Frightful Reunion

ch10

Jerry opens his closet to reveal several items of clothing in your exact size and style. With a curious raise of your brow, you glance over your shoulder at him. "Do I wanna know who these belong to?"

Chuckling, he pulls a fresh henley shirt over his head, then casually tugs the sleeves up at his elbows. "I got them for you. Call it wishful thinking, but I wanted to make sure you'd be comfortable here if you said yes."

You quickly dress in a pair of jeans and a fitted tshirt, opting for you converse yet again before turning to face Jerry. "Well.... I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let's head out."

"Wait." He catches your arm before you can step toward the door, fishing around in his pocket for an item he then conceals clutched in his fist. "Just one more thing." With a somewhat nervous smile, he gently slides a beautiful ring onto your finger.

Suddenly left without words, you slowly bring your hand closer, inspecting the gorgeously intricate new adornment that has made its comfortably snug home on your finger. "Jerry I.... I don't know what to say."

"Well..." He pulls you close, the edge of his lips twitching up before pressing them gently to yours. "It may be a bit easier to start off with an engagement announcement than to tell your father our lives are linked."

In a deflated sigh, your shoulders slump and eyes drop back to the ring where your hand rests on Jerry's chest. "He'll freak out as soon as he sees you."

Lips pursed, he tucks a few stray hairs behind your ear and looks into your eyes. "He can't kill me, he's tried that already."

Your brows knit together. "It's not funny Jerry..."

He presses another reassuring kiss to your cheek before leading you out to the truck, and continues pressing several to your knuckles on the short ride to your cabin.

The Jeep is parked outside, just as you expected, but it doesn't make getting out any easier. If your dad heard the truck pulling up, or the doors shutting as you both slowly approach the porch, he doesn't make any move to even check out any of the windows. Although an overcast day like this provides safety from the sun, it usually means your dad is camped out in front of the tv watching old horror movies and jumping at every creak and moan in the house.

Jerry moves to knock at the door, but you catch his hand, earning his questioning glance. "Maybe I should go in first... try to explain things a little."

He seems hesitant, which is understandable considering what you're about to have to tell your dad. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea."

"Just wait out here for a few minutes, okay?" You press a gentle kiss to his cheek, then his lips. "He's my dad, he won't hurt me. But you... you he hates."

With a half-hearted chuckle, he reluctantly nods and stays put as you walk into the cabin alone.

"Dad?" You call out, slowly making your way into the living room where you could hear an old thriller playing. "Dad?" Rounding the corner, you spot him sitting in his favorite chair with a rather large bowl of popcorn. Stepping a little closer, you attempt to gain his attention without startling him.

But... popcorn goes flying as he jumps up out of said chair and ends up falling onto the floor at your feet. Looking up, he manages a meager, slightly embarrassed smile as he props his head casually up on his hands. "Well hello darling, I was just um... just testing the floor." He pats it gently and then jumps to his feet. "Ah, yes, very good. Floors are still sturdy."

Quirking your brow, you can't help the broad smile forming across your features. You wanted to remember this moment; your dad looking at you in such a loving, sweet way, his eyes so full of affection and light. They always seemed brighter when they landed on you, something that never failed to cheer you up. But, how would it change with what you were about to tell him? Would he still look at you as his daughter, or as a monster? Would the light leave his eyes completely?