Page 147 of Let's Pretend I'm Okay

“Just for the record, I found your father.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” he whispers back.

I control the urge to laugh. I love it when he jokes. He’s always so serious, but every once in a while, he surprises me.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

DANIEL

It’s surreal seeing my dad. He isn’t what I pictured growing up. Even though I didn’t know anything about him, I always imagined him as a guy who wore plaid shirts and baseball caps. This man is prim and proper. His face is clean shaven, and his posture is straight.

He’s nothing like me.

I wonder what would happen if I walked up to him and told him who I am. Would he act like he didn’t know me? Or would he be sad that he missed his chance to be my father? Either way, I know I don’t fit into his world. Wedding or not, I wouldn’t blend into this crowd.

Margo leans against the wall listening to the music. Her cheeks are pale, and there are bags under her eyes. I knew she would be tired after the concert. I wish she didn’t insist on coming. But if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that you can’t argue with her.

She catches me looking. “What’s your plan?”

I look away. “I’m not sure.”

“Are you going to try and talk to him tonight?” she asks.

“I don’t think it would be right to confront him here.” I don’t know if I want to confront him at all, to be honest. I’m afraid he’ll reject me. If I leave without saying anything, I take that power away from him.

Margo’s head dips, and she sways.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, stepping closer.

“Nothing,” she says. Then she fumbles as she grabs my hands and makes a feeble attempt to pull me away from the wall. “Let’s dance.”

Something’s wrong. She’s struggling to keep upright, so I pull her back. “I think we should sit down.”

“No,” she says, staggering farther away.

I follow. “Margo, wait.”

Her eyes meet mine for a brief second before her knees buckle and she falls to the ground.

“Margo!” I yell, racing to her side. I pat her face, trying to get her to open her eyes, but she doesn’t. Her breathing is weak, and her forehead is burning up. “Help me!” I scream.

Everyone who was dancing freezes and the music stops.

My heart races, and tears fill my eyes. I need her to wake up. I’m not ready to say goodbye.

There are people all around me offering to help, but I can’t hear any of them. Their voices are nothing but white noise. I scoop Margo up in my arms. She’s too thin. Too light.

I run.

I sprint out of the ballroom and don’t stop till I’m in the lobby of the hotel.

“Wait,” someone behind me yells.

I can’t stop. I’m ready to head out the doors even though it’s irrational.

“The ambulance is on its way,” they say.

I slow, hugging Margo close. My tears fall into her hair.

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