Page 2 of Lies in Promises
My dad is the one to notice me first.
He gives me a smile that slows the rolling in my stomach, but doesn’t stop it.
“Hey, buddy,” he says, waving me in as he puts in his cufflinks. “Are you okay?”
I give him a nod, not wanting to tell him about what I’m feeling in my stomach.
“Where are you going?” I ask, like I don’t already know. This party must be special, because Dad only puts on his cufflinks when it’s special.
“Your mom and I are going to a small gathering at a friend’s house. They just sold their company, and they want to celebrate,” Dad answers, giving me a small smile.
“But it’s raining.” I’m not usually one to whine, but the rain is making me feel particularly uneasy.
Dad gives me a smile and forgets about his links as he crunches down. “I know, bud, but don’t worry. Mom and I will be back before you know it, and then we can talk about our trip next week. We can plan all the rides.”
I feel a smile form on my face.
For weeks, I had been asking Dad if we could go to the place with all the rides in California, like we did last year. I kept telling him I was finally tall enough to ride with him and Robert, and every single time, he would tell me he had to look at his schedule.
I didn't think he was ever going to say yes.
Until last week, when he came home and gave me a toy laser gun and told me I was going to need it in California.
One more week, and we’re going.
“Can we plan to do only the fast rides?” I ask, almost jumping up and down.
“Only the fast rides? You don’t want to do the slow ones with me? I thought for sure you’d want to at least do to the carousel.” Mom’s voice sounds out, and when I look up, I see her walking back into the room from the connected closet as she puts on her earrings.
I think Mom is the most beautiful girl in the world. She doesn’t need earrings to make her even prettier.
“That ride is for babies, Mom,” I say as she smiles at me.
“You’re still my baby, so I’m requesting you at least ride the carousel with me once,” she tells me, messing with my hair.
I can’t say no to Mom, especially not when Dad gives me a look that tells me what my mom says goes.
“Okay,” I respond, looking up at her with a smile. “If you go on a rollercoaster with me.”
Mom narrows her eyes at me, almost like she’s mad, before she gives me a smile. “One fast ride and only one.”
“Deal.” I hold out my hand for her to shake, something I learned from Dad. If you want to make a deal, you make sure the other person shakes your hand.
Both laugh as Mom slides her hand into mine and gives me a firm shake.
“We should get going,” Dad says, giving Mom an easy smile.
Mom nods and looks back down at me.
“C’mon, Bennett. Let’s go get you settled with Henry.” She sets her hand on my shoulder and guides me out of the bedroom to the first floor, Dad right behind us.
Henry nods as they explain the night to him, and within minutes, my parents are walking out to the car and driving away.
I watch as the car leaves the property, and as soon as it’s out of view, Henry places a hand on my shoulder, guiding me back inside. He has me set up in the kitchen as he cleans up a bit while we wait for the pizza.
It doesn’t take long for me to grab a piece of paper and start drawing. Drawing is one of my favorite things to do. So, I sit at the table drawing a picture with Henry after he finishes cleaning, and Robert is playing video games in the other room.
As I draw, I don’t worry about the rain.
