Summer of Love & Sorrow (Completed)

Chapter Five

I woke up in a daze. Did yesterday really happen? I checked my phone. There was a text from Jackie boy and Lewis. Jack told me good morning and to text him when I woke up. With an I love you pretty girl attached. Jack was making my stomach do flips. Then I read the text from Lewis. He was his annoying self. Wanting to know how last night went along with kissy face emojis.
I rolled my eyes getting up. I texted them both back. I told Jack to meet me outside in thirty minutes. Lewis wasn't getting anything out of me. At least not yet. So, I texted him I would tell him later, maybe. Which was responded with a "not fair."
I rushed to get ready then rushed downstairs. I was on a time limit. A first time for everything. But I needed to see my boyfriend slash best friend. That may seem clingy. Even for me but I had been waiting for this since we were kids. Knowing Jack, he was probably feeling the same way though.
"Opal, you are running around crazy. What are you up to?" Mom was making breakfast.
I shrugged biting into an apple. "I am going to see Jack. Then we may go to Lewis's."
She gave me a look. "I got you an application from the movie theater and the record store."
There it was. I haven't been out of high school for even a day. Already she is planning my life. What if I wanted a year or two to travel the world or be a groupie for a band. Or even a roadie, now that I have a boyfriend. Or become a monk. She never gave me time.
"What? Why? You can't just do that." I was mad. She didn't even talk to me about it.
Dad came downstairs. "What is all the fussing about this morning my angels?"
Before mom had any chance of getting a syllable out, I breathed out. "Mom got me applications for the movie theater and record store. Without talking to me about it."
Dad looked at mom and sighed. "Dear, why?"
Mom stopped cutting the kiwi. "Because I am not having her sit around here all summer doing nothing or getting into trouble with those friends. They are always getting into trouble."
"One, Brin and Betty are in India. Second, Jack and Lewis aren't trouble makers." Well Lewis kind of was but still. But some of the time I started it. "Third, Jack is my boyfriend now not just my best friend."
They both looked at me. I thought mom would be the first to speak. Shockingly, it was dad. "Come again."
I gulped the lump forming in my throat. "I am dating Jack. As in he is my boyfriend. As in we are boyfriend and girlfriend."
Dad put his hands on his hips. "When did this happen?" 
There was that lump again. "Last night."
He crossed his arms. "That is why I helped you sneak out?"
Oh boy! Mom dropped everything. Dad soon realized what he said and looked straight at her, throwing his hands up in defense. "Honey, I can explain."
Mom looked like she would literally combust. "Chip Bowagard Linwenski. You done what? You know better."
Then she looked at me. "As for you Opal Jane, making your father who is sick help you sneak out. You took the car I assume."
It was more than a lump in my throat this time. I wanted to disappear in a black hole where her glare couldn't reach me.
"Y..yes." I hung my head.
She started beating the eggs. Dad took this time to be witty. "Babe, the eggs aren't alive. You don't have to beat them to death."
She stopped and looked at him. Then started on the eggs again. "It's either the eggs or you, Chip."
Dad and I looked at one another. Then she was back at me. "As for you. A part time job this summer or grounded. Take your pick.'
I grabbed the applications. "I will take the job please and that's my final answer."
With that dad and I walked into the living room leaving mom to beat what life the eggs didn't have left in them.
"Dad, I am sorry. I didn't know that is what you were helping me sneak off to." I sat down beside him on the couch.
He let out a big sigh picking up his copy of The Yellow Wallpaper. "I should have known the day was coming."
I looked at the applications in my hands. "What do you mean?"
Dad put his book down. "I always seen how Jack looked at you. You were oblivious but I saw. I also seen how you looked at him. You two have loved each other since you were kids. There was no fooling anyone but yourselves."
I couldn't help but blush. I felt like I was on fire. "You aren't mad that it is Jack Wilson, are you?"
He laughed. "No, I am not. I am won't be too fond losing my little girl but I know you have to grow up."
I scooted over to hug my dad tight. So tight I thought I would cry. "Oh, dad, you will never ever lose me. I will always need you. I will always be your little girl. Even if it is cheesy of me to say these things."
My dad clung to me and chuckled. "There is nothing wrong with a little cheese."
My phone buzzed, making my dad let go. "I am sure that is my son-in-law. Better not keep prince charming waiting."
I think my eyes almost popped from my head but I felt the warmth. "Dad."
He shrugged. "I love you. Be safe."
Before I went out, I ran back over to hug him and kiss his cheek. "I love you. So much."