Ned came back with notes, pens and a laptop. He sat on the couch, and I sat beside him. He placed the laptop and things on the table, and started, “We need to work on the script,” he said.
I nodded, “You have it, right?”
“Yeah.” He took the notes and gave them to me to read. I opened the pages, and read a few lines. The project was about a group of four guys and one girl with super powers. The girl’s features sounded like me, and I smiled a bit when I read the rest of the script.
“This looks amazing,” I complemented, “I can’t wait to see the book printed.” And I remembered my share of the responsibility to search for printers for our book. I couldn’t believe that I forgot to do that, and we were behind on our project. We haven’t started yet, and the delay can cost us marks. I was lucky to get a guy like Ned who would understand my situation at home, but not doing my part can push his limits.
“Oh, uh,” I said.
“You forgot your part, didn’t you?” he asked.
“I’m sorry. I’ll get to it as soon as possible,” I promised, “I got distracted this week. I’ll try to get my shit together next time.”
“Yeah, well, it’s alright,” he said, “You have a few more days before I finish up the drawings.”
“You started drawing?”
“Yeah, wanna see?”
“Sure,” I replied.
He took the papers from beneath the laptop somewhere, and handed them to me. I browsed the pages of comics. He did a great job drawing us, but my hair was bigger and darker in the drawings. I don’t remember if my hair was ever that big.
“You’re awesome!” I said, “You drew us well. Except for my hair. You know my hair isn’t that big.”
“Thanks,” he stated, “It’s an Afro by the way.”
“My hair is not an Afro, it’s curly,” I explained, “There’s a difference, you know?”
He laughed, “Alright, alright, I’ll do some redrawing to the comics.”
“You can make the boobs bigger as well,” I suggested, “At least a D cup.”
“That’s irrelevant for a comic character,” he refused, “In my opinion, the character is prettier the way she is.”
I felt flattered by his opinion, “Really?”
“Yeah, you’re gorgeous,” he started, “Why do you want to change yourself?”
“I don’t know. I thought guys like bigger boobs,” I replied.
“Not all,” he explained, “I’m just lucky to know a girl like you.”
I was speechless, and I felt his breath on my lips when he leaned his face closer to me, and kissed me softly. We kissed again, but this time it was real to me, and I believed it.
******************************************************
Ned dropped me home, and when I got inside, Dad was still working on his projects, and everyone was still in their same positions as when I left. I looked at the clock and realized I was out for an hour and a half. It was still morning. I walked in the living room, and sat beside Dad while he worked on his projects.
“How was it?” he asked.
“It was good, and I want to talk to you about Ned,” I started, and he stopped working, and turned his attention to me.
“Yes, dear. You can talk to me about anything,” he comforted.
“I don’t know how to start, but I have been keeping this as a secret for a while, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this before,” I explained.
“It’s okay, dear, you can talk to me about anything when you feel it’s the right time,” he said.
I nodded, “Okay, about Kent. We broke up a week ago, and now I’m seeing Ned, and he’s a very good guy.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you were hurting, I should have been there for you,” he said.
“I didn’t want you to feel bad for me,” I said, “You had a lot going on.”
“I’m your father, that’s my job to protect you from any harm, and it’s my job to be there for you,” He explained, “You know how much I love you, don’t you?”
“I know, Dad. I know,” I said.
He hugged me, and rubbed my back, “I’ll always be there for you, no matter what happens,” He promised, “All of you, my kids, this is none of your faults.”
“It’s not your fault either,” I told him.
We pulled away, and he said, “We have to be strong. Your mom needs us,”
I nodded, “I know.”
Chapter Fourteen
After I took a shower, I wore my underwear and went to the closet to find something to wear. Maybe something casual for the day, because I wasn’t planning on going out. It was early morning, so I chose the casual jeans, and a white fitting sleeveless top. I wore the outfit, and I heard my phone buzz on the bedside table surface. I took my phone, and looked at the texts my friends sent. I smiled.
Jane: Good morning
Max: Ah, it’s a good day
Jane: It is
Me: Just woke up
Me: You sound funny
Max: Who?
Me: You, Max
Max: LOL
Max: I feel awesome today
Me: It’s about
