That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 29

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. My dad was standing in my driveway right-fucking-now. "What the hell are you doing here?"

He put his hands in his pockets, something he always did when he was uncomfortable. "I, uh, came to talk to you about something important."

"You need to leave."

"Look, son-"

"Do not call me that." That was it. I charged off the porch and nearly got in his face when Gabby got between us.

"Hayden, don't do this. You know what's at risk."

My father looked at her confused. "What do you mean?"

"I don't think that's any of your business, Dad." Gabby was right. I needed to be careful and back off. I couldn't get into more trouble with the courts. I was just so livid I didn't know how to back-off."

My father looked at Gabby and said, "I'm glad you're alright. I heard what happened."

Gabby took a breath to say something when I interrupted, "How dare you speak to her! After all the horrible things you said about her? I don't want you here."

My dad let out a long breath before walking back to his car. Gabby still blocked my path and wouldn't let me by.

"Hayden," my dad said. "Please meet me tomorrow. John's Diner, at noon. I really need to speak with you."

I didn't say anything as he finally got in his truck and left. I stared for awhile at the path he drove.

Gabby cupped my face in both of her hands. "Hayden, can you hear me? Are you okay?"

"Gabby, I-"

"Hayden," my mom called from the doorway. "Is something wrong?"

I tried to pretend that everything was fine. "Everything's cool, Mom. We'll be right in."

My mom went back inside, and I looked back at Gabby,  the gold necklace hanging around her neck catching my eye. "You, know, that necklace looks beautiful on you."

"Thank you." She had a concerned look on her face at my change of subject.

"I'm okay. Let's go inside and finish our night. We'll talk about this later." I took her hand and led her inside. I didn't want to ruin the rest of it. We got to the door and I looked at the now empty driveway again.

What the hell was he doing here?

***

It was now twelve-thirty the next day and I was waiting at John's Dinner, like my father asked. He still hasn't shown up. Gabby came back over last night after she took Alex home, and we talked for a while.

She wanted to know what my father said about her, but I was able to side-step that. For now, at least. She convinced me to at least come hear him out.

I didn't know what to expect. I also didn't know if I could forgive him for all the shit he's pulled. I was about to leave when he finally walked into the diner. He spotted me immediately and sat down across from me.

"Thank you, for coming."

"I'm here, what do you want?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I've heard what's been going on. With your court situation."

"Yeah? I bet Roy or Coach called you, huh?"

He looked away and didn't deny it. "Well, it's being taken care of. Nothing for you to worry about."