When I woke up on Saturday, I got dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. My dad was already home. I ran and hugged him.
"Sweetheart, I missed you so much! I don't know how I went so many years seeing you so little."
I looked around the table and everyone was having breakfast. Adam, very happy, said:
"Look, Mia, your dad gave me a PS5!"
Mrs. Ruth, looking a bit embarrassed, commented:
"I didn't want to accept it… he already helps us so much."
Adam added:
"I just hope Pitter doesn't start using drugs again and sell it."
My dad replied:
"He's changing. Only good news from the rehab clinic."
Mrs. Ruth held Adam's hand and said:
"Son, we have to believe."
Adam sighed.
"Dad, can I talk to you?"
"Yes, my daughter, after breakfast."
Then he handed me a gift a brand-new phone, just released.
"Yours is really old," he said.
I hugged him. My phone was already four years old. I was really happy with the gift.
While we were having breakfast, I noticed Abigail was distant and sad. She barely talked, which worried me. Was it something to do with my dad?
After breakfast, my dad and I went to talk in the office.
He crossed his arms and looked at me seriously. Before he could say anything, I spoke:
"Sorry, I shouldn't have said that to you over the phone."
My dad sighed.
"Mia, you're older now. Can I be honest? My marriage with your mother ended because I cheated on her. Forgive me… I didn't just betray her, but also you and our family. I still regret it to this day."
It was impossible not to remember everything again. A tear ran down my cheek.
"Dad, I forgive you. We all make mistakes and will make many more… Do you still love Mom?"
He sighed.
"Daughter, I love the woman she was before I cheated. After that, that version of her died. I never saw her again. She stayed in the past."
I sighed.
"Dad, she doesn't hate you. You can be sure of that."
He smiled softly.
"I hope not. She was and always will be very special to me."
I smiled. He hugged me and kissed my forehead.
"Dad, can I go to a party at Jhenna's house tonight with Adam?"
He let go of me and asked:
"What time does it start?"
"At ten p.m."
"You can go. I'll pick you up at two in the morning."
I jumped with joy.
"But you know…"
I interrupted and completed:
"No alcohol, drugs, or boys."
"That's right. I'll talk to Adam later."
I thanked him and left.
When I walked out, Emma was in the living room, hugging Adam.
"Since you're here, Adam, I want to talk to you for a minute," said my dad.
Adam saluted jokingly as he went to the office.
"Oh, how funny you are," my dad commented.
Before closing the door, my dad asked me:
"Is Chad going to the party?"
"No, he wasn't invited."
My dad frowned, gave me an enigmatic look, and went inside.
Emma looked at me, surprised.
"Your dad knows?"
"Yes, he said he'll pick us up from the party at two in the morning."
Emma dropped onto the couch.
"Oh no, Mia! Seriously! You're such an airhead! The party starts at two… we were supposed to sneak out!"
I shrugged. Emma grabbed my arm.
"Come on, let's pick out what to wear."
She pulled a suitcase from behind the couch. I was speechless.
"Come on, let's go to your room."
Emma helped me choose my outfit.
"Hm… with your black hair, fair skin, and green eyes… a little black dress will look stunning on you," she said confidently, like she was my stylist.
I agreed. After all, I had already noticed that girls in Florida didn't wear flowery printed dresses.
Adam joined us.
"What did my dad want?" I asked.
"Man talk," he replied. I didn't even bother asking for details I was too excited about the party.
Saturday was amazing. I spent part of the day talking to Chad on the phone. He sounded jealous about me going to the party, but didn't say much. Abigail helped Emma and me get ready.
When we went downstairs, Adam was waiting for us. He was speechless when he saw Emma.
"You both look beautiful!" said Mrs. Ruth.
Emma hugged Ruth and said:
"Your son has great taste."
We all laughed.
"Where's my dad?" I asked.
"He's in the office," replied Mrs. Ruth.
I went to the office and found my dad holding a picture frame. He quickly wiped away a tear. When I got closer, I saw it was a photo of him and his brother when they were teenagers.
"I wish I had met Uncle Alex," I said.
He smiled softly.
"You would've loved him."
"Dad, did he die?"
My dad looked at me seriously.
"Daughter, do you know why I want to help Pitter so much?" I stayed silent. "When Alex was sixteen, he started hanging out with the wrong crowd, drinking and using drugs. It was heartbreaking for the whole family. We tried to help him, but nothing worked. When he was eighteen, he was found dead in his room overdose."
I felt very sad but couldn't say anything.
"That's why, Mia, I worry about you so much. Don't ever choose that path. If someone offers you something, never accept it."
I looked into his eyes and said:
"I promise, Dad. I'll never give you that kind of pain."
He stood up, looking more cheerful, and said:
"Alright then, let's go. It's time."
He drove us to Jhenna's house. When we got out of the car, he said:
"Be good, kids. I'll be here at two a.m."
Emma smiled:
"Don't worry, Cinderella won't forget her glass slipper."
My dad laughed and drove off, leaving us at the gate. To our surprise, there was no one around. When I looked at Jhenna's house, we checked the address — it was really hers. Actually, it wasn't just a house, but a mansion: a large garage out front, a wide porch, and grand doors and windows. The white paint almost hurt my eyes. We stood there, staring, impressed by the eerie silence that surrounded us. We could only hear the sound of the wind.