Arizona Dreaming

Metamorphosis

                 

"Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands."-Anne Frank

***

My father's visit gave us a chance to catch up on the months we haven't talk to each other.

After school, he would ask to go out for dinner.

Despite my tiredness from schoolwork and basketball practice, I agreed.

He asked me about what's going on in with my life.

I told him stories about my class and how I still find it boring.

His questions included the Warriors.

I think he was more concerned if they were really good to me.

I asked about Regina and the baby.

The first time I brought up the subject, we were at an Italian restaurant.

It was also the first time we were on our own for dinner.

Lola was waiting for Lolo and declined to come with us.

"Are you sure you want to talk about this?" he asked over appetizers.

A plate of calamari was in front of him.

"Yeah," I answered.

A smile crossed his lips.

While he talked, his face beamed with pride.

They are having a boy.

The gender was seen during one of the pregnancy ultrasound.

My father was flushed while he talked about how happy he was.

When he noticed that I wasn't saying anything, he stopped.

"Are you upset, Arizona?" the smile was replaced with furrowed brows.

"Oh no." I smiled.

He sat back on the chair and exhaled.

"Congratulations," I said.

"To you and Regina."

I raised the glass of lemon-iced tea and he toasted it with his bottle of beer.

My father reached for my left hand across the table.

"I'm sorry I sent you here," the lines around his eyes were visible, deeper.

"Dad, you don't need to apologize." I said.

I looked around the restaurant.

There were only a few people.

No one was sitting close to our table.

Our dinners gave me an idea.

I have been thinking about it for days.

He was scheduled to fly back to California on Sunday.

His vacation was short since he had to go back to work and he was worried for Regina.

She wanted him to stay longer but he refused.

When he appeared out of nowhere during my birthday celebration, there was something in my mind that I need to discuss with him.

Something that I have to tell him face-to-face.

"Dad?" I wiped my lips with the napkin.

He was slicing the steak he ordered.