to make her proud."

Max grinned. "We both know you could flunk every class and she'd still be proud of you. You're smart and kind, just like she taught you to be. Plus, you've got me as a friend, so you're golden."

He tickled my feet, making me giggle and pull them off his lap. Max stood up and stretched. "It's late. I'm going to take a shower. You heading to bed soon?"

"Yeah, in just a bit. I want to read a little longer."

I read a few pages, trying to distract myself from thoughts about school and the possibility of not getting my phone back. Just as I was about to call it a night, the doorbell rang. I glanced at the clock—it was almost 10:30. I peeked through the window and saw two familiar-looking men. It took me a second to realize they were the guys from the ice cream parlor.

I opened the door a crack and said hesitantly, "Hello?"

"Sorry we're so late," the older man said. They were both dressed in suits, and Max's comment about something coming up came to mind. The older man looked a bit older than my dad, with gray hair flecked with dark strands. Both men had that intimidating jawline that made them look stern unless they smiled. He reached into his pocket and pulled out my phone.

"It's okay, thank you so much for bringing it. I can't believe I lost it," I said, reaching for my phone. The younger man flinched slightly before his face returned to its neutral expression. Just then, the door opened behind me, and Max appeared in just his shorts, still damp from his shower.

The younger man spoke for the first time, extending his hand to Max. "Hi, I'm Dave. And you are...?" His words were friendly, but his tone and expression were off-putting. I glanced between him and the older man, and they both looked angry.

Max shook Dave's hand firmly, maintaining intense eye contact. A nervous laugh escaped me, causing them to break their stare. They all turned to look at me.

"This is Max, a friend of mine. Thanks again for bringing my phone," I said. The older man handed me my phone, and I felt a wave of relief as I took it.

The two men lingered in the doorway, and I had no idea how to end this awkward encounter. Thankfully, Max took charge, placing his hand on my waist to guide me back so he could close the door. Dave quickly extended his arm to stop Max, and just as Max stepped in front of me, I saw my dad pull into the driveway.

The car door slammed, and Dad's voice boomed, "What do you think you're doing at my house? You have no right to be here—leave now!" I was shocked and scared because Dad never raises his voice.

I saw the men turn toward Dad, and fear gripped me. I ducked under Max's arm and rushed to my dad. "Dad!" I shouted, hugging him tightly.

Dad had always seemed like a gentle giant to me, but right now, his imposing figure and stern voice made him seem even more formidable.

The men remained silent and unmoving. Dad held me close, and I dared a glance at them. Their faces were twisted with anger. "Last time I'm asking... leave," Dad said in a low, threatening tone.

"Now," Max added from the doorway. We all turned to look at him. He was holding the bat we keep by the front door, and Kate stood beside him, looking half-asleep but wide-eyed.

The older man's expression softened slightly as he addressed me in a calm voice, "Sorry for scaring you. That wasn't our intention. We'll be leaving now."

He turned back to my dad, his face hardening again. "You'll be hearing from us soon. We have a lot to discuss."

The older man had to push the younger one to get him moving. We watched in silence as they walked away, and then Dad ushered us inside. We bombarded him with questions, but he raised his hand to calm us.

"It's nothing to worry about tonight," he said, kissing my forehead. "Just go to bed."