Sugar & Spice

Back to LA

When we arrived back in LA I couldn't help but be on the edge. I had called Chris my dad two days ago and he hasn't said a word about it. He was soon to say something. I know he will. I didn't know I had said that until Scott told me the next morning. As soon as Scott told me my face was probably red. I haven't called another person my dad ever since my dad died. I was a nervous wreck in the car. We were silent the whole way there. We'd say something small like "can you turn on air conditioner?" I knew the question was eating him up inside. By the way he sat he was a little comfortable and a little uncomfortable. I sunk down in my seat watching as Chris kept his eyes on the road. Then he looked up at the rear view mirror and tried not to smile as I continued to slide down in my seat hoping he didn't see me.
"What are you doing?" He asked laughing a little bit.
"Making my self small" I answered back as I slid my self lower.
"Scott told you?" Chris asked and I nodded, "I was surprised as well."
"Listen I'm sorry if it was wrong-" I began but Chris interrupted me with a smile.
"It's alright. I'm here for you and you know it. If you want I wouldn't mind if you called me dad here and there."
"I didn't even realize I said it- wait what?" I asked.
"You can call me dad anytime you want" Chris repeated.
"Really? Are you sure cause-"
"I'm sure" Chris said smiling.
"Thanks Chr-  I mean Dad" I pointed out making him smile widely. Chris let out a small chuckle.
"Don't be nervous about calling me dad. I'm fine with it" he said and I nodded as a reply. We arrived back at the house and Chris helped me with my stuff. We got inside and East nearly attacked us with licks. I bent down and played with East. I couldn't help but smile. I remember when I had my own dog. His name was Nemo. I was in love with the movie Finding Nemo. He was a puppy Labrador. I wonder if Chris even likes me. What if he thinks I'm just a waste of money and time? What if he just hates me? I've been quiet most the time when we got back. Before my mom died I was always rude and not wanting to speak to Chris. Now I feel more close to him. I feel happy. I hope he doesn't hate me. He's never had to take care of a kid, now he has no choice. I decided to take a nap on the couch.
"But Danny!" I whined to my older brother.
"Mom said no" Danny said smiling as he grabbed my juice box from the counter. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at my brother. Mom and Dad didn't like Danny that much. He always got into trouble. He ended up getting the wrong friends. His friends are a bad influence.
"I'm leaving tonight. Jake said Corey wanted to leave early" Danny said filling his bag with clothes.
"Where are you going?" I asked.
"We're not sure H. Corey said maybe to Maine" Danny said ruffling my dark hair.
"Why?" I asked.
"Listen Hayley, I can't stay here. You know that" he said kneeling down to my height.
"Hey Danny! You coming!" Corey yelled from the porch.
"Yeah! Listen H, don't grow up like me and Corey or Jake. Be yourself" Danny said fixing his baseball cap. I threw my arms around my older brother.
"I hope I'll see you again" I said as he kissed my cheek softly.
"I hope I'll see you again too" he said with a tear rolling down his cheek.
I woke up and walked back to my room. I changed into sweatpants and a sweatshirt before walking out to the kitchen seeing Chris cooking dinner. "Hello" I said stretching.
"Who's Danny?" He asked without turning around. Is it just me or is he really tall right now?! He turned around and raised his eyebrow. Very intimidating.
"My older brother" I mumbled quiet enough that he didn't hear.
"I'm sorry I didn't hear that" Chris said crossing his arms over his chest.
"Danny is... Is my older brother" I said looking at him with sad eyes, "he'd be 23 now."
"Why didn't your mom tell me?" Chris asked.
"Cause he's a troublemaker" I said shoving my hands in my pockets.
"What do you mean?" Chris asked.
"He had the wrong group of friends. They stole stuff and did bad things. I was 5 when he left" I said.
"I'm sorry to hear that" Chris said hugging me. At least I have him. I wrapped my arms around him and sunk my face into his warm chest. It was really comfy. He tried to get out of the hug but I didn't let go.
"Hey Hayley, I need to finish dinner" Chris said.
"Oh sorry Ch- I mean dad" I said smiling as I removed my arms and walked back to my room.
"I'll call you when dinner is ready" Chris called as I entered my room. I laid down on my bed and got comfy. Maybe he didn't hate me. I felt my phone go off in my pocket and I turned it on. It was a picture my Aunt had sent me. She didn't like my mother but she liked me. She just didn't have the responsibility to take care of me.
Hey Hayleybug! It's Aunt Diana! I just found this picture your mom sent me a few months ago but I was to mad to open it~ Aunt Diana.
Thanks Aunt Diana~ Hayleybug!
I looked at the picture. It was a screen shot of moms last text she sent her sister.
Hi Diana. I'm sorry. For everything. For marrying David. He was the wrong guy for me. You were right I should've listened. I miss you. I love you.
I dried my tears while reading the text.
Thanks Aunt Diana. It means a lot~ Hayleybug!
You're welcome honey. How's living with Chris?~ Aunt Diana.
It's fine~ Hayleybug!
Alright sweetie. I'll chat with you later~ Aunt Diana.
Okay~ Hayleybug!
I turned off my phone just in time to hear Chris yell "Hayley! Dinner's ready!"