Because We Fell

10. Dad's Blessing

A/N: Hey everyone! New chapter. It's somewhat short I guess, but don't worry, I'm doing my best to post frequently :) Also, don't forget, to see any of my other literary work, visit me at suncurve.tumblr.com.

Anyways, don't forget to vote, comment, and enjoy!

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Tessa's POV:

"Dad?" I called out as Jake and I made our way into the living room. Jake stood by me awkwardly as my dad got up from the couch and faced us.

For the briefest moment a strange expression filled my dad's face as he looked at Jake up and down, but the look quickly vanished away as he smiled and put out his hand towards Jake.

"Jake Rivers, I presume," my dad nodded at him.

"Yes, sir, that's me, Jake Rivers," Jake stuttered out. I held back a laugh as I watched Jake hastily shake my dad's hand with a look of panic on his face. Why was he so nervous about meeting my father?

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Minter," Jake quickly said as they both pulled away from their handshake.

My dad chuckled a little. "Call me Charles, you don't have to be formal with me, son. "

"Right, sorry," Jake stammered. "Charles. It's a pleasure to meet you, Charles."

"And it's a pleasure to meet you too," my dad responded, smiling warmly. "Don't be intimidated son, I'd just like to get to know the boy who has befriended my daughter."

Jake nodded furiously, desperately trying to show he agreed. "Yes, of course. Ask anything you'd like to, si -- Charles."

My dad studied him curiously. "Alright. What grade are you in?"

"I'm a senior, like Tessa," Jake replied, his eyes wide and full of nervousness.

"And you go to Rosewood High, correct?"

I watched Jake straighten his posture as he cleared his throat. "Yes, this is my third year."

"Where were you studying at before Rosewood High?" my dad asked. I tried not to break out laughing at the way my dad was trying to appear intimidating, and at the way Jake actually was intimidated.

"I studied at a private school," Jake automatically answered as he shifted his weight on his feet uncomfortably. "I was at Saint Xaviers School for Boys since elementary school. But I wanted to move to Rosewood High, so I joined in sophomore year."

"Interesting." My dad nodded as a thoughtful look appeared on his face. He examined Jake, and didn't say anything for a long moment. Jake fiddled with his hands but didn't dare look away from my dad.

"What do you plan to study, Jake?" my dad asked.

"Uh," Jake hesitated and ran his hand through his hair, as if trying to figure out what to say. "I'm not sure yet. I'd like to be a painter, or maybe a mechanic. I haven't decided."

"Not taking up the family business?" my dad looked surprised.

Jake shrugged and I watched his fists clench a little. "No, I don't think I'd like to follow my father's footsteps."

My dad didn't respond to that, but a strange look had appeared on his face, and for some reason I couldn't help but think that he looked a little ... guilty?

My dad decided to change the subject and quickly cleared his throat. "Now, I hear you have the intention of taking my daughter out this late at night?"