Tarrant

I'm Sorry

I got a random text last night from an unknown number.
It read, "Hi Rant, it's me." I felt my heart stop for a split second. Only one person calls me Rant, and that is my father.
"Who is this?" I replied, as if there was a shadow of a doubt.
"It's me, your dad..." I knew it.
I thought long and hard about what I should say or do next. I didn't want to hear from him, but at the same time, it could have been a family emergency. Perhaps one of grandmothers were sick?
I was still angry with Dad. I wanted to block the number, but I didn't.

Suddenly my phone was ringing. I took a deep breath. I don't know why, but I answered it.
"Hi, son. I know this is sudden, but I wanted you to know... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything I did to you." He said. I didn't really believe a word he said. I've been apologized to so many times growing up. Nothing ever changed. I didn't say anything.
"Son? Please come home. I promise things will be different. I've been sober for 6 months now. I'm sorry for not calling you sooner. I was angry at you for running away. But I've realized you were the only one with any right to be mad." He begged.
"I don't know, Dad..." I whispered, as to not wake Angel, who was asleep next to me on the couch.
"I just don't want you to hurt me again. I don't know if I could take coming back to that house."
"I understand. I can even come over to wherever you're staying. I...I really care about you. Bye now." He said.
"Thank you. Goodbye."
I wasn't sure what to think.
"Who was that?" Angel asked, rubbing her eyes.
"My father. He wants me to come home and see him... but I don't think I want to." I said.
"Why not?" She asked.
"I'd rather not talk about it right now, if that's okay."