Pushing Through the Ruins***(ON HOLD)

(3) Fight- Don't Love

Second week of seventh grade.

"Darling, can I drive you today" dad asked.

I accepted nodding my head as I hopped into the new Lexus with dad and gave him a small smile.

"Umm..," dad had started as he pulled out of our neighborhood , "How is school going?"

"Fine, I suppose." I responded a little awkwardly.

"Hey! I have an idea why don't you ditch school and I'll ditch work and we head to the park?" Dad asked with a big grin plastered on his face. Is this a joke? We haven't been to a park since he opened his business. I felt dad look at me and I knew his smile was fading.

"Sorry. I don't know why I said that. I know you would rather go to school.." dad faded off.

I felt awful, I so badly wanted to spend time with him like we used to so I opened my mouth, "Dad.. I would really like that. It's just I thought you were joking."

"No way! Let's do this!" dad said enthusiasticaly as he turned in the middle of the road, causing several drivers to honk their horns. I laughed at his pure child like behavior. After about ten minutes of driving we reached the park. Dad parallel parked next to the picnic tables and climbed out gracefully making his way to my side of the car to open the door.

He was still smiling, as he pulled me out of the car shutting the door behind me. Dad threw his hand in the air while holding his keys, his index finger slammed on the lock button. The car responded with a two loud corresponding beeps.

I stared after dad as he ran towards the swing set screaming, "I'm going to beat you!" With a laugh I ran after him, he was inches in front of me as I reached out and grabbed the chain of the closest swing, catching him off guard. THUMP!

I turned around to see dad laying down in the grass where he was standing before I grabbed the swing.

"You know, I know with work and all you don't get much sleep, but this is a little over board." I said with a laugh.

A chuckle slipped from his mouth and he pushed off of the ground and ran to a swing. I watched as he tilted his head back, close his eyes and kick off. I quickly scurried over to the swing next to him, and began to kick my legs back and fourth.

"These are the moments I'll miss..." dad randomly announced.

"Explain." I had replied.

"Nothing Abigail, just this life is just so much easier..." he trailed off again. I knew if I asked what he meant I'd get no response so I just tried to imagine what he could have meant. Of course, my mind explored all the unrealistic options.

I stole a glance towards him, his eyes were still closed and he had the same goofy smile plastered on his face. As I began to look away dad's phone went off alarming him and me both. I silently pleaded him not to answer, knowing he would just rush back to work. His eyes bore into mine apologetically as he dug in his pockets for his blackberry.

"Hello? Yes. I know. Thin line. Got it. Give me twenty minutes. Thanks George. Bye." dad said and just looked at me.

"Really? Your just going to rush back to work again? What the hell dad? Don't you ever put me before your stupid job?" I yelled tears rushing down my face.

"Why don't you just shut-up. Don't be so damn selfish Abigail. You like eating, because my boss is the one who puts the food on our table!" Dad yelled with his finger in front of my face.

I slapped his hand, fuming, "Great. Just f-ing fabulous dad you've done it again! You sure have a great way with kids."

A few seconds passed, as he stared into my eyes searching for things unknown. Anger flared through me as his phone rang again, I flicked him off and walked to the car. The door was locked so I sat on a picnic table and waited for him wondering how long it would take to walk to school, I figured not long. As I stood in hopes of walking I heard the car doors click. I looked over to dad who was already climbing into the drivers seat. I climbed in the passenger's seat and looked out the window as we drove away.

Another ten minutes had passed and we were at the school. I made my way into the front student entry doors with dad trailing behind me to check me in. The lady at the desk in the office handed me a yellow slip of paper which read check in: excused, 2nd period. I gave a weak smile to her and carried onto my second period. The teacher was reading the monthly novel when I walked in.

"So nice of you to join us Ms. Davis." Ms. Carter, my teacher announced.

"Yeah, lucky you," I said as I handed her the yellow sheet, "here. It's from the office." She looked at it and dismissed me with her hand. I glared at her for a brief second and walked to an empty seat next to Jonny.

I put my bag on the back of the seat and began tuning in on the story, when a white crumpled sheet of paper landed on my desk.

I looked at Jonny and gave him a questioning look, when he mouthed, "Read it." I slowly opened the piece of paper trying to make as little of noise as possible. When I finally opened it read:

Wanna hang out tonight? We can chill at my place maybe.

-Jonny

I looked at him and nodded in agreement. He smiled and whispered, "Great call me." I nodded again and began to tune back in to Ms. Carter.