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

Chapter 22

Edited – 3/1/2020

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

October – nine-years-old

It had been two weeks since Tilisia and Ain had spoken.

I had asked her almost everyday if everything was okay and if they were going to make up soon, but she'd just say maybe later.

At least, that's what she used to say. Now she just changes the subject completely. Of course, that didn't stop me from trying.

"Soooo... How are things with Ain?" I asked in a not so subtle way.

"Did you hear about that hurricane that ripped through South Carolina?"

"Wait what?"

"Yeah. It blew through people's homes and it could've killed a lot of people, but they were smart and were prepared with a plan to get out of the way long before it hit."

"Wow... that's really impressive."

"Yeah. It was called Hurricane Carter. Quite the invasive one, but he didn't do too much damage."

I felt my face go into a flat look as she quickly made her escape.

I regret making her the smartass that she is today.

.

.

"Has she opened up about it at all?"

"No. But she did call me an invasive hurricane for trying to get it out of her." I said with a frustrated sigh.

I had been conspiring with Amy to solve the problem with the kids, but neither of us had made any progress with it.

"This would be so much easier if we still lived together. Then they'd be forced to talk because they shared a room."

Her words sparked an idea in my head and a wide smile stretched across my face.

"Uh oh... You have your creepy smile on... this can't be good."

"Oh... it's good. Just they won't think that." I rubbed my hands together and looked at my friend, "Hurricane Carter has a new plan that will devastate them."

.

.

"Heeey Tili!" I greeted with a wide grin.

Tilisia walked around the kitchen island to grab a water from the fridge, eyeing me suspiciously, "Don't call me that. And why are you acting creepy?"

"Whaaa? I have no clue what you're talking about, my sweet daughter."

"Uh-huh. Then what are you holding behind your back?"

"Pfft. Nothing important." I said as I moved closer to her.

She started moving backwards as I continued to advance towards her. This all felt familiar, but I didn't have time to think about that when I noticed she peeked behind my back and saw the black bag, rope, and handcuffs.

Realization dawned in her eyes, and she quickly turned around and bolted towards the door, but my hand reached out and grabbed the hood of her jacket before she could get there.

"ACK!"

She was faster than I thought as she unzipped her jacket, slipped out of it, and hopped over the loveseat that was blocking her way. I wasn't far behind and before she could take too many steps ahead, I slid my foot out in front of her, causing her to trip and fall.