Mistakes

Fifteen

Dale

"On one condition, though." I heard Ashton say. "She's gonna have to explain why, and if I don't like it she's leaving."

"Ashton!"

"It's my choice, and my daughter, I guess. I do what I want."

"Ash, you can't take him back."

"Her."

"Just shut up."

"Excuse me?"

"You're excused."

"Micheal."

"Sorry."

"If he does stay, we'll have to be role models, so no cursing or arguing."

"If."

"Ashton."

"What?"

"Calum, go get him."

"Alright."

I silently sped down the hall and into my room, trying not to get caught. I could hear Calum's footsteps. Panting, I laid like a starfish on my bed, tears threatening to spill.

"Dale? Can I come in?" He knocked on the door.

I nodded, then face-palmed myself realizing he couldn't tell if I nodded or not.

"Dale?"

I stood up, trying to keep a calm attitude. I opened the door, letting Calum in.

"Hey. We're all gonna have a-" He stopped to think about what he was going to say. "A family meeting."

I gave him a sarcastic "Seriously?" face.

"You know, a talk."

I shrugged my shoulders, unsure of what to say or do.

"Come on." He smiled at me.

I sighed, watching him hold out his hand for me to hold.

"I-I-I'm-m n-not-t a-a-a b-b-baby." I walked ahead of him, ignoring his gasp.

I hesitated to enter the dining room, afraid of what Ashton would say, or do.

I slowly walked in, sitting at the empty seat next to what I thought was Calum's. Slouching in the chair, I covered my face with my hands.

"Dale." I heard Ashton say.

I could hear Calum walk in, awkwardly sitting next to me. Through my fingers, I could see Ashton's angry face. He was angry at me, wasn't he?

"Psst, Dale." Calum nudged my shoulder. "Show us your face."

"Ahem, Dale." Ashton called.

I slowly took my hands away from my face, placing them on the table. I could feel their eyes on me, all the attention on my ugly face. Self-conscious, I crossed my arms on my chest, trying to hide as much of me as I could.

"So," Ashton began. "At least tell us why you want to be a boy."

"'Us'? You mean you. Because we are perfectly fine with him." Calum defended.

Thank you lord for Calum.

"Alright, Tell me why want to be a boy. It's absurd, since you were born a girl."

"It's not crazy, it's who he is." Luke defended.

"LET DALE SPEAK!" Ashton shouted.

The room fell silent. I could feel their stares stinging on me, all their attention on me.