Protection

Normal?

For a few weeks the phone has been non-stop some nights. But one night when dad wasn't home, mom got a call and it sounded like it was from a woman. One night I couldn't stand to hear the phone continuously ringing so I asked her who it was. She told me that for the past four years my father had been cheating on my mother with another woman. Those words echo in my head every day since she told me. Once I pulled myself out of the utter shock, I answered the phone that this mystery woman keeps calling. I told her to leave us alone and never call us again I was sick of her and would kill her if I saw her. As those words spilled out of my mothers mouth tears formed in my eyes. I brought the phone back to my mom and ran up the stairs. Brie and JJ were at my grandmas helping her decorate for thanksgiving which would be the first holiday without the one man who truly cared about me, Pop-pop.

*** THE NEXT WEEK ***

Nikki's POV: Not long after Dad and I had that one encounter he started to come home more. First few times he came home I was a little standoffish not welcoming. But as time went on we started to adjust and it felt like how it used to feel. He actually brings us to school and comes to soccer games which is so nice to see plus my mom has not been drinking as much which was a relief. So excited Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it will be our first holiday in a few years as a family.

"Nicole can you help my set the table for everyone." My Nana asked with a little bit of sadness in hear voice. I help her put out all the plates and silverware on the table. Once we finish I gave her a big hug knowing something is bugging her.

"You know Pop-pop would have been so excited for tomorrow you know how stuffing is his favorite." She couldn't help but crack a small smile and hold me tighter. Pop-pop and me had a special bond and connection. He was there for me and Brie, and JJ when dad wasn't around he was the one who told us he was proud of all that we did. Not having him here this Thanksgiving is going to be difficult. After a few minutes of just standing Nana wiped away a stray tear from my face.

"Pop-pop wouldn't want us to be sad that he isn't here, he would want us to celebrate the things that we still have which is family. Are you excited to see all your cousins, I know they miss you kids a lot." She said putting some carrots in to a boiling pot.

"Yes, we are going to have so much. Especially JJ, he misses seeing the boys and playing football with them. But I'm kind of nervous though." Nana looks at me with concern. I sigh before I tell her, "It's mom and dad, but mostly dad. You know the aunts and uncles don't like dad for what he has done to us and mom. Yes what he did was wrong but it's the holidays where you forget what's going on and just focus on being together. Plus mom has been doing pretty good with the drinking. I just don't want dad to do something or someone to say something to cause her to get mad or upset. So could you warn everyone before we come to just so nothing goes wrong tonight?"

"Yes I will tell everyone to be civil tonight and hold back on what they want to say or do. Just hang out with your cousins and don't dwell on it. And later when everyone is done eating we will all watch a movie together, how does that sound?" She says as she holds my face in her hands.

"Sounds like a plan. I better get home so I can change to get back here later with everyone. Could you just drop me off?" She nods and places the last few dishes on the table. Nana has truly been so strong these past few months and there is no one I would rather be inspired by then her. When I get home I notice dads car isn't in the driveway. I kiss Nana good bye and tell her I will see her in a little while. When I get inside I don't see anyone, I walk up the stairs and hear Brie helping JJ getting ready so I don't bother to ask her where mom and dad are. I go to my room and pull out my dress from my closet and lay it on my bed. I go to the bathroom and take a quick shower. When I get out of the bathroom I look out the window and still don't see dads car. I just brush it off and get dressed and leave my hair wet. Once I shut the lights off in my room I head downstairs. I find Brie and JJ waiting at the edge of the steps. Now is the time to ask where everyone is.