Water Love

Part 11 - No matter what happens

Two weeks after my mother left us and we read her email, my father wasn't feeling well so he asked us if this week we would like to join him in a week at our lake house near our grandfather's house. Of course, being the best sons in the world and realizing he needs a break from all this drama and stress, we decided to skip the last week of school since Christmas break was here.

Since the day me and my brother read our mother's email, we made a promised to each other, we promised that we were going to try and support our father in everything we can.

Hans was very present, more than before, and I was glad because I still have my heart broken. I'm trying to stay strong for my father and brother, but when I find myself alone, at night mostly, I cry my eyes out. I miss my mother but I also hate her for doing this to us and it's killing me.

Ward is helping us all. He's such a good friend. He never leaves me alone at school and then always gives me a lift to my house to change so we can go swim. After the relaxing moments of swimming he drops me of at my house and sometimes my father asks him to stay for dinner, and he gladly accepts the offer.
He's been helping my brother at school too which only makes me feel like everything is coming back to normal.

The most amazing thing is that Ward didn't try anything with me these past few weeks. We never kissed after the night we spent together. Actually we never talked about it, I thought it would be awkward between the two of us, but I was wrong, it was like it never happened. But it did and I remember it every day.

Today is Friday and Ward just drop me home and head to his house because tonight he has an important dinner with he's brother. Ward didn't tell me but I'm guessing this is about Carl's new girlfriend.

I walk inside my house and head upstairs to prepare my bag for our get away. I'm closing the bag when I hear soft knocks at my bedroom door. I turn around and see my father looking at me with a worried expression but a faint smile.

"What's wrong dad?" I ask allowing him to come in.

"I have something to ask you" he says sitting uncomfortably on my bed and inviting me to sit next to him "I would like to ask you if it's okay if we invite Ward to go with us to the lake house?"

Inviting Ward to the lake house? I get the feeling that my father does like him. He's been so supportive that it's normal my father and him made a connection.

"Of course, dad. Why wouldn't be?"

"You know, he's just a friend and this is kind of a family tradition" he says taking my hands in his.

"Dad, this tradition ended when mom left. It's okay to change, maybe we can start a new tradition" when I mention my mother his eyes filled with tears and I have the urge to hug him. My father was always the strongest man I have ever met and seeing him like this breaks my heart.

"So what about you call him?" he stands up and walks to the door "And apologize for the short notice" with that I nod and he leaves my bedroom.

I look at the clock on my wrist and see it's already ten so I quickly dial his number and wait for him to answer.

"Hello?" a non-familiar voice picks up.

"Hi, is this Ward's?"

"Yes, he can't answer right now. Do you want to leave a message?" at that moment I hear screams in the background, deep voiced screams, like the man was watching some war movie or something.

"Can you please tell him that Ariel called?"

"Ariel, alright, when he comes back inside I'll tell him" wait what? Inside? Wasn't he at home with his brother?