Chapter Twelve:

Living easy – living free,
Season ticket on a one way ride.
Asking nothing – leave me be.
Taking everything in my stride.
Don’t need reason – don’t need rhyme.
Ain’t nothing I’d rather do.

I turned the music up louder. Jace and I jammed in the car. We’ve got about an hour left in our drive. It’s been smooth sailing so far. I’m driving up and he’s driving back, which is fine with me. I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling later. Jace nudged me and started head-banging. I started singing along dutifully.

I’m on the highway to hell,
On the highway to hell,
Highway to hell.
I’m on the highway to hell.

We didn’t really talk much, but the music cut through the silence. It’s comfortable. I thought about what I’d say to my father when I see him. ‘Hey Jared, I know we don’t really keep in touch, but I was wondering if you’d let me live with you while I decide on school.’ That doesn’t reek of desperation at all…

The rest of the drive breezed by. We were at Jared’s work before I realized it. I texted him so he knew we were here. Jace and I got out of the car. I fixed my blazer and brushed off my jeans. I put my heels on and checked my hair in the car mirror. I don’t see my real dad often, so I want to make sure I make a good impression. Jace offered me his arm and we headed inside.

I found his office with little difficulty. He saw me from his doorway and smiled at me. I waved. He came out and shook hands with the man he was conversing with.

“Dale, this is my oldest daughter, Angela.” He introduced. I smiled politely, and shook the hand he offered.

“It’s nice to meet you.” He smiled and excused himself.

“It’s nice to see you.” Jared told me, pulling me into a small hug. “There are so many things we need to talk about.” He told me. “I want to atone for how I treated you when you were younger. I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes as a father, but I want to make up for it. I’m here now.” He told me. I feel like I’m dreaming. Did he really just say that to me?

“I wanted to talk to you about University, actually. I’ve already applied to all the schools I’m interested in. I wanted to know if staying with you through the summer before school started in the fall would be a possibility. I won’t be in your hair. I want to try and get an internship over the summer, anyway.” I told him. He looked thoughtful at first.

“I can’t see that being a problem. You’re old enough to take care of yourself. If you would like to stay with me, you’re more than welcome. And, you’ll be eighteen, so guardianship won’t be an issue.” He told me, hugging me again. This is already going better than I planned. “Are you hungry? Why don’t we all go to dinner and catch up.” He offered. “My treat,” he added. Jace nodded enthusiastically.

“You had me at dinner, man.” Jay smiled. I rolled my eyes. Jared laughed.

“I like him. Are you dating?” He asked. I shook my head.

“He’s my closest friend.” I clarified.

-.-

“You look so much like your mother.” Jared marveled. I laughed.

“You know, you always say that, and I just don’t see it.” I told him. “I just think I look like me.” I told him.

“You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman, nonetheless.” He squeezed my hand. Things are so much different with him. His affection is genuine. It’s not perverted like it is with Eric.

“Thank you.”

“Are you seeing anyone?” He asked me. I nodded.

“We’ve only been on one date, but he’s a pretty great guy.” I told him. He smiled.

“He’s lucky to have you.” He told me. We talked a little bit of business. He asked me to consider interning with his company. I told him that I’d think it over. Dinner went really well. We ate and talked for hours. He seems like he’s changed so much. He’s currently single. That may be part of it. He was always worried that having me around would cramp his style with his current squeeze. I’m happy to see that has changed.

Dinner was over far too soon. It feels like he has finally grown up enough to be there for someone else. It’s really nice to feel like he can be there for me. It’s something I’ve been craving since I was a little girl.

“I’ll try to come up next month and see you.” I promised him. Jace and I were getting ready to head back.

“Or I can come to you. I don’t mind a little driving to see my baby girl.” He told me. I shook my head.

“Eric wouldn’t like that. I don’t want to make things tense. I’ve got a little less than six months left in his house. I don’t wanna cause any unnecessary problems.” I told him. He nodded.

“I respect that, but if you need anything, just let me know.” He told me. He hugged me and kissed my forehead. “Don’t be a stranger. I love you.” He told him. I gave him a small smile.

“I love you, too.” I told him. He smiled. Jace and I piled into my car and Jared waved us off. “That went better than I thought it would.” I told him. He nodded.

“He seems like a completely different person.” He told me.

“He does – doesn’t he?” I mused. We didn’t really talk about it anymore. I don’t want to jinx anything. It’s nice to know that I have an ally. I don’t want to put too much faith in him. He’s been known for flaking before. Jace turned up the music and I was left with my thoughts on the way home.

I’m not really looking forward to school tomorrow. It’s not like it’s going to do anything for me. At least I’ll get to see Matt. I’m so nervous about meeting his mom, it’s not even funny. I have this sinking feeling in my stomach that refuses to budge.

Some people would ignore it and convince themselves that everything’s okay. Not me. I learned a long time ago that fear is my best friend. I embrace it and let it guide me. Something is going down, the only question is when. I fear it’ll be far too soon. I have a feeling that Eric is going to back before he says he will. This isn’t going to easy.

Notes

Music Credit: "Highway To Hell" -- AC/DC

Sorry about the delay. The next chapter will be up hopefully tomorrow night. I know where the next seven or so chapters are heading. I'm excited. Lol. So in other random news, this girl is getting married at the end of this month. I've been crazy busy, but updates will be regular again.