Forever and Ever

EIGHT-8-EIGHT

It has been days since I have seen Tyler in school. For some unknown reason, Tyler has been missing school for almost 2 weeks and he and his dad are no longer coming over for regular dinners. I asked my father once but he completely dismissed my question. I'm not stupid so I know that something weird is going on. But being the busy-body I am, I dig my heels in deeper and try to find out as much as I can. Tonight is the night, and I'm all prepared for whatever answer comes my way.

"Dad! Dinner is ready!" I yelled up the staircase.

"Okay sweetie, just a sec," I heard him call.

I quickly rushed to the oven to take out the turkey that I specially made for tonight. I cannot mess up this dish for it is the only dish that will get me my answers. As I was preparing the dinner table for our feast, I heard my dad coming  down the stairs. He was talking on the phone and I couldn't help but eavesdrop.

"Yes, you don't think I know that? Riley is perfectly fine under my care. Would you stop being so judgmental?  This is exactly why I can't stand to live with you. Oh? You feel the same way? At least we agree on something! Now if you don't mind, I'm going to be having dinner with my daughter. Good bye." I heard him sigh loudly before taking a seat at the table.

"Do you need any help Riley?" He asked.

"Nope. It's all good dad," I quickly called out. Okay, I have two choices. Ask dad about his conversation with mum or ask him about Tyler. I only have one turkey and I'm not intending to waste it. I weighed out my options for a while before coming to a conclusion.

"Here you go," I said as I placed the golden brown turkey on the table.

"Woah, Riley this is amazing! What a treat! I can't believe you can cook!" He exclaimed, his eyes twinkling in delight.

"Thanks dad," I replied bashfully. Now for the finale.

"Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Mhmm, not now. Maybe later perhaps? Let's enjoy this wonderful dinner you have cooked," he replied, stuffing his face with turkey. "This is so good! Where did you learn to cook like this?"

I sighed internally. This wasn't the plan! Or perhaps this was better?

"I just followed a recipe," I told him.

"Mhmm," was his reply. And throughout the whole dinner as well. Every time I wanted to open my mouth to say something, he would either pretend to hear me or just go "mhmm". If he says ''mhmm" one more time, I'm going to seriously lose it.

"Mhmm, this is good,"

"That's it!" I cried in frustration. "Dad, why hasn't Tyler been going to school? And what were you talking about to mum on the phone?"

He just stared at me with eyes wide open. His fork was in mid-air and turkey skin was hanging from his mouth. He slurped it up and gulped.

"Riley, sit down," he said.

"No, not until you start giving me some answers. I deserve to know."

"You're right. I-I thought it would be better that you didn't know but I guess I was wrong."

"What's going on dad?" I asked, sitting back down.

"First with your mum. She-she wants you back. She really misses you Riley. You haven't even spoken to her since the day you came back. You couldn't even remember- wait, how did you know I was talking to your mother?" Busted.

"I overheard you speaking on the phone," I replied.

"I know, or else how would you know? But as in how did you know it was her? Do you, remember her?" He asked.

I sighed deeply. It was time to tell him the truth. "I actually never forgot who she was. I mean yeah for the first time I opened my eyes and this woman was in my face, I couldn't recognize her but after, I did."

My father just stared at me. "You mean you lied when you said you couldn't remember who she was?"

"Y-yeah."

"Why? Why did you lie?"

I took in another deep breath. "She hit you dad."

Confusion settled in his eyes. He had forgotten. "Hit me? When?"

"On my tenth birthday."

"You remembered that? But how?"

"When I was hit by that truck, I have lost some of my memory. But not all of it. " I explained.

"Riley, I don't know what to say. I can't believe you would lie to me. Your mother, she really loves you. It wasn't her fault." He said.

"Then who's fault was it?" I asked.

"It was mine." He stated. "You were too young to understand."

"I'm not ten anymore, I can handle it." I said, encouraging him to push on.

"No, you can't. I myself can't even stand it."

"Dad come on," I urged.

"I-I cheated on your mum," he said, regret filled his face. "With Colleen."

My heart was thumping wildly as adrenaline was pursing through my veins. My dad had an affair? He didn't seem like the kind. How could my sweet, kind, loyal loving father like someone else other than my mother? Despite the hurt I felt, I wanted to know more.

"Who's Colleen," as I asked that question, it felt as if the world had just stopped. A part of me was aching to know the answer yet another part of me was afraid that it would hurt me, hurt my dad, change everything.

We stood there in silence for a couple of minutes.

"Dad? Who is she?"

He looked up me with sorrowful eyes. Though it pained me to see him this way, I still wanted to know. I had the right to know.

"She is-is, Tyler's mother."

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Hey! Sorry for not updating for a long time but life has been pretty hectic for me. I know it's been way past christmas but this chapter is a gift from me to you! Oh and happy new year! Wishing each and every one of you all the best in everything! Comment below what you think of this chapter:)