Our Bakery

16

A lot happened the year that Chloe turned 16.

She had a very big party at my mother's house, all of her friends, our friends, and our family. Of course, we weren't going to be the parents that didn't our daughter a car, so we did. It was a black Ford Focus, since she wanted a small car.

"Chloe, come outside." Louis said, excited and blowing our cover. She knew she was getting a car. She saw right through us as usual.

"Oh my god! Holy... Holy fuck guys!" I'd never heard Chloe say "fuck," but I couldn't help but laugh. Louis didn't hear that, which was good, but everyone else did. She got in and of course we took pictures. I also let her have a drink. Maybe that was bad, but it was her night, so who cares?

The night was young, and Chloe decided to go to her friend's house along with some other girls, and of course, since we're super cool parents, we let her go. She hugged us each for like five minutes, and surprisingly, she was pretty strong. We waved at her as she drove off in her car and down the road, out of sight. Louis started crying. I laughed and walked over to him.

"She's all grown up." He sniffled.
"No.... she's just 16. Still a kid."
"I know, but she's growning up. Fast. It's too fast, Harry."

I assured him that all was well and that she was still our little baby girl, but deep down I felt the same. She was growing up. She drove away and I found myself holding back tears, too. I smiled, though, knowing that tonight would be great. I guess I was wrong.

. . . . . .

I got tired around 10, and decided to head home. I kissed Loyis goodbye and he put one hand on my face. One gentle hand and ran it down my cheek and onto my jaw. I leaned into his hand. For some reason, it felt different than it ever had. I closed my eyes, in a moment that was too deep to be a normal moment. It felt like we had never been closer, yet there was some kind of space between us. I shook it off and opened my eyes. He smiled and kissed me one more time. I left feeling a deep feeling of comfort and emptiness.

It wasn't too long of a drive, and Louis decided to stay there. He was having a margarita, his first one that night, mind you, and he was not as tired as I was. He loved my family, which was understandable, so I figured if he got a little tipsy or something, he could stay there for the night.
I got home at about 10:38. I texted Louis. No answer. I didn't think anything of it. He was a polite man. He wouldn'tcheck his phone mid conversation. I unlocked the door to see my daughter already on the couch. She was watching a movie. Something with Tom Hanks. I glanced out the front window. How had I not noticed her car parked toght in front of me? Something was off. I tried smiling at her, but she just stared at me with a humorously confused look on her face. I pulled out my phone and texted Louis again. No answer. He hadn't even read the first one. I began getting worried.

"Something wrong, pops?" She said, her voice booming over the movie. It shocked me. Why was I on edge? I jumped, startled, and turned around. I was... paranoid?

"Dad? You look pale. You look... sick. Where's dad?" She asked, concern growing in her voice. I snapped out of it. This was her birthday. I wasn't about to make her uncomfortable on her special night, so I just put on a straight face and smiled.

"I'm fine. Just tired. Something must not be sitting with me right. Um, your father is still at Grammas' house. Your presents are in the car. I'll get them later tonight."
"No, no I'll get them. Go to sleep dad." She smiled. I kissed her head and walked into the bathroom. I felt my phone buzzing. I sighed and answered the phone.

"Hello?"
"Harry? Oh god. I'm so sorry... I- oh god. Harry?"
"Mum? Mum what's wrong?" I knew what was wrong. I blinked and froze in front of the mirror. I looked sick. And pallad. That was the feeling. They say when you're so connected to a person, you can tell when they're hurt.