My Heart's Choice (On Hold)

Chapter 44

I wake up to my phone vibrating on my bedside table. I glance at it lazily and pick it up to see that it is a text message from Kenneth.

Kenneth:
Hey, today's the game. :) I'll pick you up in an hour?

I text him back that it is okay with me.

Hiding a massive yawn behind my palm, I push out of bed, my duet dragging behind me. My heart gives a strange lurch, with the prospect of having to go to the game. And I have no idea if I am feeling happy or disappointed.

After a quick shower, I bound downstairs, and my nose pick up the smell of bacon.

"Good Morning, Princess," Dad shouts over his shoulder, even before I appear at the door.

"Good Morning, Dad," I chirp happily, dropping onto a seat beside him on the dinning table.

Mom spins around in her flour splashed apron, a plastic spoon in her hand, giving me a hurt expression and a pout.

"Good Morning, Mom," I chirp, looking as happy as ever.

Mom gives me a warm smile and turns around to her bacon on the stove, humming softly to herself.

Dad has his glasses, with the huge black frame, perched on his nose. He shuffles through a stack of papers, his lecture notes for his guest-lecture.

I clear my throat, preparing myself for the big declaration.

"Mom," I say casually, "I'm going out today."

The kitchen grows silent at once, except for the oil sizzling on the pan. Both their heads snap in my direction, watching my every single movement with a piercing stare. I dig into a piece of bacon that has been placed on a plate for me, appearing to be busy with the food.

I look up slowly, my mouth stuffed, when it grows a but too silent for my liking.

"What?" I ask innocently.

Dad has his lips set in a tight line, giving my mom a look which I can't quite read.

"Where are you going, Dana?" Mom asks, trying to sound casual.

Keyword being 'trying'.

"To the game," I say, "Football."

Dad nods his head, looking like he's having a hard time processing that information.

"But, why, Princess? Do you usually go to the game?" he asks, again trying to sound casual, and again failing miserably.

"No," I shake my head.

"Then why...," Mom's voice rises, but she lowers it, "why today?"

"Kenneth is playing today," I say, my heart suddenly picking up speed, "and he wants me to be there," I gulp.

Heck! Why does this feel like I'm telling a big fat lie?

"Kenneth?" Dad narrows his eyes at Mom.

"Janet's kid that I told you about," Mom says, turning back to her bacon.

Dad nods, stuffing his mouth with a spoonful. He keeps nodding a bit until he finishes chewing.

"Kenneth Williams, right? Janet's kid?" he asks, pushing his lecture notes into a bag at his feet.

I nod.

Dad keeps nodding some more, like he's listening to a lecture himself.

"Should-" my voice breaks, and I try again, "Should I cancel?"