The One I Love

“That’s actually really pretty Charlie.” I’m impressed after reading his bump and grind lyrics from earlier.

“Thanks, you want to try it. I don’t have the music laid down but I have it up here.” He touches his temple. “I’ll sing it and then you can follow.”

“Okay,” I’m actually excited to see how the music goes. It’s even prettier than I thought it would be and I find myself getting sucked into the moment.

“So, what do you say, Ada, you want to give it a go?”

“Yes, I want to sing with you Charlie,” I tell him.

“Great, I’ll get Thomas to book the studio all next week.”

After we sing awhile we find ourselves back in bed for round two. I fall asleep a little later completely satisfied and smiling.

Chapter Sixteen

Ada

After Friday night I’d allowed myself to just be lazy. When Sunday rolled around I really didn’t want to go see my dad at all. I’d promised him and he said there would be dinner on the table when I got there. Around four o’clock I drug myself through the shower and got ready.

Charlie had called and wanted to come over to see me and sing some more. I told him once I got back from dad’s I’d call him. It’s the part of the night I’m looking forward to. Liza had told me once I did it, I’d want to do it all the time and she was right.

I drive to my father’s house on the other side of town. It’s kind of off the beaten path and in the woods. It wasn’t where we grew up, but it was where he moved. I pull up and notice the grass hasn’t been taken care of. It’s not like dad to not take care of his lawn. He’s always taken such pride in it looking great.

"Thanks for coming sweetheart." Dad stands in his living room and motions for me to sit on the couch.

I do so obediently a little nervous about what he'll tell me.

"Hey Addy," I hear Jimmy say as he walks from the kitchen into the living room.

I'm filled with fear and anger. My whole body buzzes with adrenaline as I jump up from the couch.

"What is he doing here?"

"He's here to help me deliver a message." My father says with no emotion in his voice.

"He hit me. I sent him to jail the other night." I look around me for something to protect myself with.

"He's really sorry about that Addybug. It's why I bailed him out."

My face is hot and tears well up in my eyes. My own father bailed a man out of jail who'd physically abused me. I knew we hadn't been close since mom left, but I never thought he hated me until now.

"I'm leaving." I make my way towards the door to find Jimmy blocking it. My dad walks up behind me and grabs my arm pulling me back towards the couch.

I'm terrified now. What did they bring me here for?

"You aren't singing with that Maxwell kid."

“What do you mean?”

“His daddy did us wrong and no daughter of mine is going to have anything to do with that filthy family.”

“It wasn't Charlie's fault you got fired.” I protest. I’ve never known my father to act this way. He’s being so unreasonable. It makes me wonder what else he could have hid from me. Maybe he’s the reason mama left. Maybe he was mean or crazy. My opinion of my father has forever been changed now.

I should have known this was why he wanted me here.

“It doesn't matter. I've got a reputation to keep up.”

“I'm grown, daddy. You might have been able to tell me what to do in high school but you can't now. I am done with this.” I walk towards the door again prepared to fight Jimmy.