“Candace. How are you? Is something wrong?”
“Does something always have to be wrong for me to call you?”
“Well, you haven’t been the most ecstatic to speak with me recently. I’ve called you several times this week but no answer.”
“Well, this is me calling you back. I’ve been busy. With friends and Alex and everything.”
“Alex?”
“Yeah, Alex.” Candace paused. “You know, my boyfriend?”
“Boyfriend?!”
“Oh my god, dad. It’s literally fine. Calm down. Anyway, I’ve definitely told you about him. Shows how much you listen to me.”
“Sorry, sweetheart. I’ve been a little preoccupied lately.”
“Whatever. Hey, have you talked to mom recently?”
“No, why?”
“Nothing. I just haven’t seen her since last night. I’m sure she’s fine.”
Candace continued to assure me that everything was fine, but I could detect worry in my daughter’s voice.
“Have you tried calling her?”
“No. She never answers my calls. It's not even that big of a deal anyway.”
“Yes it is, Candace. You should come stay with me until you hear from her. I can pick you up toni—”
“No! I said it was fine. Besides, Alex said it was cool if I crashed with him.”
“Alex?! No way! I’m coming to get you.”
“Dad, you’re being so annoying right now. Alex’s parents are cool with it. Why can’t you be?”
“Are they really? Give me their number. I’m going to call them.”
“I can’t deal with you right now.”
“Canda—” I heard a click and then a disconnect tone as my daughter hung up on me.
“Are you kidding me?” I screamed into the phone. I immediately called Amber, ready to give it to her for leaving Candace alone overnight. I made sure to record the conversation.
“What do you want?” Amber answered.
“Hm, whatdoI want? Oh, I know. I want to know why the hell my daughter is sleeping over at her boyfriend's house because you didn’t come home last night!”
“I don’t know what you are talking about. Of course I was home.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about, Amber!”
“You are so naive, Brenton. If she was at her boyfriend’s then how would she know I wasn’t home, hmm?”
“So you’re admitting to letting our sixteen year old daughter sleep overnight at her boyfriend’s house?”
“No, of course I’m not admitting that. I’m telling you she’s sixteen and rebellious and lying to you.”