Seize the Day

22. Johnny
Strength of the World


I woke up to the bed shifting, my eyes finally adjusted just in time to see the white bed cloth fall from her beautiful skin as she got up from the bed.


“Lace…” I said putting my arms around her, pulling her back into the bed. I kissed her shoulder, her neck and her back as I rolled her over so I could see her smiling face.

“Johnny I have to pee.” She said gently shoving me away. “Let me go and I will be right back.”


I sighed and pouted as I let go of her, making sure to watch her ass as she scampered into the bathroom. I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling, wondering how I was going to fix not only my friendship that was suddenly deteriorating with Zack but with my whole family after suddenly leaving when I was younger.


Lacey crawled up the bed and straddled me, showering my body in kisses before coming face to face with me. She kissed me a few times, letting her fingers go through my hair. I flipped us over and took over, making sure she knew how much I cared about her and loved her. How much I loved her body, how beautiful she was. Her dark brown hair flowing across her pale skin, the way her skin grew pink as we continued.


When it was over she laid in my arms and talked to me about her mom wanting her to visit, I told her she should go but that I didn’t think I wanted to go. She understood. It wasn’t that I didn’t wanna show her off or be there to meet her family it was just… I didn’t wanna be the outcast again. I didn’t want her family to look at me in disgust when they finally meet Johnny Seward, the punk with a mohawk of multiple colors and facial piercings and tattoos.


“Well, we should get up. It’s noon. When will Bailey be back?”


“Zack’s taking her on a tour of the town.” I said getting up and throwing on some jeans and a button up shirt, I fixed my hair a bit then went outside for a cigarette.


I stared at my phone for a moment before calling the one person I never thought I would call first.

Levi.


“Hello?” His voice was deep and sharp, I could hear the confusion but was glad he didn’t answer with – what do you want?


“Dad, I need some advice.” I sighed. “You know I love you guys right?”


“What did you do?” He sighed. I could hear him sit from the squeak of the wood probably from his rocking chair.


“It’s Bailey. I feel like we’re not really getting along.”


“Look at how you treat her John. She’s an adult now you know, more of an adult at the age of 12 than you are right now.” He snorted. “You just don’t see her that way. You see her as a 5 year old.”


“Well, what do I do?”


“Grow up?” he chuckled.


“Come on, Dad.” I sighed rubbing my face.


“Maybe think more about her than yourself. Have you made her feel at home? Have you left her alone about Zack? As for fixing things with us, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing to fix John. You’re always welcome here, but you’re gonna start behaving like a Seward when you’re here. You understand? No bingers. No drunken fights.”


“Thanks, Dad.”


“Your Ma wants to talk to you.” I heard the phone shift then I heard mom’s battering of questions. How was Bailey, how was Zack, how was the weather etc etc.


“Mom, please.” I laughed lightly. “everything is okay. How are you?”


“Doing okay. First time I’ve had an empty house in 22 years.”


“Don’t party too hard.” I joked. She laughed then the silence grew.


“I’ll let you go, I’m sure you’re busy. Love you John.”


“Love you too Mom.”


“Do you think you’ll go back for christmas?” Lacey asked as I walked back inside.


“Probably. Maybe you’ll go with me.” I said kissing her. “Maybe I won’t drink from being stressed and make a mess of the holiday this time.”


“Maybe.” She laughed.

Notes