Pandora's Successor✔

Chapter 34 : Sport

Dad stood before a sink and mirror with his back to me. He rinsed his mouth with tap water before spitting out a crimson-colored liquid. My heart clenched but remained silent. He heaved, coughing out sputum of blood. It stained the white porcelain with red spots before he completely rinsed it. He grabbed a towel and dabbed his lips.

I silently crossed over to his room and closed the door. He told me he was getting better. Why will he hide something so serious from me?

My eyes burned from the realization but pushed the tears back. I straightened up and composed myself. It could be he'll tell me sooner or later. I shoved the thoughts to the recess of my mind and continued like it never happened. "Dad, where are you?"

A door creaked before his voice searched through the corridor. "Over here Sport."

I pushed open the door to find him in the middle of the hallway, right before the washroom door. He wore his police uniform. His duty belt -- which held compartments for his gun, handcuffs, and taser -- was attached snuggly to his waist. He looked frail and weaker than before. His eyes seemed lost in color as he managed a smile. I tackled him with a hug, nearly pushing him over.

He wrapped his arms around my frame and hugged me tighter. "It's been a while Sport. I hope the Petersons treat you well."

I nodded into his chest. "They have. How's work?"

He sagged. "Well, the chief deputy has lessened the time range for my patrol. I'm sure it's because of my...condition."

He seemed a bit sad about it, but I was glad. It only meant a reduced workload.

"Mr. Vercelli?"

We both turned to Zion at the far end of the corridor. He seemed uneasy as he watched us.

"Zion, my boy. Please come over." Dad smiled and stretched out a hand. Zion walked towards us and shook it. Dad pulled him in for a hug, catching him off-guard. "You've grown stronger than before. You've been eating well."

"Thanks, Mr. Vercelli."

Dad rolled his eyes. "Please call me Eric. I've told you this many times."

Zion gave a cheeky smile. "Sorry, Eric."

Dad rubbed his shoulders. "No need to apologize. How are your brothers? And the family?"

"They are quite fine, Sir...I mean Eric."

Dad chuckled. "Always the responsible one. Pedro and Hunter, however..." He trailed off and rubbed his chin. "I trust you kept my daughter in safe hands."

"We did."

Dad gave a wide smile. "Splendid."

I looked up at him. "You called Zion earlier, saying it was something important."

His eyes widened before turning serious. "Yes, I did. Zion, can you give Penny and me some little privacy. I have a few minutes to spare before driving off to work."

Zion nodded. "No problem."

He turned away and headed for the living room.

"Come now, Sport." Dad urged me back into his room. I sat on the bed and heard a clicking sound as he locked the door. He walked to the bed and sat by me. With a smile, he grabbed both my hands in his. His kind eyes probed mine. "It's nice to see you coping without me."

I placed my arms around him with my head to his chest. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, dad."

He rubbed my hair before hugging me back. "I know Sport. You must know that whatever I do is to protect and keep you safe--"

A deep throaty cough tore out from his chest. His body shook as he grabbed a handkerchief and covered his mouth. I sat back, took a deep gulp, and stared at my folded hands. A feeling of sadness stretched over me. The only parent I had was sick and it hurt to watch him time after time.  He was seeing the doctor and he told me he was getting better.

Last year, my dad was diagnosed with hemoptysis after he had suddenly coughed out blood. The doctor explained that his condition was stirred up by his past smoking habits. It wasn't his fault. My dad had it tough before I came into the picture. His wife and two sons died on the spot in a car crash.

He was left devasted and broken that he turned to drinking and smoking for relief. A friend recommended that he see a psychiatrist who concluded he should vouch for adoption. And this is where I pop in. Since then, he had stopped drinking and his life became so much sweeter.

I wouldn't be here if it weren't for his Lady friend, currently a best friend if I might add. But I hated her. Unknowingly, she wasn't a big fan of adoption, and ever since I walked in with my geeky face, she hated me. During my childhood, she had so much prejudice. Dad was mostly blind to her harsh actions.

Luckily she had never laid a hand on me, but Zion said she would eventually. He hates her just the same. During our sleepover, he had witnessed a moment where she roughly grabbed my hair in the kitchen, claiming I had stained her clothes. He nearly retaliated with a fist but I begged him to let it go.

You're probably wondering why I'm not snitching on her right now. It might sound unbelievable, but I've seen the way my dad lights up every time they talk. She's a big part of my dad's happiness, especially in this crucial time. Snitching on her will only make things worse.

"You're thinking again," dad said, snapping me out of my reverie. He smiled and flicked my forehead. "What are you thinking in there?"

I grinned. "Nothing much. I've been alright, but what about you? Are you getting better?"

He lowered his eyelids. "I need to say a few things."

My heart constricted painfully, but I hesitantly nodded. He shifted closer and touched my cheek. "You know I love you Sport, and everything I do is to protect you. You're my daughter no matter what and I have your best interests at heart."

I leaned my head against his palm. "I know dad."

"That's why I've come to a decision. I know you're almost eighteen, but you need a potential guardian to be there when I'm not."

I scrunched my eyebrows. "Where are you going with this?"

His throat bobbed. "I'm getting married."

My eyes widened. "Since when? Who is it? Do I know her?"

He smiled. "It's Sasha."

I shot to my feet. "What!?"

He looked in puzzlement. "Is there something wrong with Sasha?"

It took a while to register my outburst. "It's nothing. You don't need to get married. If you're looking for guardians the Petersons are doing a great job."

His expression turned wary. "I went to the doctor today. He said my condition has gotten worse and I don't have much time left."

My heart sunk when he looked up at me, his face looked exhausted and deprived of all happiness.

He spoke the next dreadful words. "I only have a few months Penny."

I'm back people. What do you think about Penny's dad?

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