Plan B

41

"You're what!" Kelsie exclaimed.

"Please tell me when this prank is over because I'm not getting the joke," Dale added.

"I'm not joking about this," I said plainly.

"Maybe your dad was just bluffing," Kelsie said.

"He wouldn't bluff about this. He wants to be as far away from my mom as possible."

"Why don't you just stay here?" Dale asked, "It's the furthest place on earth!"

"I need you two to help me think of something that will make him let me stay," I said.

"You still have school, right?" Kelsie mentioned.

"Yeah, but school ends in two months Kelsie."

"I need you here for more than just two months," Dale said.

"Me too!" Kelsie cried, "Wait, you could look for a job!"

"A job? I just turned 18. I'm not sure I'm ready yet."

"It depends with the type of job you're looking for. Our water boy is 15 and I guess we could use another," Dale said referring to me.

"Dale!" I said punching his shoulder which only hurt my feeble hand, "Besides, my dad would never let me to get employed right now. No one is reasonable enough to employ me. Let's think of something else."

"You can move in with me," Dale suggested, "I'm getting my own apartment soon."

"That could work!" I exclaimed, "If aliens abducted my dad."

"I can talk to him," Dale persisted, "Parents love me and your dad will be a piece of cake."

I took a look at Dale then at my milkshake because he wasn't being serious enough as usual.

"Hey, I just don't want you to leave so soon. I can't stand the thought of being without you."

"I also don't want to leave you behind. I can't bear that heartache," I said returning my eyes to him.

"So what about the baby?" Kelsie interrupted.

"I'll never see him again after he leaves with my mom. I really don't want that. I've grown so fond of him! Besides, he is my brother."

The discussion went on for about an hour but we could not find as solution.

Dale drove me home as we spoke and we were both saddened by the fact that by the end of the year, we would have broken up.

I hope my friends in Poland still remembered me because they are likely to see me soon.

I lost touch the minute I left the country except with one person, Izzy, who I talked to occasionally.

I had a crush on him when we were in the tenth grade right before I left. There's not much to say about Izzy, is there?

I got into the house and found my dad in the living room. I was surprised to see him.

"Dad?" He's always around these days as if he abandoned his work just as he is about to abandon my mom.

"Did you go to work today?"

"Why yes! I must be there to ensure everything I own is packed."

"Packed for what?"

"I asked to be transferred to Poland. I was actually supposed to go back to Kenya but there are no vacancies."

I looked at my dad in disbelief. Moving back to Poland was getting real.

"Can't we wait for me to finish school dad?"

"I have a better idea," my dad said.

"No school?" I said in confusion.

"We'll get you back into your old school! I'm sure they'll accept you. You were brilliant!" He said enthusiastically.

"Tough luck!" I said to myself. I could not believe this.

"One more thing. We'll have to give away Lindsey. No animals are allowed on the plane."

"Dad you cannot be serious! I'm not giving Lindsey away!" I said trying not to shout.

"Yes you will. Probably to the nice Chinese boy down the street."

"He's Japanese."

"Same difference," my dad couldn't lose at anything.

I can't give away Lindsey, NEVER! She was the best gift I had ever gotten. She was a reminder of a friend I can never let go.

"Dad what if... What if I could get a job?" I asked desperately. My dad looked at me doubtfully.

"You're too young to get a job."

"But what if I did have a job? I could stay and I won't have to give up Lindsey!"

It made sense to me. I'm a big girl now and I know I can handle anything that comes my way. My dad was quiet for too long.

"Dad I love it here. I love my school, the people there, the neighbors..."

"By neighbors you mean Charlie."

"He's part of the neighborhood. My point is, I'd like to stay. My life here is better than it was in Poland. So if I can get a job, any job, can I stay?" I asked my dad in my most innocent voice.

"Please," I persisted, "Please, please, please..."

"Alright!" My dad said. Nagging always worked out for me. "BUT," oh no, I don't like the sound of that, "I'll have to see the working conditions, manager, salary and all other necessary details I need to know. I don't think anyone will employ a sixteen-year-old girl but good luck!" He said laughing.

"I'm eighteen dad."

"Eighteen with no qualifications," he pointed out. He was convinced that I couldn't get employed. I'm convinced that I can't get employed either, but the thought of keeping Lindsey motivates me to a whole new level.

I looked for Lindsey around the house and it didn't take me much time since she had become bigger and louder. I found her playing in the mud. She always plays in the middle especially after I wash her.

"I was going to hug you but I'll reschedule that for later. I'm just glad you're still here," I said to her. She shook herself to get some of the mud off and most of it landed on me!

"Lindsey!" I shouted and she ran away.

I went upstairs to change. I opened the door and I found my mom sitting on my bed holding Keshun in her arms.

It was awkward when we made eye contact.

"I need to talk to you," she said as I closed the door.