Struggles of a Single Father (Book 1 of the Struggle Puff Series)

Chapter 20

Edited 2/29/2020

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

August - nine-years-old

"How does it feel to be starting fourth grade, Tilisia?"

"Dad, how many times are you going to ask that?" Tilisia sat in front of me at Fabiano's, holding a slice of pizza an inch away from her mouth. Her light brown hair was pulled back into a low ponytail and she wore a bored look on her face.

She had grown so much, and I couldn't help but ask about it repeatedly.

"What can I say? I'm your dad. It's my job."

"Yeah, Tili. Respect your father."

"You're such a people pleaser, Ain." She said with an exaggerated eyeroll, "And stop calling me Tili. I hate it."

Ain had grown as well, but in a completely different way. He was happier and more talkative, he was still smart as hell, but he also succumbed to doing stupid stuff like most boys his age tended to do.

"I resent that." He said with a snort, "My parents are never pleased with me, so that couldn't possibly be true."

"Here we go with your woe-is-me charade." She said with an eyeroll before shoving the slice of pizza into her mouth.

"And why can't I call you Tili?"

"Because I said so. It's ugly."

"No, you're ugly. Not the name."

"What about you, Ain? Ready for the sixth grade?" I decided to direct conversation towards him to stop the fight that was about to ensue.

"I am." He turned away from Tilisia as he continued to talk, "I've already mapped out exactly where my classes will be so when I get there, I'll be fully prepared." He said proudly. "And who knows, I might even make couple of friends this time!"

"That's a possibility. It's always good to have friends."

"If that doesn't work out, at least I have you, Tili!" He put his arm around her shoulder and smiled brightly at her. She just shrugged him off and continued to eat.

Despite her annoyed reaction, she had a ghost of a smile at what he said.

They had gotten closer over the years even after we moved into our own apartment. They were practically inseparable in school. Tilisia even started studying harder so she could move up a grade so he wouldn't be alone for long when he went to middle and high school. She was already studying to skip the fifth-grade next year, as well.

"I hope you two know that I am proud of both of you. You're doing well in school and in life. You treat each other well and I appreciate it."

Ain smiled softly at my words, "Thank you, sir. That means a lot."

"Thanks, dad. I think you've grown too." Tilisia said, also smiling. "It's a shame that Jake and Amy are working. I could go for some compliments and praise right now."

"Why are you like this?" Ain asked.

"Like what? Amazing?"

"Oh sorry. I didn't see the amazingness behind your big head."

"Look who's talking, four eyes!"

If this weren't normal, I'd stop it, but it was for them.

They started talking to each other like this after Ain had to get glasses when he was eight. Tilisia noticed he was insecure about it, so she made jokes to break him in and then he started making jokes back.