Laurel
As I’m about to tell Jason about my father, his eyebrows knit.
“How does this have to do with me becoming a doctor?”
“My father was a gynecologist.” My eyes water, so I wipe them before the tears can fall. “Young female patients reported him for sexual abuse.
“He lost his license, practice, reputation and his freedom. Oh, and his daughter. He’ll be sentenced Friday and sent to prison, where he’ll be incarcerated for many years.”
Falling back in his chair, Jason grips the back of his neck.
“Shit, I don’t know what to say, other than I’m sorry.”
“What can you say? It’s shocking and shameful. I was a daddy’s girl and had him on a pedestal in the clouds.” I wipe my eyes again before looking away.
“I can’t emphasize enough how devastating it’s been to have lost that respect for him and our relationship. He broke our family. I was striving to be a physician like him, but I can kiss that goodbye.”
“Wait, is your father Dr. Louis Murphy?”
“The one and only.”
“Damn, I saw that on television.”
“It was finally old news, but it won’t be come Friday, when he’s sentenced. I’ve managed to keep it a secret from most everyone at school.”
“Why do you think you can’t be a doctor?”
I let out a clipped laugh. “What medical school is going to accept the daughter of a sex offender who once was a physician himself? I feel like it’s a no-brainer.
“Look, I’ve accepted the situation. It’s painful, but I love literature and reading, and I’d be thrilled to be a librarian.”
I find a smile. “You might like to call me that, but I’m not one; I only work in a library, but maybe someday I’ll have that title.”
“You could be anything you wanted. I know it.”
“I no longer wish to be a physician. I only miss the idea of the future I had mapped out for me. The future he helped me plan.
“I was used to living a privileged life, and I thought I needed that, but after surviving on so little over the last year, I know I can make it without his help and the same MD credentials.”
Reaching across the table, Jason takes my hand.
“You stay with me, and one day you’ll have that life again.”
“I’m not looking for a man to take care of me.”
“I know you’re not. I’m only saying you may not have to struggle forever.”
“I worried you wouldn’t want me once you knew what he’d done, especially since you’re pre-med.”
“Knowing his crime doesn’t change what I said before. You’re not him. I won’t judge you based on his deplorable actions. Anyone who does should be fed a bag of dicks.”
Laughing, I take another drink of my coffee.
“You’re handling this better than I expected.”
“That’s because you’re fucking perfect in my eyes. Damn, what does your mom think about all this?”
“She’s trying to forgive him. Needless to say, our relationship is strained. I think she doesn’t know how not to be with him.
“I’m hoping over time, she’ll realize that she deserves better than being with a depraved husband she has to visit in prison.”
I wave my hand his direction. “Anyway, when I went to visit him, I said my peace. After the sentencing Friday, I’m hoping to put the past behind me.”
“I’ll be there for you.”
“You already have been.” I think back to him comforting me on the couch when my dad called and when he curled up with me in my bed and held me while I sobbed.
“It’s disappointing that he wasn’t the honorable man I believed he was. My father could’ve been a resource for you.”
“Uh, my dad’s actually a doctor … a pediatrician.”
I swallow the instant knot that forms in my throat.
“He’s a doctor? Shit, he’s a doctor. What will he think about this?”
“He doesn’t have to know … at least not now.”
“That means you’re worried about what he’ll think.”
Jason shakes his head. “No, I’m not. Look, I’m here for you. No one is judging you. You’re awesome, and I’m determined to make sure we’re awesome together.”
I sigh from how amazing he is.
“Thank you. It means the world to me that you’re being understanding. This is the monumental reason I’ve had my guard up for so long, and it’s nice to feel like I can trust someone again, particularly a man.”
Squeezing my hand, he grins. “You’re stuck with me, babe.”