Through Fire

Eight

Last night was really fun. Buck stayed over for dinner and we got sushi then we all played some video games together. Then after Chris was put to bed me, dad and buck stayed up talking until Buck went home.

Today dad, Carla and Chris were going to check out a new school for Chris. Which would lead to me being left home alone, which dad of course didn't like very much so Buck offered to 'babysit' me. 

''So what do you want to watch?'' Buck sat down on the couch beside me. ''We still have to finish Divergent.'' ''Sounds like a plan.'' I put on the movie and we were hooked on immediately. Then not long after we started to watch the second movie  Chris dad and Carla came home.

Today was also halloween which meant we had to take Chris trick or treating and also dress up. ''Are you some kind of pirate.'' Carla said laughing as she saw dad in his costume. ''You look very cute, Sofia.'' ''thanks.'' I was dressed up as superwoman not very special.

''Snake Plissken?'' Dad says pulling out his fake gun. Carla just looked more confused. Which just made me laugh even more. ''Escape from New York? Kurt Russel? John Carpenter's masterpiece.'' Dad seemed annoyed, while Carla still didn't get it.

''Oh, right, right. Well, I prefer Tango and Cash myself, but you look both super cute so I approve.'' Carla said laughing, making me snort. Carla grabbed her bag heading for the door after she gave me a hug. 

''Bye Carla.'' ''Bye Sof don't eat too much.'' I headed for my room to put on some final mascara. ''Though I am disappointed that costume didn't come with a smile.'' ''I had a fight with Shannon.'' I heard my dad say. And that was all it took for me to glue my ear to the kitchen door and eavesdrop.

My mom is here? My dad spoke with her? Why wouldn't he tell us? ''When I asked her to help with Christopher and the school, she asked to see the kids first.'' ''And you said no? Okay, if you want her back in your life, you are going to have to ease her back into it at some point.'' 

''Who said I want her back in my life?'' Yes dad we don't. ''Please. So you decided to leave Texas, and you just so happen to choose a job working 30 minutes from where your ex lives?'' What the hell we live so close to her and he knew? 

''LAFD is the best in the country. In the world.'' ''If she's gotten herself back together you know what is best for your kids.'' Yes dad please know that I never want to see her again. ''And that is for their mother to be back in their life. Sooner then Later.'' No Carla No.
''What if she screws up again?'' Yes dad SHE WILL.

''Both of you have grown up a lot over the years. And children need their mother.'' ''Daddy.'' Chris says walking in the room. I quickly walk back so I come the same way as Chris.

My smile has now faded and a million questions are running through my head. Chris is dressed as edward scissorhands. I walk back in the room .

''You know what, you are so cute, I could just rip you to shreds.'' Carla says smiling towards Chris. Dad is studying my face with a questioning look. Dad and Chris both make cute poses towards Carla while I just stand in the doorway.

''bye guys.'' ''Bye Carla.'' We all say. ''Hey dad I am not feeling to well I think I will just go to bed okay.'' ''Mija, are you okay? Are you in pain?'' Dad says immediately concerned. ''I'm fine. Just tired.'' ''Okay call me if there is anything wrong.''

I turned around and headed for my bed lying down staring at my ceiling thinking about everything I just heard.
Dad had a night shift so Carla came back later that night.

Me and Chris watched a Halloween movie while eating a few pieces of candy. '' Do you want me to put you to bed?'' ''Yes.'' ''Okay put on your pajamas and go brush your teeth I will be right there.'' ''Okay.''

''Is this new school for Chris a good one?'' I decided to do some fishing. ''Yes it is a very good school.'' ''And what does my dad think about this?'' '''He also likes the school very much.

What is up with the sudden questions Sofia?''  Carla asks knowing there is something more behind my questions.
''Nothing. Dad just seemed a little on edge when you guys came back.'' ''You just notice everything don't you.'' Carla says laughing a little and shaking her head.

''I'm the oldest kid who had to take care of her disabled brother who always smiles and pretends he is fine. My dad was in the military and I had to watch my mothers expressions every time she couldn't call him because of bad service. So yes I notice everything.'' 
I didn't mean to lash out at Carla, but it just annoyed me and I was always kept in the dark so reading my parents and grandparents was my only control. ''I didn't mean it like that, honey.'' ''I know. I'm going to tuck in Chris.''

''I was very upset with you that you didn't come trick or treating with me and dad.'' Chris said. ''I'm really sorry buddie, but I didn't feel well. How can I make it up to you?'' I ask tucking him in. ''A milkshake.'' He says with the biggest smile.

''Okay. Tomorrow after school we will go get milkshakes okay?'' ''Promise?'' He says holding out his pinky. ''Promise.'' We lock our pinkies. I sang him our song again. ''Do you want to watch a movie?'' Carla asks, walking back from the kitchen with drinks and snacks.
''Sure.'' ''Or we could start a show.'' ''How about Lucifer?'' ''Yes I love Tom Ellis.'' Carla says. ''Same.'' After we watch a few episodes I help Carla clean all the mess up and hug her goodbye as I make my way to bed