The Foreigner

Chapter 14

The sound of the doorbell wakes me from the deep sleep I was in. Who should be bothering me at this time of morning? Whoever it is, I will beat him by tiredness.

But the person is insistent. The doorbell continues to ring. There's no way. I get up, rub my eyes, and check the time on the nightstand clock. Noon! Wow! How I slept!

I go downstairs to see who is this boring annoying my sleep.

-I'm coming! -I shout as I reach the living room.

When I open the door, I have a big surprise. There is my daughter Catherine. She is still beautiful, much like her mother. The same blue eyes. And the same light brown hair falling over her shoulders. I get no reaction in front of her.

-Dad? Is everything okay with you? -She shows surprise

-Cat? Why are you here?

-Bob came to visit his parents near here in Philadelphia, and I took the opportunity to visit you.

-Come in. -She kisses me on the cheek as she walks in. -Why didn't you call?

-I called you several times, but the cell phone was off and the home phone was busy. -So I decided to come anyway. -She sits on the couch and I in my armchair. -Dad, you look awful! What about this strong smell of alcohol? Have you been drinking?

-It was just yesterday. Does Bob know that you are here? What about Penny?

-He does. And Penny stayed with him and his parents at home. Did I arrive at a bad time? Am I bothering you with something?

-Not. Of course not. I just didn't expect you to come so suddenly.

-Oh! Dad! We scored several times and never confirmed anything. And since I was around, I thought, why not visit you.

-Do you want something to eat?

-Not. Just water, please. - While I go get her, she gets up and walks around the room. - I liked your house. It's very cozy. Have you finished the tidying up? -She takes the glass from my hand and sits down.

-Yeah. - I sit in the armchair.

-It's nice. -She pauses after drinking the water. -Dad, I'm worried about you. I can see you're not well. Don't you wanna tell me what's going on?

-Nothing's happening, Cat. I just drank a little too much yesterday and went to sleep late. It's only that.

-I know it's being hard for you to get over Mom's loss. It is also being difficult for me. But you have to get over it...

-Cat- I interrupt her- It's okay. I can take care of myself.

-That's not what I'm seeing.

-Daughter, please. I am fine.

-So why don't you call us? At least to know about your granddaughter?

-Cat...

-What is your excuse this time? That you were busy? That had no time? Again, Dad? -She begins to change her voice. - Or is it because of Bob?

-Yes it's. That's right. I don't like him at all. I don't wanna stare at that face.

-Why don't you like him, Dad? Hmm? What did he do to you? -I have no answer to that question; I really don't know the real reason. -I think I know why you don't like him. - She continues - Because he is a husband and father that you were never able to be for mom and me.

For a few seconds I have no ground.

-Cat ...- I'm interrupted by the doorbell. I sigh with my hands over my face and answer the door.

-Good morning Mr. Whitman- Heidi comes straight in and keeps talking. She doesn't look have drunk so much the night before. He wears a shirt of band King Crimson. - I needed to talk to you ... - when she sees my daughter. It's a little awkward moment.

Cat approaches. I stand between the two.

-Cat. This is Heidi Zeigers ... She's ... A friend. Heidi, this is my daughter Catherine.

-How are you Heidi? -Cat extends her hand.

-Fine. -They shake hands. -Mr. Whitman told me about you.

-Has something happened, Heidi? -I interrupt them.

-I'm waiting for a very important correspondence and wanted to know if you came here. If you received it.

-Ah yes! Letters arrived. They are in the kitchen. - I go along Heidi. I sort the cards and hand them out. - Here they are.

Cat approaches me.

-Who is she? -she whispers in my ear while Heidi checks the letters.

-It's my neighbor next door.

-Sorry for the annoying Mr. Whitman. –Says Heidi -I already spoke to the postman to make no mistake. It was just that. I'm on my way.

-No problems. And are you ok?

-Yes I am. - She says looking straight at me. -Then I'm leaving. Bye, Catherine.

I walk her to the door. My daughter comes to me

-Dad, what was that?

-That what?

-Are you dating a teenager?

-No! – I gesture- I'm not dating this young girl! She is just my neighbor.

-Ah dad! I'm not idiot. I saw the way you looked at each other.

-Is not it. You got it wrong. She is just a friend.

-I do not really understand anything. I come here and find you strange, with strong smell of drink, unshaven, thin, and above all, "friend" of a girl younger than me...

-Daughter, you're exaggerating.

-Where is she from? How old is she?

-Amsterdam. And she's 18.

-Does she live here alone?

-Yea. She has a boyfriend. Well, -I change the subject, -I'm hungry. Do you want something to eat?

-Not. I am fine. Where is the bathroom?

I drive her there.

Cat finds me searching in the fridge and kitchen cabinets for something to eat.

-Good thing you're not hungry. Because there is nothing ready.

-If you wish, I can prepare something.

-No need.

-Not. All right. You can let me prepare. Sit there.

I sit at the counter. While she prepares scrambled eggs with toast and bacon, I watch her carefully.