Desolate - h.s. ✓

° fifty-four °

     When my parents and Ethan came back from the trip, they spoke to me about the two broadway shows they saw, and the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. I listened intently, glad that they had a great time, and suggesting that we should go at some point so I could see the places. Ethan agreed, but then claimed he wanted to take a shower, heading up the stairs. My mom smiled at me, hugging me tightly before heading off to the kitchen while my father hugged me also "Harry treated you okay? He took care of my baby?"

"Dad, I'm not five," I whined when he didn't let go of me. "He was really sweet. We went on several dates, and he bought me charms for my charm bracelet."

"That's great!" my father nodded. "I'm glad you had a good time. Also, do you want to run to the store with me? I need to pick up a couple of things for your mother."

We told my mom that we were leaving, my father and I getting into the car. He talked to me about how he wished I was there because sometimes he just couldn't stand Ethan, which I thought was kind of funny. My dad also talked to me about how he thought the broadway shows were things I would have absolutely loved "So, where did you and Harry go on your dates, Nikki? What did you do? Talk to me about your week."

I was confused on why he was so interested in my week, but figured he had simply missed me a lot. Explaining that we went to LA for lunch one day, and just hung out at the house, or went to the fair and a concert, he seemed to like that, telling me that Harry seemed to always have good date ideas.

"I agree. They're so spontaneous sometimes, it's crazy! Oh, and he also got tattoos after the concert."

"He did?"

"Yeah, just initials."

"Oh, for who?"

"Uhhhh .... he got an A for Anne, a G for Gemma, and an N for something else."

"That boy did not do what I think he did," my father laughed. "He really loves you that much? I never thought I'd see the day. His mother always ranted about how after he dated Hailey he just brought different girls over all the time, or then left for long hours and then would show up late into the evening. Now it's just you."

"He just cares a lot," I shrugged.

"Well that's really good. I'm glad he cares so much about my baby."

My dad parked at the store, the two of us heading inside. I grabbed a basket, the two of us walking to the ice cream aisle first. My dad picked out my mom's favorite ice cream — the kind that had brownie batter in it — along with his favorite — the kind that had cookie dough pieces. I asked if I could eat some of that also, my dad nodding as we headed to the next place. He grabbed sprinkles, surprising me when he grabbed feminine products, and then condoms.

"Wow, I don't need to know about this!" I told him. "Gross. Dad, I didn't want to know!"

He shrugged. "You're fine. Actually, you had the house to yourself, I wouldn't be surprised if you and Harry —"

"Shh!" I nearly yelled, covering his mouth. "I don't need you saying it out loud."

"So you did?" he asked, the words muffled.

I looked away quickly, pulling my hands away as my dad laughed. I didn't understand when it was that we had become so close, but he promised that he didn't care. Looking up at him, he shrugged, pushing my hair back from my face.

"He treated you okay?"

"Dad."

"I'm just making sure you were comfortable."

"Dad, I'm not talking about that with you."

"Nikki, fine, just promise me that he treated you okay."

I nodded, my face flushed from the conversation and reddening more with the words that my mouth couldn't stop from leaving.