Struggles of a Single Father (Book 1 of the Struggle Puff Series)

Chapter 12

Edited – 2/20/2020

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"NO!"  I yelled exasperatedly. "Please no more questions."

Everyone looked at me with suspicious stares, "And why can't we ask any more questions?" Grandma asked in a suspicious tone.

I leaned back in my seat when I noticed how rigid my back was, "It would be easier if I just summarized the whole thing."

Everyone seemed satisfied with that answer and leaned forward to stare at me even more intently than before.

"It all started... when I was born."

"Carter! Be serious!" My mom reached over and hit me on the shoulder with a laugh.

"Okay" I put my hands up as if they would protect me against the anticipation of my family. "It all started on Tilisia's first day of school."

I began to regale them with the events of how Tilisia met Ain and how she left her backpack at school only for Ain to grab it and return it to her. I made sure to emphasize his straight forwardness and nonchalant attitude, as well as explain the situation with Amy and his parents.

As the story pushed on, I could see light bulbs of understanding appear above everyone's head as they realized that none of this was romantic or weird in any way possible. Rather, it was two kids who needed a friend and seemed to enjoy one another's company.

"Do you guys get it now?" I asked.

Everyone nodded or shrugged, but ultimately seemed to understand the situation.

"Either way," James said with an intense stare, "I'm not a fan of a three-year-old hanging around a five-year-old."

I shrugged, "Can't be helped. As long as he doesn't do any wrong by her, I'm fine with it."

"And that's what really matters." Grandma interjected.

I sent a smile her way, but then I realized she wasn't done when she fixed her gaze on me, "But don't be surprised when they start moving past friendship in the future. Friends that start young don't stay young. And as they grow, so will their feelings."

My eyes widened at the thought of Tilisia actually aging, "Grandma, don't put thoughts of Tilisia growing up in my head! She's going to be my little baby forever!" I was shaking my head furiously as I tried to escape the image.

Johnny slapped me on the back and laughed. Everyone seemed to be having a good time at my expense.

Everyone, that is, except for my father. The whole time, he had been quietly brooding in his seat, picking at his food, not even bothering to look at me. Even when I was telling everyone about Ain and Tilisia, all he did was occasionally roll his eyes or sigh under his breath.

I stared at him while everyone made conversation amongst themselves, and for a moment, I caught his eye. His dark brown one's met mine of grey. I got most of my looks from my mother. My brother looked more like dad. He was practically just a half white version of our father, with his short black hair, square jaw, and brown eyes. Me? I didn't even look half Asian. Grey eyes weren't exactly a common thing amongst the Japanese, but they were amongst my mom's family. Her and her brother's all had grey eyes, as well as her father.

It didn't take long for his stare to turn into a glare before he quickly looked away from me. He obviously wasn't having a good time. He hasn't had a good time with my mom's family since Kimberly was pregnant. He felt as if they took my side when it all happened when, in reality, they took the side of family. Each one of them had a private conversation with me that emphasized my stupidity and carelessness. But they also emphasized on their love for me and how they would be there for me.