Falling - A Short Story

11

Brooke Havens

I walked with Gregory to a near by bench where we could watch Megan playing with the other kids on the playground. He was quiet that morning, after what had happened earlier. I was really confused, actually. Firstly, a guy knocks on his door and asks me about Greg. Then, I'm in Megan's room listening to all this curses and and yells from downstairs. Finally, I get downstairs and the guy approached Megan as his daughter. I had an idea of what was going on but I shouldn't be taking conclusions.

"I know you've got questions, Brooke. I can see it all over you." He said glancing quickly at me.

"I can wait. Don't worry about me." I assured him. It was a bad day to wear black, it was steaming hot.

He shrugged.  "Just ask me. I don't think I can feel worst then I already do." He said.

"Just answer me this," I trailed off and he looked at me, "Was that your father?" I asked. He nodded and I froze for a couple of seconds. Thinking of what I could say next.

I looked away. Greg never mentioned his father. I had noticed he was never around. But I assumed it was a very delicate subject for me to ask him about. 

 "When did he left?" I asked almost immediately regretting. I should've just left at that.

"Four years ago, when mom was pregnant with Meg. She kicked him out." He told me. I was actually surprised. Not about the story but with the way he was telling me so naturally. My mouth formed an 'o' shape and I remained silent. I decided not to ask anything else.

"It's weird, you know." He began, his eyes never meeting mine. "I thought I was never going to see him again and I was actually conforming myself of it." He sighed, "All for nothing I suppose".

I said nothing. I didn't know what to. I've never handled situations like this before and I wasn't good on giving warming advices. Hell, I don't even like to hug people.

"One thing that keeps me wondering is if I'll ever be able to see him as a father again." He continued, "Maybe he can still be a father to Megan.

I needed to stop this before it got worst. "Take it easy Greg, he's not running away again in my opinion so just let things flow." I poorly advised him. Let things flow? God I'm so bad at this.

He looked back at me and forced a smile. I could see he was in pain, and I couldn't do anything to help him

He deserves a better friend then me.

I shoved those thoughts to the back of my head as my phone rang.

"Hello?" I answer not recognizing the ID on the screen.

"Hey, erm. Brooke?" The person asked. By the sound of the voice it was a boy.

"Yeah." I confirmed and the guy cleared his throat.

"It's Ren." 

"Oh, hey Ren." I asked, now wondering how the hell did he get my phone number.

"I- I just wanted to ask if you want to meet up for the," he paused, "Project."

How can I even think about fucking History project right now? Bad timing, Ren.

"I mean, we could go to a library sometime" I suggested disregarding any intentions of him coming to my house or me going to his. There's no chance of that happening.

"Y-yeah, that sounds ok. So this is my phone. I'll talk to you soon." He stuttered.

"Sure, bye Ren." After that I hang up looking back at Greg, who was keeping an eye on his little sister.