reason to smile ~ jonathan kent

warnings of a slippery slope

Tilly was confused.

Well, she was confused about a lot of things. Her feelings, what her future was, her experiences in the last few weeks – just to name a few.

But right now, what she felt was less confusion but maybe more of a feeling of suspicion.

Over the last week, there had been a drastic change in her father's behavior. At some moments, she would walk into the kitchen and find him just standing there, doing nothing. Literally just stood staring into space – at least that's what Tilly could see. But not only that, his anger seemed to have practically vanished into thin air.

And now, when she did get some conversation out of him, it was pleasant. He was asking her about her day and talking about dinner. And when she did accidentally stutter, nothing happened. No angered reaction, no objects flying, no raised voice – just nothing.

It was eerie.

Most would think this was a great thing. Her father was no longer acting like an absolute asshole, like he'd had an epiphany overnight. But this was far too sudden, too drastic to put it down to him simply realising the error of his ways. It was like he'd been possessed or something.

But that didn't mean she was going to hope the 'old' him would come back. Maybe she would like this version better.

Finally ready for school, Tilly made her way downstairs and found her father walking out of the living room.

"Are you going to work?" she asked softly.

"Why is that any of your business?" her barked back gruffly before beginning to make his way into the kitchen.

Tilly's mouth gaped open in shock as she watched him storm off, "w–what?"

As quickly as the word left her mouth, her dad spun around just as fast, "did I hear something coming from your mouth?"

The familiar terror that instantly shot through her body shook her to her core. She couldn't even think of any further words to say that would allow her to escape the situation. So, she did the only thing she could think of. She swiftly turned and made a beeline to the front door. As the door slammed shut behind her as she stood on the steps leading up to her house, she paused for a moment just to catch her breath properly, trying to shake off the tension spread across her body.

Now, Tilly was back to being incredibly confused, suspicious and scared.

What the hell was going on with him?

~~~

After walking to Sarah's house, Kyle ended up taking both her and Sarah to school that day. Of course, Tilly was still a little distant with the man, with him standing up and disappointing her best friend and all. But he seemed to be trying. That was something, at least.

Pulling up outside, both girls quickly unclipped their seatbelt, getting ready to leave the vehicle until Kyle waved, calling both Jonathan and Jordan over. Tilly sat back with an amused grin as their faces sported very confused looks whilst Sarah just slouched further down her seat, as if she was attempting to hide.

"Hey boys! Hey, come on over"

"Hey, Mr Cushing" Jordan stuttered out.

"Hi" Jonathan sent a small wave to the man also.

Kyle then lent over towards the window, "Jordan, listen, I–um I just wanted to say thank you for stepping up and helping Sarah with her audition the other day. That uh really saved the day, man"