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MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 08
In the golden rays of the setting sun, I found myself standing on the precipice of change, the very edge of a new beginning. The wind whispered secrets in my ear, and the world seemed to hold its breath, as if anticipating the momentous shift about to unfold.As I gazed into the horizon, I couldn't help but think of all the dreams and aspirations that had carried me to this point. The journey had been tumultuous, filled with trials and triumphs, and it was the fire within me that had kept me pushing forward. The fire of hope, of unrelenting determination, and the belief that I was destined for something greater.In my heart, a storm of emotions swirled - a heady mix of excitement, fear, and anticipation. The unknown stretched out before me like an uncharted sea, its depths hiding treasures and challenges in equal measure. But I was ready, armed with the courage of a thousand warriors and the resolve of a soul unbreakable.With every step I took, the ground beneath me seemed to vibrate
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 09
My fingers falter and something stings my skin. I must’ve cut myself on the glass, but I do not pay attention to it as I stare at the man whose long legs eat up the distance in no time.Even the way he walks is unique. Only, he does not walk, he strides, always with some sort of purpose. His movements are purposeful, confident, and so damn masculine. Everything about him is manly, hard, and tenacious. It is present in every line of his face, every flutter of his lashes.It is in the way his broad shoulders stretch his tailored black jacket. The put-together look does not fool me, though, because I am well aware of what lurks beneath it.Muscles. Whether it is his chest, abdomen, biceps, or strong thighs. I know because I have watched him box with Dad many times, half-naked, and he gave me my first view of male beauty. I have seen his cut abdomen and bulging muscles. I have seen his fluid movements and quick reflexes.Young girls my age only have eyes for teenage boys and jocks, but I
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 10
DANIELcoma.The doctor is telling us that Krew is in avegetative state. He’s saying things about swelling in the brain due to the impact and that he might wake up in the next few days, weeks, or never.This hotshot surgeon spent hours working on my friend with his people, and yet he still couldn’t bring him back.He was in the operating room for hours, just to tell us that King might or might not wake up. I do not miss the fake sympathy or his attempts not to give hope.But even if I grab and shake him, then punch him in the face, it will not bring King back, and it sure as fuck will not serve any purpose. Except for maybe getting rid of some of my pentup frustration.Genevieve listens to the doctor’s words with her lips slightly parted. They are lifeless and pale, like the rest of her face. She clinks the nails of her thumbs and forefingers together in a frantic, almost manic type of way. It is a nervous habit she’s had since she was a kid—since she learned the truth about her moth
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 11
She shakes her head again, but it is meek, weak, just like she is beneath my touch. Until now, I have never noticed how small she actually is compared to me.How fragile.Actually, I did once. When she was pressed up against me with her lips on mine.But I should not be thinking about that. I should not be thinking about how small my best friend’s daughter is or how she feels in my hold when we’re in front of his hospital room.A muscle clenches in my jaw and I loosen my hold on her shoulders, starting to step away from her.I am unprepared for what she does, though.Completely and utterly taken off guard.Just like two fucking years ago.Genevieve lunges at me and wraps both arms around my waist. And as if that is not enough, she stuffs her face in my chest—her damp face.I can feel the moisture clinging to my shirt and seeping onto my skin. But it does not stop there, no. It is like acid, melting away the flesh and bones and reaching for an organ I thought only functioned to pump bl
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 12
DANIELwyneth falls asleep.After so much struggle and standing for hours infront of Krew’s room, she lost the physical battle and slumped over on one of the chairs in the waiting area.I told her that she could go home, but she vehemently shook her head, pulled her knees to her chest, and closed her eyes.Which is why she’s about to fall forward.I place a finger on her forehead and push her back so she does not hit the ground. It is light contact, only a damn finger, and yet it feels as if my skin has caught fire and the flames are now extending to the rest of my body.In hindsight, I should not have let her hug me. Or I should’ve pushed her away sooner. Because now, even a mere touch brings back memories of her body pressed up against my chest.Her slender body that I can not stop thinking about how small it is compared to mine.I clench my fist and close my eyes to chase away the haze. It does not work. Because even though she’s out of view, her scent clings to me as stubbornly a
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 13
GENEVIEVEhen I was a kid, I had a problem learning words. I do not know why. I have a high IQ, and I can figure out my way around things, but memorizingwords was a bit difficult.The professionals my dad took me to thought I had some form of dyslexia, but it is not like I couldn’t read or recognize words. It is not that they all appeared the same. They just appeared alive.You know that feeling when you are reading something and it nearly jumps off the page at you? For me, it was literal, and that is exactly how it felt. As if the words were coming after me.Turns out, I did not have a problem with all the words. Just the negative ones. The words that make my skin itchy and my vision turn hazy. The words that I felt instead of only reading them.Anxiety made my skin crawl and my nose tingle.Cruel turned my cheeks hot and my body tight with the need to defend the one who was subjugated to it.Fear made my teeth clench and my heart shrink in anticipation for what was to come.Sad era
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The man whose shirt I probably messed up.He did not touch me back, did not console me, but having him there, even immobile, was enough for me.He still had his body tight and rigid like the day of the kiss. He still refused any contact with me, just like back then, but that is okay.He covered me with his jacket. And maybe I can keep it like I have kept a lot of him with me.Like his notebook, his shirt when he once forgot it, his hoodies from when he runs with Dad. Most of them were my father’s, but if Dan wore them even once, then they became his. Do not ask me why. It is the law. Then there is a scarf that he gave me because it got cold. A book about law. Make that plural. A pen. Okay, pens, plural again.And no, I am not a stalker. I just like collecting. And by collecting, I mean the things that belong to him.But he’s not here now.And there is a hole the size of a continent in the pit of my stomach because now I am thinking he’s abandoned me and I need to deal with these jumbl
MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND 15
DANIELecessity.I have never liked that word. It is because ofnecessity that my brother decided to leave the country, and that got him killed.It is because of necessity that people vote for the likes of my father to represent them in spite of the fact that he only cares about himself.In a way, necessity is the root of all evil. Decisions based on it are a bit impulsive and almost always have dire consequences down the line. Ones that could be dangerous, lethal even.Of all people, I am well aware of the dangerous repercussions of hasty actions. I never decide anything unless I have a 360-degree view of the entire situation as well as all of its possible results. This is the first time I have taken a step into territory that hasn’t been carefully plotted. It is like walking through a minefield with a blindfold on.But just like earlier, I do not think about the possible repercussions. I shove them to the back of my mind and focus on the now. On the present and its own sets of cause
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