My Bad Boy Doctor

6

When we arrive at my house shortly past nine, the lights are still on inside. I probably look like a scary clown right now, even with my waterproof mascara, and turn to Val. "Can you distract Dad while I clean off this makeup?"

Still holding me close, she nods. "Of course, but you should give Jim more credit. He wants to support you."

"I know," I say in a tired voice, "but Dad and I are so similar. Neither of us is good at talking about our problems."

"Well, maybe one of your should start," she says with a pointed stare toward the house. "Not tonight, but after you get some sleep. At least think about it."

"Okay."

We walk arm-in-arm across the dry grass to the door, and Val steps inside first. "¡Hola, Señor Wankum! ¡Estamos aquí!"

I love Val. No matter what, she has a cheerful disposition and commands the attention of every room. That, and she tolerates my scattered emotions. She's vibrant and beautiful -- someone I strive to be like every day.

Steps echo downstairs at the bottom level of the house, and I take this opportunity to run upstairs. I don't look back when he calls for me; I grab my sleep clothes and undergarments, locking myself in the bathroom faster than you can say "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Turning on the water, I slowly undress, starting with my little plastic tiara, and I sit on the edge of the tub for the longest time, letting steam fill the small space.

Part of me wants to soak in the bath all night, but Dad will eventually need the toilet, and it would be rude to leave Val downstairs. I can wallow tomorrow. Besides, it will probably take me ten minutes just to scrub Val's warpaint off my face. She's an incredible artist, but she gives beauty a whole new meaning.

Once I'm done and dressed, I go downstairs, where Dad and Val are waiting. Val is bouncing up and down, clapping her hands like it's her birthday instead of mine, squirming like she really needs to pee. Dad on the other hand, is unable to hide his grin as he holds something behind his back.

Despite everything, I grin too, wondering what he has. It's like being a small child again, hoping against everything he got me that Barbie I so desperately wanted. "Okay, what did you get me?" I ask, wondering why they're both smiling wide like creepy dolls in a haunted house.

Dad reveals his hands, as well as a calico kitten with a paper birthday hat over its head. It mewls, pawing at him to set it down, and I make a beeline to him with a squeal. I've never been able to resist animals, and cats are the best companions.

Taking the kitten, I hold her to my chest while hugging Dad. Val joins in, obviously in on the job, and my heart fills to bursting with gratitude and love. "Thank you," I murmur, scratching the kitten behind the ears. "What's her name?"

"Whatever you want it to be. I thought you might like a companion to go with the writing software I downloaded onto your computer this morning when you weren't looking. Val gave me the password."

Of course she did. Normally, I'd protest, but right now, I feel so loved, I can't help reciprocating it without complaint. "You two are the best."

"We know," he says ruffling my damp hair. "Now you have no excuse not to write."

I nod; the words are stuck in my throat, that I did write, that I did query, but I wasn't good enough. I don't want to tell Dad unless I can make him proud of me because it's hard enough being disappointed on my own. I don't want to take that hope away from him, so I don't.

Instead, I say, "Okay. First thing tomorrow."

Val wraps her arm around my waist and pushes me up the stairs, tossing a wave over her shoulder. "I'll make sure she puts that software to use, Jim."