FATHER ALWAYS SMILING

Chapter 43 ~~~~~

"As much as I don't like the guy with his smug attitude, I'm trying to get over that stupid bias, and just like you've told me he's just a father trying to protect his kid from threats from overzealous fans. He's only doing what he needs to for his kid. I'm not going to fault him for it."

He didn't answer, probably because he knew if he spoke aloud, people might not believe him. After all, my Dad is well-known and well-liked, and many would think that he would never do anything bad to anyone.

If only they knew...

* * *

"Think he'll listen?" my Dad asked, as he stared facing me from the driver's seat in the car, arms propped up on the headrest his smile ever-present. "Detective Louds, do you think he'll believe you?"

"You didn't stop me," I say. "You didn't stop me from saying anything to him. Why?"

My Dad hurt people, killed people, I knew that those who did such things wouldn't want anyone to know, so why would he let me?

He gave me my answer.

"Why would I stop you? If this is something you want, I have no reason to do so. Besides," he leaned forward to extend his hand as his fingers brushed my healing cheek. "Wouldn't it be interesting, if he listened? Wouldn't it be interesting how he'd react if he found out the truth? And what he would do to get that out to the world?"

My hands clutched my dress. "Dad?"

"Hmm?"

I looked him right in the eye. "I don't want him to be hurt because he's doing his job." If he did, I don't think I could forgive him. Even if he did save Elain and me from that monster in my school.

He chuckled, but still looked at me with love as he kept smiling. "I have no intention of doing so. Just as long as he doesn't threaten you any harm, or do anything... rude. Like illegally breaking and entering our home without permission or a proper search warrant, like the other one. He will be fine. The detective is a smart man. It makes me wonder how he will go from here. And you as well, you've grown so much. I am deeply proud of you, and what you've accomplished. With that in mind, I should make a feast." He then sat properly in his seat and started the car. "Shall we go home?"

"I'm not really hungry." And I wasn't, I just felt sick to my stomach. I should have felt proud that I said something... that I spoke up again after four years, but...

His smile looked worried. "I suppose that makes sense, after everything that's happened one after the other, it would be hard on you. Then I'll make us breakfast for dinner, why not Huevos High Life with sausage, it's been a while and I think you deserve a little more decadent meal tonight while watching your favourite musicals? How does that sound?"

I didn't respond, I only nodded as my eyes now looked out the window as we drove away from the police station, wondering if I made the biggest mistake of my life.

I hoped it wasn't.

For the detective's sake.

* * *

My Dad did as he said he would, breakfast for dinner.

Soft rolls where the center was partly cut out and an egg was placed inside the roll and cooked in a pan alongside the sausages. And instead of eating in the kitchen, we ate in the living room where he put on the musical recording of the Broadway show Anastasia.

I ate the food my father made as he sat close to me, I could feel his voice vibrate along my body as he hummed to the songs being sung by people who performed. Something he'd often do; I didn't eat much. I didn't feel hungry.