So, That's Your Dad? (Freddie Mercury) | Under Construction

Chapter Sixty Seven: November 23, 1991

       It felt as if it was taking much too long for the gate to open. Although it only took seconds. I know I am just being impatient throughout this entire time. It has been a week since my last interaction with my dad. I didn't keep my word, and it makes me feel horrible. I just did not have the time due to work. But I know that is not an excuse. 

       I check my rearview mirror to see my son peacefully asleep in his car seat. Recently I had to get him a larger seat because he is growing up so fast. I know that this time is going to go by so fast and I can't help but to feel sad about it. Eventually he's going to be an adult and move out of the house. But I'll just appreciate the times when he's little before it's too late. The gate opened and I can finally park my car in my dad's driveway. I got out of my car and opened the back door to unbuckle my son from his seat. He woke up right as I was taking him out of the seat. Luckily, he did not cry. Lately he has been a lot calmer than he was a few months ago. 

       I didn't bother to knock since the door was unlocked. I stepped inside with my son on my hip and my left arm around his waist. He was observing everything in the house. I'm sure that he was probably amazed. He hasn't really seen this house before since most of the time he was asleep when coming here. His eyes even went wide when he saw the crystal chandelier in the house and I could not help but to laugh at him. 

       I carefully go upstairs and I try my best to be quiet. I don't want anyone to worry or think that I am breaking into his house. Shortly I made it to my dad's bedroom door. This could either go one or two ways. Either he will welcome me back with open arms, or he will tell me to get the fuck out again. I lightly knock on the door once again. "Who is it?" I hear a somewhat familiar voice. Miami Beach. "It's Tiffany. Can I see my dad?" I asked. 

       I hear whispers behind the door and I can't make out what they are saying for a minute straight. But then I finally heard my dad say "let her in". That gave me a sense of hope. "Yes, you can come in." Miami said to me. I glance over at my son before opening the door for the two of us. I shyly stepped into the room. I don't know why I feel nervous to be in here. I've stepped into this room many times. And now I'm acting like I have never been in here before in my life. I then had the courage to look my dad in the eye. He gave me a warm smile and I honestly wonder why. I feel horrible and I know that he is not doing well. 

       I took a seat right next to him on the bed with my son on my lap. "Hi." He said to me and he was petting one of the cats like he always does. I took a deep breath in and then out. I had no idea what to say. I had planned on things to say to him for days on end. But now that I am here, I am just completely frozen when it comes to my words. "I don't know where to begin." Is all that I can manage to say. My dad gently placed his hand on my forearm. "Darling, you don't even have to say anything. I'm just really happy that you're here." He told me. 

       I couldn't help but have a smile form on my face. I'm honestly amazed at how forgiving he can be. But I still think it would be right for me to apologize. "But still dad, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for anything to happen last week. I should've shown up sooner." I tell him. "Darling, don't worry about it. I'm sorry as well, we really should not have discussed it when you were in the room. Don't worry about the will for right now. It's all going to be alright. I already have it settled but I won't tell you anything" He said. 

       What caught both of our eyes a minute after, was that the other Freddie was reaching towards his grandfather. My dad did not even hesitate to grab him and place my son on his lap. My son immediately smiled with one of his bottom teeth starting to peak in. "Holy shit he's starting to grow some teeth." My dad pointed out. I smile at the two of them interacting together. "Yeah, although he's calmed down a lot, he has been very fussy because he's teething." I tell my dad. My son turns to him and does something that nobody would expect. 

       "Hi." My son spoke up. My jaw dropped, and I'm surprised that my dad's eyes didn't fall out of their sockets. "How on earth? He's not even one yet." My dad said. "I don't know. I guess he's just a lot more advanced for his age." I replied. "Has he started walking yet?" My dad questioned. "No. But I wouldn't be surprised if he does soon after what we both just heard." I told him. 

       All of a sudden, my dad started to snivel. I furrowed my brows because I had no idea why. I was genuinely so confused. Were they happy tears? Or was he crying due to thinking about something sad. I scoot over close to him as he wipes away the tears with one hand, and securing my son with the other one. "Dad, don't cry. What's wrong?" I worry. My dad looks at me with bloodshot red eyes. "Nothing, it's just that, Tiffany I know that I don't have much time left. And of course I've always known this, but now it's really hit me. I have raised an amazing daughter. In fact I have raised one badass woman as well. And I know that my grandson is going to be alright, because he is being raised, loved, and taken care of by my beautiful daughter. You've done fantastic with him so far, and I know that you are going to continue to do amazing things." My dad explained. 

       "Dad," I tried to say something but he interrupted me. "I know, you're probably wondering why I'm telling you all of this. It's because I'm ready, I'm ready to move on. And I think in due time you'll come ot terms with me leaving as well." He told me. That really hit me hard. I was speechless and I could feel a tightness in my throat. No. I refuse to cry right now. Just because my dad was crying, doesn't mean that I have to as well. "Dad, I'm not sure if I will ever come to terms with it. I mean, you've been my rock throughout my entire life. I have learned everything when it comes to life in general from you. And I couldn't thank you enough for that. Thank you for tolerating me despite how much of a pain in the ass I am. Thank you for showing me how to be a parent, and how to get through this thing called life. Dad, thank you for being my father." I vent to him. 

       There was a moment of silence. Maybe there was nothing else that needed to be said. "Freddie, it's finished. What do you think?" Miami interrupted our silence and handed my dad a piece of paper. He skimmed through it and handed it back to his lawyer. "It's fine. I just want it out there, I don't care what it says at this point." My dad answered him and glanced down at my son again, smiling at him. What were they talking about? And what did my dad want out there? "Would it be ok if I read it too?" I questioned. "Of course." Miami answered and handed it over to me. 

       I read through every word and even took a break after every period. I made sure that there were not any spelling or grammar mistakes. In that part it was perfect. And the statement was ok for the most part. It got to the point and it didn't give too much detail. It only allowed the press to know what they needed to know. "I agree with my dad, it's fine. And it's doable for the press. So I think you should go ahead and release it." I told the truth. Miami only nodded before taking the piece of paper and returning back to the desk. He had been there the entire time that my dad and I were talking and I did not even notice. 

       I look outside and notice that the sun has already gone down. Damn. Has it really been that long? Time really can go by so fast. But the amount of time that I have spent talking to my dad has been worth it. I sigh when I realize that I may have to go home soon. "Rami and Joe probably want me home." I say to him in a very sad tone. "Oh then go, you really don't want them to worry." My dad said. "But are you ok with that?" I wanted to be sure before I put my coat on and get my son ready to go outside again. "Of course, darling. I'll be fine, I promise." He reassured me. I nod my head and he carefully hands my son over to me. 

       I get my coat on and I zip up my son's coat to make sure that he's warm for the five seconds that he will be out in the freezing cold. Once I have everything ready to go, I walk around to the side of the bed where my dad was laying down. I give him a kiss on the forehead before embracing him in a tight hug. "I love you, dad. I'll come by tomorrow." I tell him. "Ok, I love you too." He tells me. I can feel that tightness in my chest and throat once again, knowing that I could shed some tears at any given moment.