Exposure

EX:40

Chapter 40

PART 5

Tiana's perspective

"Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives."-Unknown

.......

RANDOM pop music played at a loud volume in the building as I picked up the lightest ball within reach. I prepared to roll the bright yellow bowling ball down the alleyway towards the white and red pins, hoping that I could finally get a strike since I wasn't the best at bowling.

The slippery ball knocked over half of the pins causing me to exhale in a dramatic fashion. Luckily I hadn't spent my own money on this game because I hadn't won a single round.

"You're getting better at it as the game goes on."

"Oh please, you're only gloating."

"What's wrong with that?"

I watched my father pick up the same ball he had been using the whole game winning yet another strike.

I had agreed to let him take me out for the day since there was no way to get him to stop asking or badgering me. This was his way of trying to get to know me better. Although, I wish I would have chosen the activity for the day because I sucked at bowling and it wasn't that fun either.

I was starting to notice that my father had more in common with Angie and that I had way more in common with my mother.

We didn't enjoy the same hobbies.

We weren't into the same type of movies or forms of entertainment.

When it came to personality traits we were completely different but it was strange how we shared the same mannerism and second nature concepts.

I sat down looking up at a screen above me showcasing the scoreboard. Donny was ahead of me as expected. There were only two turns left for us both in this round and I didn't feel like playing anymore.

In fact, I hadn't been in the mood for anything social, but I needed to stay proactive. If I allowed my mind to wander due to boredom it would automatically drift to Owen. I had missed him so much and engaging in sex with him at Twon's house party only made things worse for my mentality.

"It's your turn again."

Donny snapped me out of my thoughts reminding me of the game we were playing.

After ending the game we decided to take a walk at the nearby park.

"So, are you into any sports?" Donny asked as we passed by a group of small children while walking.

"Nope, I've never liked sports."

He seemed appalled by my response.

"I'm not really all that athletic, but if I had to choose a favorite sport.... probably soccer."

He chuckled shaking his head, "you are your mother's child."