Daphne
Back at home, my parents tiptoe around, trying not to disturb me. And worse, it’s obvious they feel one of them has to be here at all times.
Surprisingly, they both are home when I come downstairs Monday evening to get something to eat for dinner. There’s a bowl full of chicken, peppers, and onions on the table along with tortillas and all the other fixings for fajitas.
Dad smiles. “Hey, sweetheart. You hungry?”
I nod. “Yeah. I didn’t realize you were both home.” I pull out my chair and sit down, helping myself to a plateful of food.
“We wanted to let you rest if you were sleeping.” Mom smiles cautiously, studying me.
“Thanks.” I take a big bite. My taste buds practically sing. I’ve barely eaten since I came home yesterday.
“So, I’m sure you know your mom and I don’t keep secrets from each other …”
My eyes dart to Dad as I chew. This sounds like an embarrassing conversation waiting to happen. Covering my mouth with my napkin, I mumble, “I know.”
“We still think you should go to River Rock—” When my mouth drops open to argue, he holds up his hand. “Let me finish. But we’ll allow you to choose. I don’t like all the bullshit with this girl Alora. Your mom filled me in on some pretty wild stuff. I have to admit, I’m kind of pissed that you said nothing.”
My face flushes. “I understand.”
He swallows. “And Micah. It sounds like he’s got some issues.”
“Dad, you don’t—”
“Daphne, please let me get this out.”
I set my fajita down, appetite gone. Folding my arms in front of me, I sit back in my chair. “Go ahead.”
“Your mother tells me you have some pretty big feelings for him. I get that. The first time you fall for someone is like jumping off a cliff. It’s wild and scary and exhilarating. I just want to make sure you’re with someone who cares for you the same way you do for them. Someone who wants the best for you. And we worry that maybe Micah isn’t that person.”
“He does care about me.” I blink. I can’t believe I’m about to do this, but I don’t know how to make them understand.
Mom tilts her head to the side. “You’re sure? After all of this?”
I sit up. “While Micah has made me nervous at times, I’ve never, ever doubted that he was a good person.”
“Why?” Dad’s question is short and to the point.
My eyes fill as I look back and forth between my parents. “Because he was there that day. The day I came home crying from the park.”
“He was there?” Dad’s voice is whisper-soft, but edged with anger.
Mom frowns, pinning her gaze on Dad. “You told me some boys were mean to her.”
“That’s all she’d tell me.”
The truth bursts from my lips, like a champagne cork shooting from a bottle. “I was assaulted that day. Three high school boys had me restrained and—” I gasp for air. “They were pulling off my underwear when Micah showed up. He was the one who stopped them.” My parents’ faces pale and my mother inhales audibly. “Micah saved me. Micah would never hurt me. And now you know why I’m so sure of him.” I sniff. “He may have issues, but so do I.”