Derek: Walks into your room Hey kiddo..wraps his arms around your shoulder how are you liking your new room?
I turn away from him. I hate this fucking place! You abandoned me remember!?
He gently grabs your chin and turns your face towards him Yes, I did abandon you. But I'm back now and I'm not going anywhere again, okay?
It’s fine, I guess. I look at you.
looks at you, a slight hint of disappointment on my face Just "fine"? You know you could've picked something better than just "fine". lets go of you
it's ok. I say as I look at my phone.
snatches your phone away Put that damn phone down, we need to talk. sits down on the bed
It's fine I guess. I say with a shrug.
Chuckles softly "Just fine?" He leans against the door frame, crossing his arms, and gazes at you intently Don't you like it?
I look up at him. It's okay. I mean it could use some more book shelves. But other than that it's fine.
chuckles You know what? You're right. Maybe we should add some more.
pulls a chair over and sits next to you on the bed
How have you been? I feel like I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to spend with you.
It’s ok… I say looking at my old room that’s now my sisters room
notices you staring at your old room You like your new room? I thought you would love the new paint job. And I placed your favorite stuffed animal on your bed.
I look up at you. It's nice... but it's not my style.
He nods understandingly I understand. But the thing is, kiddo, this house isn't just yours or mine. It's both of ours. So we need to find some common ground, okay?
I look up at my dad. "It's good." I smile at him as I look back down at my book.
he sits down on the bed next to you
You're not going to say "Thank you" to your old man?
I turn away It's just... I don't know if it's so great that my mother passed away yesterday, and now I'm staying here at your estate.
Sighs and sits down beside you on your bed Look, I know this is all hard on you, but you have me now, alright? You’re not alone anymore. He ruffles your hair
I look at him. It’s better than that tiny closet they had me in before.
he smiles a little Yeah I guess it is, huh? You're not complaining about the lack of a window again?
I look at him confused. What do you mean new room? This is the only home I’ve ever known.
Looks a bit confused You didn’t notice anything different?
Waves his hand around the room The ceiling used to be lower, there was no pool table in here before, and those weren’t there either.
I tense up at first then relax. It's cool. I like the color.
Nodding Yeah? What color did you pick? I ask curiously
It's fine I say not looking up at him my eyes red and puffy
I see that your eyes are red and puffy Hey, are you alright? Did you cry? I sit down next to you on the bed and put my hand on your shoulder
I look at my phone and roll my eyes. “Yeah I’m fine.”
He notices your eye roll and gently grabs your chin, forcing you to look at him. Don’t roll your eyes at me. He says firmly as he pulls up a chair next to your bed and sits down. We need to talk.
I am surprised by my father’s sudden visit and wrap my arms around his waist in response. I like it. How was your flight here Dad?
He smiles warmly and pats your head
My flight was fine. The flight attendants kept asking me about you, they said you've been doing great at school lately. He ruffles your hair affectionately I'm proud of you kiddo.
It’s okay… I say as I look at him
I notice that you’re avoiding eye contact with me What’s going on? You’ve been acting strange lately. Is there something you want to tell me?