Hi. :) So, this is my first Glee FF. I've written plenty of Twilight and The O.C. but this is something completely new for me. This is about Puckleberry's daughter. Just read to figure out what's going on with her. I'm not the best at grammar so please excuse that. Hmmm, I labeled it as Puckleberry, because even though right now it isn't exactly Puckleberry, it will be eventually. Plus she's their daughter...soo. yeah. Hope you enjoy! I love feedback, by the way.
Chapter 1
I sighed, leaning against my locker with my books pressed against my body. I was completely ignoring the students around me, waiting patiently as my best friend fixed her hair in the mirror from inside her locker. I rolled my eyes as she smacked her gum and asked if her hair looked alright. Being best friends with a girl that was extremely full of herself was a hard job. Sometimes I ask myself why I even bother with her, but then I'm reminded that in this school, reputation is everything and being friends with Chloe Roman definitely put me in the popular crowd.
Suddenly a group of Chloe's 'friends' rushed up to us, crowding around Chloe and completely ignoring my existence. Of course, I didn't mind. In fact, I liked being ignored by those girls. They were all annoying with their snotty and pretentious selves.
Chloe closed her locker, looking past me with a fake grin on her face. I turned my head to look at who she was grinning at. My entire body froze as I saw the object of her affection walking down the hallway. Truthfully, that guy was a jerk and even though Chloe was an annoying bitch, I would never want her to be played over by him the way I had been.
Hunter Prince had shown an interest in me one night at a party that was being thrown by one of his friends. I had come with Chloe but she quickly ditched me, causing me to go off in search of my own fun. I didn't think my fun would turn into losing my virginity to Hunter that night, then being completely ignored by him from then on.
Today of course was no different, because the asshole himself, smoothly walked past us without a second glance. Chloe waved off her groupies and told me she was heading to class. I nodded and pushed off my locker then turned in the opposite direction.
I made sure my books were covering my midsection as I walked towards the Cheerio coach's office. I was relieved to find my Aunt Quinn alone. I plopped down in the chair across from her, my hands immediately covering my stomach. Aunt Quinn sighed, pushing her chair away from her desk. She stood up and walked over to me silently.
Aunt Quinn is the only one I've told about my stupid mistake with Hunter. She's also the only one who knows that it's been two months and I still haven't gotten a period. Along with all that, she took me to the doctor where it was confirmed that my stupid mistake was going to cost me the rest of my life.
"How's the morning sickness going?" She asked, sitting on the edge of her desk.
"Pretty terrible. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to pull the whole 'I have a bug' thing before Ezra starts to take notice." I ran a hand through my dark hair feeling sorry for myself again.
"Maybe you should tell someone, you know I really hate keeping this secret from your Mother."
I was really lucky to have my Aunt Quinn through all of this, without her I'm not sure how I'd manage to keep my cool. She wasn't my biological aunt, just my Mother's best friend and happened to be my Dad's first 'baby mama.' When they were sixteen, they were in this same situation as I am in right now, except Aunt Quinn led Uncle Finn into believing he was the father of her baby from a hot tub incidence. I'm still trying to figure out how someone could be so stupid as to believe that, but then again Uncle Finn isn't the brightest crayon in the box. Of course my Mom let the cat out of the bag and Uncle Finn found out the truth.
I took a deep breath and shook my head. I knew that telling my Mother would be a very bad idea, of course I also knew there really was no other way around that. I refused to have an abortion so pretty soon, before I started to look like a blimp, I needed to let parent's know about this stupid mistake inside of me.
I'm sixteen, you can't exactly expect me to be excited about this thing. I remember when Mom was pregnant with my little brother and how loving she was towards her bump. I can't see myself being that way towards mine. I'm already disgusted by how much weight Aunt Quinn said I'm going to gain, there's no way I could love something that could eventually cause me stretch marks.
The bell rang for class, so I rose from the chair and pulled my books up against myself. I knew I wasn't showing yet, but I couldn't help but feel like I needed to cover up my mistake.
"Josie, please think about talking to your Mom." Aunt Quinn called after me.
"I can't yet." I replied. "See you at practice, Coach Q." I sighed before exiting her office.
Instead of going straight to class, I made a pit stop at the bathroom to check on my appearance. I felt disgusting but judging by the mirror, I didn't look it in my red Cheerio's uniform. I was only eight weeks pregnant, which meant I probably wouldn't showing for another three or four weeks, according to Aunt Quinn. She said with Beth, she didn't show for awhile but with her second, she felt like she started showing the second she got pregnant.
I wasn't worried about my second right now, which I knew wouldn't be any time soon considering I'm only sixteen and on my first. This is definitely a lesson to me. Once the thing is out of me, there will be no man touching me unless we are married. I don't care if I will forever be called a prude, I never want to end up in this sort of situation ever again.
I fixed my pony-tail then walked out of the bathroom. I walked through the empty halls, unsure if I even wanted to attend class today.
I ended up going to class, since I had nowhere else to go. My teacher just brushed my tardy off, knowing that there was no use in saying anything to me about it since I would just get Aunt Quinn to stick up for me again.
I tried to pay as much attention in class as I possibly could. I had a million different things on my mind, things that didn't include my boring Biology teacher at the front of the room. I knew I needed to pay attention, since getting a bad grade was the last thing I needed. My parent's were already going to flip over what was going on inside of me, I didn't need to add on a bad grade with that.
My parent's were pretty strict with grades, well my Mom was. Mom wouldn't accept anything below an A, while Dad was a little more lenient and let us get away with B's and sometimes an occasional C, but that's only if we had a really good excuse for it.
Class ended up feeling like it dragged on for hours before the bell rang. I quickly made my way out of the room, trying to avoid seeing Chloe before class. For the past few weeks, she was really getting on my nerves. Before, I could handle her annoying ways but it seems like now I just can't help but want to punch the girl every time I'm around her. Plus, hearing her go on and on about the stupid asshole that was Hunter Prince, really wasn't anything I was interested in.
I made it a point to avoid Chloe up until lunch. It wasn't possible to avoid her then, since I always sat with her and the other Cheerio's. I went through the line only grabbing an apple and water, knowing if I got anything heavier I'd be spewing half way through next period. I sat down at the round table, with Chloe on my right and another brainless Cheerio on my left.
I bit into my apple, completely ignoring all of the catty girls around me. They were gossiping about something I couldn't even care about.
"Oh my God." Chloe breathed, causing me to look up at her. I turned my attention towards Hunter Prince making his way over to us. I just rolled my eyes and refocused on finishing my apple and getting the hell away from him. "He's coming over here, Josie!" She grabbed my arm, tightening her grip the closer he got. It took all I could to be able to snatch my arm away from her. But, by that time Hunter had already approached our table. "Hi Hunter." Chloe giggled.
"Hey." He replied. "Think we could talk?" I looked up to find him smirking at my best friend. I sighed, wishing I could tell her to sit back down and save her the heartbreak she would probably suffer pretty soon. But, I couldn't. Not without sharing my dirty little secret.
I watched as Chloe stood up without a second thought, walked around the table and let him lead her out of the cafeteria. I looked down at my half eaten apple, suddenly losing whatever appetite I had. I stood up and went to throw it away in the nearest garbage can.
After throwing away my trash, I went straight to Aunt Quinn's office. I figured I'd go and sit in there while waiting on the nausea to hit me.
When I reached her office, I walked in without knocking. Aunt Quinn's eyes narrowed at me as I noticed the Glee Club couch sitting in the chair across from her.
"What do you need, Josie?" Aunt Quinn asked standing up. Mr. Schuster turned around in his chair and smiled at me. I rolled my eyes and braced myself for him to bring up the fact that my parent's used to be in Glee club at one point and I should think about joining…blah, blah, blah. There was no way I would ever join a nerd infested show choir.
I was surprised when he didn't. Instead, he stood up and said bye to Aunt Quinn. He stopped in front of me before leaving, smiled then walked past me. I turned to watch him walk out of the room, confused. I looked back to Aunt Quinn to find her with her back in her chair, with her head on the desk.
"What just happened?" I asked closing her door and taking the seat Mr. Schue had just been in.
"He just came in to tell me he's leaving McKinley." She sighed, but I could tell there was more. "His wife, the old Guidance counselor here, was just diagnosed with stage four lymphoma."
Mom and Dad kept close with their high school Glee family, so Mr. Schue, his wife and daughter would show up to most of the important gatherings. After the divorce though, they stopped showing up. So, it's been a few years since I've seen Mrs. Schuster, but I remember how sweet she was even though she was just a little bit neurotic about most things.
"I'm pretty sure he asked me to take over Glee club."
My eyes widened at that. I almost laughed but didn't when I saw the serious look on Aunt Quinn's face. I could tell that she was seriously contemplating taking him up on that offer.
Glee has never been popular. Not even after my parent's and their Glee club won Nationals two years in a row. It's basically social suicide. I wonder if it's that way for the teachers as well. If so, I should probably talk Aunt Quinn out of agreeing to take over for Mr. Schue. Then again, she actually enjoyed Glee club in high school so I'm not sure I would stand a chance in that argument.
"There's only nine students right now, so I'd need to recruit some more kids to be able to compete in sectionals…"
"You're seriously going to take over Glee club, aren't you?" I asked shaking my head back and forth. "This could possibly be a disaster."
"Glee club helped me become the person I am today, Josie. You might not see the good in it right now, but trust me you will." She stood up. "If I'm going to do this then I'm going to need your help."
"My help? With what?" I asked.
"Getting new members for New Directions." She smiled deviously. I groaned and flung my head back.
"You have got to be kidding me."
"You're a popular girl, and if anyone can do it then I know it's you."
"It seems you have forgotten that I've got a bun in the oven!" I cried pointing to my flat stomach.
"I haven't forgotten at all, Jo. Honestly, without Glee club I'm not sure how I would have gotten through my pregnancy with Beth."
"There's no way I'm joining Glee club, Aunt Quinn. I'm sorry, but I'm not committing social suicide, not even for you." I sighed, standing up with my books clutched to my stomach. "I'm sure you can find your members but I can't help. I'm already going through enough right now."
I couldn't see myself joining Glee club right now. Especially since before too long I'd be the laughing stock of the school all by myself without something like Glee clouding over me.
I offered Aunt Quinn an apologetic smile before leaving her office. I had to get out of there before she was actually able to con me into being in Glee club. I already had a feeling she would be calling my Mom about it later. Which would cause Mom to be on my ass about joining.
As I was walking down the hall, I spotted my older brother Ezra. I chewed on my lower lip as I approached him. Things between Ezra and I had been different lately. I'm not sure what happened but between having sex with Hunter that night at the party and Ezra getting a girlfriend, I lost interest in sharing every little thing with my brother. He would probably either kill me or Hunter if he found out about that night. Of course, before too long he will know more then I want anyone to know about that night.
Just as I was about to approach my brother his girlfriend, Tori Newman, glued herself to his side. Sure, I could have endured the love fest that was my brother and his girlfriend, but then Hunter Prince had to walk up and start chatting with them. My brother and Hunter were both on the football team, and sort of friends. Thankfully they weren't the type of friends that hung at each others houses. I was lucky that that spot was only reserved for Sully Evans, Aunt Quinn's oldest son.
"Josie!" I turned around at the sound of my name. Chloe was making her way towards me with a huge smile on her face.
I contemplated turning around and pretending I hadn't heard or seen her. But, decided against it when my only other option was to walk towards my brother and Hunter. So, I stayed in my spot and waited for Chloe.
"You're not going to believe what Hunter asked me!" Chloe gushed as soon as she was in front of me. I tried to feign interest and asked what happened, hoping she didn't see my lack of interest. "He asked me to homecoming!" She was practically jumping up and down at this point.
"That's great, Chloe." I lied.
"I know! We have to find you a date, so we can double." She grinned.
"I'm not going."
"What do you mean you're not going? This is homecoming, Josie. We're on the Cheerios, we have to go." Her face fell.
"I have plans." That was definitely a lie. Before I found out I was pregnant with Hunter's spawn, I had been excited about homecoming. I had even contemplated asking Sully Evans to be my date, since I've had a crush on the guy since I was six. But, this bastard baby decided to appear, so now I'm SOL and definitely not taking my expanding ass to homecoming alone.
"You have got to be kidding me." She growled. "Fine, I'll just have to ask DeAndra to double…" I knew what she was trying to do. I knew she was trying to make me jealous by bringing up one of the girls on the Cheerio's. Honestly, I could have cared less. It would probably be a good thing for me if she started hanging out with someone else. It would mean less time that I had to deal with her annoying self.
"Look, I need to get to class. See you at practice." I replied before turning around and walking towards my next class. Thankfully my brother and Hunter had moved on and I didn't have to interact with either of them.
Once my last class of the day was over, I went straight towards the gym where Cheerio's practice would be held. I sat down on the bleachers to wait on everyone else. I started to think about how long it would be until I would need to quit the Cheerio's. It already wasn't safe for the thing inside of me to do anything above moving my arms, but I knew if I quit now it would only raise everyone's suspicions. As much as my Mother hated that I was on the Cheerio's, she knew how much being on the squad meant to me so quitting for no reason really wasn't logical. I would either have to wait until I told her about the bastard baby to quit or give her some bullshit excuse that I already knew she wouldn't believe.
"You're here early." Tori Newman's voice brought me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find our red headed captain walking towards me. "Practice doesn't start until four." She deadpanned.
"I just wanted some alone time." I shrugged at my brother's girlfriend. Tori shrugged back then put her bag down before walking over to pull the tumbling mats out. I would have helped her but if Aunt Quinn walked in and saw me lifting anything she would pitch a fit. I did notice Tori look at me and huff as she pulled the mats out alone, but I just pretended to ignore her.
A few minutes later, Aunt Quinn walked into the gym. She stopped to talk with Tori before turning to find me sitting on the bleachers alone.
"What are you doing here already?" She asked quirking an eyebrow as she approached me.
"Had nothing else to do, plus the alone time was nice." I replied.
"You know, I won't say anything if you miss practice today." She said, sitting down next to me. Tori had finished laying out the mats and was on her way out of the gym.
"I'm fine, I think I can handle practice today."
"We're practicing flips, Jo. That's not exactly safe for baby Puckerman." I knew she had a point, but I just wasn't ready to admit that I had to leave the one thing that made me happy. "I think it's time…"
"Don't even finish that." I said, my lip quivering. Even though I knew she was right, I wasn't ready to hear the words. "I'll turn in my uniform tomorrow." Before she could even reply, I stood up and walked away.
I held in the tears until I could make it to the bathroom. I didn't care if anyone was in there as I rushed into a stall and let the tears flow.
My life was officially over. Not only was I pregnant, but I was no longer a Cheerio. Everything was bad.
"Are you alright in there?" An oddly familiar voice asked after knocking on the stall door.
"I'm fine." I replied, trying to dry off my tears.
"You sure don't sound fine." She said back.
"Just leave me alone!" I cried, new tears escaping from my eyes.
"Josie, just open the door." That's when I realized who the familiar voice was. Valerie Hudson, Uncle Finn and Aunt Mercedes oldest daughter, and my Ex-best friend.
There was no way I could open that door to her right now. She and I might have been close at one point, but there's nothing close about us now.
"I'm fine, please leave." I spoke, wiping at my tear stained cheeks as I sunk down to the dirty cold floor. I heard her sigh from the other side of the door.
"Fine." The next thing I knew, the bathroom door was closing and I was officially alone.
Once I had cleaned my face and emerged from the bathroom, I went outside to wait on the bleachers for my brother. I knew he would probably ask why I was there the entire time and not at Cheerio's practice, but I knew if I just mentioned any sort of lady business he wouldn't press it.
I pulled out my history book and proceeded to do homework for the next two hours.
"Josie, let's go!" I was startled by my brother's voice coming from the bottom of the bleachers. I looked up and nodded before closing my book and standing up. I pulled my books to my chest, before following my brother to the senior parking lot.
Tori met up with us on the way, giving me a strange look. I shook my head hoping she didn't ask me why I wasn't at practicing but hoping even more that Aunt Quinn didn't tell them why I was kicked off the team. I sighed, knowing I should know better then that. After all, over twenty years ago Aunt Quinn was in this same position. If anyone, she should know how I feel about everyone finding out.
I got into the backseat of my brother's black SUV. As Ezra started up the car, I looked out the window and spotted Hunter walking to his truck. I then noticed that Chloe was following close behind him. I closed my eyes and shook my head. If I knew she would listen and actually care, then I would tell her how much of a jerk Hunter Prince was. But, Chloe liked him too much to care what I had to say. Plus, she'd probably want to know how I knew he was a jerk and honestly, I just wasn't ready for a conversation with her just yet.
I felt a little better once Ezra drove out of the school parking lot. I could hear Tori up front, going on about something that wasn't even important. I saw that Ezra was just nodding at the right moments, not really even paying attention to her. This was almost laughable.
"So, Josie." Tori turned around in her seat, startling me a bit. "Why weren't you at practice today? I mean, I saw you before…"
"Wasn't feeling good." I replied quickly. I could have slapped the red haired girl when she sent me a smirk and raised her eyebrow. "I'm cramping."
"You're lying. I know for a fact Coach Q doesn't allow us to miss a practice just for that." She narrowed her eyes.
"Leave her alone, Tor." My brother spoke from up front, cutting off his girlfriend from continuing to be a bitch towards me.
"But…" Tori turned towards him, sticking her lip out. I rolled my eyes as my brother smirked at her and reached over to touch her leg. I looked out the window, not wanting to pay attention to my brother and his skank in the front seat any longer.
I could only imagine what the rumors were going to be like tomorrow once I walked into that school without my Cheerio's uniform on. I wondered if Chloe would even talk to me after tomorrow. I'm not dumb, I know Chloe had first started being my friend because she knew that if we were close Aunt Quinn would be more likely to put her on the Cheerio's. To be completely honest, if it weren't for me Chloe wouldn't be anywhere near that team. I had more pep in my pinky toe then that girl did in her entire body.
Ezra dropped me off at our empty house, so he could go fool around with Tori for a little bit. Of course he didn't use those words, but I'm not stupid.
I walked inside our large home, plopped my books on the table in the foyer then found my way towards the living room. I didn't hesitate in plopping down on the leather couch and grabbing the remote to watch some mindless TV. I figured after I gave my uniform back in the morning, this would become my life for the next seven to eight months. And to think, it all started with a stupid mistake. I guess they really are right when they say 'one moment can change the rest of your life.'
As I was laying there, my stomach started to rumble with hunger. I almost ignored it but decided against it when I remember Aunt Quinn telling me that I needed to put my baby's needs before my own. I guess if the thing was hungry then I had to feed it. Even though everything I ate would probably come back up within the hour.
I made myself a grilled cheese, before plopping back on the couch. I knew if Mom came home and found me like this I'd be in trouble. Eating in any room but the dinning room or kitchen was a big no-no in our house. But, I figured what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her.
I remember a time when my Mom hadn't been so uptight. That had all ended six years ago when she and Dad divorced. My Mom was a completely different person then she is now. I'm pretty sure the divorce broke her. I don't know what happened between them, honestly. They seemed perfectly happy up until the day they sat Ezra and I down in the formal living room to tell us that they were getting a divorce. As broken as my Mom was about the divorce, I didn't see her cry once.
Two days after they told us they were divorcing, Dad left and things just haven't been the same since. My brother's and I visit him just about any time we want. We do the whole every-other weekend thing but it's gotten to a point that we get to decide when we want to go over to his place. Honestly, if Mom would allow it, I would be living with him.
Since we don't know exactly what happened between our parent's, Ezra blames Dad. Mom has to bribe him to visit Dad most of the time. I don't remember a time when he went willingly.
I would be lying if I said I didn't want my parent's together. I'm pretty sure Ezra would be lying as well, but we're both mature enough to know it will never happen. Mom hasn't dated much since Dad left but Dad has more one night stands then I thought was possible. According to Aunt Quinn, that's how he had been back in high school. At first it sort of bothered me, but then I realized that I liked it better then Dad finding a new girl that actually stuck around. I am definitely not ready for a step-Mom or in Mom's case, a step-dad.
I finished my sandwich and made quick work of washing my plate and returning to my previous spot on the couch. I started flipping through channels, landing on a show about giving birth which only made me want to throw up right there on the spot - so I turned it. I was already freaked out about being pregnant, there was no way I could even think about giving birth.
Before getting too comfortable, I got off the couch and went upstairs to change out of my uniform. This would probably be the last time I ever had the thing on, well at least until after the kid was born. I would definitely be back in it after that.
After pulling my uniform off and finding some sweat pants and a t-shirt to put on, I grabbed a hanger from my closer and put my Cheerio's uniform on it. I took a shaky breath as I put the hanger on my door knob.
I returned downstairs, plopping back in my previous spot and prepared myself to spend the next two hours there. Mom wouldn't be home with Micah until then and Ezra would probably stay over at Tori's for dinner again.
I didn't mind being alone. In fact, I enjoyed the quiet house.
My quiet was interrupted by my ringing cell phone. I saw my Dad's name on the screen and hit the green button.
"Hey, Daddy." I smiled.
"Hey, Care." He replied. My middle name is Caroline, which apparently is something special to my parent's, but ever since I can remember he's called me Caroline or Care instead of my actual name. Mom says it's because they fought for months on what to name me, and obviously she won but he wasn't willing to accept that. "Just called to see if you wanted to come have dinner with me or something. You haven't been over in a couple weeks."
"Yeah, of course." I nodded like he could see me. Ever since I found out about the pregnancy, I've been afraid to be around my Dad. He's the last person I want to find out, honestly. I'm afraid of my Mom and what she'll say or do but I'm more afraid of the disappointment that I know will come from my Dad. "What time did you want me over?"
"I'll be here until seven, so just come over around seven thirty, if I'm not there then just walk in. The house should be unlocked." I rolled my eyes. My Dad was so careless about stuff like that.
"Okay, see you later then, Daddy. Love you." I said before hanging up and plopping back on the couch once again. I felt completely drained but knew I couldn't avoid my Dad tonight.
I decided to go upstairs and do some homework since I probably wouldn't have time later.
I was still upstairs doing homework when I heard my Mom and brother come home. I had just finished up when Mom appeared in my doorway with her hands on her hips. I quirked an eyebrow at the way she was standing. She was doing her typical 'I'm Rachel Berry and I rule this house' stance.
"What?" I asked. I knew it was rude but my Mom and I haven't been on the best of terms in a long time. I was pretty sure she was used to my shortness by now.
"You're joining glee club." She said simply. I laughed shortly.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me. You're out of your mind if you think I'm joining that…crap." I folded my arms over my chest.
"Quinn needs your vocal talent, Josephine. You have this amazing potential inside of you that you need to explore." She stepped more into my room. I just rolled my eyes. There was no way I was stepping foot inside that chorus room. I remembered the many classes Mom had put me in as a child, I also remember how freaking miserable I was. By the time I was six, I was burnt out on pageants and rehearsals. It was my Dad who saved me from that insanity. If it were up to my Mom, I'd be on Broadway by now.
"Forget it." I shrugged. "I'm going to Dad's for dinner." I said as I started to walk past her.
"This isn't over, missy!" She sounded angry, but I really could have cared less.
"I'm sure it isn't." I rolled my eyes and continued on out of my room and down the hall to the stairs. Once downstairs I said hi and bye to my littler brother. I put my tennis shoes back on at the door before walking out of the house and down the street to my Dad's. He only lived about five minutes away, plus I could really use the fresh air.
I knew he wouldn't be off work yet but I would rather sit in his empty house then have to talk to my Mom about stupid Glee club any day.
Once inside, I went through the living room to my bedroom. I liked how simple my room was here. There was barely anything on the wall besides an old mirror that most of my favorite pictures attached to it. Other then that, the room was pretty much bare and I loved it. The only bad thing was the tiny twin sized bed that Dad brought over from when I was a little kid. Sure, the bed was comfortable but I'm so used to sleeping a bigger bed now.
I plopped down on the little bed, closing my eyes for just a second. I wanted to just go ahead and fall asleep for the night but I knew that wouldn't really be fair to my Dad.
I wasn't alone long before Dad showed up with a large pepperoni and pineapple pizza. I smiled, happy that he still remembered my favorite kind.
"Hey, Princess." He greeted me, kissing my cheek.
"Hey, Daddy." I replied getting two plates out for us. I handed one over to him after he pulled back the top of the pizza. Before he could grab a slice, I jumped in and grabbed two of my own. I was starving and the pizza was smelling pretty delicious to me.
After getting my pizza then fixing myself a drink, I walked into the living and sat cross legged on the couch. I sat my plate in my lap then dug in like I hadn't eaten in days. Truthfully, the pizza I was eating was basically the only thing I felt that I could tolerate. I just hoped it wouldn't come back up later.
Dad walked over and sat down next to me. He passed me a bottle of water before taking a bite of his own pizza.
This was how my Dad and I bonded. We didn't need to talk, we just needed to be in the same room.
Dad picked up the remote that was on the coffee table and flipped on the TV. He started searching through the millions of channels before finally leaving it on a movie.
If I were spending time with Mom, we would have been watching some sort of musical or something. But, since I was with my Dad, he knew that I much preferred blood and gore over movies that people burst out into random song. Those had always seemed so lame to me.
I swallowed my last bite of the first pizza and wiped my hands on my pants. Mom would have had a fit if she had seen that.
I looked over at my Dad for a second. He looked tired. More tired then I'd seen him before. I wanted to ask if he was okay, but I knew that he didn't like talking about his feelings as much as I didn't. I'm still trying to figure out how he and my Mom even got along. She wants nothing more then to talk about her feelings. She could never be a therapist since she's pretty selfish when it comes to talking. She's into being the center of attention, always.
I finished up my last slice of pizza and put my plate on the coffee table. I propped my feet up and rubbed my full stomach.
I watched as Dad got back up to get more pizza, then sat back down. He didn't talk the entire time, which wasn't much a surprise.
After he was finished he picked up both of our plates and brought them to the kitchen. He returned to the couch and propped up his feet just like I had been doing.
"I talked to Quinn earlier, Care." My eyes widened and my breath got caught in my throat. Apparently Aunt Quinn was calling everyone today.
"Oh?" I squeaked out.
"She says you had to quit the Cheerio's today." He sat up, putting his feet back on the ground. "Want to tell me why?"
"Just felt like something I needed to do, Daddy." I shrugged. If he were Mom, then he would press it but he wasn't Mom and he knew my limits.
"Alright, you don't have to tell me but if you want to, then I'm all ears." He pointed towards his ears, making me giggle a little.
"I'll remember that." I replied with a smile. "Thanks for dinner." I nodded towards the kitchen where the leftover pizza was.
"Anytime." He smiled. "And I mean it. Anytime you want to get out of your Mom's hair, I would love to have you over. That stands for you brothers as well." I knew that I should have brought Micah, but I had been too upset with my Mom to really think anything through. Dad knew Ezra was a lost cause so it kind of surprised me that he said 'brother's.'
"Thanks." I said, rubbing my palms on my legs. We fell into another silence, but once again it wasn't anything uncomfortable. I sat back on the couch, and took a deep breath. I was so tired, even though it wasn't even eight yet.
I looked around Dad's living room. It was pretty plan, nothing like the overly decorated living room at my Mom's. Dad's house looked the opposite of Mom's, actually. I liked it, though. My own bedroom didn't have much on the walls, just a mirror and a poster that's been hanging over my bed since I was a baby.
My phone started buzzing next to me. I picked it up and saw that I had a new message.
Why weren't you at practice today?- Chloe
I didn't even bother answering her, just put my phone back down beside me and focused on the TV. I had no idea what was on but Dad seemed to be pretty interested in it.
"I've missed you, Dad." I said, out of nowhere. My Dad looked over at me and smiled.
"I've missed you too, Care. You should come visit more."
"I wish I could just live here." I said, taking a deep breath.
"Your Mom wouldn't like that too much." He pointed out.
"I know." I said, looking down at my lap. "It's not like we get along…"
"She still loves you, baby girl." He raised an eye brow at me.
"I know that." I spoke to my lap. "I just…"
Truthfully, I just didn't want to be living under her roof when she found out about the thing inside of me. Not that I didn't want to live with Dad, because I do. I have ever since the divorce but I never wanted Mom to get angry with me or Dad.
"What is it, baby girl?" Dad sighed from next to me. I just shook my head. I wasn't ready to spill my secret just yet. I had a feeling though, that I would tell Dad before I told anyone else.
"It's nothing, Dad." I shook my head, standing up. "I should really get home. Mom's probably worried." Not that I even cared about if my Mom was worried or not, I just wanted to get out before I ended up telling my Dad everything. "Thanks for dinner."
"Wait, Care." He stood up as well. Before he could say anything else, I was already halfway to his front door.
"Goodnight, Daddy." I waved at him before opening the front door. I walked out into the chilly night air, taking the same path I had earlier to get to Dad's.
I knew I should have stuck around and told him some sort of story, but I just couldn't. I didn't like lying to my Dad, I had never done it before and I just wasn't going to start now.