Clichè

16

"What?" I said, nervously tapping my fingers in the edge of the glass. He stared at me and closed his eyes,
"Jessi, I was never your actual birth father. I didn't meet you until you were about 6 months old."

"Who is my father?" I pressed.

"I don't know. I'm so sorry, I should've told before you're mother passed. You could've asked her about it then." He said. My face dropped. How the hell am I supposed to figure this out?

*later*
After I left from the prison, I went home and got ready for the funeral. Harry came over after a while, already dressed. I wore a long black sundress and a low messy bun. "You look beautiful," Harry said kissing my cheek. I weakly smiled at him and wrapped my arms around his waist. "What's wrong baby?" He said, pulling his head back to see my face.

"I just found out some stuff today from seeing my dad that doesn't exactly help my situation." I said. He nodded and pulled me back into his chest. "He's not my dad." I stated. I honestly didn't feel anything, my heart was broken, my mind swimming- I am completely and utterly lost. "We need to head out, it starts in an hour and I'm hosting."

Everyone was there, and I couldn't stand the sight of Sasha and my mother laying in open caskets, side by side. Tears came quicker than expected, and I placed a rose on each of their chests. I sat in a pew, about three feet away from the casket. I stared at my mother's made-up face. They dressed her in her least favorite outfit, a black pant suit with a light green top underneath. Her face was over done, so pale and her cheeks were bright red. I crossed my legs and glanced around the room. I saw a familiar body-black leather jacket, black jeans, dark hair. I walked over the turned them around. Zayn's eyes met mine and they were full of sadness. "I'm so sorry Jessi." He said, pulling me into a hug. I briskly hugged him, "What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I figured I should come and pay my respects. You look great by the way." He added. I nodded, "Thanks." We stood in awkward silence and Harry came over.

"Hey baby." He said, looking at Zayn, the leaning down and kissing my lips. "Everything going good?" He asked. I could see Zayn's jaw clench, his teeth gritting together.

"Everything is great, Harry thanks for checking." I laughed awkwardly. He walked away, still watching Zayn and I occasionally. I thought I it was really nice for Zayn to come, even though he didn't exactly know my mother or Sasha, but it's whatever.

*that evening*

After the service, Harry and I went home and relaxed. I put on my favorite tank top and yoga shorts, and washed off all my makeup. I sat on the couch with Harry, we weren't even close to touching, and I really don't know why. We weren't fighting,everything was cool-there was just this feeling, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. "I'm calling my Aunt Jera and figuring this shit out about my dad." I said, going to my phone.

"Jessi, it's late. Wait until morning."

"Harry I can't sleep not knowing who my father is." I stated. I dialed and she answered pretty quick.

"Hello?"

"Who is my father?"

"He's in prison, you know that." She laughed.

"No, my birth father."

"Oh shit, you found out about that..." She mumbled.

"Yes I did! No one told me. Who is he?"

"Kurtis Mambolini. He was in a gang. For some reason, your mom was head over heals for bad boys." She paused to laugh. "She got pregnant with you at 17, which you knew that. Well, he got arrested the day of your birth for robbery and possession of crystal meth. Your mom met your other dad about 6 months down the road, she didn't know he was crazy until you were about 4." She said.

"So is he still in prison?"

"Yes, but in Chicago. He's not getting out anytime soon."

That was my answer then, I was going to Chicago to talk to this man I have never met before. No picture, no number. Nothing. I was determined to meet the man you started this hell from the beginning, and no one is getting in my way.