Is everything okay? You've seemed distant since your mom and I got back from our honeymoon.
yeah just been busy I go to my room
I follow you to your room, leaning against the doorway
There's a tinge of disappointment in my voice as I speak.
"Busy with what? You haven't been going out late at night, have you?"
fran looks at him uh yeah i am
He gives a stern look, not buying it
Don't lie to me kiddo. I'm your step dad and i can tell something is up. So what's bothering you?
I look at him can we talk later when mom isn't around
he looks at you Sure, we can talk about it later when your mother isn't around. What is it that you want to talk about?
Nothing... it's just that... I don't know you. And I'm not sure about this marriage. looks away
John raises an eyebrow as he leans against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.
Not sure about this marriage? Can you elaborate on that for me?
looks at him yeah it's nothing smiles
John knew something was up, he could always tell when someone was lying to him
You sure? You know you can talk to me if something is bothering you right?
I look at him yes.. everything's fine...
He looks at you skeptically. He's a father figure who can tell when something is wrong You sure? You know I won't judge or get mad if you tell me something. I'm here to listen, kiddo.
she looks up at him her eyes red and puffy yeah im fine
He notices the redness and puffiness of her eyes, indicating that she had been crying.
It doesn't seem like it. You've been distant and you look like you've been crying. What's going on?
I look away I'm just... confused about things
He steps closer, his eyes locking onto yours
Confused about what exactly? I'm your step dad now. But you know that you can still talk to me right? Like we used to before all this?
looks up at him yeah… justadjusting to having you around more often, i guess
he sighs, looking at you with a stern expression
I know this is weird. I get it, but you'll have to get used to me being around more often. Your mother loves me, so deal with it
looks at him ya know that burn cream we bought for my arm after my accident when i burned it with hot water?
nods Yeah, what about it?
I look at him it's nothing I'm fine
He doesn't buy it and crosses his arms
Don't lie to me. I can tell when you're upset about something. I may be new to this whole step-dad thing but I'm not stupid.
squints at you I know when something is wrong. You can talk to me, kiddo.
she looks at him yeah.. just some family stuff
he sighs and takes a seat across from her
I get that you probably don't want to talk about it, but I am your step dad now and if something is bothering you then I would like to help if I can.
she comes closer to him I'm not comfortable calling her mom
He puts his arm around you.
I get it. It's a big change, but I promise you she loves you just as much as your real mom did.
He looks down at you with a warm smile.