My Star

Chapter 11

After bidding farewell to my friends, I took the opportunity to explore the spacious and tastefully furnished apartment. Each room seamlessly flowed into the next, yet maintained its distinct style.

I rummaged through the freezer and found some chicken, along with all the fixings for tacos. Opting for chicken tacos, I grabbed a case of cherry Pepsi from the floor to chill in the fridge, as nothing paired better with tacos in my opinion.

Placing the frozen chicken in salted water to hasten the thawing process, I prepped my onions, lettuce, and tomatoes, setting them aside. As a wave of homesickness washed over me, I dialed my dad's number.

He picked up on the first ring, and upon hearing his voice, tears streamed down my face.

"Hey baby," he greeted me, his voice always a source of comfort.

"Hi daddy. Are you mad at me too?" I asked, my voice tinged with nervousness.

"Star, you're my baby. I always knew that one day, a young man would sweep you off your feet. I just hoped it would be someone who truly values you, not someone who puts you on hold to play out his macho fantasies," my dad reassured me, his words wrapping me in warmth and understanding.

I chuckled, feeling a rush of love for my dad.

"Honestly, I trust Chance/Terrance because I know he will protect you, not just from physical danger but from emotional harm as well. The way he looks at you, he would sooner hurt himself than see you in pain," my dad affirmed.

"Are you not upset he didn't bring me home?" I asked, seeking clarity.

"After hearing Gloria's side and considering every word she said, if I were in Chance's shoes, I wouldn't have brought you home either. When you're with a man, he won't expose you to harm, whether through actions, words, or your mom's yelling and disrespect. She knows better," my dad explained.

We sat in silence for a moment before my dad uttered words that brought tears to my eyes. "This is my damn house, and nobody can ever kick you out of it. I hope you never doubt that you can come home. I've never laid a hand on you, but I will that day if needed. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, daddy," I replied, tears of gratitude and love mingling with my smile.

I sensed my dad's frustration towards my mom. "Dad, she just loves me and didn't want to see me get hurt," I explained to him.

"So she kicks you out! How is that helpful?" he exclaimed. "You know what, baby, I love you. Starting in three weeks, I want you home every Sunday for dinner, and Chance is invited. I have to go," he said, his voice wavering as he tried to maintain composure.

I quickly dialed Frank's number, and he picked up on the second ring. "Hello!" he exclaimed. "Man, cut it out, love, it's Star" he added. I could hear Tiny's laughter in the background, "Hi sister!" She screamed. and I didn't want to imagine what I had just interrupted.

"You two are so gross!" I teased.

"We're adults, Star! Just make sure you're not being gross!" Frank retorted, with a hint of playfulness in his voice, waiting for my response.

"I'm still a virgin, but I had my first kiss," I admitted, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks.

"Ugh, seriously? No!" Frank exclaimed, causing me to burst into laughter. I cherished my brother. "Frankie, did you tell Mom about Chance?" I inquired, hoping he hadn't.

"Nah, it wasn't any of us. Shortly after the mail arrived, a letter was dropped off at the house. It was left on the porch, addressed to Mom. I held onto it until I was about to leave, thinking it was one of those woman to woman types of letter. I didn't feel any photos in it, and knowing Dad, I couldn't imagine him cheating. Mom doesn't bother anyone, but I was scared to give it to her. I eventually handed it over and waited. The fear in her eyes made me snatch the paper back," Frank recounted.