When Your Dad is Shawn Mendes

1. Bad Day

Today was a really bad day. First, it started raining on my way to school, so I got all wet. Then in music class, my voice cracked while singing and everyone laughed at me. Later that day, I found out that I got a 2/10 on the quiz I took yesterday. And at lunch, I tripped and spilled my tray of food all over the floor and myself. As awful as all of that was, I managed to keep my cool—but that didn't mean I wasn't upset, because I definitely was. 

On the way walking home from school, I encountered that mean girl Jessica. She started making fun of me for what a mess I was. Since I was already in a really bad mood, that was just IT for me. I ran all the way home. My dad opened the door with a smile. "Hi Anna," he greeted me, but I ran right past him and threw myself on the couch. "Anna?" He walked over to me. "What's wrong babygirl?" 

I sighed. "Nothing," I told him, even though it was big fat lie. But dad knew that already and shook his head. "I know that SOMETHING'S wrong," he stated. "Don't worry, you can tell me anything."

"I just had a rough day at school," I said simply. 

Dad shrugged. "It's ok, we all have those days."

I stayed pretty much silent during dinner time. A few hours later, it was time for bed. Dad came into my room. "Feeling any better Anna?" he asked. 

"Not really," I replied, shaking my head no. 

Dad sat on my bed. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about what happened today?" 

Finally, I gave in and told him all about my horrible day. When I got to the part about Jessica making fun of me, I started crying. Dad pulled me into a tight bear hug. "It's okay Anna, it's okay," he soothed, rubbing my back. "She doesn't know what she's talking about. And to be honest, I think she's just jealous of you. I mean, who wouldn't be jealous of a smart, sweet, and beautiful girl like you? So maybe you should just ignore her. She'll stop eventually. You're my little princess, so keep your head up and don't let your tiara fall."

I smiled and stopped crying. Ever since I was a baby, my dad always called me his princess. "I'll always be your princess," I assured him. He kissed my forehead. "Yes you will."

I laid back down. "Do you want me to sing to you?" he asked.

"Oh, yes please!" I said enthusiastically. One thing is for sure: no matter how old I get, there's one thing I'm never going to grow out of—my dad singing to me. After all, he had the best voice I'ever ever heard. But then again, he is my dad, so maybe I'm a little bit biased. 

As I soon as I was snuggled under my blanket, dad began to sing softly. "She would not show that she was afraid, but being and feeling alone was too much to face. Though everyone said that she was so strong, what they didn't know is that she could barely carry on. But she knew that she would be okay, so she didn't let it get in her way."

"Sometimes it all gets a little too much, but you gotta realize that soon the fog will clear up. And you don't have to be afraid, because we're all the same. And we know that sometimes it all gets a little too much"

I slowly felt myself dozing off, but before I did, I wanted to say something first. "Thanks Daddy," I said to my father, gazing up at him lovingly. 

"You're very welcome Anna," he told me. I gave him a kiss on both of his cheeks, then laid back down on my bed. Dad turned off the light. "Goodnight princess," he whispered. 

"Night Dad, " I whispered back. He left the room. Feeling all nice and relaxed, it wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep.