As Long As You Need

17-Day with Dad

It's officially December 14th, my day with dad. 

As promised I convinced dad to hang out with me today. He asked where we were going and I told him it was a surprise. Mostly because I forgot until Brady reminded me the other day. I know the first stop will be at the arcade. 

My dad and I used to go there all the time when I was younger. As I got older we stopped going as much until we just completely stopped going. I figured it would be a fun thing to do with him again. 

I get dressed throwing on a yellow crop top and black skinny jeans, with my white vans. I put on a black headband to keep my hair out of my face. 

As I make my way out of my room I pass by Brady. 

"Hey thanks for you doing." he says walking beside me.

I shrug my shoulders, "I didn't have a choice." 

We make it down stairs where dad is standing in the kitchen. 

"Ready to go?" I call out to him and he looks up, "Yep let me just grab my car keys."

I nod my head and head out towards the front door, dad follows a few moments later. 

I hold out my hand signaling him to hand me his keys. 

"What?" he looks at me puzzled.

I stretch my hand out further, "Let me drive, I know where we are going no you." 

He reluctantly gives me the keys. 

On the way to the arcade we make conversation. I talk about school and he tells me about a long haul thats coming up. I honestly missed hanging out with dad. 

We walk in to the arcade and I go up to the counter to pay for our tokens.

"What do you want to play first?" he asks. 

I smile, "Ski ball"

He chuckles, "Get ready to lose pumpkin." he says as we make it over to where the ski ball is. 

We put the tokens in the game and the ski balls comes rolling out. The two of us play side by side rolling them in the pockets. By the end my dad beats me by 5 points. 

"You always win." I fake pout. 

He shrugs, "It's because im more experienced." 

We play another round. He wins again. 

Then we move on to basketball. I think we then realized we both suck at basketball. We went and played ring toss after that. Then some air hockey.

The whole time we are laughing and talking. I forgot how much fun this used to be, and in just over 5 months I'll be moving away. 

The thought plagues my mind. Both my brother I will be leaving. My dad will be all alone. 

After a few more games we call it a day. We get back into the car and I drive to the frozen yogurt place my dad used to take me too.

We get out and head inside. 

I get strawberry yogurt with strawberry mochi, graham cracker crumbs and slices of banana. Dad gets peanut butter chocolate yogurt with Reeces bits and peanut butter. 

We sit at a table by the window digging into the yogurt. 

"What's on your mind pumpkin?" he asks.

I set my spoon down looking at him, "Will you be ok?"

He furrows his brows, "What do you mean?"

I fiddle with my bracelet, "When Brady and I go to college. Will you be ok?"

He sets his spoon down, "Don't worry about me Pumpkin, I'll be alright."

Nodding my head I pick up my spoon, "I'll miss you when I leave. I promise to visit as much as I can."

He smiles, "I'll miss you too Pumpkin. You and your Brother, but make sure you live your life. I will be fine here I promise." 

I smile back. We finish our yogurt and head back into the car. I send a quick text asking Brady if I can bring dad home but he doesn't respond so I text Noah. 

Me: Are people still at the house?

I start the car turning on the heater. After a few moments I hear my phone ping.

Little Bitch: Wouldn't know

My brows furrow in confusion. Why wouldn't he know?

Me: Aren't you there?

Little Bitch: Left about an hour ago. Family stuff

I sigh. Not because of my stupid brother and his friends. I know Noah has family problems I hope everything is ok.

Me: U ok?

Little Bitch: Yep

Three letters. Yep.

I know he's not. I would argue and make him tell me but I know not to push it. Especially since I don't know what goes on with his family. 

"Are we going to sit here all day?" I turn to see my dad looking at me. Then I remember I've just been sitting here in the parking lot. 

I laugh pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road. I just pray Brady is gone. 

We make it home and I don't see any other cars here. That's a good sign I guess. 

I get out followed by dad as we make our way into the house. I don't hear other voices. 

As I start heading upstairs I stop. Theres giggling coming out of my brothers room. Followed by another sound that are...moans?!?

I think I am going to throw up.

"What's wro-" my dad trails off as he begins to hear what I hear. 

My dad passes me banging on Brady's door. 

"BRADLEY JOSEPH JOHNSON." oh shit he is pissed. 

I can hear swearing and commotion coming from Brady's room.

Then the door opens and by brother is standing there in boxers, Chelsea behind him wearing his shirt. The rooms smells of weed. 

"I think it's best if you tell your friend to leave." my dads says through clenched teeth.

All I can focus on is Brady throwing daggers at me. I hang my head down not wanting to meet his stare. 

Chelsea quickly puts on her shorts before rushing past us.

"Dad I can explain-"

"No, I don't know where this defiance has come from recently Bradley but it needs to stop. I have bit my tongue watching as you not only disrespect me but also your sister. Don't think I don't know you threw a party a few weeks ago. You even put Noah in an awkward situation the other day, don't think I forgot about that."

I furrow my brows? What happened with Noah?

"Fix your act." and with that my dad storms into his room. 

Brady narrows his eyes at me, "You had one job."

I roll my eyes, "Well if you had just texted me back we wouldn't be in this situation." I turn and head into my room slamming my door. 

The rest of the day I spend laying on my bed watching the Originals. 

I hear my phone beep and I check the message

Brady: I'm sorry

____

Edited