You used to tell me, "hey baby" and then you used to put a sad smile on your face and say: "I know, I've been busy lately, but I swear, I'll never leave again."

The thing is Daddy, you always left. Your job always came first.

Trip after Trip. Mission after Mission.

It's like mom and I didn't exist.

You missed all the important things in my life, and I hated you for that!

Each time you were late from work, Mom was sitting on the couch, waiting for you. She was worried sick. I didn't understand why my Dad wasn't here to tell me a story before going to bed. All my friends were talking about their families and what they did during week ends, holidays, and I couldn't say anything because you weren't with us.

You always apologized before leaving home; you always said that it would be the last mission.

Late during the night, when I was supposed to sleep, I often heard you and mom yelling. I didn't want you guys to fight. All I wanted was a happy family.

Sometimes, I watched my friends, laughing, smiling; playing with their parents in the park. I was jealous. I envied them.

Do you really love me Dad?

I don't know why your job is so important. More important than your own family.

Today is my 15th birthday. Do you even remember? You missed my childhood. You were never present at my soccer games or my piano recitals. You were always late for thanksgiving, and Christmas.

I don't want a dad anymore. Mom and I don't need you. We lived the past 10 years without you. All you're doing is coming home at midnight, sleeping and then leaving at 8:00.

I'm sick and tired of your excuses: "Sorry princess, Daddy's been very busy, I couldn't make it to your recital," or "oh my god Rachel, I'm so sorry! I was in a meeting, I completely forgot about your game! I'll be there the next time I promise." Or my favourite, "Rachel... Princess; I'm sorry, I'm late..."

Sorry, sorry, sorry?! You're always sorry! But you know what dad? I'm not Rachel Vaughn anymore. I'm Rachel Bristow. Why would I be your daughter? You're always absent.

I didn't want a birthday party this year. But here I am anyway, with mom who's about to cut the cake. And you're not here. You forgot. Again. But ooh, don't worry dad, I'm used to it.

Suddenly the door opens and uncle Eric walks in.

"Heeeeyyy!!! How's the birthday girl? Wow! You're already 15? I can't believe it... Come on, give me a hug!"

I love uncle Eric. He's been more present in my life than you.

I'm not expecting someone else, so I'm surprised when I hear the door opening.
I turn my heard to see who's here, and I'm stunned. You're here. You're holding a big package. Mom doesn't say anything. She's still angry at you. And I'm too stunned to say anything.

"Daddy?" I say at last.

"Yeah princess. Happy birthday girl," You tell me as you give me the huge present. I wonder what is it.

"I guess you have to leave again," I say, a pinch of disapointement in my voice.

"Well, actually I'm not. I'm staying. And I'm not planning to go anywhere. I'm taking a break. I want to spend more time with my family," he says with a smile on his face.

Wait, wait, wait. Is this really my father? I don't know if he's telling me the truth...

"Listen Rachel, I know you're mad at me, but I want you to give me a chance. From now, I'm all yours. I know I haven't been the best Dad, but I swear this is about to change. I also know you don't really believe me right now, which I understand completely. But tell me what I can do to change that. I'll do anything you want." he tells me.

I take a deep breath, "I want you to love me. I want you to love mom. I want you to listen to all the things you missed, and I don't want you to go Dad... I love you."

I'm now hugging you and crying. It's been so long since I last hugged you.

"Shhh, don't cry Rach. Daddy loves you too, very much. Never forget that."

And now, I know that everything will get better, because my Dad is back.

FIN.