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

Chapter 21

Edited 02/29/2020

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Once Tilisia and I were situated with our ice cream and Dairy Queen, she decided to jump right into it.

"Why did my mom leave?" She asked before I could say anything.

I was taken aback, but not because she asked, just with how boldly she did.

I knew it was coming, but she usually liked to beat around the bush before saying what was really on her mind.

"Honestly, it's a really long story."

"Sum it up for me." She said, clearly determined, "I don't care if it's a short story, but I need to know. I hate to be sitting here wondering if she left because I wasn't good enough."

"I'm not really sure where to start, Lis..."

"What's her name? What was she like? Did you love her? I'll take what I can get."

I sighed heavily, "Her name was Kimberly. I won't lie and say she was ugly because she wasn't. She was the most beautiful girl I had seen at the time. Kimberly was very... conscious of her popularity and looks. She had an extremely complicated upkeep routine, but she stuck with it because she didn't want to lose her place on the high school food chain." The memories of her vanity came crashing back into my mind, "I'm not sure if I loved her now that I think about it. If you asked me ten years ago, I would've said yes, but looking back, I think I was just infatuated with her."

Tilisia was staring at me with wide-eyed interest, and I felt compelled to continue.

"When we met, I was convinced she was going to be my future wife. I did everything for her, including corrupt my own morals." I paused and gave her a pointed look, "Don't even think about doing the same."

"I'm your daughter, but I'm definitely not you." She said defensively.

"I'm just saying." I pushed my black hair back before continuing, "Anyway, we started dating and things got a bit out of control. She ended up getting pregnant and then you came along. The end."

"I know there's more that you aren't telling me, dad."

"I know you know. But I think you need to mature more before you hear the rest."

"And why is that?"

"Because it's a bit heavy for a nine-year-old. Now finish your ice cream. We still have to get Ain and head over to the café."

"Fine. But just tell me one thing."

I thought about it a moment before shrugging.

"Am I the reason she left?" Her grey eyes were bearing into mine, not allowing me to look away.

"She left for a number of reasons. The main reason being that she couldn't handle everything." It wasn't a complete lie. She wasn't stable. I dare say that it was a good thing she left.

But I wouldn't say that just yet.

"Now about this whole debacle that took place, while I'm proud of you for standing your ground, you can't go around punching people. The only time hitting is acceptable is if they do it first, but even then, your goal should be to dodge and then detain the culprit. If you're going to go on the offensive, aim for an emotional hit, not physical. That way they have no evidence of your attack. Just the mental pain to remember until they're dead."

"I'm not seeing how that's better than me just hitting them..."

"It's better because you don't get arrested for roasting the fire out of someone."