I leave Norma to go downstairs and see what Dad has brewed for dinner. Don't get me wrong, Dad's a pretty good cook. He had to learn quickly when Mom left us. It takes a lot of money to take three people out to eat all the time. I tried to help Dad but Georgie didn't like my cooking. Literally, she would get sick every time I cooked. How rude is that?
Dad was making Hamburger Helper which is actually good with a lot a pepper on it. Georgie and Dad were already. I helped myself to a huge serving.
"How was your day?" Dad asked.
I shrugged.
"She made a new friend," Georgie said with what I perceived was a mean look. She was such a tattler.
Dad looked at me and quickly back down at his plate. "Who is it?"
"Her name is Felicia. She lives down the street. She told me she likes cats so I showed her Norma's collection." Dad nodded. I watched him trying to watch me. "Turns out her favorite one is my favorite too." He flinched. Georgie pushed away from the table with a huff.
"I met a cute boy today. The End."
She threw her paper plate away and left. He door slammed a second later. Like I said earlier, our place isn't too big.
"Hon, be careful," was all Dad said before he left me too.
I scarfed my food down and went outside to watch the neighborhood get ready for bed. Mom's making dinner, talking to their kids and tucking them in at night. My heart longed to be touched by a loving mother. One who would listen to me and not have the look of fear or tiredness in their eyes like I imagined was in Dad's. A mother who would soothe my own troubles with a gentle swipe of her hand on my forehead.
But my own mother feared and abandoned me.
Dad didn't.
I glance at the basement window that's his. He's stretching. I hear a low murmur and I realize he's on the phone. I creep closer. I can distinguish a few sentences but I hear enough when he says: "She has another friend. Felicia. You're welcome. By John."