Against Them But You

Chapter 9 - Food Fight

Recap: 

His hand slowly stroked my hair. "Let it all out, pumpkin. Daddy's here."

I smiled inside. It's been a while since he treated me like a five year old. His hands stroked my hair relaxing all my agitated nerves. He was warm. Too warm it almost made me sleep. My ears caught the sound of him humming a slow lullaby-like tune. "Daddy's going to fix this problem for you, I promise." He faintly whispered.

He resumed his humming and soon enough, everything turned black and I was fast asleep.

__________________________________________________________

“Coming” I yelled at whoever was knocking at my door. I turned off the TV and stood up from the couch I was sitting on. I reached for the door handle and opened it to find Mr. White, Jessabel’s father, standing in front of me with a smile on his face.

“Mr. White, what brings you here to my humble abode?” I asked amusingly curious.

“I’m fine, thanks for asking.” He flatly replied with his arms crossed.

“Sorry, how are you, Mr. White?” I apologized for not greeting him.

“So your parents went away for a few days and you’ve already forgotten your manners?”

I slightly coughed in embarrassment.

“Loosen up, Brad. I’m not here to discipline you. I’m actually here to invite you.” He said with a much friendlier tone.

I cocked up an eyebrow. “Invite me, where to? I’m hoping it’s a basketball game.” I grinned at the thought of court side seats.

“Not really, a friend of mine from work is coming over with his wife for dinner. He just had a successful kidney transplant so I thought a little celebration was due.”

“Well, I’m happy for your friend, but you’re inviting me because…” I trailed off in question.

“Because you’re like a son to me, and since you’re home alone, I’d hate it if my son was in fact, alone. Plus, Jessie will be bored to tears during the whole thing.” He answered trying to encourage me.

I shrugged at the mention of her name. “Jess, huh?”

He lightheartedly punched my shoulder. “See you at seven.”

I watched him walk away back to his house until he was inside and out of sight. I turned around and closed the door behind me. Part of me wanted to go just to not disappoint, but the other part dreaded it. Earlier today I made her and her friends miserable and now I have to face her? This won’t end well.

I leaned my back against the door and ran my fingers through my hair in annoyance and inhaled deeply.

“Great, this is just great.”

* * *

I woke up from my sleep to find my dad gone and not by my side. I yawned, rubbed my eyes, and lazily looked around.

The ticking of my clock found its way to me making me stare at it for a few seconds before realizing it was already five thirty. I’ve been asleep for almost two hours. I jumped out of bed and descended down the stairs to the kitchen where I heard my parents talking.

“There she is!” My mom gracefully announced while she set the table.

I eyed the table. Wine glasses were lined up next to our floral decorated plates. A flower vase was placed in the middle with bright purple lilacs.

“Is someone coming over?” I asked at the sight of the prepared table.

“A friend of mine from work and his wife are coming over for dinner.” My dad told me with a cheerful smile.