Still Dunno

Chapter 57 - Better This Way

Joslyn's POV

This was it. Everything was set in motion. Christopher was thrilled to death, me not so much. Dad, Ross, and Rocky playing at the Festival gave me the perfect opportunity to get out.

Mary was coming to babysit tonight. I swore I'd be home by midnight. Aunt Sabrina wasn't happy, but she finally said yes.

Dad would leave at three this afternoon, giving me time to prepare. Although, I had no prep plans. These guys wanted my body, and they'd have it, but I wasn't getting all dressed up for them.

Christopher promised a good time. I promised him five hours on my back, and that's all I was doing.

I was driving separately. I had three bottles of pepper spray just in case things got dicey. I'd be home before midnight, and then I'd put my plan fully into action.

I've been thinking a lot about Molly's father since her birthday. He had no idea that Molly existed. Was that fair? I don't know. But lately, I've thought about letting him know.

I pulled out a piece of paper and wrote a quick letter.

It didn't say everything I wanted to, but it said enough. If he wanted to see his daughter, he could. The ball was in his court now.

"Joslyn?"

I looked at the doorway. Dad stood in it. He was a tall man. I'm sure in his earlier days, Dad was handsome. Now he was old and my Dad.

Dad did the best he could and did better after Mom died. I know he loves Molly and will always do what suits her.

"Yes?"

"I'm leaving. I'll be back tomorrow morning," Dad said.

"Okay, have a great time," I said.

"You'll be okay here with Molly?" He asked.

"Yes," I said, trying not to roll my eyes.

I know he didn't think I took proper care of Molly. In a way, he was right.

"All right, well, text if you need anything, and I'll see you tomorrow," Dad said.

I got up and went to him and gave him a hug.

"What's that for?" He asked, hugging me back.

"I love you! Thanks for putting up with me and taking good care of Molly."

"Aw honey," Dad said. "I love you too!"

I squeezed him one last time and then pulled away.

"What's that?" He asked, pointing to the letter in my hand.

"I wrote a letter to someone. I'll drop it in the mail later."

Dad nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed my forehead and disappeared.

A couple hours later, my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Joslyn, it's Aunt Sabrina. Mary came down with a fever and won't be able to sit for you tonight."

"What?" I asked, alarmed.

"She's sick, honey," Aunt Sabrina said.

"What if she came and just laid on the couch?" I asked, desperate.

Aunt Sabrina snorted. "I'm sorry, Jos, it won't happen."

"I could..."

"No. Mary is sick. You'll have to find someone else," Aunt Sabrina said.

"Okay, I hope she feels better," I said and hung up.

Now, what do I do? Christopher will kill me if I cancel. I looked at my phone. Desperate, I picked it up and called Janis.