It’s been two weeks since I last saw Riker at the ice cream shop. I texted him a few times to see how he was doing, but our conversations didn’t last long. Just a simple, “Hi, how are you” and a “I’m good, thanks.” I missed him.
I was still dating Dylan. When my mom found out she scolded me at first but said later on that it was my life and she couldn’t control who I dated. Same thing with Jamie.
My dad finally came home from the army. I think it’s because my mom called him to tell him she was worried. The first chance he had to leave, he took it.
Today I was sitting on the couch in Dylan’s living room. He was sitting next to me with his arm on my shoulder. We were watching TV waiting for my dad to pick me up since I didn’t have a car anymore.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you?” Dylan asked.
“I’m sure. My dad’s already on his way. Plus, I want to spend some time with him now that he’s home. I don’t want to regret anything if he leaves again.” I said. Dylan nodded and kissed my hand. A few minutes later there was a knock on his door. Dylan got up to answer it.
“Mr. Montgomery. Hi.” Dylan said. I got up to greet my dad.
“Hello Dylan.” My dad said. “Hi Hayley.”
“Hi Dad.” I said as I grabbed my bag and gave my dad a hug. I loved his familiar scent and the feeling of protection when his big strong arms were wrapped around me.
“I’ll see you tomorrow Dylan.” I said. I went to give Dylan a kiss when he stopped me.
“Oh, I almost forgot!” He said, reaching into his back pocket. He took out a folded piece of paper and handed it to me. I opened it and read it. “The annual summer bash at the community center is this week. I was wondering if you’ll go with me.” I folded the flyer back up.
“Of course!” I said. Dylan wrapped his arms around me.
“I knew you’d say yes.” Dylan kissed my cheek.
“I’ll call you.” I said, getting into my dad’s car.
“Love you!” Dylan shouted. I waved as my dad drove off.
“How come you didn’t say you loved him too?” My dad asked, glancing at me.
“Oh. I don’t know. I guess it’s because-“ My dad cut me off.
“You don’t love him. I can tell.” He said. “I can also tell that you love someone else. Am I right or am I right?” I sighed.
“How’d you know?”
“I’m your dad. I know things.” He said in a quirky tone. “So, who is this boy?” My dad asked.
“His name is Riker.” I said.
“The Riker who saved you?” He asked.
“Yeah. We went on a date two weeks ago and Riker kissed me. I sorta messed things up by running away and then going out with Dylan. Now he hardly talks to me.” I said. “I can’t stop thinking about him.”
“I see. It sounds like he loves you and he’s angry that you’re with Dylan now.”
“You’re right. I don’t know what to do.” I said, putting my head in my hands.
“Do you really love this boy?” my dad asked.
“With all my heart.”
“Then you should get him back.” My dad said. I looked up from my hands.
“You’re right.” I almost shouted. I leaned over to kiss my dad on the cheek. “You’re the best!”
“Ah, I know.” My dad blushed.
I sat back in my seat and smiled. I was gonna get Riker back.
