Playing Dad

5. Tow Me Away

    I woke up to the sound of a beeping noise outside. I got up and made my way to the hall. I saw Billie standing at the door way looking outside. I quickly threw on some socks and walked to the door.

“Morning!” He smiled. I nodded to him and peaked out to see Frank standing by my car. What are they doing? I slid my shoes on and walked out in my solid gray tee and black jogging pants.

“Ah! There she is!” Tre said excited.

“What’s going on?” I said walking to him. He pointed to the tow truck.

“Tow trucks here.” He said smiling.

“I see that but what is he doing?”

“Oh well he’s taking it to the shop to take a good look. He said its gotta go on those lifty thingys.” He said raising his arms up and down. I heard the driver step out and he walked around. “This is my daughter! The owner!” He said proudly putting an arm around me pulling me close. I smiled and pushed his arm off.

“Hi sir. Um I just need a quick fix, I don’t have the money to have it moved and stuff.”

“Oh dear don’t worry I’ll pay for it!” Frank said jumping in.

“No don’t... please I don’t need your charity. I didn’t come here to ask for money.” He shook his head smiling.

“No, I know and you didn’t ask for money.” I looked to the tow truck driver.

“Look ma’am I’m gonna take it to our shop, you can follow. It’s the only way I can get a good look at what’s wrong. There I will tell you what you need and stuff. I’m not gonna charge you for the tow, just the repairs if some are needed.” He smiled to me.

“Thank you sir that relieves me.” I smiled back relaxing. “Alright I’m just going to change while you’re hooking it up.”

“Yes ma’am.” He nodded and turned. I walked back to the house. Billie moved allowing me to get by. I changed into a nice elegant outfit and pulled my hair back in a bun. I quickly did my make up. I stepped out with my clutch in hand and saw everyone standing talking.

“About time!” Billie said. I just gave him an evil look.

“Alright since Billie’s car is behind mine, then Billie you don’t mind driving do you?” Frank said.

“Not a problem.” He said. I walked with them to his car. The driver cranked his truck.

“Oh, Tristy you can sit up front.” Frank said. I looked to Billie.

“I’d rather not. I’ll just hangout in the backseat.” I opened the back door. Billie shrugged and got in. so did Frank. The car ride there was a bit awkward. Billie had the radio turned up while him and Frank where singing.

“Oh come on Tris! You can’t say you’ve never heard this song!” Frank said. I had my arms crossed looking out the window.

“Don’t call me that, and no I haven’t heard of any of your songs. I haven’t even heard of your silly band.” I kept my eyes outside.

“What!?” He said.

“I know, a bit strange this one.” Billie said. I went to say something but cut off. “We’re here!” He yelled.

“Good.” We got out. “Maybe I can get my car fixed and go home.” I said shutting the door. We walked to the front office.

“Can I have your keys?” The mechanic said. I nodded and reached in my pocket. “Ok just wait her I’ll have a look at it.” He said taking them. He stepped to the back. I sat down in the waiting chairs. Frank walked around looking at the tires and car parts. Billie sat beside me.

“So what are you going to do if they cant fix it?”

“Don’t say that! They better fix it.” I said looking to him.

“Ok well what if it takes a few days. Will you stay in town?”

“Well I guess I’d have too.” I said turning back to face the desk. I saw him nod from the corner of me eye.

“Wooohooo! Yeeehaw! Check it out.” Our heads turned to Frank on a monster truck tire riding it like a bull.

“Oh dear god.” I said to myself. You have to be kidding me. This is embarrassing. I heard Billie chuckle.

“Be careful!” He said. He turned to me laughing but stopped when he saw me a bit annoyed. “Oh come on that’s kinda funny.”

“It’s kind of embarrassing.” I said raising my eyebrows.

“No… You’ll get use to it!” He smiled.

“No… no I wont. He’s very childish. I don’t think he would have been the responsible father I needed if he was in my life.” I said a bit serious.

“Ok look, yes he can be immature and act like an idiot at times but when it’d come down to it I’m sure he would take the responsibility of being a father seriously.” Billie said a bit serious.

“You sure about that?”

“Absolutely.”

“Oh good that takes a lot off my shoulder now that your sure about it... why didn’t you just say something sooner?” I said sarcastically.

“Alright smart ass..” I raised an eyebrow. “I’m being serious.” He said.

“Oh you’re right because that’s exactly what he’s doing right now.” I gestured to him as he held a floor mat in front of him and one covering he’s butt doing a hoola dance.

“Ok so this isn’t a good example.”

“Why isn’t it? I’m here and I’m obviously his daughter? I don’t see any responsibility going on.”

“He called the tow truck and got you here…” I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever.” I crossed my arms and realized he was staring at me. “What?”

“Just.. You’re the polar opposite of him… There’s gotta be a mini Tre in there wanting to get out!” He smiled. I shook my head. Frank joined us. I just got up and walked to look around. I heard them talking about music and Mike, whoever that is. About 30 minutes passed before the mechanic come back up front covered in grease. He wiped his hands as I stepped to the counter. Frank and Billie stepped beside me.

“So?” I asked as he was typing on his computer.

“It seems you need a new o2 sensor, and you have an oil leak. You were low on oil and almost blew the motor. I’m looking now to see if we have anything here in stock.” I nodded. he continued typing. “hmm looks like I’ll have to order one.”

“Oh great how long will that take?” I asked.

“About a week to get the parts and to fix the problem.”

“A WEEK!?”

“Yes ma’am.” I covered my face with my hands.

“How much?” I muffled.

“About $700.”

“SEVEN-Oh my god.” I said looking up. I put my hand on my head.

“Tristy you can stay with me, and I can help you pay for it.” I looked up to Frank. I really didn’t want to leave my car but I didn’t want to really stay either. That car was important to me. It’s my first car that my dad taught me to drive and got for me. I closed my eyes squinting real hard, I had started getting a headache. I opened them and saw him begging. I sighed.

“Fine! But this changes nothing.” He smiled and jumped for joy. Dear god help me.

“you’re gonna love it kiddo!” he hugged me squeezing and I just pushed him back. Billie grinned to me. I just rolled my eyes and turned to the man behind the counter.

“I just need you to fill this out and I’ll give you a call when your car is ready.” I nodded and filled out the paper work. “alright thank you ma’am.” I nodded and turned.

“Can we just go? I need to lay down I’m getting a headache.” They nodded. Frank smiled, and we left.