𝙲𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎̀ 𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎 | John Price

Chapter Twelve

Daisy followed John's instructions and stayed away from him for the past few weeks. Her heart aches, and she feels a bit dull, especially after her last fight with Alex. It feels as if everything and everyone is against her all at once, and she feels overwhelmingly outnumbered. Her only stability is Melody, who comes over to Daisy's house everyday, instead of the other way around.

The two young woman are cooped up in Daisy's bed, both reading their own separate books while maintaining random conversation.

"Mel, what if I told you I wanted to raw dog your dad?" Daisy hums as she flips the page of her book.

Melody snorts with laughter, her eyes peeking over her own book. "Honestly?"

"Brutally honest, Melon."

"Well, for starters, I'd say you're full of shit and to stay away from him. But if you're really asking for advice..." Melody's voice trails off as she ponders.

"What?" Daisy asks, her curiosity piqued.

"It's just—Since you stopped coming over, he's been in a bit of a..."

"A bit of a...?"

"A slump, I guess? More than usual. He's been quieter, more distant. And I've noticed the way he looks at you when he thinks no one's watching. There's something there, Daisy. Something that's definitely not appropriate for a father-daughter's best friend relationship. But if you're sure it's what you want, and you think he feels the same..."

Daisy's eyes widen. "Mel, no. It's just a fantasy, a weird, messed up thing I thought about because he's been gone so long. It doesn't mean anything. It can't mean anything. Right?" Melody nods, but the look in her eyes says she's not entirely convinced. "Plus, I still have Alex... I think."

"You think?" Melody raises a bemused eyebrow.

Daisy sighs heavily, dropping her book on her chest. "Things with Alex are complicated. He's...not the same. He's been distant, and I just don't know what to do anymore. It's like we're just going through the motions."

Melody nods in understanding. "I know you love him, Daisy, but maybe you two need a break. You know, to figure things out. Maybe that's why you're thinking about..." She gestures vaguely towards the door, hinting at her father.

Daisy shakes her head, pushing the thoughts away. "No. I can't. It's wrong." The words hang in the air, thick with doubt and fear.

Melody rolls her eyes. "You're so dense sometimes. The way he looks at you? The way he talks to you? Trust me, Daisy. If you want him, he wants you too. But whether you should do something about it is a whole different story. And if you do decide to go for it, I'm going to need details. Lots of them. And maybe some photos?"

Daisy slaps her playfully on the arm. "You're terrible, you know that?" Melody giggles, the sound light and airy, breaking the tension in the room. "But what if I told you I know he wants me?" Daisy smirks, a glint in her eye that hadn't been there before.

Melody sits up, her interest piqued. "How would you know that?"

"Don't throw up, but I saw him masturbating while moaning my name a few weeks ago."

Melody's eyes widen in shock, her hand flying to cover her mouth. "Oh my God, Daisy! That's—That's so fucked up!"

Daisy nods, feeling a mix of excitement and horror. "I know, right? But what does that mean? Is he just lonely, or—"

"Or maybe he's into you?" Melody finishes her sentence, her voice dropping to a whisper. Daisy can't help but feel a thrill at the thought. "I can't believe I'm talking about my dad clearly wanting to rail you." Daisy laughs and shoves her pillow at Melody. "It's not funny!" But Daisy's laughter is infectious, and soon Melody is joining in, the weight of the situation leaving the room in a lighthearted warmth. "Honestly, Daisy, I can't stop you nor my dad from doing anything. Just be careful, okay? He's got a lot of pent up anger from years of working in the military. I don't know if he has it in him to be a gentle lover anymore." Melody's words hang in the air, the gravity of the situation settling into Daisy's heart.

She nods solemnly, understanding the risks she might be taking. But the pull is too strong, the desire too intense. "I like your dad, Melody... A lot... And I'm seriously debating whether I should leave Alex or not." The room goes quiet as they both realize the weight of Daisy's confession.

Melody sets her book aside, looking at her friend with a mix of concern and curiosity. "You don't have to tell me everything, but I'm here for you, Daisy. Whatever happens, I've got your back."

Daisy nods, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Mel. I think I need to talk to Alex."

Melody nods, a knowing look in her eyes. "Just don't let your hormones get the best of you, okay?"

"What, you think I'm gonna go fuck your dad right after?" Daisy snorts, but even as she says it, the image of John's hands on her body flashes through her mind.

"Okay. Ew. This conversation is over. Go talk to Alex before I kms."

Daisy sits up, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. "You're right. I need to figure this out before it goes any further. Thanks, Mel. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Melody smiles, her eyes softening. "You'd be fine, but I'm always here. Now go, get dressed, and go have that talk. And maybe don't wear that sweatshirt. You know, the one that makes you look like a sad potato."

Daisy rolls her eyes but can't help the smile that tugs at her lips. She grabs her phone, her heart racing as she pulls up Alex's number. She takes a deep breath, her hand hovering over the call button. This is it. Time to face the music.