Once I felt like a human again I padded downstairs to the basement where Mascen and Lylah were already setting up the movie—A Cinderella Story. The one with Hilary Duff. Poor Mascen.
“Are you sure you want to watch that one Lyls?” He asked her. “What about this one?” He pointed to Interstellar.
“It’s my turn to pick and I want to watch this one,” Lylah explained calmly, putting the movie in the DVD player. “When it’s your turn we can watch that one.”
“Fine,” Mascen sighed, flopping onto the couch.
I stepped further into the room and they finally noticed me.
“Mom ordered us pizzas,” Mascen said.
I laughed, taking a seat on the large sectional couch and pulling a blanket over top of me. “Oh please, we all know mom really got the pizza for herself.”
“True,” Mascen relented, “but I’m not going to complain.”
“Ooh, wait.” I hopped up from the couch. “We need popcorn. I’ll be right back.”
Mascen and Lylah watched as I hurried up the stairs—they were both much more laid back while I was always a bit (or a lot) hyper.
My mom and dad had moved from the kitchen to the family room and I could hear them talking in hushed tones.
I hoped my mom was trying to convince my dad to let me go.
I’d probably go whether or not he agreed, but I really hoped he did.
I didn’t like going against his wishes.
I might’ve been highly independent, but I loved my dad and his approval meant a lot to me.
I grabbed the box of popcorn from the pantry and took out two bags since I knew Mascen would polish off one whole bag by himself.
While the popcorn popped I grabbed the sour gummy worms and a large mixing bowl that was meant for cake batter. When the popcorn had finish popping I dumped one of the bags in the bowl and added the sour gummy worms, mixing them together.
I kept the other bag separate.
The doorbell rang and my dad answered it. A moment later he came into the kitchen with three boxes of pizza.
He lifted the lids on each and then slid two over the counter to me. “I believe these are for you guys.”
“Thanks pops.” I picked up the boxes in one hand and balanced the bowl and bag on top.
He winced. “Don’t call me pops. It makes me feel old and I am not old.”
“Daddy-o?” I raised a brow, waiting for his response.
“How about we stick with dad?” He reached over to ruffle my hair.
“Don’t do that,” I groaned, heading for the basement.
Growing serious, my dad said, “We’re all happy you’re home sweetheart. We missed you.”
“I missed you guys too,” I admitted. “But dad,” I paused and waited for him to nod before I continued, “I also need to spread my wings and fly. Okay?”
His lips thinned and he nodded. “I know.” Taking a deep breath, he whispered again, “I know.”
Dean
It was sweltering beneath the sun.