Valeria Campbell
"Welcome home honey, how was it?" I walk inside the house, glimpsing my dad resting on the couch still watching television.
"It was great, his dad is such a nice person, I think he liked me as well. At least I hope so." I answer heading in his direction and sitting next to him. Once I was next to him, he placed his arm around me, so I rest my head on his chest hearing his heartbeat. I haven't hugged him in forever, I missed it. I missed my dad. The dad who smiled and joked everyone was that person full of joy. His laughter would lighten up a room. I hope I can get him back one day, but deep down, I know it will never happen.
"I'm sure he did. Everybody loves my daughter, she's the nicest, kindest, and most caring person in the world." He said with a quiet calming tone slowly rubbing his hand on my hair. "I hope you know I love you, sweetie, as much as I did, and even more, I just don't show it as much as I used to. I'm sorry." He continued.
"I love you too dad, and never apologize for that. You've been working your ass off for me and mom, and I would never blame you for it. What you've been through isn't easy, yet you're still strong. You're the toughest person I know, I hope you know that." I reply struggling to not get sensitive and start crying. He doesn't do anything, he simply jerks me closer to him swaddling his arms around me. This was so comforting, I wish I could stay right here, forevermore. If only time could freeze to a moment where we were joyous and had nothing to distress around, unfortunately, this is the job of higher stamina, we could do nothing.
The only thing in my capability was to close my eyes and embrace this moment. It was about 9 pm but I was exhausted. He rested his cheek on my head, both of us falling asleep.
I never want to wake up.
/////
Ivan Knight
I dropped off Valeria at her house making sure to give her a goodbye kiss before heading back to mind, feeling relieved about how well this went. I couldn't ask for anything more, everything worked out better than I planned.
I arrive home, giving the car keys to the concierge so that he would park it, and go inside. I walk inside, and my sight met with my dad still sitting in the living room. I was kind of surprised since I thought he might get back to work, yet he's still there.
"Hey, I wanted to chat with you about something, are you occupied? He asks once he sees me walking closer in his direction.
"No, I'm free. Is there a problem?" I answer worried he had a remark about Val. I know he liked her, but I hope it wasn't an act. He was particularly good at falsifying his emotions, he was a successful businessman after all.
"Everything is perfect, I just wished to tell you that Valeria is a wonderful girl. She's extremely fun to be around. I'm glad you laid the first stone on a girl like her." He looks into my eyes and I was certain these words were genuine. "I'm delighted the first girlfriend of yours I ever met was her. The wait was worth it, and I wouldn't desire to meet anyone but her in the future." He adds.
"I'm glad you liked her. And believe me, I wouldn't want to introduce you to someone else. I love her dad. More than I ever planned." I didn't usually open up to my father like this, but it felt right. I needed him to know the intense sentiments I have for her, and I don't discern a reason to hide them.
"I could notice that. You look at her the same way I used to look at your mother. Your eyes glow when you're staring at her." He gave me a half-smile, the most meaningful one he's given me in a while. You turned my life for the better angel.
"Is it that obvious?" I chuckle and he nods.
"You don't try to hide it." He snickers. "And, I wanted to ask you, we're having this celebration at work, it's like a mask-themed party for one of our investors' birthday, and he told me to invite my family. If you would like to come, you could maybe ask Valeria if she wanted that as well. I promise it's not boring, there will be other teenagers and fancy drinks.
"I would love to attend." It made me embarrassingly happy that he invited me there, he never did formerly. "And I'll ask Val if she would like to accompany me." I hope she says yes, I'm not going to be the same without her.
"Come here, son." He unfolds and stretches his arms so that I could hug him. I was slightly stunned at his manner, he wasn't the type to like physical touch, but I have to make the best out of it, so I come closer wrapping my arms around him. I practically forgot what it felt like. "I love you so much, even if I don't express it."
"I love you too dad."
Here I am, cuddling Robert Knight, who would have thought?
Thank you, angel.