The Unlikely Couple [COMPLETED]

Chapter Four

I panicked, edging slowly into the traffic. The car crept slowly onto the road, turning carefully down the street. I haven’t used my car in months. I sat in the lonely car park, waiting to be driven. To save on taxi money I revved it up to head to dad’s house.

“Oh Christ,” the cars were so fast. I swerved around corners and dodged other vehicles. I gained control as I left the city, slowly approaching St Kilda. It was ten past one on Saturday. I had been driving only fifteen minutes and I was already here. I steered through the small restaurants and rustic shops in the suburb, and raced past Luna Park. I whizzed past identical two story houses and people sauntering on the sidewalk. My eyes searched for the small red brick building with an old Ute out the front. I smiled as I spotted the house, slowing to park up the driveway. I sighed, grinning at the ancient house. There were so many memories there, most of them pleasant. Beside me my phone buzzed and rang insanely. I jumped, snatching the device from the seat.

“Hello?” I pulled out my bag from the back, shoving it under the chair.

“Well hello there,” my heart stopped, “you never called me back.”

“How did you get my number?” I chewed on my cheek.

“Your good friend Bradley helped me out,” I could hear the grin in Hal’s voice.

“Fantastic.” Crap, the pig can contact me.

“It really is. What’re you up to?”

“Nothing of your concern Hal, sorry but I have to go.” My thumb was ready to smash the red button.

“Wait, can’t we chat?”

“I’m busy so no.” I leaned back, hitting my head against the seat.

“I’ll call you in a few, okay?” Hal replied.

“Whatever,” I closed the call, stuffing my phone with my bag. I removed the keys from the ignition and slipped out onto the road. As usual the grass on the property was well maintained, along with the plants around the house. I knocked on the thick mahogany door and waited for dads loving face to appear. When no one answered I stepped back, moving around to the side of the building. I entered the backyard through the little gate, spotting my father pruning his bushes. He looked comfortable in khaki shorts and a pale blue polo. 

“Hey dad,” I called. He turned around suddenly, a smile replacing his confused expression.

“Stacey,” dad dropped the clippers and slipped off his gloves. I powerwalked over to dad, throwing my arms around him. “I didn’t know you were coming.”

“I wanted to surprise you,” he smelt of fresh flowers and butterscotch biscuits. The scent was delicious and refreshing.

“Well you did, very much,” we stepped up to the house, taking a seat on the small stairs. I looked long into dad’s face. His hair was brown, made lighter from the sunlight. The edges of his hairline began to grey but it was unnoticeable. Lindsey and I took after dad more than mum. We had the same hair, the same small nose and full lips. My skin however was a shade lighter than dad’s sun-kissed complexion.

“The garden looks great,” rose bushes lined the edge of the property, with a variety of plants filling in the space between the grass and roses.

“It’s coming along well.” He nodded.

“I’m sorry I haven’t seen you, I’ve been busy but that’s no excuse.”

“You have your own life, Stacey. It’s understandable.” Dad patted my leg. “Should we go inside? I can make you some tea.”