He stared at me in shock.
For a few seconds, he kept silent...
His mouth hung open. He seemed to be processing the information he was given and that was something I never thought I would see.
I'm not going to lie, it was a little bit weird seeing him like this. It didn't feel like me. I had expected him to be more angry... or perhaps disappointed?
"You're... a girl!" His voice sounded almost scared and surprised... it kind of made my insides churn.
I didn't know how I should answer his question. All I could do was stare back at him. I wasn't really expecting him to react this way and honestly... I didn't think anyone would react this way to coming this late and getting dropped home by a guy whom his daughter was about to kiss if he wouldn't have scared shit out of me by calling either. At least not that I'M aware of.
"W...well... I guess we'll just have to find a way to get along." My eyes lowered to the ground as I tried to look anywhere but him.
My heart was still racing from the fear I felt when he called me.
It felt wrong. So very wrong.
He looked up at me and raised an eyebrow. He must've noticed my expression because he immediately stopped and averted his gaze away from mine. He began fumbling with his words.
"Umm... sorry... I shouldn't have assumed things... that's stupid of me. I'm sorry for assuming." He muttered softly.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's one thing if someone assumes you are a girl and you shouldn't enjoy some alone time in your 20s. You'd just be used to it. But now...
Now it seems as though he actually has some kind of feelings about it.
It took all my will power not to roll my eyes. Not because I want to be rude or anything, but because I'm trying to stay calm. I didn't need this to escalate any further.
"I... uhm... I'm Sorry... I'll um... I'll go sleep and you do the same." Goodnight Dad!"
I snapped and turned around. Before leaving, I shot another glance at him and found him staring at me.
He seemed to be frozen but concerned in place. He didn't even try to say anything. I just walked past him.
When I finally reached my bedroom, I let out a deep breath.
"Well... shit..."
I sat down on my bed and covered my face with my hands.
What have I gotten myself into?
After what happened earlier, I can't help but wonder why I even bothered coming here. Maybe... maybe I'm not cut out for this.
"Agh! I'm so screwed!"
Next Morning,
I woke up a lot earlier than usual. I quickly showered, brushed my teeth and went downstairs.
Mom was already at the kitchen table, typing away on her laptop. She smiled at me as she saw me enter the room.
"Good morning dear." She spoke.
I gave her a smile back and proceeded to make myself some coffee. I took a seat across from her and sipped the hot liquid in my mug. I felt a bit better after having coffee.
My mom was reading over the newspaper, when suddenly, she stopped. Her head shot up towards me and she stared at me for a good moment.
"Oh dear.. are you okay?" She asked.
"Huh? Me? Yeah, I'm fine Mom." I replied, setting my cup of coffee down.
"You sure?" She questioned, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, you're acting different than normal..."
She paused for a second before continuing.
"Is it because your friend came last night?" She asked.
"Uh... yeah, something like that." I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.
"You don't seem too thrilled about it." She said, placing a hand on her chin. "If you don' mind me asking, who is it exactly you're seeing?"
"... It doesn't matter who it is." I replied, shrugging my shoulders.
"Really?"
"Yeah, it doesn't really matter. It's no big deal." I shrugged again.
"Well, if you're sure." She chuckled. "So, what did you and your friend talk about? Is he nice?"
"We just talked about work and stuff." I replied, taking another sip of coffee.
"Do you like him?"
The question threw me off. I hadn't expected that. Was I supposed to tell her about... about that?
"Um..." I hesitated, looking down at my plate. "...I don' know."
She sighed.
"If you don't know then you should ask him!"
"But mom... I don't even know where he lives!" I retorted. "And besides, how am I supposed to talk to him about stuff like this? We only ever talk about... you know... work...sports! Or music! That isn't a big deal!"
I was getting annoyed with myself for stuttering like this. Why am I so nervous around her?
"Okay." She responded, nodding slowly. "Maybe you should ask him tomorrow, huh? When he gets home. It wouldn't hurt to just ask him."
"Alright..." I nodded and picked up my fork.
I continued eating silently while I mulled over what to do next. Eventually, I pushed away my breakfast and stood up.
"Well, I'll leave you to your business now." I smiled.
She smiled back.
"See you later sweetie."
---
Later that afternoon...
I was sitting outside by myself. I pulled out the sketchbook I had brought and began to draw again. It was quiet outside except for the occasional bird call and the chirping of insects.
I heard footsteps behind me and glanced over my shoulder.
I nearly jumped when I saw him standing right next to me. I set my sketch book down and looked up at him.
"Hey!" I greeted.
He simply nodded and took a seat beside me.
"I'm going back inside."
"Alright."
I watched as he got up and started walking back to the house. I stayed seated for a few moments longer before I decided to follow him.
I walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, wait up!"
He stopped and turned around.
"Yes?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Why did you come over yesterday?"