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Chapter 3

(Edited) 

Ten minutes after leaving the park, Dan and I reach my front porch. The dark cedar door makes no sound as it opens. A ray of sunlight catches off the crystal-like window in the center of the door and blinds me for a brief moment as Dan follows me into the house. Once inside, I blink a few times waiting for my eyes to adjust to the change in light.

"Becca, is that you?" My father calls from the living room which is just off to the side of the room my best friend and I currently stand in.

"Yeah dad, and Dan is here too." I reply, removing my shoes before walking towards my dad whose face is obscured by the newspaper he is currently reading.

"Hello Daniel, it's been a long time." Dad folds the paper on his lap while staring at Dan.

"Yes, it has Andrew. How are you?"

"I am doing fine. You have grown a lot since I last saw you. How is your family?"

"Yeah, mom says I've been growing like a bean since the start of last year. But we're good. Dad got promoted to be CFO of the company he's working for."

"That's good. Please send him my congratulations." Dad says very formally, almost as if he is uncomfortable with Dan being here, which confuses me.

"Dad, I mentioned Jeff's promotion to you months ago." I cut in, trying to make this whole interaction seem less weird and formal.

"It's alright Becca, the next time I see him I will." Dan replies politely, even though I know things haven't been going well between him and his dad.

"Well I just wanted to hear things from the man himself," my dad teases, smiling a little. His blue eyes lightening a little as he does. "What are you two rascals up to?"

"I just dropped by to grab a sweater, it's getting a little cold out, so I needed to grab another layer." I reply quickly.

"Alright, well it's almost lunch time, do you guys want something to eat? I was just about to make myself a chicken Cesar salad after I finished the sports column." Dad says, getting to his feet and walking around the large red leather sofa, heading into the kitchen. Dan glances at me before starting to answer but I cut him off.

"Thanks for the offer dad, but not right now. We are actually heading out to do something. Afterwards though, I would love a BLT sandwich if we've still got some of that bacon left. Assuming you didn't snack on it while I was at the park this morning." I tease, pointing an accusing finger in his direction.

"No, I didn't eat it, and I resent that accusation. When have I ever eaten something that you were planning to eat." Dad replies, after retrieving the lettuce from the bottom drawer of the fridge.

"You literally did it last night! You ate the rest of the chili."

"Becca, are you sure we shouldn't stay to eat and then go on to have our adventure?" Dan asks, gently placing his hand on my shoulder.

"I'm sure, I want to do our thing first and then eat. Adventures always give me an appetite. Right dad?"

"You are definitely my daughter!" He smiles, pointing the knife he is holding my direction before sinking it into the chicken meat on the cutting board in front of him. "So where are you two going on this adventure of yours?"

"Just around." I reply, and Dan gives me a look.

"Really? I could've done better than that," he whispers, and I shrug in response.

"Around where Becca? You know how I am with these things."

"Dad, come on, I'm 17, besides we live in a town, how much trouble am I going to get into? Besides, Dan is with me and I have my phone, so we're all good." My dad sighs.