Tyler's Battle

Chapter 23 - The Search Continues

TYLER Open The door or I'll call mike bellowed Jody at the top of her voice. Tyler was jolted from his thoughts by Jody's voice. He reluctantly climbed out of the bath and opened the bathroom door. He looked at Jody's face fraught with worry. He smiled and her face lit up.
Thank you Jody. Iv got a dad, iv really got a dad he shouted in delight. He hugged Jody tight. Thank you, thank you, thank you he cried and kissed her.
Before Jody even had a chance to take in what had just happened, Tyler ran down the hallway to his room.
Iv got to decide what to wear. First impressions and all that.
What, what do you mean?
Iv got to decide what to wear when I meet my dad for the first time.
Meet him? Are you sure you're ready for that?
Yeah, course. I can't wait. We've got so much lost time to make up for.
Tyler, you know he might not want to meet you. He might not be the great dad your building him up to be. If he was that great surely he wouldn't have left your mum or at least he would have stayed in contact and been involved in your life.
We don't know what happened. Maybe Irene has got it all wrong. Maybe my dad never knew about me. Maybe mum didn't tell him.
I guess. Responded Jody uncertainly
Why are you being like this Jody? You are supposed to be happy for me
I am. I just don't want you to get hurt
I won't. He's my dad. It will be fine. We don't all have rubbish parents like yours
Jody couldn't believe her ears. The words were so painful it was like a knife to her heart. She turned and ran to her room.
She threw herself onto her bed and punched her pillows.
She was angry with Tyler for talking about her parents like that. She had just been in seventh heaven after he kissed her, feeling like everything was perfect. Then his words had burst her bubble of happiness and made her feel stupid and worthless. Who was she kidding, she was Jody Jackson. Daughter of a negligent mother, and a father that had walked out on the family when she was tiny, and sister to Kingsley who was about as crooked as they get.
There was a knock at the door. Tyler stuck his head round the door. Jods can I come in?
Jody shrugged and turned away.
Tyler entered looking sheepish. He sat down on the bed next Jody.
I'm sorry Jody. I wasn't thinking. I shouldn't have said what I said about your family. None of us have perfect families, that's the whole reason we're here. So who am I to judge.
But I meant what I said about my dad. I want to meet him and get to know him. I'm willing to give him a chance. I don't know what happened in the past but I do know that I'm not gonna give up the opportunity to have a future with my dad. I have spent my whole life dreaming of meeting my dad and now I finally have the chance.

So what do you say, are we still friends? Asked Tyler tentatively

Yeah course said Jody sitting up and rubbing at her tear stained face

Friends forever added Tyler and gave her a hug
Friends forever she replied smiling

Right, now time to finally meet my dad said Tyler getting up and heading to the bedroom door

Ty, are you sure you want to meet him? Like this I mean. Wouldn't it better to tell Mike and social services first said Jody

Course I'm sure. Why the sudden change of heart. You were all for bypassing social services yesterday

I dunno. I was just thinking that maybe I was wrong. Well we don't really know much about your dad and well maybe it would be best for social services to get in contact first.

Don't be silly. It will be fine. It's gonna be brilliant. Are you coming or not? He said impatiently

Yeah course said Jody and followed him downstairs.

Tyler was back on the computer scrolling through the information that Jody had found.
I can't see an address. How am I supposed to meet him if I don't know where he lives exclaimed Tyler impatiently.

Look at the online CV, it's says where heworks, so we can go there and see if we can find him.
Right, OK. It's the other side of town we'llhave to get the bus
Yeah. If we run we should be just in time forthe next bus.