A Change Of Heart

Chapter 8

                  

I wake up the next morning, my nerves feeling jumbled. I was going to be spending the day with my father. I missed school today for this and a part of me wanted to back out but I was going to follow Gregg's words and at least try it out and of course if things don't go well I'll know it wasn't meant to be. And besides, I deserved answers. And more importantly I deserved a big apology.

It took me a few minutes to actually get out of my bed because I was so preoccupied with the thoughts of the possible outcomes of today. But now I am up and I need to get ready. Taking a shower last night really saved me some time.

Today was going to be really nice out, averaging in the 80s so I didn't need a jacket.  I decided on wearing a nice pastel blue summer dress that reached just above the knee, my jean jacket, and a pair of sandals. I curled my hair nicely and did minimal makeup. By the time I was finished, it was half past 11 and I had time to eat something small and light for breakfast.

I went downstairs and saw Austin and my mother. They were talking about the warm weather until they noticed me.

"Well don't you look nice." My mother smiles brightly at me.

"Thank you."

"Your father should be here by 12."

It sounds so weird to hear her say that. I guess because it's been so long since she's said it. I just nod my head and opt for a fruit salad for breakfast; my appetite wasn't as large as it should be.

"Apparently he's taking us to the movies and for lunch." Austin informs me.

"Cool." I mutter sarcastically and raise my eyebrows before nodding my head. I keep my eyes on the fruit that I was eating.

"Okay, guys. I have to head to a meeting, so I will see you both when you get back. I love you both." She rushes over to kiss the both of us on the forehead.

"Love you, too." Our voices blend in unison.

"If anything happens and I mean anything, you call me. Okay?" I can see the worry in her eyes and I know that she is just as worried about letting us go with him as we are of actually going with him.

"Yes." Austin assures her.

"Okay. Bye, my loves."

"Bye." We both watch as she grabs her bag and rushes out of the kitchen and listen as she exits the house.

"Are you nervous?" I ask my brother.

He shrugs. "Not really, just curious."

"I feel like watching a movie with him is going to be awkward."

"It is, but I had no other suggestions so I just agreed."

"Oh." I look back down at my salad.

"Are you nervous?"

I give him a glum smile and nod.

"Don't worry, we have each other."

"I know."

We both finish our meals and go watch some television until he arrives. When we hear the doorbell ring, we turn off everything and head out. Austin opens the door and reveals Ken, who is looking expectantly at the two of us. His smile grows as he looks at the two of us, and for a second I think he is going to pull us in for a big hug but he doesn't.

"Hi." Austin and I greet him at the same time.

"Zuri, I didn't know you were coming, too." He looks at me with happy eyes.