The Wrong Misfit

Reunions : Part 2

I woke up the next morning, asleep on the couch as my brother, Ed, was curled up in the loveseat and my father was sprawled out on the other couch that touched mine. It was light outside with little bits of sunshine peeking through the clouds. It felt good to sleep in for once and be greeted by the family you thought had almost forgotten about you. I took in the moment. I took in when Ed scratched his nose while he was sleeping and when my father switched to lay on his other side. I bet my sister would enjoy this if she were here. However, I remembered that I told Simon that I would be home by 9pm the night before. So that I wouldn't wake them, I texted Simon quickly, informing him that I was still with my brother and that I'd see him at community service that afternoon. But then, I remembered how Sally drove Simon home the night before.

To Simon B:

What happened b/w u and Sally last nite?

From Simon B:

Nothing

To Simon B:

Suuuuuure

I could picture him looking for something to say, stuttering his way into it.

From Simon B:

She seems kinda lonely

To Simon B:

Since when do u care?

From Simon B:

She mite just need a friend

To Simon B:

Dnt you think she mite just b using u?

He didn't respond which meant that I probably upset him because he was the only one who liked Sally and wanted to even be friends with her. It's not like I didn't want her to be friends with Simon just because I didn't like her. I just had this eerie feeling that she keeps trying to get closer to Simon only to get closer to the truth about what happened to Tony. What I didn't understand was why she cared so much. 

I put my phone back down and checked the time to see how much time I had before I had to be back at the community center. I also wanted to plan my day right so that I had time to get ready to hang out with Nathan. I was torn between cooking breakfast for the 3 of us or just sticking to cereal so that I wouldn't wake them. Just as I reached for the box of Honey Nut Cheerios, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder and turned to see my father with a peaceful expression spread across his lovely smile.

"Let me make you breakfast. It's been years since I've cooked for you." I smiled and embraced him with a tight hug just like daddy's girl used to do when she was younger. I left the kitchen and went back to the living room hearing the sizzle of the pan on the stove, and watching as Ed continued to sleep with his arm across his chest.

After we finally got Ed to wake up and we sat at the dining table, eating, laughing, catching up with each other's lives. I hated to go but I had to go to community service. I got all of my dad's contact information that I had lost over the years. He told me where he lived now, nearby Ed's place. I wished I lived closer. I promised that I'd call him everyday and visit him on weekends and that I'd bring Raina with me sometimes so that she could see him too. 

However, I was afraid to mention the fact that I had to do community service for a crime I didn't commit. So instead, I just told him that I was doing the "good" kind of community service. Not the kind I was doing. I guessed I'd have to bring it up soon before he wanted to see it first-hand. After we said our goodbyes, Ed offered to drive me back to the community center. On the way there, he began asking me more questions regarding my life here in the UK.

"So how long do you plan on staying with your friend?"

"Umm...I don't know. I'm still saving up but it's gonna take a while."