Moving Forward

Five- Dad Returns

It was finally Saturday. My dad had called and said he would be home for lunch. I was so excited, so I began to cook him a delicious welcome home lunch, consisting of cucumber salad, my mother's meatloaf, (though I didn't have the secret ingredient, my dad said it tasted just as good, and was still his favourite), and apple pie, with ice cream. I went all out, good thing I started early, because the next thing I know he was walking in the door.

"Hey dad! Welcome home!" I sang, enveloping him in a bear hug.

"Oh my goodness! You really went all out!" He laughed, returning my embrace. "Thanks pumpkin, let's eat, shall we?" He exclaimed. I laughed as we sat down and ate. He told me about how he was enjoying his new job and the pay raise, but wished he could be home with me. I told him about my first day at school, the new job, my new friends, and how excited I was when I learned he was coming back from work today. We were half way through the meal when I mentioned that, and the smile on his face faded.

"I have some news about my new job, and you're not going to like it." He said blatantly, his facial features that of a business man.

"What?" I asked, slowly and cautiously, as if how I asked him would change the severity of the situation.

"I won't be home very often. It seems as tho the job calls for 20 hours a day 7 days a week. And with those four hours off, and every break on between, I eat and sleep. And that's all I will have time for, except on the 3rd of every month, I'm allowed to come home for two whole days, and three whole nights, to spend time with you, and make sure your doing good in school, and that there's food on the table and I'll have my assistant, Liam Payne check on you every now and again. I will send you a letter, twice a week and money every week, for you to get groceries and other needs for living alone. I'm sorry it has to be this way." He trailed off, seeming as though he had nothing else to say.

"So... you're just, leaving me here?" I asked, in shock.

"No I'm just-" He began.

"Busy with your new job and I just need time to adjust.... yata-yata-yata I've heard it all before from my old friends that basically lived alone. Well, fine leave." I got up from the table, my face hot. As I stood, the chair I had once been sitting in flew behind me. "First I lose my mom to cancer, and now you to your job. Writing me isn't the same as raising me. So if your gonna leave, leave. And don't come back. And don't expect to hear from me, cause I won't write you!" I said, my anger taking over my words as tears sprung from my eyes. I stormed off to my room to cry in my pillow. I heard my dad in the hall on his phone, as he assumably packed a few extra things.

No, Liam, she didn't take it well... Well, she basically kicked me out... yeah, that bad, she made me a home cooked lunch and told me all about her week, and we were enjoying each other's company, and then she mentioned that she was happy I was home, and the words just fell out... she ended up storming out in tears, and didn't even give me a chance to redeem myself... thanks Agent Payne, you are much appreciated... good day.

He ended the call and yelled out before leaving to say good bye. I knew I would regret not giving him a good bye hug, but I was too angry to give him one. I listened until I knew for sure that he was gone, then I exhaled and flopped tiredly on to my bed. I felt so upset. I had understood when he left me at home for a week, but now he's not even going to be home except a couple days a month. That's not enough, I need a parent.

After a few minutes of laying there and feeling sorry for myself, I got up and went to the dining room, to clear off the table. After that I looked at the clock. I had to be at work in a half hour. I guess I'll just do my essay later tonight. My English teacher is expecting a five hundred plus word essay on some British novel. But it will have to wait. Once I finished clearing off the table, I went to my room to change into my black work jeans.

Then I got in my still new car and took off.

Once I got to work I put my fake face on. Bright smile, kind eyes, and an attitude that comes across like I give half a shit. Then my boss comes out.

"Hello, Mr. Styles, how are you today?" I asked, kindly.

"Good. You have been doing a Great job being our evening hostess. I really wish there was someone willing to work during school, that was as pleasant as you." He commented as I helped a costumer pay for their meal. He stood behind the counter, watching me work.

"I am just doing my best. I really appreciate your time. And this job." I smiled, shrugging my shoulders.

"Well keep at it and I'll have a raise headed your way in no time." He chuckled and patted me on the back.

"Thanks," I said.

Once the day was over I went to my empty house and was grabbing my keys out to unlock the door when a deep voice startled me.

"Rough day at work?" I whipped around to see Zayn on the sidewalk, watching me.

"Oh, hi. Uh, I guess. I'm just exhausted." I explained finding my keys and turning them in the lock.

"Mind if I come in? I'm a little lonely tonight." He asked, looking at me through his thick dark lashes.

"Um, sure. You can wait in the living room here." I said, once he had stepped in. "I'll go get us something to drink, do you want tea, or coffee?"

"Tea please." He said, looking around as he stepped in, sitting in the dark brown leather recliner, next to the lamp and coffee table.

I left to go to the kitchen, not really sure if I really wanted company right now. But I knew he was safe, and a good friend. I made the tea and got myself coffee. Then I put them on the tray with cream, sugar cubes and honey to add to our drinks.

When I re-entered the living room I couldn't believe my eyes... Zayn was crying!

(A/N) no one seems to be reading this at the moment, but I figure, I like the story, and that's what's important, right? So if you do happen to read this, please vote!