A Year Being the Cheerleader

28.

"Good evening," I say as I enter the house and quickly run up the stairs, but obviously not fast enough as my father calls me.

"Amber darling, come here for a minute," my father says in a calm voice. A little too calm.

I drop my bag on the stairs before making my way towards the library where he always seem to be after work, his head buried in a book. Sighing, I knock at the open door and he looks up. I stroll in and he closes his book, giving me his full attention.

"Your voice is louder than I thought," I tell him as I take the seat across from him. "I could hear from going up the stairs when you called from here."

"Well, I wanted you to hear," he eyes me wearily and I realize he seems a little stressed out than usual. "And I know how good you are ignoring."

I shrug, knowing I can't really stall anymore without talking too much. He sighs and places his book on the small table beside him and lean forward. I stare at him with raised eyebrows.

"How was your day at school?" He finally asks and I can't believe that is the reason why he called me. I thought it was something more serious.

"That's what you called me here to ask?" I say in disbelief.

"That isn't answering my question," he replies, his eyes searching my eyes.

I take a moment and close my eyes. Maybe he is getting at something here. I wish he would just get to the point and let me go to my room.

"It was great," I offer him a smile as my eyes flutter open. He hasn't moved an inch and is still staring at me intently.

"Why do I not believe you?" He says leaning back into his seat, still piercing me with his gaze. "Your mother isn't happy with your attitude, Amber and I must admit it is becoming a problem."

"Really? I never knew you would realize," I retort, my voice a little harsher than I intended.

He lifts his eyebrows at me with a frown. His gaze has turned up a notch and I feel like I am under a microscope. I look around the room, not wanting to meet my father's gaze.

"Again, you prove my point," he tells me. "Amber, your mother and I don't hate you. We just want what is the best for you. I'm not going to blame anything on your age because you're a brilliant girl. You wouldn't be the top student if you weren't and I know you are sensible enough to understand."

I sigh, definitely not liking this conversation, but he does have a point. I meet his gaze with a blank expression.

"I'm sorry about my attitude, but don't you think it's the way you guys treat me why I act that way?" I point out. "But I will see what I can do."

"I talked to your mother to be more...motherly towards you and she is making the effort," his voice is so calming and I wonder how he always has that effect on people. "At least return the offer. You are still our little girl no matter how big you get."

"I said I will try, okay?" I hiss softly, giving him the cold shoulder.

"Good, still remember because you are our little girl, we are responsible for you beyond any age limit. You're not weak, but you need guidance and that's what we are here for," he tells me and I can see the sincerity in his eyes. "We might not be good at it, but parenting didn't come with a manual and we are trying. Do you understand, Amber darling? That also means you can talk to us about anything."

One thing for sure about my dad is that he is a great talker. This man in front of me is definitely a charmer, but how did he end up with my mother? I want to spit back something about Kayla or just remind them of the times I crawled in a ball when I was younger and try to hold on, not wanting to break and cry. Where were they then to guide me? And now when I don't need it or learn to do without it is the time they plan to offer help? That's pathetic. I really want to laugh in his face, but I am sure that would look psycho and raise more questions.

"Yeah, okay," I go with, hoping to cut this short. I hate talking. "Can I go to my room now?"

"You have nothing to tell me?" he asks and I shake my head. "Okay then. Dinner is in the kitchen when you're ready."

I get up and make my way to the door without looking back.

"Nathan's mother called today," he states and I freeze. What did she say to him?

"What did she say?" Asking my question out loud, but still frozen in place.

"I think you know," he says. "But I just wanted to tell you and offer advice." I make no move to leave and he continues. "As much as I hate this close relationship you have with the boy, I know you both have been best friends for eternity, don't let a little fallout break that up. It's just another pothole in the road, you can't let it stop you from your journey."

I take that as my cue and speak. "Thanks." I say before walking off to my room.

I crash into my bed after I drag my bag into the room and lock the door. Is this problem between Nate and I just a pothole? And if it is, then how deep is it? Is it deep enough to drive us off course and split apart? Or was it just what I wanted all along when I never want to depend on him? Well, I am sure about one thing, I want my best friend back.

1999beauty
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