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

Chapter 53

Written – 10/01/2020

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We walked to his room in silence, me having to catch him as he stumbled every now and again.

Once he was settled in his spare pajamas and settled in bed, I sat down on the edge of it.

"I'm still mad at you, ya know."

"I figured as much, sir." He mumbled tiredly.

"But I'm starting to think that you only did what she wanted." I sighed heavily, thinking about all the times I had done her bidding, "I'll admit, it's hard to tell her no. I get caught up in her puppy dog eyes just as much as you do. You're probably worse though since you have romantic feelings for her, which we'll be addressing later."

"Can we handle one problem at a time?"

"Of course. Just know that a conversation is coming."

"Understandable..." He shifted awkwardly under the blankets, "I'm sorry about all of this. I really am. I truly didn't want to put you through this. I hope you can forgive me."

I had a retort ready but as much as I wanted to hash everything out with him tonight, I knew it wouldn't be very progressive with his current state, so instead I smiled at him, "It's going to be okay. Now get some sleep."

He only nodded as I got up and shut off his light, closing the door on my way out. I leaned against the wall, feeling lost in the moment, and a bit tired. I just knew that the night wasn't over yet, so I made my way back to the living room where I knew another guest sat waiting for me.

"You really stole the perfect entrance from me." They called out from the couch. Clearly, they heard me heading their way.

"And how did I do that?" I asked, going back into the kitchen to grab two more bottles of water, not even bothering to spare them a passing glance.

"I was gonna make that whole crying and yelling makes you hurt worse comment, but you beat me to it."

"Sorry to steal your thunder, I guess." I tossed one of the bottles their way as I sat down on the seat across from them.

"Honestly, I'm upset that you're not in more awe that I'm here. I thought there'd be more dramatics to it all."

"What did you want me to say, Tilisia?" I asked sharply, "Did you think you'd be the new prodigal son and I'd come running to you, crying my eyes out?"

She was looking at me with wide eyes, clearly hurt by my response, "Guess not." She muttered.

"I'm sorry." I regretted how I responded almost instantly. "I've had so many surprise guests today that the shock has been ripped right out of me. First your mother, then Ain, now you. I have no more enthusiasm for the day. Should've waited till tomorrow."

"I was going to, but I thought I'd sneak away from Ain and come to you first to talk you out of killing him, but clearly he beat me to it. Didn't realize how much he was going through..."

"How much did you hear?"

"All of it."

"Oh."

We lingered in the silence for a moment, both of us trying to come up with what to say next.

"Don't be mad at Ain." She finally said. "I begged him to take me anywhere but here."

"I hear what you're saying, Tilisia, but I want to know why? Why didn't you want to come to me?"