The Way to Truth

Chapter 9: Long awaited return

Sunday_
After a week of strenuous school days, the day of the movie plan finally arrived.
It was in the evening at around 6pm, so I had loads of time to take out an outfit.
I flicked through all the clothes my wardrobe carried, leaving the room in shambles; an odd sight to see as it was created by the most meticulous person you could ever meet. I mean, what should I wear?
I'd prefer my favorite red shirt and some baggy pants, but Mom says that's  not 'formal'. Honestly. Is dressing up so important? Well, of course it is since everyone is always there to judge you. Dressing up correctly is a skill needed in life's ventures; whether to impress your bosses in the corporate sector, gaining popularity or generally being respected in society. Its feels good to look good, I admit it but, honestly whenever I do get dressed up, it feels as if I am plastering a mask on myself, as if I am hiding who I really am. But seriously, what should I wear???
Finally, after turning my room into a sight fit for a warzone, I managed to wear some skinny jeans and a mint green cut-out sleeves blouse with my mother's approval after she rejected all of my previous mismatched combinations. Quickly slipping on my red skull bracelets and wearing my favorite necklace which displayed a twisted clock face, I headed to the door. "Okay, I'm leaving! I'll be back by 9pm so please, don't start worrying," I announced just before exiting the house.
"I'll drop you off," the sound of a deep familiar voice echoed through the house. Could it be...?
After hearing the tapping of heavy footsteps I saw the person they belonged to. A tall, well built man, around 45 years old walked into the hall with one strong arm around my Mother who wore a long smile across her face. "Nara, why are you gawking at me like that? Don't you remember me?" He loudly announced again.
Yes, it was him.
It was my father.
Without another word, I ran straight into his arms as he embraced me tightly, a hug I had not experienced in a long time. I could smell his familiar cologne's zesty fragrance while his formal, freshly ironed suit pressed softly against my cheeks as his lively energetic voice filled the room. "I've missed you two so much," he said as he slowly unwrapped his arms from us, his warmth still radiating from afar. I missed so much. With realization, he suddenly began to rusj for his car keys,"Enough with the hugs, you're getting late Nara! Your mother told me that you were going to the cinema  with a friend so you don't want to miss the movie. Come, I'll drop you."

My stomach fluttered as the car's engine  whirred. In turn, the tungsten coloured frame vibrated as he
backed the car out of pur driveway and accelerated out towards the cinema. I had been on drives before, but the exhilarating feeling of being alone with my father was a rare experience ever since his job had posted him to work in a different country. He knew that I love it here where we live, so he didn't apply the pressure of us moving away. Instead of the entire family moving away, he decided to be the only one to leave, but promised to visit us whenever it was possible.
I rested my head against the soft leather seat that filled my head with old memories; the evenings when my family used to go and buy ice creams, the long road trips into the countryside as well as the daily rounds to the neighbouring park's playground. I can't help it, I miss the past so much. No matter how pleasant the memories are, they only remind me how different the situation is now, and how I can never go and relive the past again. "I missed you so much Dad. Its been a year since you've come back to visit us."
He replied wearily after sighing,"I'm sorry if I came back too late. The company's sales of the product I am marketing were very low this year. They said I had to work on improving them. Thankfully the product sales have increased and will continue to rise. Hopefully, I'll get reposted back here."
My father never spoke  to me about work, and even if he  did, he would soon digress from the topic. It irritates me so much that he still tries to protect me from the 'real' world. I already know that you have to struggle for a living when you graduate. You have to start your life, choose a profession, earn money and try your best to satisfy your needs. My father can't hide the merciless cycle of life from me no matter how much he tries. "Anyway, forget about all of that. Tell me about your new friend, his name was Nathan correct?" I nod and quickly reply,"Yep. He's a nice guy, a bit absent minded but still better than the rest of the girls and the boys."  He nodded his head marking his approval while turning the steering wheel, the cinema now in view. "Its good that you have made a friend who you can get along with. Not like those girls who are afraid of breaking their nails or getting their fresh hairdos ruined," he said with a small, mischievous wink as I grinned. My father always knows what I'm thinking about; whether it is about people or school, he just manages to read my mind. His trust in my actions always reassure me, always reminding that he has faith in me. I just feel so comfortable around him, knowing that I can talk to him about anything and be as open as I want without the fear of a negative reaction. I could never be as open to anyone other than him. He turned into the parking lot as the car screeched to a halt. "Come on Nara, we've reached . You want me to drop you inside?"
"No thanks, I'll walk. By the way...thanks for dropping me dad." I shyly reply. Why was I being shy around my own father? "No problem, darling. If I could choose, I would choose to be your chaperone over any other job in the world," he gave me a warm smile and patted me on the back,"anyway enough of this sweetness, it's going to rot my teeth. I'll come to pick you up by 9pm so I'll call you when I arrive. Have fun!" I couldn't help but to smile. Its been a year yet his sense of humor still hasn't faded. I waved to him as he drove off as my heart fluttered.
I'm so happy that he hasn't changed!
I was so worried how Dad would be after one year of constant, straining work. He hasn't changed...Lost in thought, I turned towards the entrance to suddenly see Nathan standing right behind me, staring curiously, "So that's your father?" My cheeks puffed up turning a bright red trying to conceal the scare he had given me. Where did Nathan come from? I would have known if he was standing this close. "Of course that's my father. By the way, you can inform me when you want to sneak up behind me!" I irritably replied while punching his shoulder as he laughed, "Okay, okay, I'm sorry. You should know by now that your punches hurt a lot."
I wink with a mischievous grin plastered on my face, "Alright, I'll try not to punch you now. By the way, if you saw me entering why didn't you just meet my Dad if you were so curious?"
"I don't know, I was too shy to meet him," he stammered as he bowed his head towards the floor trying to avoid eye contact.
"Uhhh....you? Shy?" I replied in a tone that exposed my pure disbelief of his statement. I know Nathan had his mood swings, but being shy was something completely new. "OK, let's not get into this again. Hurry already, we're late," he quickly rushed on dragging me along with him through the cinema doors, an exasperated expression on his face. I checked my watch to see its hand ticking onto 5:05pm. Oh no, I completely forgot, we were late for the movie!
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I am so sorry about the cliffhanger here!!! This chapter is really long and I hadn't posted for a really long time so I decided to divide it into two parts. I'll post the next chapter whenever I can.

Anyways...readers, you've been introduced to Sesame's father! I guess this chapter could count as a father's day special too.
How do you feel about the book so far? I love to see your votes and comments so press the star button! :)
Thanks,
Imantheawesome7