My Dad's Band

Surprises and Group Hugs

I woke up the next morning to my alarm sounding. My alarm, bed, and dresser being some of the few things still in my room.

I got ready for school. Dressed in my favorite black skinny jeans and my favorite plaid shirt, I met my dad downstairs for breakfast.

He was whistling. He only whistled when he was excited. Was he that happy despite us leaving Australia?

He stopped his whistling when he saw me. "Morning, Honey," he chirped.

"Someone's happy."

He sighed and placed his palms down on the island countertop, leaning his six foot frame over the island. His hair was disheveled and his face was furry. He was usually good about shaving, but for some reason he hadn't shaved for days.

He closed his eyes and sighed out a long sigh, smiling to himself.

"I'm just so happy to go reunite with my best friends."

"Dad, why did you wait so long? We could have gone to see them years ago. Seventeen years is a long time to be without them."

"I guess I didn't realize how much I needed them. But, what's past is past. Tomorrow we'll be starting over."

"Well, I'm happy for you."

"Are you happy, Indi?"

"Of course. I want you to fulfill your dreams. I want you to be happy."

"But what about you, your happiness?"

"I'm only happy when you are, Daddy," I smiled, with extra charm, of course.

I couldn't have him ditching his dreams for me. He'd already done that. For seventeen years.

"Oh, Indi," my dad said pinching the bridge of his nose in thought.

"Dad," I said going around the island to engulf him in a hug.

"Oh, Indigo," he repeated, returning the hug.

"I love you," I assured him.

"I know you do. I love you, too. I want the best for you. I can't just drag you to the States. It's all so fast."

"Dad. Come on," I groaned.

"I can't. It was such a sudden decision.  I've got no idea what I was thinking."

"Dad, stop it, for real. I'm excited for America. I hear the beaches are great, the art, the guys, the food, the job opportunities, and that's also where Taylor Swift is."

"Indi, for the last time, I will not be dumping you on Harry Styles's wife. They'd end up filing  restraining orders."

"Oh, but Dad, please. I'd behave myself."

"Did you sneak boys into that list?" He tugs at his lip ring.

"What?" I play off.

His face says he isn't buying it.

"Okay, so I've heard that the American guys are dreamy. So what?"