SKYLAR
The most beautiful sound I’d heard in weeks greeted me as I walked into my house. My father lightly strummed his guitar and sang a soft melody. Setting my backpack down as quietly as I could, I tiptoed to the living room. He rested comfortably on the couch, his bare feet propped up. His hair was still shaggy from sleep, but his coloring was the best I’d seen it in days. I was grateful the chemo didn’t attack his hair this time. Seeing him like this almost made me forget he was so sick. Almost.
Easing my way to the other end of the couch, I sat and smiled at him. Immediately, the strumming stopped.
“No, please, keep playing.” I needed the music, especially after all the drama at school.
He started again and I snuggled in, resting my head on the armrest while tucking my feet under his thigh. Eyes closed, I let the melody wash over me. I knew all the words, but I wouldn’t dare tarnish his voice with my tone-deficient one.
After letting the song fade to an end, he set his guitar on the coffee table and let out a satisfied sigh.
“You seem good today.” I sat up, crossing my feet under me.
“Yeah, princess, today is good.” He turned with a grin that went all the way to his eyes. I almost cheered at the picture it made. I hadn’t seen this version of my dad in a long time.
“Speaking of good,” he continued. “I have some great news.”
“What’s that?”
“Ricky and the boys are coming for Thanksgiving. We may even try and lay down the rest of the album we started.” My father always referred to the band as Ricky and the boys. Mostly because he and Ricky were the first members, and they picked up Raif and Stinger later. They were my family, so the news lightened the heaviness in my heart.
“Really? That’s awesome. We haven’t had Thanksgiving together in years.” I pushed aside the nagging thought that this might be our last one and chose to focus on the positive. Daddy looked good. Surely, the chemo was working.
“Also, Josie is coming by tonight, and we are going to have a nice family dinner. Sound good?”
My smile dissolved. “Why can’t it just be you and me? We haven’t had any time together, and you’re actually feeling good tonight.”
The whine in my voice made my father sigh in exasperation. “Sweetheart, Josie’s been by my side through all the really bad days. It’s only fair that she gets to be here on the good days.”
“I could be there for you too, if you’d let me.” The words came out in a mumble, but he heard me.
My father reached out and ran his hand over my hair. I leaned in, enjoying the comfort of his touch. “You’re my daughter. I’m supposed to be your hero. Your rock. It would hurt me to be so weak in front of you. Can you understand that?”
I nodded. My dad asked very little of me, but this seemed to matter to him a great deal.
He clapped his hands together and picked up his guitar again. “Any requests?”
Smiling, I leaned back and closed my eyes again. “Yes. ‘My Little Heart.’ ” My father had written the song when I was born but never recorded it. I loved having a piece of him the world had never heard.
The music floated around us, his voice as crisp and perfect as a nightingale in song. But he didn’t even make it to the second verse before the front door shut and shoes padded across the marble floors. Only one other person would just walk in. Aunt Josephine.
Irritation shot through me like a blade. She was an intruder, ending the best moment I’d had with my dad in months. Wasn’t it enough that he’d chosen to share his hurts with her? Did she have to take the little time that was left for me?
The music stopped, and I heard my father set down his guitar and stand.
I was sure he was hugging her, but I feigned sleep. They whispered quietly and left the room. The silence felt deafening after the beauty that had been there seconds before. I reached for my phone, wondering if Cody was out of practice yet.
Zoe’s name popped up.
Zoe: Cody attacked Blake during wrestling practice.
I pressed my temples. Normal felt further away than ever. More surprises. More rumors. Was it ever going to stop?
Me: How did you hear this?
Zoe: Ashley told me. She saw them all in the parking lot. Blake had a black eye and split lip.
Me: How’s Cody?
Zoe: Fine, I guess. She said he walked straight to Lindsay’s car. They sat together for like ten minutes before he finally went to his truck. I guess the rumors really are true.
I was too stunned to know what to type back.
Zoe: Hey, do you want to go to the mall?
Me: Can’t. Dinner with the family. I’ll see you tomorrow.
I bolted to my room and picked up the Pop’s Burger napkin I’d saved from Friday night. My mind immediately recalled every moment of that night. Cody’s laugh. His strong arms around me, his lips. The way he looked into my eyes.
I had to calm down. I had to think rationally. I had to make a choice.
Trust Cody or ends things before he broke my heart.