Just As I Am

Twenty Five

One of the policemen called my dad and in a few hours, he arrived at the police station. After talking to the policeman, Dad wanted to talk to me, something I wasn't happy about. I was released from the cell and taken to a room where we could talk in private. Dad was someone who liked going straight to the point, and I knew that.

"Karen, can you please tell me what happened?" Dad asked me.

I sighed and narrated the incident to him.

"You shouldn't have done that", Dad told me.

"Done what?" I asked.

"You shouldn't have followed them".

"Dad, I had no idea what they were doing. I promise".

"Well, you're going to be in trouble anyway".

"I'm going to be in trouble for something I didn't do?"

Dad nodded and I rolled my eyes.

"Karen, I don't understand what's been going on with you lately. First, I heard you had an had an eating disorder and now you're in a police cell? I just don't understand why you've changed so much".

"You wouldn't even understand even if I told you".

"You've never talked to me about any of this!"

"Because you never listen! You're always busy with your work!"

"I thought we already talked about this".

"I can't take this anymore! I'll be in the car".

"You're still grounded!"

"I know that!"
______________________________

David Waldman knew the relationship with his daughter was falling apart at a really fast rate. He knew he had to fix it. Karen had been the only family he had ever since his wife died. If his relationship with Karen totally fell apart, he wouldn't have anyone left.

Maybe, he just had to work harder but it seemed the harder he worked at putting their relationship together, the more Karen pushed him away. David didn't know what to do. He was so confused but he knew he had to do something, and do something fast.

________________________

"Well, from what Karen and the policemen have told me, I believe Karen is innocent so the school has refused to press charges against her but she would have to clean the mess that was made everyday after school", the principal told Dad and I.

"Thank you very much, sir", Dad said.

"Oh, and Karen, you're starting work today", the principal told me.

I nodded and we left the office and Dad left the school. I wasn't happy that I was being punished for something I didn't do. Oh, well, it's better than going to juvie or spending years in the police cell. Just one day spent in the police cell was horrible and I couldn't imagine spending years in it.