You Smell Good | ✔️

26 | Delight

I hopped into Emma's car after school. She wants to take me out to lunch at least once before we set off to college.

"Where are we going?"

"Your favorite."

"Awe, really?"

My favorite place to eat is called Beth's Diner. It's an iconic diner that basically has everything. Chicken, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads, barbecue, dessert, breakfast, you name it. I always get their chicken, it's the bomb.

"Yep, you deserve it."

"Thanks, babe."

She rolled her eyes at me, as we continued down the familiar path to my favorite restaurant. Mom only ever takes me there on special occasions. It's pretty far away. I used to go to it all the time because it was a lot closer. They tore down the one that was here for some reason.

After a long, 45 minute drive, we finally got there.

"By the way, is it okay that one of my friends is coming as well?"

"...I mean I guess. Do I know them?"

"I don't think so, but you'll love him. I know it."

"He? Please don't tell me you're cheating on Nick with him."

"NO! Who do you think I am?"

"Just making sure. Is he already here?"

"No. We will just wait to order until he comes here."

"Ughh."

"Don't be so impatient. You won't starve."

We got out of the car, and walked into the establishment.

Emma told me to sit at one of the benches so she could get us a table. I saw her look back at one point, and whisper something to the lady at the desk. The lady shook her head no, and Emma signaled me to follow her.

"What did you whisper to her?"

"Oh, I was just asking if my friend was here."

"Do you not want me to know who he is?"

"...not really."

"Why?

"I don't know."

"Emma, is this a blind date? I'm dating Calvin. I know at times he can be a bit...well, him. But that doesn't mean he's a bad boyfriend. Do you not like him anymore? WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SHIP?!"

"Shh, calm down! I love Calvin like a brother."

"Okay, good."

We got to sit down in a back table away from everyone, at my favorite table. One of those big, circular booths tucked away in the corner.

A waitress named Tori came to us and asked us what we wanted to drink. I got a water, Emma got sweet tea.

"I feel like when you die and people give you an autopsy, they are going to find tea in your veins." I said.

"Says you, I'm surprised there isn't coffee leaking out of your pores."

I grimaced at the thought, and laughed at her comeback.

"You're a psycho." I laughed.

"Takes one to know one." she said.

"I love how we call each other babe, yet we insult each other all the time." I giggled.

"That's what friendship is about."

Emma snorted.

Tori came back a few minutes later with our drinks. She also asked us what we wanted to eat, but we had to decline our meals to wait for her friend. Honestly, I was about to start eating the sugar packets on the table I was so hungry. Call me dramatic, but I can't wait when it comes to food.

"He should be here any minute. He just texted me saying that he was on the way."

"HE JUST TEXTED YOU?!"

"Calm down! He was just running late. Probably talking to his..uh, girlfriend."

"At least he wont try to fuckboy us." I said, relieved.

"Damn right." she said, taking a sip of her beverage.

I searched the restaurant to see if there were any attractive guys around. Guy in a suit with a lady (probably his girlfriend), a young girl by herself, and a family with a baby screaming in its high chair.

I saw Emma's eyes affixed on something. I turned my head to look.

"Hey, Ava?"

I turned my head back around to look at her.

"Erm, do you mind if I take a picture of you? Just so I can remember you better."

"I mean sure, but you're staying local aren't you?"

"Yeah, but it's still college. I won't be able to see you unless we go to the same school."

"I suppose so. Fine then."

I took her phone so I could fix my hair, and gave it back to her. Her eyes drifted to something behind me again. I squinted at her.

"Ready? On three, okay?" she said, kinda loud for her, but whatever.

"One....two....three."

As the word "three" slipped out of her mouth, I felt someone behind me. As I turned around, I saw a vaguely familiar face.

It was a man. Dark brown hair, light brown eyes, pretty tall. He wore a grey button up shirt, dark pants, and brown dress shoes. Honestly, I hardly recognized him, but when I saw his face I knew. I knew that I had missed this person more than anything I had ever missed before.

My father.

My face lit up with joy, as I saw him smile at me.

"DADDY!" I screamed, as I stood up and wrapped my arms around him. I felt my eyes water, and I just let it happen. I was crying happy tears, I hadn't seen my father in 3 years.

"Hey honey." I heard him mutter. He kissed my hair, and just kept on hugging him. I didn't want to let go.

We probably stood there hugging for about 10 minutes, until Emma mentioned food.

"God, I'm hungry." I muttered.

"Me too." agreed my father.

We sat down at our table, and ordered our food.

"So yeah, what the hell are you doing here?" I asked my dad.

He chuckled.

"Well, I've been away for a while, and thought it was about time to see my girls again."

"So, are you leaving again?"

His mouth turned into a flat line.

"Well, about that," he began.

I knew it.

"What would you say if I said I was retiring?"

I snapped my head towards him.

"Really?! You are?!"

He nodded his head.

I hugged him again, wiping away more happy tears.

"Okay, get it together Ava." I said to myself.

"You're fine, girly." Emma said.

"And Emma, did you plan this?"

"Eh, a little bit."

"...I hate surprises." I said.

She laughed.

"I know."

Our food came and we started munching. I had a chicken bowl, Emma got a salad, and my dad got ribs. We had small conversations during our meal. I really hope it wasn't that awkward for Emma. She showed me the picture that she took of me. It showed my dad behind me smiling, while my head was in motion of turning around.

"You have to send that to me."

I asked my dad if he had already seen my mom and Cassidy, and he said he did. Apparently, Cassidy is on break and instead of staying with her dorm buddies, she wanted to come home for a while.

So, I guess I will have my whole family here, at least for a while, anyways.