Where We Begin

Chapter 48 - Like Every Teenager In The History of Teenagers

Dec 14th, 2002 - Taylor

It took a lot longer than I expected for there to be a knock at the door to Kristen's and my room in the suite. Even more unexpected was that it was my dad who came in, with no sign of my mom.

"Kiddo, we obviously need to talk," he started flatly.

"I know, I know," I sighed. "I'm ready to hear what my grand punishment is."

He crossed the room and sat at the foot of my bed, clasping his hands together on his lap. "What you said was pretty inexcusable, but I know in my heart that is not the sweet girl I raised, so I'm going to give you a chance to explain yourself."

My heart fluttered with relief. "Really?"

"Yes, but you better get to explaining soon, because as pissed as I am, it's nothing compared to your mother. She's beside herself with embarrassment."

I chewed on my bottom lip, trying to think of where to start. "I'm sorry, I really am. I know Grant's probably got his own story, but he came up to me while I was reading in the lobby." I could feel the tears returning to my eyes. "He's not a nice guy, daddy. He tried hitting on me, and when I wasn't having it he said all these terrible things... he made me so uncomfortable."

I buried my face into the pillow I was clutching in my lap, unable to hold back the waterworks. My dad was by my side in an instant, rubbing my back like he used to when I was little.

"Grant told me how mom was talking about Busta and me when I wasn't around. He said awful things, and it was all based on information he heard from her. I know I screwed everything up for you and the Nguyen's. I know it was a mistake, I shouldn't have said that, but I can't take mom anymore and all the pressure she's putting on me. She would rather set me up with a stranger than give my boyfriend a chance. Why? Why can't I be with who makes me happy?"

My dad took a deep breath. "Taylor, all we want is for you to be happy."

I raised my head up to look him in the eye. "It doesn't feel that way. Mom she isn't giving Busta a chance. She'd rather throw me at someone like Grant or Kit. Just because they are rich doesn't make them good people. Busta is better, but she won't listen."

"I think your mom is having a hard time with you... growing up," he said, choosing his words carefully. "We both are, but she's not handling it as well. You used to talk to us about everything, especially mom, and now that you're dating and breaking rules and..."

"Acting like a teenager?" I finshed the thought for him. "I'm acting like every teenager in the history of teenagers."

"Yes," he smirked. "I'm sure it's a strange and confusing time for you, but what you might not realize is it's just as strange and confusing for us."

I wiped my wet cheeks with the back of my hand. "The only thing I'm confused about is why I can't be with Busta without a struggle. Do you really want to know why I broke up with Kit? Do you really want to know how much of a jerk he is?"

"I don't need to hear it, sweetie," he replied, shaking his head. "The kid comes off like a prick sometimes. In fact, I told Busta that on Thanksgiving. Before everything went south that day."

"Really?"

"Yes. Taylor, I deal with wealthy people everyday looking for and selling houses. I know that money doesn't equal personality or happiness. In fact, do you know how many of my clients are coming to me because of messy divorces? It's a pretty common occurrence"

I was beginning to feel a little better. "I bet. But why does mom have to make things so hard?"

My dad shrugged. "That's something you have to talk to her about, but I'll give you my take: I like Busta. He's a good kid, he's genuine, and I believe that he cares about you a lot. What I don't like is the lying and the surprise sleepovers. As much as I like the guy, I am not above wringing his neck if I catch him in your room when he's not supposed to be there." He took a moment, looking away from me. "This is not an easy thing to talk about with you. You're still my little girl, and I'd like to keep it that way."