Handsome and the Hideous

Chapter 15

I opened my door and saw my dad standing before me with my sisters at his side. He looked serious, as usual, and stepped in without a word. My sisters followed him and my eyes remained on my dad as I wondered why he came over.

"Hello Charlotte," my dad said. "How are you?"

"Good," I said, meaning it after so long.

I heard footsteps making their way down the stairs and I knew it was Cody. My heart felt warm at the thought, knowing he always came to my side when my dad was around. It seemed to be a protective instinct.

My dad didn't say anything for a moment and his eyes roamed around my mansion. I stared at him, wondering about the papers I found. A part of me wanted to ask him what they were about, but I knew asking him was pointless. My dad hated answering questions and from previous events, I knew I would only be left hurt at the end.

Finally, my dad began to walk to the kitchen and my sisters followed him. I followed him as well and smiled at Cody who went to my side. He raised his eyebrows, seeming to ask me what was going on. I shrugged, confused as well.

We all entered the kitchen and my dad sat at the dining table. My sisters went to my fridge and I noticed the way they wouldn't acknowledge Cody. I had forgotten he had rejected Evelyn and glancing at Cody, I was glad to see he was unfazed. The last thing I wanted was to see him hurt by my sisters' attitude.

"Come here Charlotte," my dad said, pointing to the seat across from him.

I tried not to show my confusion as I walked over to the seat he pointed to. Cody went to follow me, but my dad shook his head.

"I want to talk to Charlotte alone," my dad said. "Don't you have work to do?"

I tried not to shoot my dad a dirty look at his words. Cody seemed unfazed, as he usually was, which made me relax.

"No, I'm on my lunch break actually," Cody said, walking over to the fridge.

My dad didn't reply and I watched as Cody walked to the fridge. My sisters scoffed when he neared them and stalked off, leaving the kitchen. With only Cody, my dad and I in the kitchen, I felt more relaxed.

"What are your plans for next, next Sunday?" my dad asked.

"Nothing, as always," I said. "Well... nothing that I know of."

"Okay, keep that day free."

Cocking my head to the side, I stared at my dad for a moment. His words came out of nowhere and he had never cared about what I did with my time. Staring at him, I knew I had to ask one question.

"Why do you want to know if I'm free on Sunday?" I asked.

"It's nothing important," he said. "I was just curious."

My dad's face was expressionless, which was how his face always was. He never betrayed any emotion, which was a trait I suddenly hated. I wanted to know why he wanted to know if I was free. I wanted to know how he felt about it, but my dad was an unmoving rock. It was frustrating, but I knew not to push.

"What about Cody?" my dad asked, glancing at Cody who was making a sandwich.

"I'm free," Cody answered for me. "I don't have anything planned for that day."

"Perfect," my dad said.

Cody moved to stare at my dad as well, his eyes questioning. He glanced at me, his eyes full of questions, and I tried to tell him with my eyes that I was just as confused. I had no idea why my dad cared about our plans, and my dad seemed to want to keep us confused.