The Boy Sitting Next To Me/TylerJoseph

11.

(New characters!)
                        "Dad?"
My voice became raspy as I trembled. How could this be? He was in prison the last time I heard.

Tyler took the phone from my hands, watching as my arms dropped into my lap.

"Who is this?" He asked sternly, though he sounded quite afraid. Truly, I was. What could this mean for my family? My friends? Me? The fear was overwhelming.

"Loren's father? I thought you were-" Tyler stopped, listening quietly for a moment. "I'm Tyler Joseph, sir. I'm Loren's....friend."

He handed the phone back to me- hesitantly, I may add- giving a simple nod. "How can you prove that you're my father and not just some creep?"

A sigh came from the other end of the line. "Loren Wayne Peterson. That's your full name. We share the same middle name.
You're in cliques in school, right? I was in the Birds. I think you are too. I haven't asked the schools about it."

I was completely dumbfounded. "I thought you were...in prison?"
Tyler's eyes met mine, his filled with fear. I knew what he was thinking- or presumably at least- I was right. We had no proof for my theory that my father had killed an unknown sister of mine, however.

"Yes, that must be explained. I would like to discuss this in person. Do you know of any places you would like to meet?"
My father's voice became harder to hear as the sound of cars overpowered it.

"There's Rosegold Park near the school, but I'm not sure about this." I huffed, stress and worry washing over me.

"Loren, I assure you. Things need to be talked about but not over the phone." My father paused, so quiet that I could hear his slow breaths. "Please don't tell your mother, or even Alice."
A lump developed in my throat. I knew his concerns, I wasn't going to tell them anyway.

"I understand. When will you go there?" I glanced at Tyler, who was biting his lip.

"In an hour or two. I've gotta go. Goodbye Loren." The phone beeped as he hung up.
"What is it?" Tyler muttered.

I dropped my hands into my lap and sighed. "We're going to see my dad."