By the time I arrived home, I couldn't wait to get to bed. It's been a really long day and I was still trying to process my visit to Derek's. I sat in my car for five minutes before finally opening the door. My dad was knocked out on the couch with a bag of chips on his belly. His white tank top was stained orange and his beard full of crumbs, I couldn't help but laugh. I kissed his forehead and stole the chips before heading up to my room. My bag slipped down my shoulder while I froze in place.
I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I saw my bed. I grabbed my towel and made my way to the the bathroom trying not to wake my dad. He was still asleep on the couch in the exact same uncomfortable position.
The hot water filled the tub while I chose a song from my phone. I finally settled on The Script and let the water rinse away my day. Showers are always amazing. I completely forgot I wasn't alone in the house when I heard my dad walk by. I really hope he didn't hear me sing.
Everything down stairs was off so I assumed my dad went to bed, unless he plans on living on the couch. Either way, I silently made my way up the stairs. When I got to my room, I noticed the bag of chips were missing. Classic Erick Miles.
In the midst of getting into bed, my dad walks in showing off the bag of chips I clearly had planned for me tonight. "Where have you been, Miles?" I can see the hint of curiosity hit as he smiled. I love when he tries to be a parent.
"Are you high, Miles?"
"Me? Never!" he gave me the most sarcastic laugh in the world and threw one of his chips on me. Seriously...
"Hey c'mon man, I've had enough food thrown at me tonight." Amusement splashed across his face as he made his way to my bed.
"And once again, where were you?" He finally offered me the doritos, I guess as a way to get me to answer.
"At a guy's hou-"
"Okay, I'm out!" I pick up a few chips and threw them at him, trying to hide my laughter.
"No not like that, I had to go over and work on our assignment. We're chem partners. And I know you haven't been in school since the 18th century but 'chem' means Chemistry." I love the relationship my dad & I have. He defended himself by making more of a mess on my bed and threw a handful of chips on me. "Oh and he also asked me out on a date tomorrow night." And I swear I've never seen my dad's eyes light up so fast until my last sentence.
"A date?? Like two people going out in public where there will be other people?? Like an actual date???" He started laughing but quickly stopped when he realized I was being serious. "JAMIE MILES?? ON A DATE?? I can see the headlines now!" This time he couldn't control his laughter.
I couldn't help it either and my attempt at being serious lacked. "Dad, stopppp-"
"No, I'm happy for you! Jesus Christ, I was scared that you'd be living with me the rest of your life. Maybe he can marry you next week and get you out of this house! I'll sign the papers and everything, you don't have to wait until you're 18." Fuck the chips, this time I actually reached out to him and swatted at his arms as he was hysterically laughing and stood up to get out of my reach.
"Alright alright asshole, get out!- but not before cleaning up this mess you made." He walked back to my bed and ate the chips all around. "You're gross oh my god."
"You do know you're 50% me right? Next thing you know, you'll be growing my fabulous beard." My dad finally walks towards the door and I can't help but sarcastically replying to his beard comment, I can't wait. Before turning the lights off he turned around and to my suprise he was sporting a serious face. "I'm honestly really happy for you Jamie."
My heart dropped at his last words right as the lights switched off. It replayed in my mind for a few minutes before I snuggled under my sheets and drifted off into slumber.
YOU ARE READING
Facing Love
RomanceJamie Miles is a self-taught woman. She's learned to depend only on herself and her father. Senior year has nearly begun and she was so sure that she would leave without breaking her one rule: NEVER fall in love in high school. That is until a blue...