For a moment, I wonder what happened to that woman, the woman I knew and loved. It doesn't matter anymore. She's gone and I'm moving on. I throw the card into the bag with all the other junk. Tying the bags and then grabbing them, I walk outside. I've just put the trash bags in the container when Dad pulls into the driveway.
“What are you doing?” he asks, getting out of the car.
“I've just been cleaning.” I throw the last bag in the canister.
“Cleaning what? The entire house?” He gives me a kiss on the cheek when he walks up to me.
“Just my room.”
“All that came out of your room? Is there anything left in there?”
“Yes,” I laugh. We head back inside and once in the kitchen my dad starts talking some more.
“Not that I mind, but I am a bit surprised to see you home. Everything alright?”
“Yeah. I just felt like being home today and don't worry, Jake and Drake confessed to me that I can't cook. You're on supper duty tonight,” I say as I take a seat at the table.
“I even get to have supper with you?” he pretends to be shocked.
Rolling my eyes, I nod.
“So what do you want? I'm in the mood for steaks, that sound okay?”
“You're crazy.”
“What? Why?” he turns, leaving the fridge open.
“You asked me what I wanted and then told me what you wanted.”
Dad chuckles. “Do you want steaks or not?”
“Steaks sound delicious.”
“Good.”
Dad gets busy fixing supper and asks numerous questions.
“How's Jake and Drake, hon?”
“They're good.”
“What are y'alls plans for the week?”
“I don't know. It's summer and we haven't been to the beach, but once. We might go down there.”
“Good. I've got a business trip coming up next week in Florida, so if you'll keep an eye on the house, I'd appreciate it.”
“Will do. I'll probably start staying the nights over here.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Don't seem so excited, Dad,” I say, slightly irritated.
“You've been home for what? Two months? You've barely stayed here during that time. Are you sure everything is okay?”
“Yep. Call me when dinner is ready, alright?” The chair scrapes the floor as I push backwards and go down the hall to my room. I'm aggravated. Why does he have to assume that since I'm home something's wrong? I just want to spend some time here. At home. In my own bed.
My room looks better even if it's emptier than before. I lay in bed and wait for supper. I'm still fuming over how I just miss being home and my dad can't seem to think that's possible. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I retrieve it. It's Jake.