The Captured

Chapter 26

Thursdays bring me back to wattpad and to you. <3 With the Fall crisp in air and coffee aroma filling your lungs, I hope you do good and survive the battles you are currently fighting on your own.

Enjoy this small episode. <3

🍁

"What's wrong with you?"

Dad's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I looked up to see him pulling out his chair across the table. My eyes drifted to the spread on the table, and I was stunned to see everything already laid out, the tantalizing aroma of the food wafting through the air.

How had I missed all this?

I realized I was completely lost in my thoughts.

"It's just... nothing. I'm okay," I replied softly, trying to push aside my swirling emotions.

"So, where were we?" I mumbled to him as I stretched my plate out for him to pour me a slice of pizza and some pasta.

The memories of how Dad used to do everything for me flooded back, and I couldn't help but miss those moments dearly. He smiled warmly at me before placing the pizza slice on my plate and adding a dollop of ketchup on the side.

"How's everything going on with school and friends?" Dad inquired, but as I looked up at him, he seemed to avoid eye contact.

I realized I hadn't even thought about it, how could he expect me to focus on school and friends on this first Christmas we're spending apart?

Well, technically, it's the second Christmas we won't be celebrating as a family, considering he wasn't here last time either. After my birthday, he left the country for Canada. But thanks to Mason, who helped me find his contact number and he's here with me for now.

I sighed before meeting his gaze again. Unsure of whether my thoughts were right or wrong, I believed we needed some time to forget everything and celebrate this moment-it's Christmas.

"Dad, I'll be staying at Mom's tonight, but I'll stay with you until afternoon, and we can celebrate our small Christmas together. Also, I've planned to invite Mason over. His parents are away for their baby's delivery, and since they wanted the baby to be born in their native town, he's going to be alone here. He's my best friend, and I want him to be with us today. Is that okay with you?"

I didn't know where that all came from. I had considered different ideas, but this one just popped out.

I couldn't help but wonder how Dad would feel with Mason around, especially since I had expressed my desire to spend time with him?

Dad cleared his throat before shaking his head-a cute old habit of his that I missed dearly.

"It will be fun, but what about your mom? If she finds you here, she's going to be mad at you, and I don't want that for you."

I rose from my chair to comfort him.

"Don't worry, Daddy. Mason will play his role if anything goes wrong. I'll tell Mom I'm spending time with friends and will be back soon. She's already out with her work friends, and Mason will drive me back home on time. If Mom asks questions, Mason will be there to answer them for me."

"Are you sure? Because I've seen your mom suspecting a lot lately."

I looked away and caressed his back, reassuring him with a hug.

"I'm sure. You need not worry at all. Finish up here, then call your friends and invite them over. You won't be alone once I leave, and you'll be partying hard tonight."

As he pulled away, shaking his head in disbelief, I snapped him back to reality.

"Yes, you are. And here are your friends' texts on my phone, confirming they're coming tonight."

I showed him the texts on my phone, and after a moment's pause, he seemed to relax and leaned back in his chair.

"I'm so sorry, Anna. You're too young for all of this. I never thought to give you such a life. I'm too sorry, baby."

Dad's voice quivered as tears welled up in his green eyes. I quickly got up and reached for his face, gently wiping away the tears.