Lies We Tell Ourselves
A/N: This is dedicated to Dr. Callian :] I own nothing, not even Tim Roth :'(
I woke up the next morning with a determined mind to get dad and Gillian together. As I got out of the shower and dressed for school I could smell the "apology breakfast" coming from the kitchen. Walking down the stairs I saw Dad standing over the stove wearing his ridiculous floral apron.
"Morning love," he said cheerily. The look on his face showed slight shame. I guess he really does feel bad about yesterday with Mom.
"Morning," I chirped back cheerfully. As I sat down at the island he served me a large plate of pancakes topped off with fresh strawberries and whip cream, my absolute favorite breakfast. Major guilt. I noticed he also made toast with jam, scrambled eggs, and French toast. How early did he get up?
"Thanks for all of this Dad," I said gesturing to the feast before me as I dug in. He smiled, and went back to refilling his coffee cup when his phone rang. Looking at the display screen he frowned, then reluctantly flipped his phone open.
"What, Loker?" He said with a strained voice. He shot me a look and just mumbled and grunted occasionally into his cell. After a minute or two he hung up and looked at me with the same guilty expression.
"Loker says we've got a case and he needs me at the office," he began, "Are you alright to get to school love?" His eyes searched my face as I nodded my mouth full of his culinary delights.
"Alright. You're the best love," he smiled, kissed me on the head and grabbed his keys heading down the hall to the door. "Dinner tonight at the office. Whatever you want," he called as he shut the front door. Immediately I scrambled off the high chair to watch as he pulled out of the driveway and quickly drove down the street.
I raced back to the kitchen for my phone, my fingers shaking slightly as I dialed.
"He just left, is everything ready for phase one?" I asked still looking out the bay window in the study.
"Yep, the flowers were just delivered and the chocolate is on her desk. All in plain sight," Loker replied.
"You made sure only purple orchids and the chocolate has to be Godiva!" I exclaimed. I went back to the kitchen to grab my books and a last bite of breakfast.
"Yeah, Em it's exactly what you said you wanted. Jeez, you were the one who ordered them anyway," he replied in exasperation.
"Don't get huffy with me Eli, I own you right now," I said cool control while searching the counter for my car keys.
"Please don't remind me about that," he groaned.
"Helpful hint for the next Christmas party, don't do tequila shots then photocopy pictures of your…well you know," I stated smugly. I glanced at the clock and frowned, "Look I've got to get to school, text me when he sees her with her gifts."
"Sure, boss," he laughed with true amusement.
I smiled as I snapped my phone shut and quickly drove off to school. As I pulled into a parking spot all I could think of was my dad's face when he read the card that goes with the orchids. I smiled and walked into school knowing that my mind would not be able to concentrate on anything else but scheming.
After what seemed like hours I fled from school as the last bell rang. Driving to the office all I could think about was the text Loker sent me during French. All I said was, "He saw the flowers. He's annoyed and yelling at everyone for any little thing :]" I smiled. Phase One completed. As I walked into the office I could feel the tension coming from the other staff members.
"Hey Emily," Heidi said as I walked up to the front desk, "Your dad should be in the lab."
"Thanks Heidi," I said with a smile. I wondered along the long hallway before stopping to hear the yelling coming from inside the tech room.
"Bloody hell, he could be dangerous, Foster!," Dad said loudly, concern and jealously laced in his voice. I could see as I slowly peeked in the doorway Dad and Gillian facing each other in a standoff. In her hands she held the box of chocolates.
"God, Cal. It's just chocolate and flowers," Gillian countered. I saw the annoyance and
"You have no idea who this "secret admirer" could be. He could be dangerous or try to hurt you love," he reasoned.
"That's a bit ironic from where I'm standing. Besides it's nice to know that someone out there has noticed me," Gillian spat back angrily. She turned to leave the room when Dad yelled, "What are you walking away for, eh? That's not right! Don't do that!"
I moved away from the door and moved to hide behind one of the lounge chairs in the hallway peeking to see the drama enfolded before me.
Seconds later Gillian rushed out of the room with Dad hot on her heels. I could see as she turned to return to her office she was trying to hide the tears from coming down her face. I knew that Dad had once again pushed her too far emotionally. I needed intervene to give Gill some time to regroup before Dad went at her again and would ruin my plan.
"Dad!" I called as I moved out of my hiding position. He turned his body towards me but his head turned back to watch Gill as she walked into her office. He looked back at me, his face transforming into the mask he usually wears. I quickly moved towards him and could feel his heart racing as I gave him a quick hug.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Dandy love," he said with a fake smile.
"I thought I heard some yelling," I prodded. He looked at me when sad eyes and a frown.
"Just a little somethin' between me and Foster," he replied with a curt voice.
"Feel like elaborating on that?" I prodded further giving him my best "serious" face.
Instead of answering he put his arm around my shoulders and guided me back to his office. Changing the subject he asked about my day, school, friends, Rick, everything else that I didn't want to talk about. I moved to my usual spot on his large couch and started on my homework. We both worked in silence for nearly an hour when I knew I had to say what needed to be said.
"Tell her you're sorry," I spoke softly, but loud enough for him to hear me. I looked up from my textbook to see him staring straight at me.
"It's complicated now, love," he said with a sigh. "There's someone else in the picture now I think. Sent her orchids and chocolates today and signed from a 'secret admirer.' Load of bollocks."
"Then step up it up dad. Show her the English charmer that's hidden deep in there somewhere. Though I'm sure she would appreciate some Tai food for dinner," I suggested. "You know, make her feel appreciated and valued for the person she is."
His face deadpanned. "You need to stop watching day time talk shows, love," Dad said with a chuckle as he pulled out his phone and a takeout menu. I smirked as I pulled out my cell phone. I quickly texted Loker, "Phase One completed. Get ready for Phase Two."
His response came a minute later, "When this is all over can I have my picture back?" I chortled.
"Never." To that I literally laughed out loud.
