Spotlight on the Mirror

Chapter Two

A few days later, Holliday was awkwardly sitting across from her dad, the familiar stranger. He also appeared nervous and kept fidgeting with a black pen. She couldn't help feeling how weird it was to be seated in the same room with her dad but couldn't find any words to say.

"So... What's your plan for the future? Your graduation is in four months, right?" Richard asked while tapping the pen on his knee.

"Yep, it's on January third and I'm not sure yet. I haven't applied to any other dance programs because I need to start receiving a steady income," Holliday replied with caution.

"Can't you teach classes?"

"I can officially work a full-time teaching position once I obtain my certification in January. But...  I feel like it's settling and CC's hasn't offered me an teaching position yet. It's my last semester and they gave all the open positions away accept for one."

"You can't ask them for that position?"

"Oh no! You don't ask, you are offered. It's the CC's way," Holliday explained.

She was surprised that her dad couldn't see how politics played a part in every aspect of life.

"I guess... So have you applied for any dancing jobs?" Richard scratched his beard."

"No, I haven't," she replied feeling ashamed of irresponsibility.

"Why not? I'm all for you staying committed to your dream but you need to set some career goals. You're graduating in four months and you don't have a plan. I'm not trying to be unsupportive but you need to face reality."

Holliday just looked at the floor while she tried to determine the feelings that she was experiencing. Part of her was upset that he had the nerve to call her out on her bullshit but then another part felt sad because she didn't want to disappoint her dad.

"Holliday, please don't get upset," Richard said in a calm voice. "I just want you to be your own type of successful, whatever that may be. You can stay here with me for as long as you need and don't worry about paying any bills. Just promise me that you will focus on the next chapter in your book of life."

"That was so corny dad!" Holliday stated while laughing.

"I know, I know, but I promise that it sounded much better in my head. It sounded like something a good father would say." He laughed along.

"But seriously, I hear you and you're right. I have some serious thinking to do about my future. Thanks for supporting me and you're an ok dad," she joked.

"Just for you, I will take that ok."

Holliday took a quick moment to enjoy the interaction that she was sharing with her dad. She honestly couldn't remember a time when they felt comfortable together or shared a laugh.

"Well, since you're in a good mood, can I interest you into a late dinner tonight? You can finally meet my girlfriend, Mendall. I really want you guys to meet before I head back out of town tomorrow", Richard asked cautiously.

"Oh wow! Girlfriend? You have a girlfriend? Since when?" She was shocked.

Holliday honestly didn't know how she felt about that. Her parents made sure to keep anything about their dating life from her so she never had to deal with it. She didn't think that her mom ever really dated but would probably be pissed to know that her dad was in a relationship. Her mom was very possessive and loved to be in control. At least that's what her dad would say when they used to fight before the divorce.

Holliday knew she wasn't a little kid but she did always have hope that they would eventually get back together. She actually didn't really remember them being together because they separated when she was young but she always wanted to have married parents like Madison.