I slogged through the school day, even English working on my project with Brian. I think he could tell something was up, but he never asked. Amy wanted to know what was wrong, and I said I was just tired, but it's not the full truth.
I was tired, getting about three hours of sleep last night at Brian's, but I was battling such an emotional war inside that I didn't have much energy. I definitely liked Brian. Not as in I want him to be my boyfriend, but as in I definitely don't hate him anymore. The question was, could I possibly like him the first way, just a little bit? He was always so sweet to me, and he's really smart... I wouldn't mind him being around, especially during those unbearable Sheila dinners.
My dad picked me up after school, knowing I wouldn't have my car. I knew something was up when I got in the car, but I didn't ask him until we were halfway home.
"Okay, Dad," I said, "Obviously something is up, and you're not telling me. It might be none of my business, but I'd appreciate it if you told me if it does have something to do with me." I look at him and wait.
"Fine," he says. "Okay, Cassie, I was going to wait until Sheila got home so we could both tell you, but we found something out today." I looked at him, starting to get worried. Did something bad happen to him? Or even the she-dog? "Cassie, Sheila missed her period." My first reaction was 'ew, why would I need to know that,' but then it hit me. This could mean only one thing...
"She's PREGNANT!" I exclaimed. Oh myGod, this was big news. They weren't married, not even engaged! But then... "Is- is it... yours?" I asked. OMG if I found out that the slutty little beyotch was cheating on my father then I'd-
"It is." Is all Dad says. I look at him, astonished. "I'm still getting used to it myself. I want to marry her, but I don't know whether to do it before or after the baby is born, or even what I'd say if I did propose. I can't just leave her, it's my child, too..." He trails off, focusing on the road again.
"Dad?" I ask. He nods. "I think you should propose to Sheila. Tell her how you feel about her. You love her, I know that. I... I wouldn't mind if she joined our family." That last part is just for Dad. I would mind it if Sheila joined our family. I'd have to find a way to be out of the house 24/7, I mind it so much. But I want the best for my father, so I said okay.
"Uh, Dad? Brian is coming over again tonight. Is this not a good time? Do we need to sort things out?" My dad seems to ponder it, and then shakes his head.
"No. I'm going over to Sheila's tonight, I'll text her the change of plans. You two can have the house, and I'll probably spend the night over there. Just be careful." I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. I have the house to myself tonight... YES! Movie Marathon time! I could just let Brian stay over, a night for a night. We have so many guest rooms, we could rent the place out for boarding and fit 10 extra people in the house. I text Brian: Hey, we've got the house to ourselves, Dad's going to Sheila's, so it's cool for you to come over. He texts me back: Ok, I'll see you around 5:00, we can make dinner again.
Dad drops me off at home and takes off again. I get inside and start working on my homework. At 4:59 I hear a knock at the door. I jump up and open it.
"You're early," I tell Brian as he comes in.
"By one measly minute. It doesn't even count. So where's your dad?" He asks.
"At Sheila's. I found out some serious stuff today."
"What's up? Are you hurt? Are you in trouble?" I smile at his concern and wave it away.
"No, no, it's not that." I take a deep breath and say, "Sheila's pregnant. My dad's going to propose to her."
"Damn," Brian mutters. "Are you okay with that?"
"No, but I have to be. Sheila makes my dad happy. I can tell. I see it in his face after she comes over. I'll just have to get used to her."
"You can always come to my place if you can't stand her." I give him a hug.
"Thanks. Now let's finish this presentation."
An hour later we're completely done with our project. It's 6:05 and on cue my stomach rumbles.
"Let's make dinner," Brian says. I see a piece of paper on the counter and pick it up. We have pulled pork in the fridge, heat it up in the microwave for dinner, okay? Love, Daddy. I open up the fridge and sure enough there's a container of pulled pork, enough for three people.
Brian and I eat in companionable silence, not bothering to talk. His leg keeps bumping mine under the table, and he only moves it away when I move my leg. Weird! Finally we both finish dinner, and just like Dad did last night, Brian cleared the dishes.
After dinner we talk. I tell him more about Dad getting married, it doesn't bother me that he is getting married, it's more about who he is marrying and why.
"I love Dad, but did he have to go impregnate that shallow bimbo?" It's the first time I've really thought about this, and I can feel my face just dropping, my lower lip trembling like it always does when I'm about to cry. Brian hugs me. At first I jump, surprised, but later I relax.
"It'll all be okay. Your dad's just doing what he can in this situation. I know it's not fair, but you'll be okay." His words make me feel like I'm five and I've scraped my knee or something, which explains my next words.
"Promise?" I ask.
"I promise. And if I'm wrong, you can always come visit as long as you want." It's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I wrap my arms around Brian and let a few tears fall. I don't know how long we sit like this, but eventually I stop crying and Brian moves away, rubbing my back.
"Are you tired?" He asks. I nod and yawn. Wiping my tears away, I stand, and almost immediately have to sit back down. Brian contemplates the situation, and then picks me up. He carries me up the stairs and sets me down on my bed. Just as he's about to leave, I stop him.
"Brian? Can you... Will you stay with me?" I ask. I need him here, in case I cry again. He crawls into my bed and holds me in the dark.
