Page 94 of You Found Me
After an amazing weekend with Spencer, I think it’s time to talk to my mom.
I make sure to let her know I’m on my way since I refuse to be scarred any more than I already have been by their antics. But I think I’m ready to look up my birth father.
I mean, I’ve had his first name for a long time. She said if I wanted his last name to look him up, she’d give me that too. Chance didn’t support it, so I haven’t thought about it in years.
As if I conjured him from just a thought, I get a string of texts.
Unknown
whatever happened with Kari is done
u need to come back home because I need u
i cant get this big brand deal without having a good image
getting really sick of u ignoringme
ur fucking that up for me by being such a cunt
u can have a little longer to throw a hissy fit before i make it worse for u
After the last one, I block the number. I don’t have time for his pathetic excuse of groveling and scare tactics. I need to focus on the task at hand.
When I walk in, Mom calls out to me, “We’re in the dining room. Come sit and eat with us.”
I walk in, sitting in my old spot at the table, noting that Mom already had a place set for me and food on my plate. “You didn’t have to fix me a plate.”
Mom waves me off. “Oh hush. I miss feeding someone other than your dad. Besides, you said you had something to talk about, and I was a bit nervous.”
Dad asks, “Is it something to do with your master’s program? You know if you have any trouble with paying for it, we’d be happy to cover the cost.”
“Your dad’s right, sweetie,” Mom adds in. “We’re both so proud of you for finally doing this.”
“Thank you—both of you. But I had a decent savings before moving here and I’ve continued to add to it. So, I’m okay.”
“Then what’s going on?” she asks me, with a hint of worry in her voice.
I take a cleansing breath, before stating, “I’m ready to know who my birth father is.”
Dad smiles, reaching over to grab my hand. “I think that’s great.”
Mom is silent, until my dad nudges her. “Sorry. I wasn’t expecting that. If that’s what you want to do, I can’t stop you.”
“I just want to see what kind of person he is—at least on social media. I don’t think I’ll reach out to him.”
Mom looks relieved. “Well, his last name is Miller. If you’ll excuse me, I’m suddenly not feeling well.”
She stands, leaving me and Dad alone, both of us a little confused.
My dad clears his throat. “We’ve always said that when you wanted to know who he was, we’d back your decision. I think your mom just never expected you to ask since you had me. And before you butt in with protests, I know that you’re not doing this to replace me or to spite me. I will always be your dad and you’ll always be my little girl. No matter how old you get. I’ll talk to your mom.”
That’s what I was worried about most, so his words mean everything to me. “Thank you, Dad. Hopefully Mom will let you know what’s going on. I’m sorry I ruined your dinner. I should probably go though, I need to get everything ready for work for the week. Love you, old man.”
He pulls me into a hug, ruffling the top of my head like he used to do. “Love you, too, kiddo.”
***
I’m making my way out to Spencer after finishing my first shift of the week, and as usual, he’s standing against the passenger door.
