Plan B

40

Dale offered to drive me home after I broke down that day. The drive home was silent before he asked me a question.

"How's Charlie?"

"He's okay, maybe. I haven't spoken to him for a while."

"So you do speak?"

"Yes, we do, although..." I fell silent, still deciding whether or not to ask the question I had been holding back for days.

"What?"

"Why did you act all weird when Charlie showed up after the game?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play dumb with me. The way you pulled me back? The arm around me? Which stunk by the way."

"I claim what's mine, and you're MINE," he said. I rolled my eyes as I prepared my next question.

"Why was Paige there that day?"

"You're still hung up on that?"

"Of course I am! I don't like that girl one bit and you know it."

"We're just friends okay? You have male friends too."

"Male friends who aren't my exes. Paige is on another level!"

"Calm down. You're the only one that I care about and no one else can change that. You just have to trust me,"Dale said, "Do you trust me?"

"I do, honestly."

"Good," he said parking the car, "I trust you too and I love you so much," he kissed my forehead, "Now, I just need you to be strong for your family, okay?" I nodded, "I'm always right here when you need me."

I got out of the car and I waved at him as he drove off.

I realized that my dad's car was parked outside which meant that he was home. This made my gut tingle a bit as I opened the door. I found my mom doing what she does best, cooking.

"What are we making today?" I asked her.

"Cinnamon cookies! I got the recipe off of the internet this morning," she replied. I heard my dad opening the door to his room upstairs. He was coming downstairs. My heart skipped a beat waiting to see what would happen next. My mom was still calm.

Just then the door bell rang. I quickly went to open the door.

"Charlie?" I was surprised to see him.

"Kristie."

"I wasn't expecting to see you today."

"I know. I really need to talk to you," he said.

"I can't talk right now. I'm in the middle of something," I said as I heard my dad's footsteps down the stairs.

"It's really important," he persisted.

"I'm dealing with something important too,"

"Please Kristie. It won't be long."

"I'm sorry Charlie. I really have to go. I'll come by later on. Goodbye." I shut the door in his face this time. I had not gotten over it when he slammed his door in my face.

"Kristie, I haven't seen you for sometime. How are you?" My dad asked me.

"I'm okay," I said unsure of my answer.

"That's nice," he smiled at me, "These belong to you," he said to my mom, throwing a folder on the counter beside her," Those are air tickets for you and Keshun to Kenya. As soon as you pick him from the hospital head straight to the airport."

"What!" My mom exclaimed, "This isn't..."

"I'm not negotiating with you," he said to my mom.

"Kristie," he called me and that made me tremble, "Pack your bags, as soon as she's gone, we're moving back to Poland."

What did my dad just say??

"Dad. You possibly can't be serious."

"My word is final," my dad said going back upstairs.

My legs felt weak and I was running out of air. I looked at my mom viciously. This was all her fault!

She noticed that I was staring at her.

"You know, don't you?" She asked, failing to make eye contact with me.

"And I regret the fact that I do!" I yelled at her. I couldn't take the sight of her so I ran to my room, threw myself on the bed and cried.

I couldn't believe what was going on. I had accomplished so much in a year and a half only to leave it all behind. It was like leaving Poland all over again.

Why does my dad have to be so extra about moving? I understand him now, under that skin is a broken, dead heart that feels nothing but sadness, anger and betrayal.

There is no way I am going back to Poland. Kelsie and I have so many plans! Dale is just too priceless to leave behind. I talk to Khloé Starks! She's been my idol all my life and I got to meet her a couple of times because my best friend is her daughter... Where else can I be this happy? I know where I'm not going to... Poland!