The Skylar Experiment : The "X" in Apex

Chapter Twenty-One - The Scar

The rest of supper was more lighthearted. On the surface, my father and Luc got along too well for my liking, but it would work in my favor when I'd be grounded. Dad would be less mad if I brought in a guy he approved of.

This was one of the rare instances where my mom would have been less investigative as a parent. She'd sure be dismayed but she'd take care not to intrude in boy business unless I asked.

We helped clear the table and wash the dishes, then it was time to get him off the hook. I accompanied him toward the entrance, arms crossed. As soon as we were out of earshot, I was at a loss for words.

"I'm so, so sorry about my father," I gushed. "I'd only told him about that first night before I knew what was going on. Nothing else, I promise."

His stare was dagger-sharp. "Your old man's a little too smart, too well-placed for comfort. He's military?"

"Retired," I emphasized.

"What does he do now?"

"He's an engineer. He inspects, fixes technical issues or improves systems."

"Still with the military?"

I could imagine why he wasn't keen about this new bit of information, but Navy Seals had nothing to do with mutation experiments. Dad couldn't know anything I didn't share.

"He's not on the field anymore," I said. "It's work with a private company. Military may use their tech but it's broad."

He seemed to want to argue over it, but I summoned my best attempt at a scary look. It got a short laugh out of him until he sobered up.

"Keep a close eye on him before I decide to do it myself," he commented and kept silent until I nodded. "Aside from that, the damage is done. At least it was good spaghetti."

"Well, I'm sure you can't wait to get out there in the cold and patrol." I slid past him to unlock the door. "Have fun."

He stepped onto the porch. Wood planks cracked under his weight. "One last thing."

"What?"

He curled a finger to draw me closer, and then he lowered his head, whispering into my ear, "Nice pajamas, Sunshine."

Naturally, I hadn't predicted an emergency happening tonight, so I had no time to make myself more presentable. I sported a never-before-seen crossover of an old Hello Kitty shirt and SpongeBob jammy shorts.

Before he'd mock me any further, I shooed him off, and he was gone in a gust of wind. I went back inside with a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Dad sat on the couch, paging through the newspaper.

He glanced above his reading glasses, then lowered them as I joined him on the couch. "I decided not to ground you. You will only be doing all the dishes for the entire week."

His parenting logic didn't always make sense. Especially now. "Are you sure?"

"Would you rather I really punished you?"

"No," I said immediately. "I just don't get it. I lied about a boy, that's like your worst nightmare."

He put the journal down on the coffee table. "You were such an awful liar that I'm selfishly comforted. And dating boys is not a wrong thing as long as you're careful. You can invite him over on the condition you tell me."

I was surprised he let me off the hook so easily. I tightened the shawl. "You knew someone was in the bathroom?"

"You could not be more obvious if you put a blanket over a horse." He poked my shoulder, and I smiled meekly. "Word of advice, don't try people who lie better than you. I made you believe in Santa a whole year longer than other kids."