Boy in Pink

Chapter 52

It was now September 8th. I go back to school tomorrow. It'll be the first day of my last year at Hawksigh High. I graduate this year, isn't that crazy? I'm 18 now, officially an adult. When we find Lori again, I'm taking her with me and moving out.

Anyways, I woke up - at 7 am, as I always did in the psychiatric hospital - and got ready like I would've for school. It felt strange, if I'm being honest. I usually woke up and went straight to tests, not brushing my teeth and showering.

"Kiddo, you up?" My dad called from his room downstairs.

"Yeah, I'm up!" I called back, combing my hair and tying it back into a ponytail.

"You ready for school tomorrow?" He asked as I walked downstairs, straightening my t-shirt.

"Not really, but I'm also extremely excited..." He chuckled and flipped a pancake.

"Mind setting the table for your old man?" I laughed but set the table for three.

"You're not old, dad. But sure."

He looked over his shoulder to see if I did so, and I saw his expression turn grim. I looked back at the table to see what I did wrong. Then I saw it.

I set it for three... Lorelei is gone, idiot! I mentally slapped myself and profusely apologized to my dad as I put her plate, utensils and cup away.

"I know you miss her, kiddo... I miss her too. Believe me." He looked back at the pancakes and let it finish cooking before serving it. I sat in my spot and waited, fidgeting with my t-shirt some more until he set the pancake plate in the middle.

I got up and grabbed the syrup - because I'm just a good son - and sat back down with my dad, setting the syrup bottle near him. "So, kiddo, how's... life?" He asked nonchalantly. I bit my lip and looked away, not wanting to tell him what happened during my kidnapping. "Just tell me what happened during your school year or something. If you don't want to talk about what happened when you were gone, that is."

"Well, school was... interesting, to say the least. My teachers were fine, so were some of my classmates... I had a couple bullies for being gay and whatnot. I did meet Braedon and Aria, though, so that's a plus," I rambled a little, and my dad chuckled but listened as he ate.

"So, overall okay?" I nodded.

"Yeah, I'd say overall okay." We sat there in awkward silence as we ate our pancakes.

"Well, I'm glad... listen, kiddo." I looked up at him, and he continued, "I'm so sorry I haven't been there for you and your sister lately. I hope you know I had a reason." I nodded and looked back down at my pancakes.

"Yeah, you had a reason. Mom." He sighed and we sat there for another couple of awkward minutes as we ate. "Well, dad... I love you, y'know? Plus, I know Lori loves you just as much as I do." He grinned and hugged me tightly.

"I love you more, kiddo. I love you more than anything in this whole world. You and your sister are my whole world."