Page 6 of Fever: Love In Scrubs
The sound of her getting into the car broke me from my thoughts. She angrily pulled on her seatbelt and sat back, folding her arms.
“Fix your face and your attitude,” I said as I backed out.
“You’re being so unfair, Daddy.”
“Jamari, I don’t wanna hear another word about it. You’re too young for those things, and that is final.”
She huffed but didn’t say another word.
The ride to her school was a quiet one. She spent the whole time on her phone and when I looked over, I saw she was texting her mother. That reminded me I needed to call her.
When we got to the front of the school, Jamari grabbed her backpack and swung the door open. She tried to get out without saying anything, but I stopped her.
“Close that door.”
“I’m gonna be late.”
“You’ve got time.”
She huffed and closed the door.
“Make that the last time you blow your breath at me, Jamari. Look at me.” I cupped her chin, forcing her eyes to meet mine. “I love you. Even when you’re mad at me because I won’t let you do what you want to do, I love you. My job as your father is to protect you. That job is never done, baby. I understand that you’re growing up. Your hormones and body are changing, and it might not be as fast as your friends, but you are perfect just the way you are, sweetheart.
“Don’t be in such a rush to grow up. Makeup and padded bras aren’t for twelve year olds. You wanna wear a little lip gloss, that’s fine, but nothing like what you had on at the house. Stay in a child’s place. Ain’t nothing in adulthood but bills and responsibilities. I want you to be a kid as long as possible. Boys will be there when you get older. Nine times out of ten, when you’re old enough to date, they will still be as childish as they are now.”
“I never said I wanted a boyfriend, Daddy. I just want them to think I’m pretty.”
“Why do you need that? Don’t I tell you you’re beautiful all the time?”
“You do, but it’s not the same. You’re supposed to tell me that.”
I eyed her curiously. “Did something happen, Jamari?”
She hung her head. “The boys in my grade made a Hot or Not list. Some of them put me on the not list.”
I frowned. These… little… fuckers. Why the hell were they doing this shit in seventh grade? Where were the teachers when this list was being passed around? Who even thinks about this at their age?
“That list… no list anybody makes will ever define you, baby. You are beautiful inside and out. You’re smart. You’re kindhearted. You’re a good friend and a good person. I’m gonna say this, and you know I don’t curse like that in front of you. Fuck those little boys. They don’t know shit. They’d be lucky to have a beauty like you even look in their direction, now or ever.”
She sniffled, giving me a light smile. “I’m gonna tell grandma you cursed like that.”
“I’m not scared of your grandma. She can’t whip me.”
“She might try.”
I chuckled. “She probably would.”
I pulled her into my chest, embracing her in a tight hug as I kissed her temple. I would give anything to go back to the days when hugs and kisses fixed everything. When she took my word as bond and didn’t second guess what I told her. But alas, she was growing up and into her own person.
“I love you,” I said once again.
“I love you too, Daddy.”
“Go on in there with your head up and chin out. Have a good day.”
“Yes, sir.”
I kissed her cheek and released her to leave. Once she was safely inside, I pulled off and headed for Saint Ambrose Hospital. While I braved the morning traffic, I made a call to Amandela.
