"Catching breath, in a web of lies." - Kelly Clarkson
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Hearing my dad's voice is always a big comfort for me. I never not want to see or talk to him. There's times when I know just how much of a pushover he can be with my mother but he's never not been on my side.
"Gummy bear how are you?" He beams over the phone and I instantly feel guilty for not calling more. "You've been a bit distant since you went back to school."
"I know, I'm sorry dad, it's just been busy for me. But tell me how are you guys?"
He chuckles. "Pretty good actually. As you know, your sister just got a puppy and she's thrilled. Takes the little beast everywhere she can. It's nice having some cuteness around the house."
I smile.
My sister got a puppy as an early graduation present from our grandparents. My dads parents are big pet lovers and for the longest we wanted one but of course the lovely woman that my mom is, she'd never let us. However, Jade has also put her foot down and as it appears my mother has calmed down some.
Chuckling, I answer. "Yes, she flooded my phone with videos and pictures. It's nice to see her so happy." My sad agrees and there's an awkward silence just for a few seconds. "And umm, how's mom doing?" I finally bring myself to ask.
"She's doing good." He clears his throat. "Finally, she decided to join the women at the country club."
"Mmm. I see." I sigh.
Good for her. Maybe that'll keep her busy enough. I sure wished she would've done that along time ago then maybe her relationship with her daughters wouldn't be on the rocks right now.
Now my dad sighs. "Gummy bear, I know that it's hard for you to see things her way, but she really does love you girls. Right now she's trying to compromise."
I roll my eyes knowing he can't see me. It really annoys the fuck out of me when he tries to butter me up with this whole 'we do it for your own good' bullshit!
Not wanting to hear anymore, I interrupt him. "Well good, because I'm not going to Thanksgiving this year and I'm gonna need all her undying understanding for that."
"What?!" My dads voice sounds concerned. "What do you mean you won't be here for Thanksgiving? We haven't seen you since you left."
"I know, but The Bells got invited to perform at the Thanksgiving hockey game that will air on live tv. It's pretty cool and important." I lie. "There'd be no point in flying over there just for a couple days."
Again, my dad lets out another sigh. "Wow, that does sound great gummy bear." And I can tell he means that. "It just sucks we won't get to see you until your next break. Where will you be staying then?"
