Page 4 of Bad Kind of Love

CHAPTER ONE

Becca

6 Years Later

Pulling down on the hem of my plaid skirt, I stare off into space, as I wait for my dad to come into view.

I hated this place more than anything. It smelled like a dead animal corpse that has been stuck inside a vent for too long and no one could find it. It made me physically ill to be inside this building for longer than thirty minutes, but for my dad’s sake, I sucked it up.

He’s been stuck in this shithole prison for almost five years now. Apparently, he didn’t learn his lesson about stealing that first time, because soon after he was caught in a huge sting operation and sentenced to eight years, six on good behavior. I was sent off to live with my aunt, my dad’s sister, who I barely knew at the time since my mom ran out on us. Luckily, she lived close and had a way better living situation for a young child than my parents ever could provide. I was blessed with an actual bed and my own bathroom, things I would have never gotten if I stayed home.

Suddenly, I saw a flash of orange, and my dad came waltzing out with a bright smile across his face. His hair was officially gone, but he made up his lack of hair with muscles. Ever since being locked up, he used all the extra time to work out. He made a complete one eighty transformation from when he was first locked up. Not just his looks, but his demeanor and the way he spoke and acted.

Reaching for the phone on the wall next to me, I put it up to my ear as my dad does the same.

“Bec, how are you?” He smiles, resting his arms on the counter top in front of him.

“I’m good.” I nod, taking in the new ink on his arm. “How are you?”

He surprisingly looked good for being stuck in prison.

“Good. I’m doin’ good.” He runs a hand down his hairless head. Staring through the Plexiglas that separated us, it's hard to believe that it's been six years since I’ve actually touched or hugged my dad.

“Been stayin’ out of trouble?” I raise a blonde brow, noticing a small scratch on his forehead. He never could get away with anything without me finding out. He was a shit liar.

“Most of the time.” He grins.

Shaking my head, I focus on the raggedy chucks on my feet that should have been thrown away years ago. They were falling apart at the seams, but I didn’t have it in me to toss them out, they were my favorite pair.

“How’s Claire?” He asks, changing the subject.

“She’s good, she has a new boyfriend.” I lift my head.

“He good to her?”

Nodding, I glance down at my watch.

“You got somewhere to be?” He motions toward the gold watch that’s wrapped around my wrist.

“Just work.”

His eyes widened in shock. “You gotta job? You didn’t say anything.”

“Yea, it’s no big deal though.” I shrug.

“Not a big deal? That’s awesome Bec, I’m so proud of you!” He praises. “You hear that Joe? My daughter’s got a job.” He twists his head around towards the guard behind him, but by the expression on his face, he could care less.

“Dad, please stop.” I groan, rubbing my forehead. It wasn’t exactly uncommon for seventeen-year-olds to have a job.

“Where are you working?” He presses.

“Cool Times, the ice cream shop.”

I wasn’t wearing that god-awful outfit for just shits and giggles. A plaid-colored pair of thigh length shorts and a red polo should be banned. But don’t even get me started on the hat I have to wear...

“Good for you.” He smiles proudly, showcasing his gold covered tooth.

“Thanks.” I smile back.

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