One Detention Saved My Life

Chapter 31

I'm looking carelessly out the window of Dad's white Chevy. I haven't said anything to him since we left Mom's house. I haven't even told him about the football game or the double date I set him up on, but most importantly I didn't tell him Mom was pregnant. I'm so nervous about tonight that I don't even know if I'm going to be able to work today.
"Somethings wrong. You haven't said anything since we left your mom's house."
I don't look away from the window. I guess I'm afraid that if I do I'll explode all my secrets. I never was a very good lier.
"Tim, look at me," Dad says, keeping his eyes on the road. I don't move.
"Come on,Tim."
"Did something happen in your life that changed it forever?"
"I guess you could say meeting Kelly and then meeting you for the first time changed my life. Why do you ask?"
"Because I got invited to my first football game and feel that what happens there is going to affect my life." I know for a fact that whatever happens at the game will affect my life forever.
"I didn't say you could go to the game."
"Please, Dad. Please."
"Only if you tell me what's wrong."
I pick my head off the window and stare at Dad. "I set you and Kelly up on a double date with Mom and Jimmy at the Great Pizza tomorrow night at seven."
"You did what?!"
"I set you up---"
"I know, I know, but how could you do that to Kelly and me?"
"Jimmy threatened me and I didn't know what else I was supposed to do."
"That little slim ball."
"So can I go to the football game tonight?"
"Yes."
I want to tell Dad so bad about Mom being pregnant, but I bite my tongue. It's not my place to tell him. It's Mom's.
"I'll be at that date tomorrow. I'll make a fool out of Jimmy."
We don't say anything else as Dad pulls up to the bakery. We both get out of the truck and head into the bakery. I go to my station with Cookie and Dad heads back to his office.
"How are you this morning, honey?" Cookie asks.
"Stressed. What are we making today?"
"Buckeye brownies. I created the recipe myself."
"I'm impressed, Cookie."
"Why thank you. Now help me mix the batter."
I look at the recipe and gather up all the supplies. I mix up the chocolaty and peanut buttery batter fairly quickly. I look over at Cookie and her shirt is soaked with sweat.
"You okay, Cook?"
"Yep, this just means I'm working hard."
Cookie and I end up making batch after batch of buckeye brownies. They're a huge hit. Customers sworn in and buy them left and right. Dad's so impressed that he actually comes out of his office to congratulate Cookie and I.
"Your buckeye brownies are a huge success," Dad says, complimenting Cookie. Cookie gives him a huge grin, showing off her somewhat white fake teeth.
"Thanks, honey."
"Dad, Dakota needs some help at the register. He can't take all the costumers on by himself."
"Then I'll help him," Dad says, walking off. I feel myself frown.
"Honey, what's wrong?"
I feel her grandmother instincts kick in. It's Cookie. Surely she can keep a secret. "I hate keeping secrets from Dad. My mom. . . is pregnant."
"Your father doesn't know?"
"No, it's not his child."
"Your mother had---"
"No, my parents divorced right before I was born. She got pregnant with the asshole who used to work here."
"I'm sorry, Tim."
"I have bigger problems to face. Tonight changes my life forever. Tonight I have to prove that Brett and Chad are up to something. My friend Kim is in danger."
"You'll figure it out, Tim. I have faith in you."
"But what if I fail?"
"Tim, you can't doubt yourself. I doubted myself my entire life and it got me nowhere. You can't even let what others think of you effect your choices. You got to listen to your heart because it will never steer you wrong."
I hug Cookie. "Thanks."
"No problem."

At exactly five-thirty the little bell on the door chimes. I head to the counter, thinking that it's Amy. I was right. Amy is sitting in a plush blue chair close to the counter.
"You ready to go?" She asks, standing up.
"Yes," I say, walking through the flap doors that lead to the main entrance.
"You two be careful," Dad says, from the register.
"You're not mad that Amy and I are back together?"
"No, Kelly said that I shouldn't stop true love. Son, you'll learn that women are always right."
Dad has no idea that Kelly wants to marry him. I will not squeal. I promised her I wouldn't tell and I meant to keep my promise.
"I'll be home by ten," I say, grabbing Amy's hand and bolting out of the bakery. I don't want to be late. That will ruin our entire plan. Tyler's Mercedes is parked exactly outside. We both climb inside and Tyler takes off.
"So, are you nervous?"
"Nervous doesn't even begin to cover it," I say.
My hands are so cold that they feel like I was just out in snow.
"You'll do great," Amy replies, kissing me on the lips.
"No kissing in my car!" Tyler says, looking threw his rear view mirror. I see him grin slightly.
"Tyler!"
"Are you going to say that every time Tyler embarrasses you?"
Amy's face turns scarlet. "No."
"How did your speech turn out?" I ask, trying to change the subject.
"Good."
"Can I read it?"
"No, you're just going to have to wait until the game."
I pout. I really wanted to hear her speech. Amy pats my hand. "You'll like it. I promise."
"I can't wait to hear it as well. I'll be watching the whole game."
"Tyler, you really don't have to watch."
"I know, but I want to."
"Where does Mark want us to meet him?"
"Behind the concession stand."