Electric Storm

Chapter 32: Far Too Late

Far too late to sing a love song

Now that midnight's come and gone

There's no happy ever after after

I ran away

'Katy,' Dad knocks on my bedroom door, 'I brought us burgers.'

When I don't move he comes in. My head lies buried in my pillow and I do little to hide my sobs.

'Hey, what's wrong? Did Peter upset you?'

'No.'

Dad scoffs. 'I thought you were good at lying.'

I don't reply. 

Dad starts stroking the hair from my face like he used to do when I was young. 'I'm sure he'll come round. I wasn't exactly your favourite person when I took your suit away.' Dad tries to encourage. 

'Is Ross angry?'

Dad hesitates, fumbling for words. 'Don't worry, I'm sorting it.'

That doesn't fill me with confidence. 'You're not exactly the best liar either.' I smile, taking my head out of the pillow. 

Dad laughs. 'Peter is terrible. I mean, band practice? I had that sussed in seconds.'

'Peter isn't too bad. I'm just an expert.'

Dad rolls his eyes at my grinning face. 'Come on, the food will be getting cold.'

If I could

I would show you how I'm sorry 

How I long to clean the slate

But it's far too late

'Thanks for rescuing us today.' I say, when all that's left is wrappers on the floor and a satisfied silence.

Dad looks at me in surprise. 'Katy, I'll always help you. If you ask me, I'll be there.'

'I know. I just wanted to say it anyway.'

He sighs. 'First you, now Peter. I'm going to be bald before grey at this point.'

I laugh. 'You're already grey.'

'Ouch.' Dad frowns, shaking his head. 

'I'm sorry I was such a reckless idiot. Watching Peter now, I'm surprised I didn't give you a heart attack!'

'Yeah, well, I didn't have the time for one.'

I smile, but my face is serious. 'I promise I've started thinking things through more now. Especially with the accords. Everything I do now has been thought through.'

'That's new for you.' Dad eyes me suspiciously, but then just smiles teasingly. 'I can't believe I've replaced one reckless teenager with another.'

'Well maybe, if Peter is like me, he will eventually learn.' I nod hopefully. 

'I hope he isn't like you! You were extreme.' Dad laughs. 'But seriously Katy, if you need me, if it's something like Washington or even just the weapons, I want you to know that I will help you. The accords are important but you come first. Always.'