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

Chapter 29 - Tilisia

Edited – 3/12/2020

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June – thirteen-years-old

Alright. This was it. This was the moment that I got what I've been wanting since I was ten. I could do this. I was going to be fourteen next week, dangit! I wasn't a wimp!

My mental battle cries were the only encouragement I had as I looked at my father who sat reading a book from across the table.

He had a thing about no devices during breakfast, which I was fine with until moments like these where I needed pictures to support my request. I guess I would have to do without.

"Daaad...?"

"Absolutely not."

I scowled at his automatic response, "You don't even know what I want yet!"

"It's obviously something I'll say no to."

"How do you know?"

"Because you've been a perfect angel for the past few days which usually means you want something I'm not going to like."

I crossed my arms over my chest and blew a stray piece of hair out of my face, "I'm always a perfect angel." I grumbled.

Time to change courses. I put on my best puppy dog eyes, puffed out my bottom lip, and slouched in my chair a little. I call this Manipulation no Jutsu.

Yeah. I know. I'm a weeb. Sue me.

He sighed heavily, falling for my trap, "What do you want?" He groaned.

I perked up immediately and put on my best saleswoman smile.

"As you know, I will be celebrating the day of my birth in seven days' time." I knew my formal talk amused him, and I needed him to be in a great mood for my big question.

"Wait really?" He asked sarcastically, "I never would've guessed even though you've been talking about it since my birthday."

I refrained from rolling my eyes at his sarcasm. I was too busy to get into a battle of smartassery with him.

"As I was saying," I persisted, "I have decided what I would like for my birthday."

He raised his eyebrow at me, "And that is?"

I cleared my throat, "I would like an all expense paid trip to the salon." I let that part sink in before continuing, "To get my hair dyed pink." I rushed out the last part nervously.

He had placed his book down on the table and was now staring at me with wide eyes.

"Huh?" Was all he could seem to get out.

"I want to get my hair dyed for my birthday." I repeated.

"But... why?"

I could never figure out why he always wanted a reason for everything, but I had a reason prepared, nonetheless.

"Because I like pink and I want my hair to reflect that." He was about to jump in, but I quickly continued, "And no, I can't just wear more pink. Because it's not just about liking it. I also want something that will stand out amongst everyone else in high school."

"Ah. I get it now." He said with a knowing smirk.

I hated that smirk. It meant he was about to get under my skin.

"You do?" I asked hesitantly.

"You want something to recognized by. Something that will make you memorable." He took a sip of his coffee, "You don't want to be left behind in a crowd of nobody's, right?"