Jade and I head to the local diner for breakfast. I order enough for twenty people, and Jade orders a piece of toast.
“Why don’t you order more? That’s not enough food for you.”
“It’s fine, Dad. I don’t want anything else.”
“You’re a growing girl. You need to eat.”
“I’m a woman, not a girl. I doubt I’ll grow anymore. I’m already the tallest girl in my class, and I’m taller than nearly all of the boys too.”
I don’t think we need to battle about this now, but when she lives with me, I’m going to make sure she eats.
I clear my throat. “I guess you and Mom talked about you living with me a few days a week?”
“Yep. Are you okay with having me around? I don’t want to cramp your bachelor style, but I really don’t want to transfer for my last year of high school. I love all of my friends. I want to be here for my senior year with them.”
I grin at her. “I’m more than okay. I’m ecstatic. I can’t wait. I want to get a room ready for you. Do you want to have any input?”
She shakes her head. “Not really. Surprise me. I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m not picky.”
I have no idea how to set up a bedroom for a seventeen-year-old girl. I guess I’ll figure it out.
“How was the end of the school year for you? I saw your report card. You’re so smart. You definitely got that from your mother.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “You’re smart too, Dad. School was fine. It’s not hard for me. I really liked my graphic design class though. I think I’m actually pretty good at it.”
“That’s fantastic. An artist, like me.”
She smiles. “I’m also thinking of getting a part-time job during the school year.”
“Really? Doing what?”
“Working the pole. I hear strippers make mad bank.”
My mouth must drop wide open, because Jade lets out a huge laugh. “Oh my god, you should see your face right now. I’m just kidding, Dad. Obviously, I’d like a job related to graphic design.”
I slowly nod, still in shock at my baby girl talking of becoming a stripper.
“Can I ask you a question, Dad?”
“Always.”
“Why haven’t I ever met your family? Mom doesn’t have siblings, so I have no cousins on her side. I know you have a brother and a sister. They must have kids. I want to meet them.”
I gulp down the large knot that has just formed in my throat. “You know I’ll always be honest with you, right?”
She nods. “I know. Sometimes too honest.” I smile at that.
I turn serious again. “I haven’t spoken with my family in about twenty-five years. They’re not in my life.”
“I know that, but why? I don’t know what happened. No one has ever told me.”
I take a breath. “Because of my addiction issues. I did some terrible, irresponsible things. They didn’t want me in their lives. They were right. I was a danger to everyone around me when I was using.”
“You had a problem so they dumped you? That’s messed up. That’s not what family should do. They should have helped you, not abandoned you.”
I shake my head. “It’s not that simple, honey. It was all my fault. Not theirs. They tried really hard to help me, but I was a walking disaster. I don’t blame them in the slightest. They were better off without me.”
I see her getting upset. “Can we shelve this for another day? I’m so happy today because you’ll be spending more time with me. I don’t want to think about that dark period in my life right now. It’s hard for me to talk about. It brings up a lot of sad memories and regrets.”