Don't Call Me Daddy

I look at the ceiling for a couple of minutes while I wait for the nurse to arrive. My head isn’t the only thing that hurts. The cut on my chin aches, and I know they stitched it up. It’ll probably scar. I’ll have a reminder of this night every time I look in the mirror. At least not all of the memories are bad.

“By the way, there’s a gentleman sitting outside your room. It doesn’t look like he has any intention of leaving—same one who was in here when I arrived.” My mom tilts her head slightly. “Nice looking guy. I’d ask if he’s single, but I have a feeling I already know the answer to that.”

“His name is Lawson.” I sigh. “Lawson Brooks.”

“Is he the reason you didn’t come home last weekend?” She raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah.” I can’t stop the smile that forces its way through the pain.

“There wasn’t anyone in the car with you when you had your accident.” She seems to be contemplating her statement. “Little late for a drive…”

“I know.” I realize she’s going to keep digging, so I give her the details she’s fishing for. “We had a fight. It was stupid. I was on my way back to his place when the accident happened.”

“I want what’s best for you, Ainsley. I always have. I’m not going to do what my parents did and judge you for who you decide to date, but he’s a good bit older than you.” She sighs. “Be careful…”

I don’t get a chance to respond. The door open, and the nurse comes into my room. She takes all of my vitals, jots them down on a chart, and then administers the medicine that the doctor prescribed. It doesn’t take me long to feel it.

“I’m going to turn out the lights and let you get some sleep.” My mother stands and reaches for the light switch behind me.

“Thank you, Mom.” I feel my eyelids flutter for a moment before they close.

I’m not completely knocked out. Not yet at least. The pain evaporates, and I’m very comfortable, almost like I’m floating through the sky. It isn't the same as being high, but it’s very close. I feel happy and content as sleep prepares to take me into my dreams.

I wake up the next morning to the sound of laughter. My mom’s laughter? It’s been a while since I’ve heard that. I slowly open an eye, cautiously at first due to the light, and find that it isn’t nearly as bad as it was last night. I see Lawson on my left. My mom on my right. Both of them seem to be happy and are talking. They don’t notice me stir, so I close my eyes. Maybe it’s wrong to eavesdrop, but I’m curious to know what they are talking about.

“When Ainsley was five, we threw her a birthday party.” My mom pauses to laugh. “She wanted a pony more than anything else in the world. I’m a single mom. We live in the suburbs. How am I going to get her a pony? I’m going to disappoint my little girl…”

“Come on, now. I bet she wasn’t disappointed,” Lawson responds.

“I stressed about it for weeks and weeks. I tried to find a pony that we could rent for the party. I even talked to a farmer who was willing to let me keep a pony at his place as long as I paid for the food.” My mom sighs. “Do you know how expensive ponies are?”

“I can imagine.” Lawson chuckles.

“Well, the day of the party comes. I’m a nervous wreck. I even had a little nip of wine…” My mom lowers her voice. “Before the party. Don’t judge me.”

“I wouldn’t,” he scoffs.

“Yeah, so I go overboard on the party. Trying to make up for the fact that I don’t have a pony for my little girl. It’s finally time to open the presents. Ainsley doesn’t even notice. She is so excited by everything else she got that she doesn’t mention a pony at all.” My mom sighs. “All of that stress for nothing.”

I can’t help but smile at her story. I remember that party.

“Well, Mom.” I force my eyes open. “I stopped wanting a pony because Hannah Silverman told me that when they get old, they get turned into glue. It was very depressing.”

“You’re awake!” My mom leans over to check on me. “I’ll get the nurse.”

“I’ll get her.” Lawson holds up his hand and stands.

Lawson walks toward the door. I glance nervously at my mom. She’s obviously spent a long time with him. She was telling stories and laughing. I hope that’s a good sign. Still, I’m scared to draw an easy breath.

“Lawson is a very nice man.” She nods, and the look in her eyes reveals that she’s impressed. “Maybe you need a guy who has a few years on you—he might keep you out of jail.”

“Come on, Mom. That was only once.” I roll my eyes, and that actually does hurt, so I grimace.

“Does he make you happy?” She tilts her head slightly.

“He does.” I smile.

“As long as he does that, then he’s fine in my book.” She pats my hand. “Now where is that nurse…”