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

Chapter 28

Edited 03/12/2020

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

April – thirteen-years-old

"I feel like I haven't properly utilized my daily questions with you." I announced when Rosie sat down in my car.

"Is that so?" She drawled, "And why do you feel that way?"

"Because a great question always leads to better questions. Most of the ones I've asked have been dead ends." I backed out of her driveway and started on the route to the café.

"That's because you keep asking what's your favorite kind of questions." She pointed out, "Those are boring. Ask me what you really want to know."

"I really just want to know you." I said boldly, "I'm interested in all of your likes and dislikes."

I could see a slight blush come to her dark cheeks as she pushed her now purple hair back.

After making that observation, I decided what my next question would be.

"Are you ready for the question of the day?" I asked as we pulled up to the café and got out.

"Lay it on me." She said, pulling open the door.

"And you don't have to answer this one if it makes you uncomfortable." She raised an eyebrow at me, so I continued, "What exactly is your ethnicity?"

"You seriously don't know?" She flipped on the lights and started putting the coffee machines together.

I was a little embarrassed to say that I didn't, but if you saw her, you'd be unsure too.

I knew she dyed her curls constantly and her eyes were a beautiful brown, but that was about it. The only thing I could compare her skin to was a dark golden color that told me she was probably half black, but I knew there was something more to it. I had pondered it for a while, I just never knew how to ask until now.

"I'm Blasian, dude!" She shouted from the kitchen before coming back out with a package of napkins.

I was a bit shocked, "Can I ask a bonus question?"

"You want to know the specifics?"

I nodded, hoping she wouldn't make me wait till tomorrow to answer.

"I'm Haitian and Japanese." She said with a small laugh, "Weirdest mix ever."

"Seriously? You're half Japanese?" I couldn't help but feel a bit excited knowing that she was too.

"Yeah. My mom is." She rolled her eyes, "She's so freaking strict with her customs and traditions. Like, thanks for raising me well and all, but not everything I do should bring dishonor, you know?"

I snorted loudly as I thought of our similar parents, "I'm not sure if you knew, but I'm half as well. My dad was super strict too."

"Was? Did he let up or something?"

I scratched the back of my head awkwardly, "Ah. Well, more like he kicked me out of the house and then I disowned him as my father."

Rosie's eyes went wide, "Bro, really? You disowned your Asian father? Are you crazy?"

"It was a crazy situation, honestly. It happened when Tilisia was three. Maybe I'll tell you sometime."

She gave me a sly smile before we both continued our set up process.