My Messed Up Past

Saturday

I open my eyes, the sunlight making me wince.

It's late Saturday morning, and I'm still in bed. I can hear a faint reporters voice coming from the TV so I know dad is awake.

Padding away from my bed, I brush my teeth and pull my hair into a bun. It looks messy and there are fly-aways cascading around my face but at this point I don't care anymore. The interview with Officer Row has made me feel a bit depressed, to be honest. I'm not sure why, but I've been down ever since.

Dad's noticed, but he hasn't said anything. I think he knows' I need some space.

At the breakfast table, I munch on some cereal, paying more attention to my insta feed. Ding!

Evie

Hi, can't wait to see you later!

I frown, sipping my coffee.

Me

huh?

Evie

Did you forget? We're meeting up today at that café with the cute boy.

I roll my eyes; of course Evie would identify a café by the employees.

Me

oh yeah! Sorry, just had a total brain whirp. see you later!

Evie

see ya!

Dad walks into the kitchen, smiling when he sees. "Hey kiddo!" He ruffles my hair lightly.

I groan, trying to flatten my hair. "Hi dad."

He takes my dirty dishes and slide them into the dishwasher. "Any plans for today? Anything I need to know?"

I nod. "Yeah, actually-- I'm going to meet up with Evie today."

Dad grins at me: he's been thrilled I'm getting back into my friends and hanging out with them.

"That sounds like fun! I'm just staying at home today."

My smile dims. Lately, all dad has been doing is staying at home, looking though newspapers for anything about mum. It's not healthy, and I don't want him to spiral down like I did. He's the glue in this ruined family.

"Why don't we go on a walk later?"

Dad nods, taking a swig of his coffee. "Sure lolly. Tell me when you want to go."

I smile, relived that he agreed to come out the house. I remember when mum first went into the mental hospital, dad stayed up all night, trying to find cures or remedies for mum's illness. He didn't eat, he didn't drink and when I tried to help him he pushed me away. I can't let that happen again.

"But dad, can you give me a lift to town?"

Dad rolls his eyes but jumps up with the car keys. "Let's go."

◇◇◇

"Evie!" I call, opening the door to the cafe.

Evie looks up and waves, beckoning me to her table. I slide into a seat opposite her and grin.

"Hii!"

"Hi, it's nice to see you!" She passes me a plate with biscuits on. "I just ordered these to share."

"Thank you," I say as I bite into one. They are shortbread biscuits, white and sprinkled with sugar. "Hmm, they are nice."

Evie winked at me. "I have the best taste in cookies."