OBSESSION

part 10

Mia:

Days were moving really fast. I ignored Lisa's calls and texts asking about my life, Dylan and Ryan were pretty much okay, and I was on track with my school work. Life was going back to normal.

Oh and Chloe. We had been spending a lot of time together. Last week, she even took me to watch the soccer team. Honestly, I didn't care about soccer or any sport but the way she was so excited, I couldn't say no.

It was now my favorite part of life. The weekend. OH! I almost forgot, Dylan's brother had an emergency the day he was supposed to come and so he didn't appear. I was on the couch watching some reality TV when the door bell rang.

"I'll get it."

Dylan, I thought he was working. Anyway, I wondered whom it would be. But maybe he had ordered some pizza or take away. I don't know.

He was taking long to return. I got up lazily and decided to go see what was going on. I was totally surprised, excited, worried, anxious, and scared at the same time. I don't even know how a single person can feel all those emotions at the same time.

"Mia!"

"D...d...dad?"

Oh great! He came unannounced. It's his fucking house anyway. He can come in anytime he wants.

"So, you got a boyfriend? And he even answers my door?"

"Dad!!"

I was now worried. One hundred percent. I didn't know what my dad would do to me or Dylan.

"Okay, none of you is going to tell me what's going on? Fine! Let me get settled down then maybe when I come back, you will have made up some lie that can actually cover for this."

He said this pointing at the two of us. He then walked past us to his bedroom. Before he even got to the stairs, he was caught by yet another surprise.

"Hey, Mia, can I go aaiiiiii.. Whoa! Who is this man?"

"Ryan shut up!"

Now it was me and Dylan who warned. My dad immediately softened his look. I should have known better before procrastinating on telling him. Now he is going to be reminded of Sean.

"Hello young man."

"Hi mister."

"You do not say mister."

My dad laughed. Phew I knew Ryan would lighten his mood.

"Well, let's head upstairs. Maybe you can tell me what's going on in my house because these two grown-ups,,, they are kind of mute."

They laughed as they went away to my dad's room.

"Mia, I thought you already talked to him."

"Sorry, I procrastinated and procrastinated,, and now we're here. Let me go talk to him."

"Okay. I'll head out and give you some space."

"Thanks."

I was sweating. My hands were shaking. I ran up to meet my dad. I was never anxious when it came to dad. We were pretty close but now, I knew I had messed up big time.

"Then we came to this big big house. I like Mia. She even took me out and bought me some ice cream. My big brother never lets me go out."

That was Ryan making my dad laugh. Did he tell him everything? I really hope not.

"Mia, come on in. This little big boy was explaining to me what has been happening for nearly the last two months. Ryan, you can go find something to watch. I'll come and we can finish up this discussion. Okay?"

"Yeeeyyyy!! Mia, your dad is like the best!"
When he said that, his front teeth gap looked pretty nice. I swear I'm in love with that young man.
I didn't even notice I was still smiling.

"I like that boy."

"I love him dad. He is really funny."

"I know. But Mia, you would have told me before making this decision."

"I know. I am sorry dad. Dylan kept asking if I had told you and if you were okay, but I didn't want to tell you yet."

"Here come sit down and tell me what's really going on."

I felt safe. I told him everything. I mean, everything including the bullying part. I had to tell him about Chloe so that means I couldn't hide anything anymore.

"You were being bullied in school and never told me? Mia, why? Why would someone hurt you?"

I was now crying.

"I don't know dad. I just didn't want to worry you. It was nothing anyway. It's not happened ever since Dylan stood up for me that day. Plus, Chloe apologized and we are even friends."

"Good. I want you to tell her to come over. For dinner tonight."

"Okay."

"Then, why did you rush into letting them stay here? You would've thought about it at least overnight. You can't be as easy as that."

"Dad, I was feeling down. Then he told me about the issue with Ryan and I couldn't say no."

"What issue with Ryan?"

"He is only 8, Dylan is 17. Someone had told on them and they wanted to take Ryan away to some foster home or orphanage until someone adopted him."

"Okay. That is hard. Where is his dad?"

"He doesn't know. No one does."

My dad felt that. He was deep in thought.

"But is there anything between the two of you? You and that boy Dylan?"

"No. Nothing. We have known each other for roughly two months. We rarely even talk. The only time we talk is when he is asking for grocery list or a list of things to buy."

"He is responsible. That's good."

"Are you okay now?"

"Yeah. We will have a very long dinner. Be sure to tell your friends about it. What about Lisa?"

"Dad, I don't trust her anymore. Ever since the incident on the hallway, I started thinking things through. She is never there for me, she always shows up after people have made fun of me to clean me up. And people have been telling me about how what kills you comes from the inside. I don't know."

"Okay. Let's go get Ryan and prepare dinner. I also invited some of my workmates. Two men, one from town and the other one is mr.parkinson."

"Oh! Mr. Parkinson? His wife babysits Ryan when Dylan is working."

"Well, that is nice. We can discuss on the matter then. I'm sure he can help."

"Thanks Dad."