Page 30 of Reclaim

I laugh at Dakota’s infectious excitement. “I’ll go to their office on Monday to sign papers and start on Tuesday. It’s nothing too flashy, just some factory work. But it’s consistent. Same hours, same days, and I can do overtime.”

“That’s great bro. I guess the phone was perfect timing,” he says with a smirk.

“Now, what’s your good news?” I ask.

“It’s actually more good news for you.”

I narrow my eyes at him, completely clueless about what he’s about to say.

“Well, Stacey and I spoke to our regional manager, and we think it would be great for you to do a few speeches at the centre.”

I furrow my brow in uneasiness. “Do you really think that’s a good idea?”

“Absolutely. Those kids listened to you the other day, and unfortunately, your story could be their story. I think you could make a difference.”

“I think it’s great, Dad,” Dakota chimes in. “Then people will get to know the real you.”

“The real me?”

“Yeah, kids at school always think that people who were in jail aren’t good people.”

I straighten my back, worry that Dakota is struggling at school because of me. “You talk about jail with other kids?”

“No.” She puts her head down.

“Hey, hey, why the face? What happened?” I glance at Hendrix, taking in his shrug. “You can tell me anything. Or if you don’t want to talk to me, your uncle and Mum are always there to listen.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you.”

I walk around the table and crouch before her. Reaching for her chin with my thumb and forefinger, I raise her head, guiding her eyes to meet mine. “What is it?”

Her expressive eyes are filled with compassion, their concern matching the statement that leaves her mouth. “I don’t want it to upset you.”

“It won’t.”

“Promise,” she implores.

“I Promise.”

“Today, one of the girls I used to be friends with told everyone you recently came out of jail.” The words tumble out of her mouth like a confession, afraid of the consequences.

“Yeah.”

“But then they all started saying that you must’ve been bad to be there, and how you’re a bad dad.”

A tear escapes her eyes, and my thumb swipes it away. “Do you believe those things about me?”

“No.”

‘It’s okay, if you do,” I assure her.

“No. I don’t. I just don’t like how everyone thinks it’s their business.”

“That’s going to happen. Whether it’s about this or not, people just like giving their opinion. But I need you to know I only care what you think of me. Not everyone forgives as easy as you.”

“Like mum?” A sad smile graces her face.

“Like mum. But, she’ll come around. I promise.”

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