“You can’t keep ignoringyour favourite daughter, who spoils you with sweet, sugary things forever, you know?”
“You’re myonlydaughter.” Dad rolled his eyes before taking a bite of the healthy and tasty pancakes I made. James was an excellent chef who knew how to make easy recipes, and he had taught me several so I could cook them for Dad. Even thinking about him made my heart ache.
Ever since Dad caught us kissing, Dad had been ignoring me. Even James kept his distance from me at school, and Emma was ready to plan his assassination when she thought he hurt me, because I had been gloomy in the past few weeks.
I pouted, slumping on the kitchen stool, poking the food around. I couldn’t ever remember Dad being mad at me or giving me silent treatment. If he made me angry or we had a fight, he’d make up to me by the next morning with zoo tickets or getting me a bunch of stuffed toys. It felt odd not talking to him about random things like the ladybug landing on my palm, how hard PE class was, or Summer being a reckless fool again. It hurt not to smile or laugh with him.
“Do you hate me?” I whispered.
His spoon clattered on the plate and he flickered his eyes at me. His face wasn’t cold anymore, but he still looked angry. “You are my Pumpkin, Mia. I could never hate you.”
I shrugged, looking away. “This is the first time in two weeks you’ve looked at me… or said more than three syllables.”
He took a deep breath and said, “I’m disappointed.”
My eyes stung. “That hurts, Dad.”
“Why couldn’t you like some other guy?” he asked. “He’s twice your age. He’s your teacher.”
My jaw clenched, hurt turning to anger as I glared at him. “You’re making it sound like it’s all my fault that I lov—” I shut up and stood up from the stool. “I’ll be late for school.”
I didn’t look at him when I picked up my bag. I felt him stand up and walk towards me before I could turn to the main door.
His hand touched my head. His eyes were soft as he asked, “You love him, Pumpkin?”
I nodded. “I-I know I’m too young to call it love, but he makes me happy, Dad. Even if I get mad at him, he talks to me, and… and it feels warm whenever he’s near.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s called body heat.”
I glared at him and crossed my arms.
Dad winced and picked at the knot of my tie which I had done all by myself. “You are growing up fast.”
“Yes, Dad.”
His eyes gleamed as he ruffled my hair. “I need time, Pumpkin. To feel okay about this.”
My eyes lit up. “Really? You… you’re not angry anymore? You won’t ignore me?”
He looked away, his cheeks turning pink. “Even a blind man can see how much you’ve grown being with him. Joyce wouldn’t be happy with your relationship, but she would never ignore you like I did. I’m sorry, Pumpkin.”
I bit my lip at hearing mom’s name and hugged him. “It’s okay, Captain.” I closed my eyes and said, “Mom would scold James.”
“She would,” he chuckled, petting my hair. “He would be terrified of her.”
I pulled back and smiled at him. “Can we do our traditional Saturday dinners again?”
He groaned but agreed, making me squeal with excitement and hug him again. “Come back early today.”
“Why?”
“I’ve booked a doctor’s appointment today.”
I frowned, checking his legs and at him. “You okay, Dad? I’ll come early.”
“It’s not for me,” he shook his head. “I’m taking you to ob-gyn.”
My face paled. “Why?”