Emily was fast asleep and Dad looked worried. I hadn't seen him like this is months - no years "Brook, can you come in here?" he asked from the living room "Sure" i sat down across from him and he looked nervous. Like almost the same nervousness of 'you're mum's gone to heaven' nervous. I sat there watching him until he gathered his thoughts "I'm dating again. I'm sorry I should have discussed it with you girls but we've been friends for years and well the other day...I....ar...Kissed her and she kissed me back and I've missed it but if you're not going to be happy about it. I'll stop I'll tell her we can't..." he was rumbling on and it was hard to think straight so I repeated what he said but slowly
"You're dating again with someone from work and you kissed her and really like her? Is that right so far dad?" he looks at me nervously and nods
"But I.." I hold my hand up and he stops
"But you're willing to throw your happiness away for us girls. Only if we're not happy with you dating?" he nods and I smile and he looks at me lost
"Why are you smiling?"
"Dad I think it's great you've found someone. It's been a long time and I'm sure if you slowly introduce her to the house Emily will too?!" "Really?" he looked confused
"Yes dad?!" he sighs loudly with relief
"Thank you Brook. I knew you'd tell me straight. So um would you be upset if I invited her over for dinner Saturday?" I bite my lip
"Um about Saturday. I was going to ask if I could go on a date with Jamal?" he looks at me seriously for about 10 minutes and then says
"Sure, you deserve a life but there will be a curfew of 11pm okay?"
"12!" i say quickly
"Midnight?" he screams out and I look at him
"It's my first ever date and you've known Jamal all his life and this is going to be special and..."
"Special! How special?" he asked concerned
"Not that special dad. i mean my first date so can't I enjoy it one extra hour?" he thinks again and smiles
"Okay only because after losing your mother, you were the one who held us together and still do. Em's going to be lost without you next year!" great way to ruin the moment.
My heart breaks as the words hit me hard. Em will miss me but she needs to live life and so does dad. Dad must have seen the hurt in my eyes and comes over and gives me a hug "I'm sorry honey. It's been hard for us all. You especially and I thank you. I'm not saying don't go just remember us when you’re gone. Check in time to time and do your sisterly thing with Em" I start to cry and he hugs me
"You know I will dad"
"I know" he have our moment and then I tell him I'm going to bed
"Night honey. See you in the morning?"
"Sure. Night" I walk off to my room and stop by the bathroom and blow my nose and wash my face with water.
I stare at the reflection of me staring straight back and i weakly smile "You can do this Brooklyn. If not for yourself but for your mother!" I smile before walking out.
I can do this. I am strong!
I messaged Jamal and told him it was a yes. He sent me back a kissy face which i laughed at before saying goodnight and going to bed. When I woke up my dad was just walking past my room "Dad!" i called out, his footsteps stopped and came back
"yeah?"
"Can a good day!" he smiles at me
"I will. You too!"
