Reality vs Imagination

Dad?

             "The next time I see-  No!  I don't even want to see you!" Dad exclaimed as he pointed at Peter "Here in my house! Especially if I'm not here.  And Katy!  I expect more from you!  You're grounded for one month!  No phone, iPad, iPod, TV, and you have a new curfew its 10:30 on the dot and no later!" Dad yelled at Peter and I in the living room.  Fuck! That's not fair!  We didn't even do anything!  Gahhh.

              "No Mr. Linning it's my fault and there is no ne-" Peter said but was cut off by Dad's booming voice.

             "Son, I don't know who you are to tell me what to do with my child.  Plus shouldn't you be running off home by now?"  Dad asked.

             "No sir. But I was just trying to say it was my fault. I just saw her curled up in the middle of the road and I rescued her.  You should be ashamed for calling yourself a father while your child is in the hospital and you're teenage daughter is left alone to care for him.  I was the only person around to be able to help your daughter when a stranger tried to force themselves on her.  If anything you should be thanking me."   Peter explained.

"You're not even a parent to even have any input on how I decide to raise my kids.  If your parents want to spoon feed you and wipe your ass then so be it.  I have beautiful, intelligent and independent children."

"Mr.  Linning, you have some nerve-"

"That's enough Peter."  I said sternly.

Peter huffed then said "I'll see myself out.  Katy let me know how Tyler is as soon as you get an update."  Peter gave my hand a squeeze and brushed past Dad without another word then let himself out the house.

              Once he was gone Dad turned to me and asked "How's Tyler?"  I let go of a breath, I didn't realize I was holding, the moment I heard Peter open then close the front door.

              "He's fine.  The doctors said that he suffered a minor concussion and that he'll have headaches.  But they needed to run a few more tests and that they'll let him go tomorrow."  I stated.

               Honestly I didn't want to talk to Dad right now because I'm upset. Just then he embraced me in a hug that was really tight.  "I'm sorry Katy."  A long pause.  "I'm sorry for failing to be a parent.  I know I should be around longer but I just can't stand looking into Tyler's eyes, it's too painful.  He reminds me so much of your mother and so do you.  I love you Katy I really do."

                 "Love you too Dad." I mumbled.  "Do you mind letting go?  I can't breathe." 

                  "Oh, Right Sorry."  Dad let go and stepped to the side. We sat awkwardly in silence before I broke it.

                 "Right, So Um does this mean that I uh am still grounded?"   Hey, its worth the shot.

                  He let out a long sigh before responding.  "No, but curfew is now 1.  And what were you doing in the middle of the road?"   Oh boy here we go.

                  "Okay, sense the ambulance picked us up I had no way to get home so I decided to walk from the hospital.  On the way home someone was chasing me so I probably tripped, fell, and lost conscious."    It wasn't a lie a few parts were just missing but it doesn't make it a lie, does it?

"So what was Peter talking about when he said that someone forced themselves on you?  Are you okay?  You don't have to lie about it.  We can go down to the police station and fill out a report."

        I dropped my head and shook it.  "I don't even want to think about the incident, I don't even remember what the guy looked like.  I feel like it would be pointless.  All I'm worried about right now is you being home more often so you can spend more time with Tyler.  You know its not fair to him."