DIRTY LAUNDRY

22

Only a quitter would let it go, I'm your fool in a one-man show •

I was sitting on my bed, nervously fidgeting, trying my best not to bite all my fingernails off.

"Stop that." Jack said and slapped my hand so I would stop chewing on them. "You can do this." He always tried his best to cheer me up when I was worried.

"Can I?" I wondered. My head was spinning, I just wanted for it to be over.

"Yes, just remember what we talked about. Remember how you helped me deal with my father and problems regarding him. It might've not worked out yet but you gave me hope and courage to face him." He replied.

"I know, it's just... it's hard. I know I said I don't want anything to do with him and I stand by that... but I'm still scared. What if I'm the reason he left?" I expressed my worries.

"So? That only makes him look worse, he abandoned his family. You need to know it's not your fault."

"Oh, Jack. This sucks, why did he have to show up, I was doing so great." I buried my face into my palms and sighed.

"Hey hey, were? Excuse me but you're still doing great." Jack kneeled before me, pressing a small kiss on the top of my head. I lifted my head up and looked at him. What would I do if he weren't here?
"Look." He continued. "Sometimes adults make stupid mistakes, just like everyone else. Maybe they regret them in the end, maybe not. I just know that this is one of those situations you'll deal with exactly how you need to."

"How did I get so lucky, huh? How did I end up with someone like you?" I said to him. He grinned back at me, caressing my cheek with his thumb.

"I'm the lucky one here, babe." He winked which made me chuckle. "Now come on, you're gonna be late."

He was standing in front of me with his hand stuck out. I grabbed it and lifted myself up.

"Text me and I'll pick you up, okay?" He reminded me when we were standing by the door. I nodded and gave him a little grin. He leaned in for a quick peck on the lips. "Bye." He added and waved. I grinned sourly and walked out. My father texted me the address to some fancy restaurant near campus, which is why I wore my white button-down and my not so skinny black jeans. I tried to avoid looking too fancy, yet still show him that I know what's what.
I arrived first, they seated me at our reserved table where I ordered some sparkling water. It was already 7 and he still hasn't arrived. I stayed patient for about 20 minutes, then I started checking the phone for any of his messages. 10 minutes later, he was still a no-show. I was getting really pissed off when my phone rang, it was him.

"Where the hell are you? I've been waiting for over 30 minutes!" I angrily answered.

"I'm sorry Alexander, I got held up at the office, I'll be there in a minute." He apologized.

"Couldn't you at least text me before?" I muttered. 'Not a good start' I thought to myself.

"I was with a client, I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you, I promise." He replied. I was convinced, he really is my father; he sounds exactly like that. Always making promises he can't keep.

"Fine, just hurry or I'm leaving." I cold-heartedly said.

"Just wait." He added before I muttered 'kay' and hung up. I texted Jack right after.