I Never Told You What I Do For a Living

Sometimes, I see Flames...

I woke up from the dream, screaming. I just witnessed my parents dead before me, as a serial killer was about to get me next.... What the Hell???

"Jess?! Are you alright?" I also woke my dad up. Great. I just made him lose sleep. He already doesn't get enough sleep as it is, working the night shift...

"Y-yeah, daddy. I just had a nightmare. I'm okay now. I'm sorry i woke you up. I love you." I told him, trying to hide the tears.

He obviously didn't buy it, noticing the tears. I felt my bed dip, indicating he sat beside me. "I'm sorry, dear. Do you wanna talk about the nightmare?" he wasn't the typical probing parent, so I could tell he was just trying to make me feel better. i shook my head, indicating how I felt. I didn't want to talk about the dream. In fact, I just wanted to forget about it. 

"Father Way brought you home. You were fast asleep , and looking so peaceful." He smiled gently, wiping the tears off my face as he pulled me close.

I felt like I had to tell him the truth. He's always been so kind to me, and he works so hard to keep us afloat in this fucked up economy. "...Dad? Gerard's actually not a priest. He's an important agent that was undercover. That's why the school shooting happened... Please don't be mad? And don't tell Mom?" 

It took him a moment to process the information I had just given him. Eventually he nodded. "I'm not mad. In fact, I respect him for serving and protecting the people." dad had a soft spot for people in positions like Gerard's. Why didn't I remember that? He's a United States Marine... He served overseas for a while. 

I smiled up at my dad, "And you won't tell mom?" I asked

he nods, "she doesn't need to freak out over more things." he agreed with me. 

"Thank you, daddy. I love you." I hugged him tight and felt him kiss the top of my forehead. "Get some sleep, dad. I'll be okay. I promise"

"Goodnight, Jess"

"Goodnight, dad"