My dad is a Musician

Chapter 4

"That reminds me, what's my temperature?" I asked dad. Why was he so shocked?

"Oh yeah Leon, just rest for a few days ok? Your temperature is very high. You need rest."

"I promised to meet Pam tomorrow. I can't."

"I didn't give you a choice Leon."

"Please please please. I promise I will be back in half an hour."

"Can you even walk Leon if your temperature is this high?"

"I can." I need to act desperate so that Dad won't let me meet anyone for a long time. And did I keep the thermometer in the hot cocoa for that long for it to be higher than the normal? Welp, if I did, it's good for me. I can research at home without worrying that way.

"We just gave a long speech, didn't we? Was it just empty words? Because you are arguing with me again now." His voice was higher than usual. He never raised it this much while yelling.

I am sorry but I have to. I need to win this battle to stay with you and that starts by staying underground for a while. I know I am hurting you but eventually this will help me.

"Fine," dad finally said, "you are grounded."

"Until when?"

"Until you get better."

"But…"

"No."

"Dad, I–"

"A 'no' is a complete sentence Leon. You don't argue past that point. I know this is harsh and you don't deserve it but rather than you getting in hospital after going out for a day because of your stubbornness, this is much better. You must have heard of the phrase, 'Precaution is better than cure,' right?"

"Yeah…" It's happening…

"That's it then. Sleep now and do not watch movies on your laptop or on the TV or anything. No books. Nothing at all. Just rest."

"Bad dad." It's happening…

“Leon.” He said. I didn't dare to look at him. I was purposefully acting like this. But, I knew it was not a good thing to say to him, still, I like a bit of drama anyways so why not?

"It seems your hot cocoa has gone cold, I will reheat it for you." He said finally after a sigh.

Just a bit more…

"And I dare you to sneak out of the house. I am not going to take you back at all. Just remember that well?" He said as he picked the cup. “You remember saying you are not a kid anymore right? Then maybe learn to face consequences like grown-ups.”

"Yes."

"No going out at all now until you feel better. If Pamella comes, I will send her back. And…", he suddenly paused, "I am very sorry that I am putting you through this when you are sick. As I said, I will be here for all the support you want, ok? So just call for me if anything."

"Yes dad. I am sorry to act out. I will reflect upon my behaviour."

"Just focus on recovery today."

"Yes." He patted my head and left the room.

It finally happened! My plan was successful! I got grounded, yay! I can finally relax and investigate this whole matter. I am so so so happy!

But still an important matter is left which I will talk about with papa when he comes back. I will lie down for a while till then.

I hope he takes it on a good note.

Soon I heard a knock on the door and dad announcing he will be coming in. Yes! This is your moment! Shine, Leo!

"Leo, this is your hot cocoa." Dad said while giving me a mug.

"Thanks a lot."

"And I thought about it. You can do anything you want but just don't get out of your room ok? Consider this as a semi-grounding. Behave well with this chance alright? I will not think twice about taking your perms away if you misbehave."

"I know it dad."

"Good."

"Dad," ok Leo, it's either now or never, "Adopt me."

"Wha–" he seemed confused again.

"Yes. I want you to be my dad legally. So please, adopt me papa."

He came and sat near me on the bed, "Is it because I said I will ground you but took it back instead?"

"What? No!"

"Leon, think well, did I not say it?"

"I have!"

"Ok. Why do you want to get adopted by me then?"

"Because it's you."

"Hm?"

I kept the mug aside on the table and leaned forward.

"You are you, dad." I started, "And no one can replace you. I can get parents who are richer than you or who are more liberal than you but, you are irreplaceable. You lecture me and give me so much advice that it at times is annoying but… I like it. If I look back, whatever you have said has helped me so please… adopt me. You are not perfect and neither am I but, dad… no one else can be a more perfect dad than you ever. And that's the truth."

He went quiet for a while and almost was in tears. He is moved.

I continued, "I love you dad and believe me, I am not saying this because I have any other intentions but because I just want you to be my dad and nothing else."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Hundred percent?"

"Ten thousand percent!"

I went on and wrapped my arms around his neck, giving him a hug, I said, "Don't leave me."

"Don't worry. I will never." He said after a short pause, hugging me back. "I will adopt you. I definitely will."

Thanks dad. You are really the best. I hope the other part of the plan goes smoothly but no matter what, this is the best day of my life because he will be my dad in a legal sense soon. Finally, all my dreams will come true and nothing will ever be able to stop me. I will finally confront my abuser.