Behind the Mask

Chapter 21: Manrola

Don't hate me! I had so much trouble with the fillers in the story. The has been written for months. But I found a way that worked and so this chapter will be followed quickly with the end! Thank you so much for reading and sticking with me! 

                                                  ~Rose

Chapter 21: Manarola

“Calm down,” James chuckled taking my hand; I turned to him and smiled. James loved me I could see it in his eyes; he loved me for me not the girl I tried to be. It was one of the things I loved about him.

“Sorry I’m excited.” I admitted.

After some looking and searching we finally found baggage claim. By then the bags were thick on the carousel. I spotted the first of my bags, moving forward I yanked it half way off the carousel.

But again someone helped me. Irritation built up in me. Pivoting on my heel I turned to an unexpected face. My dad.

“Dad,” I said surprised. He looked exactly the same except some scruff on his chin. His dark curls thick and messy. It was surprises to me to learn my dad was Italian especially since they were typically dominate genetics it was a surprise I turned out blonde like my mother.

“Isabel,” He smiled warmly taking me into a hug; hugging him back I stepped away. It was clear now was the time to tell him.

“Um dad?” I tested tentatively

“Yes?”

“I uh, have a tag-a-long.”

“A what?” He asked confused.

“Another person; my um boyfriend.” I twiddled my thumbs looking at my toes.

“Boyfriend?” he repeated as if the word were foreign to his lips.

“Yes; and he means a lot to me so behave.” I told him like a scolding mother.  He just carefully studied me curiously as if he was trying to figure me out.

“Will he be staying long?” He asked his nose crinkling.

“He will only be here for a little while.” My dad didn’t look happy as we walked to his parked car; but he didn’t say anything.

Once we got into the car it was a two hour drive to Manrola; the coastal city where he lived. He kept throwing James nasty glares from where he sat driving. James and I sat next to each other in the back of the small sedan.

“Dad will you stop glaring?” I sighed rubbing my eyes the jet lag setting in.

“I didn’t know you were bringing someone.” He said stiffly.

“I didn’t either,” I chuckled, I took James’ hand in mine lacing fingers. I saw his eyes flash to our laced hands.

“I can only stay for a few days anyway. I still fully intend to graduate in May.” Said James speaking up for the first time.

“You’re graduating early?” I knitted my brows; James just began to laugh at my curiosity.

“What’s so funny?” I snapped not liking being out of the loop.

“Didn’t you wonder why we had never met until this year?” I was still lost and gave him a blank glare.

“You’re new?”

“Nope; I’ve been going to Fair View since I was a sophomore.”

“Okay?”

“I’m a senior Isabel. I turn eighteen in May.”