Dangerous Living

The Call

After my shift at Chili's I went back to my apartment. I decided I should go on a walk. Maggie (my dog) and I walked to the dog park. She needed to get out some energy and play with the other dogs. Getting all of her energy out is so fun to watch. She twirled in circles, then ran back and forth from the same spot. She's a gray french bulldog and she loves anyone and everyone. While watching her play I remembered the sticky note I left on the fridge. I started telling myself when I get home I will call him while Maggie eats. She ran up to me panting, I laughed at how goofy she looked with her tongue out. I pulled out the leash. As soon as Maggie she saw that she sat down knowing it was time to leave. She gave me a thousand kisses as I was putting on her leash. We started walking back. I could see Maggie was happy to be home. I put out a bowl of fresh water and put food in her other bowl. Once I heard her eating I looked at the sticky note and then down at my phone. I had to call him. I have nothing left. I'm behind on all my payments, car, car insurance, rent, my credit card and everything in between. Bringing his contact I started thinking. What if he blocked me? What if this isn't his phone number anymore? What if he doesn't want to talk to me? I gathered my thoughts, took a deep breath and hit call.

It rang twice, "Figlia? (daughter in Italian).

I froze for a second "Papa?"

"Figlia, what's wrong?" He heard me sniffle.

"Papa I don't...".

"Figlia what's the matter? Why are you crying? Where's your mother? What's going on?" I knew he was worried the moment I called.

"She passed away a little over a year ago due to cancer. And uh... I have no clue what to do. I have no one and nothing besides my dog. You're the only person I could call. I don't want you to feel like you're my last option. I just..... don't know what to do." At this point I'm sobbing.

"Honey please calm down. Listen to me." I composed myself as best as I could. He began to talk again. "It's just you and your dog?"

"Yes papa."

"Well that is not acceptable. I will have Uncle Paul fly to you and pick you up ASAP. You will come live with me and my family here in Italy."

He was always a family man until he left me and my mom behind. Uncle Paul is my dad's best friend. He raised me as well as my parents did. He was like a second dad to me. Sadly he left with my dad.

"Papa, are you sure this is what you want? What about my dog, my job, my apartment and my debt?" I was going frantic.

"You can bring your dog here. You will quit your job. And don't worry about your apartment and debt. I will take care of all of that."

"Are you sure Papa?"

"Yes, my daughter is in need. I need to start taking care of her again like a real father should. I am so sorry bellissima (beautiful) Uncle Paul is leaving now. It is 5pm where you are. Be ready at 3am, pack your essentials. What you still need you will buy it here."

"You're okay with this Papa?"

"My daughter is in trouble and I will not turn my back on her again. I love you Juliet."

"I love you too."

"I need to go. Have a safe flight. Call me if you have any questions or you need something."

"Okay Papa, Thank you."

"No need to thank me, I love you honey, Bye."

"I love you too Papa, buh bye." with that I hung up.

I know I haven't talked to him since I was 16 but I was always a daddy's girl. His response didn't really surprise me. I just think too deep about serious decisions like this one. I huffed and looked at Maggie.

"Hope you're okay with moving to Italy cause that's what we're doing,"as she was now sitting on my lap.

3am sharp there was a knock on my door. I opened the door to see Uncle Paul standing in front of me. I wrapped my hands around his stomach and began to cry.

"Uncle Paul, I missed you so much."

"I missed you too kiddo. I'm happy to see you again Juls. You've grown up so much. You're a beautiful 24 year old women. You definitely get your looks from your mother." We both smiled. I picked up my dog,

"Maggie right?"

"Yes, she's such a good dog."

"Let's get going kiddo, we're going to be late."