The Harper Generations

Hey, roomie

Misty

I sat on my dad's suitcase, preventing him from packing more clothes. After he dropped his bombshell on me about his business trip, I refused to face reality. If I ignored the truth, it wasn't real. Unfortunately, it was very real with my dad packing.

"Misty Margaret, will you let me finish packing?" My dad huffed.

"If you keep packing, you'll leave."

"That's the whole point."

"Why can't I go with you? I can email my teachers my assignments and tests."

"Sis, it's better if you stay here and go to school. It'll only be a month. I'll be back before you can blink."

I looked at my dad and sighed. "Fine."

"I'll call every day and video chat with you."

"You promise?"

"Pinky swear." Dad held out his pinky to me.

I wrapped my pinky around his and shook. If Dad Pinky swore a promise, he never broke it. It just sucks that he has to leave for a month.

"Misty, this is a chance for me to pay for your college education and save for your wedding one day."

"Dad! I'm only seventeen!" I thrust out my hand to him.

"Still, I want to give you a nice wedding when you're ready. It would tickle your momma if she were here. She always wanted a little girl to dress in pretty dresses. I didn't care either way. I would have had a queen and a princess." My dad forced a smile, trying not to tear up.

"Mom will always be your queen." I gave my dad a genuine smile.

"Thanks, sis." My dad kissed my forehead. "Now, you better get packed."

"Yes, sir." I saluted my dad before running into my bedroom.

My dad chuckled.

I packed a couple of bags of clothes and essentials. Kadia said if I needed anything, I could grab it from my house. My dad, Val, and Kadia thought it was better if I wasn't staying home alone for a month. It's not that they didn't trust me. They didn't trust Banks.

Hell, no one trusted Banks, aka Bryson.

Dad loaded his suitcases into the trunk of the car before walking me to Val and Kadia's house. The door flung open as my dad had his fist up to knock. Tino grinned as my dad and I exchanged arched brows.

Val appeared at the door and moved Tino out of the way. "Excuse my excited boy. He's been plastered against the living room picture window."

"Dad!" Tino exclaimed.

"You're worse than your uncle Romeo when I was younger. Settle down before I hose you down."

Tino rolled his eyes and pouted. Oh, how cute. Tino can't jump me because Daddy won't let him.

Dad and I entered the house as Kadia came to the door.

"Kadia will show you which room you'll stay in," Val said.

"Okay." I turned to Dad and hugged him. "Call me every day. I want to hear everything."

"Sis, the same goes for you, too." My dad returned the hug before kissing my forehead and leaving.

I blew air past my lips before facing Val, Kadia, and Tino.

"Are you okay?" Kadia asked with knitted brows.

"It's the first time my dad and I have been separated for this long. It's usually a week or a few days. But a month?" I asked.

"Dad told me it's a great opportunity for your dad. The plant sends everyone for a month-long training when they take a supervisor's position. They want to ensure the employees understand the job better," Val said.