"Are you sure you don't need a ride?" A cold, husky voice spoke breaking my train of thoughts. Without even looking up at him, I nodded "Yeah, Gem will be here soon" I said trying to avoid eye contact. I could see him walk away from the corner of my eye.
It's okay! There's no need to say goodbye. It's not like you're never going to see me again!
My mind practically screamed at the older male, but I staid quiet. Who would consider that to be his father anyway? He was such a heartless guy. Just one mistake from mum, and she was forced to stay with him because of me. Good thing she got away eight years ago, but this prick got custody over me. Basically because mum had a hard time finding a job, and he was more 'qualified' to be the guardian.
One thing I'm sure of, I'm freaking glad that he decided to give me up. It started last week;
~ FLASH BACK ~
Game night. Here's something I look forward to. A grin crossed my face as I turned on the television and flopped on the couch
" Dad! It's about to start"
I called out to get the guy's attention. He was probably in his room upstairs, doing some of his paperwork crap. I never really figured out what he does for a job. Frankly I don't care. No, I'm not a bad son; he's simply not a good father.
Not that I blame him, he never really wanted a kid. And he fought for my custody just to make mum miserable. Now, what kind of man would use his own kid to annoy his ex wife? Well, this guy would.
I didn't want to call him my dad, but if I didn't, he'd probably kill me. On the bright side, he's away half of the day, and comes back right at dinner time, which gives me lots of time alone, and only little time to see him. He also let me see my mum twice a month, and talk to her once a week ( though I call her twice a day maybe ).
"Geez, Harold, you don't have to yell" His voice was cold yet a bit scratchy. He was probably taking a nap. ( oops! ) "I can hear you just fine" He said as he sat on the other side of the couch, which left a small space between us. "Where's my beer?" He asked, his eyes laid on the TV. Shit. I was so excited I forgot to buy him beer. Fuck fuck fuck. "Oh yeah.." I said slowly as I stood up and headed upstairs quickly, making sure he wouldn't see me. I came back with two beers. "Took you long enough" He said as I gave him both the beers
"They're warm" He said glaring at me. I felt a slight shiver run through my body as I looked at the TV. Great, the game was starting. "Yeah, that's all they had" I lied. I actually had a stash of extra beers. Knowing myself, I'd probably forget to get him beer like 3 times out of 5 games. So it was good.
"Harold.." I rolled my eyes at the name that he called me. I can't ever talk it out of it. I hated that name. I hated it because he named me that, and mum preferred Harry. But of course 'dad' named me Harold, but everyone still called me Harry. Except for him.
I hummed softly in response as my eyes were still focusing on the game. "Don't you think it's time for you to move in with your mother?" He said before taking a sip of his beer like it was the most normal talk to have over an exciting game.
I could feel the game getting blurry. My mind flew away in thoughts. There was certainly a motive behind this. There had to be. There is no way he kept me here for 8 year just for nothing. I took a deep breath "You mean permanently?" I said, my voice a bit low. Even though neither of us were looking at the other, we were both staring at the TV screen, I could still see him nod.
Now, here's the thing. If he asked me this 8 years ago, I would've packed my bags in a matter of seconds. But I went through 8 years of hell with him, just for him to give me up? I didn't want to admit it, but I was heartbroken that my own father was thinking of giving me up. I knew he wasn't talking about mum getting the custody, and him visiting me every now and then. He was talking about not seeing him again.
Sure, we were never that close, but HE IS MY FATHER. Does he not consider me his son? Did he find another woman? Is he tired of my shit? So many questions went through my mind, but I knew I couldn't ask him. He wouldn't answer anyway, and would dodge my questions.
"If that's what you want, I don't mind"
~ END OF FLASH BACK ~
The next day, the paperwork started. Changing my guardian from my dad to my mum. I couldn't be any happier. But I still felt hurt. Mum simply explained that he wasn't the type to stick with something for too long, which is probably why he changed his mind about me.
Bright side to all of this, I get to see m--
There goes my thought being interrupted again. I looked out the window to see a car pull up the driveway. I get my backpack and run down the stairs, heading to the door. I didn't even bother taking the time to say goodbye to the house. I wasn't good dealing with goodbyes. As I got closer, I noticed that it was mum in the car and not Gemma.
Seeing her get out of the car, I ran into her arms. Those warm arms. It's been so long. A tight hug filled with so many emotions. God, I hated crying. And I wasn't going to. Instead, I chuckled softly, trying to hold back the tears. "Finally" She said as she cupped my face with her hands, tears of joy in her eyes.
Few moments passed before she sniffed and walked back to the car "Come on, you'll be late for school" She said getting in the car. What? We agreed I could skip. Dammit. I got into the car as I narrowed my eyes at her. "Didn't you say I could skip school today?" I asked as she started driving. "Your words and I quote: first days are not so important, so you can stay home with me and we could catch up"
Even though we were already disagreeing, I'm kind of glad. This is how it's supposed to be. I honestly couldn't describe how I felt right now. I'm so happy I would gladly do anything for this woman. "Well, apparently that was in the old days, Gemma told me first days are the most important thing" She said eyeing me before looking at the road again.
Damn it, Gem
I thought as I smiled softly. Who cared? At least, this year, I wouldn't have to hide at the library after school so I wouldn't have to go home. This year, I would eagerly want to skip school so I could stay home all day.
