When we get home I grab some strawberries and whipped cream, then head to my room to start on the minimal homework I have. Surprisingly my mom didn't ask about the box of cupcakes. Probably because I fell asleep. For now, I'm just going to keep it in my room. Maybe eat it when I stay up late in the future. I take out what little homework I have and open the tub of whipped cream. I start on the work, all the while dipping strawberries in whipped cream and eating them.
I finish all my homework and reach for another strawberry. My fingers hit the bottom of the container and I frown. I look over to see I'm out of whipped cream as well. I sigh and take the empty containers downstairs to throw them away. After I throw them away I go back upstairs. I have to finish unpacking the last box in my room. I've putting it off since I already know what's inside. Everything I have from my father. He left three years ago when I was 13. I have a lot of good memories with him.
I used to get bullied a lot when I was in elementary and middle school, and he was the one who would always comfort me. I would always come home crying and he would be there waiting for me to run into his arms. He didn't have a job because he opted to stay home and take care of me since my mom had a better paying job. He was the best when it came to cheering me up. He always had a supply of my favorite ice cream, cookie dough. He would wrap me in a blanket and set my on the couch while he started a movie and got the ice cream.
One day, when I was in eighth grade, I went home after a day of intense bullying ready to be comforted by my dad, but he wasn't there. I decided that he was probably out running and errand. Disappointed, I went up to my room with a tub of cookie dough ice cream. When I got to my room, I found a present. At first, I was confused but then I remembered that it was my birthday. I had completely forgotten. I smiled and walked toward the box. I opened the card first, like I had been taught, and by reading the front, found out that it was from my dad. My smile grew and I opened the card hastily. But, when I opened the card my smile immediately disappeared. The handwriting was definitely my father's, but it was written as if he was in a hurry. As I read, my eyes grew wider and I dropped my ice cream.
Dear Raelynn,
I hope you liked all the comfort and ice cream I gave you. It was almost worthless to me. A few years ago, around the time you were born, I found a woman. I wanted to run away with her, but I had to take care of you. We decided to wait until you turned 13. I am too much of a coward to tell you this in person, so this is my goodbye to you.
So long,
Your Father
I reread the letter multiple times, each time realizing a little bit more that all those times he had comforted me, meant nothing. I finally set the card down and hesitantly opened the box. Inside were empty ice cream containers. All of them were cookie dough. I lost it. I fell to my knees crying. 'What kind of sick joke is this.' I had thought to myself.
My mom came home hours later to find me still crying. When she had asked me why, I just pointed to the card and box. She looked just as horrified as me, but composed herself so she could try to calm me down. I didn't want to believe that it was sincere at the time. I thought she was going to be like my dad and this comforting meant nothing to her.
A week later we were both still having a hard time, but I had gotten over it faster than my mother surprisingly. I was confused by this and asked her about it. It turns out, she was pregnant. I then started to wonder if he knew. If he knew that he had left another child. One that had yet to be born, and would never know his father. This is why I act so optimistic around Jett. So he doesn't have to worry about the bad things in life. Even though he's only 3. He isn't spoiled, but we definitely treat him with a lot of care.
The reason we moved practically across the country was partially because my mom's job offer, but we fully decided to leave the memories of my dad. Everyone in our small town knew about my dad leaving and we didn't want Jett to learn because of hearing people talk about it. I was a little upset because I did still have a few friends, but I got away from the bullies and memories. There may be bullies at this new school but it won't be nearly as bad, because I won't walk to my house and think of my dad since this is a completely different house. We made sure to get a house that looked very different from our old one.
I finished unpacking the box and wiped away the tears I hadn't realized running down my face. I hear my mom calling me for dinner and stand up. I take a deep breath and head downstairs to the dining room where my mom and brother are waiting. My mom looks at me with sympathy in her eyes.
"Did you unpack the last box?" She asks me as she pats the seat next to her. I nod and sit down. "Well, maybe food will get your mind off of it, so eat up," she says as she rubs my back soothingly. I smile weakly at her and eat the food in front of me. She had made my favorite, turkey and mashed potatoes.
"Yum, thank you mom," I say and continue eating. She smiles and nods then helps Jett with his food. Eating and talk to my family made me forget about my dad and I finished eating happily.
When I went back up to my room, I changed and got into bed. I grabbed my phone and remembered that I forgot to get Sojoon and Nova's phone numbers. 'I'll just have to ask them tomorrow' I think and sigh. I plug my phone in roll over, pulling the blankets close to my face and falling asleep.
