Maybe

Chapter Seven - Dinner With A Twist

I can't remember the last time we sat at the table as a family. Mom kept smiling but dad looked at ease for the first time in what seemed like forever he didn't look at me with disgust.

As many times as he's had to drive me home from the station. Or lecture me about my life and his reputation. Its a wonder why he hadn't gave me the boot. Given I was still four months before the big eighteen. But I think he just had hope in me just showed it in a angry way.
I felt sorry for what my parents had gone through because of me honestly. I just hope I still had time to make up for things.

Macie and mom kept a conversation going while me and dad stared at each other.

"Dad can we talk?"

Without hesitation he removed himself from the table and walked out back. I could feel Macie stare at me. I looked at her as I got up and just mouthed it'll be ok to her.I closed the door and sat beside my dad.

"I'm sorry first off".

"It just better last, Luke ".

"Dad something has been going on at Macie's house. I was wondering if she could stay a while?"

"First tell me because reports have been pinned of him for years now".

"Well he abuses her".

I felt the lump in my throat form. I knew dad would press for more information but I couldn't repeat what she'd had told me.

"How son? This is very serious if it's true".

"Beats her. Him and her grandma. Also", there was silence.

"Also what?" he stood up from his seat.

"He's been beating her". The lump went down as my father clinched his fist.

"Dad I want to help her. I'm not going to get in anymore trouble. I promise but I need help from you to do something".

"She's staying here tonight. I'll ask the office tonight to see what she and us needs to do. I will not let her go through it."

I stood up and went to my dad. I don't care how cheesy it is I hugged my dad. He patted my back. It was quick. For a man's sake.

"Son, I'm proud of you right now just stay clean. She needs you and honestly we need you around".

I could only nodd. Before going back in.

"Dad, please don't bring it up to her?"

"Not until I have to".

He left going back inside I soon followed. Macie's face greeting mine. I just gave a smile.

"Movies?"

She looked at mom who was still sitting with her. Smiling as if she hit the lottery.

"Go on you two enjoy the night".

"Thank you Alice for dinner".

"We don't do it offten but I think we should try more".

I looked at mom.

"We've gotta go now if we're going to make it."

"Please go have fun".

"Dad needs to talk to you".

"I'm sure he will tell me just go enjoy ok?"

Without another word we got into my car and drove off.

~~~~~~~~~~~

She was quite the whole way. Should I say something? No I will wait for her. She looked deep in thoughts. I didn't want to disrupt her. She needed time to think anyway. I feel like we've talked her ear off. And stressed her out more.