Stressed Out

My father returned two weeks later. I didn't bother speaking to him let alone acknowledging his presence. Every morning after I was done getting ready for school, I would walk past him and say good-bye to my mom. I would then grab my bagel and walk out of the house with Emily. I was so disgusted with my father; in fact, I was more upset with the fact that my mom acted like nothing was wrong.

"I swear there has to be something going on other than vacations." I said as I leaned against my locker. "I mean even while he's gone he doesn't even call my mom let alone me!"

Scottie sighed, "I feel you girl but don't get yourself all worked up about it. You've got a swim competition to get ready for."

I sighed, "I know, and a bunch of tests to study for…there is so much going on."

"Listen honey bun, you need to take a deep breath and relax. Honestly go home after practice and talk to your dad. You'll see there is nothing to worry about."

I nodded as he hugged me and then walked away.

Later on, I decided to go for a pre-practice swim. I put on a deep red bikini and tied my hair up in a bun like normal. I then took my towel and went out to the pool. At first I just stared down at it, admiring how quiet it was. There wasn't one ripple that tarnished its surface. I took a deep breath before taking a dive into the pool. I swam for what seemed like hours before the rest of the team made their way into the pool area. I got out just in time before Mark came out. He looked at me with a smile before greeting me.

"Good afternoon captain. I see you got started before us." He said.

I nodded trying to fight back the tears that were filling my eyes, "Yea. I needed to clear my head."

"Oh ok. Ladies, start your warm-ups, come with me Kat." He told me as he turned to walk towards his office. By then I had completely started crying. I didn't feeling practicing at all nor did I want the others to see me this way.

When I got to Mark's office, he had me sit down in a chair that was in front of his desk. He shut the door and then took a seat in a chair next to mine. I wiped tears from my face and then pulled my towel around my body.

"Are you ok?" he asked. "You seem really stressed out."

I sniffled, "I am Mark. I don't think I can deal with my dad leaving all the time and then coming home and acting like everything is alright."

"Kitty,"

"No, I'm tired of it! I really think he's doing something to hurt my mom. I can't…"

Mark put his arm around me and pulled me close to his chest. I leaned into his body smelling his cologne.

"Shhhh, calm down Kitty Kat. I know you are hurting but you've got to breathe ok?" He said.

I nodded and relaxed against him. "How do you feel Mark?"

"What do you mean?" he asked as he rubbed my back.

"When Sam constantly accuses you of doing things that you're not…" I said.

He looked down at me with emotion in his eyes.

"I know Mark…I've heard the things she has said to you."

He sighed and then pulled me closer, "I feel the same way you do right now."

I sniffled against his chest, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring it up."

"Its fine Kitty, I understand how you feel but you know something," he said as he pulled away from me and looked into my eyes, "I learned a long time ago that things will get better if you have a little faith."

I wiped my eyes once more, "Really?"

"Yes. I know things seem really stressful at the moment but I promise you that things will start to get better in the long run. You'll see."

I nodded, "Sorry I'm getting all emotional on you."

"Its fine, Sam use to cry all the time…now all she does is…you know what, why don't we continue this later huh?"

"Sure no problem, we need to practice for the big championship anyways right?"

He smiled, "Yes ma'am, now let's see a smile."

I smiled softly for him and he tickled me to get a bigger smile out of me.

After practice, I felt so much better. I told Emily I would text her later before I went to join Mark at his truck.

"Hey, are you up for some fun since we got out early?" he asked me when I got into the truck.

I shrugged, "I don't know…will we be home at the normal time? I don't want to piss off my dad."

He laughed, "Where did you learn that language?"

I smiled, "My dad."

He laughed harder, "Oh my and yes we will. I wanted to take you down to one of my favorite places."

I nodded and put on my seatbelt ready to see what he had in store. He drove me down to the town lake where he then walked me to an abandoned place…a beautiful place…one I had never seen before.

There was a huge field of fresh cut grass surrounded by large evergreen trees. There were a few rose bushes planted making the area smell wonderful. The sky was probably the best feature. The clouds were perfectly spaced out with a warm shade of orange casting over them.

"What is this place?" I asked him.

He smiled, "Just a place I use to come whenever I was feeling down or real stressed out."

I smiled at him and then a bluebird landed on my shoulder. I moved him to my finger and gently walked him to a bush. Mark watched me with a slight smile on his face.

"It's beautiful." I told him once I placed the bird on the bush. "It's very calming."

"I'm glad you like it. Sam thought it was just like any other scene of nature."

I laughed, "Is she retarded?"

He shrugged, "I think so…she seems to think I have feelings for little girls."

"Can you blame her? You're such a sweet guy." I told him. ", even more sweet than most guys."

He looked at me as I turned and walked away. "I guess you're right but I don't understand why loving her isn't enough."

"She's insecure clearly. I mean I'm a young girl but I know what insecurity can do to you."

He nodded and then approached me, "So what do you think I should do?"

I smiled and faced him, "You're asking me for advice?"

"Yes. You are a very smart girl Kitty, I'm sure you can help me with this one." He said.

I sighed, "Alright, first you need to show her that your love is real. Sometimes saying it just isn't enough for us girls."

He nodded, "You've got a point there…alright I'll try."

"Good…"

We stared at each other for a few moments before deciding to head home. On the way there I sang a few songs that were playing on the radio. He smiled at me with soft eyes that made him look too sexy for words.

When he pulled up in front of my house, I hugged him and then wished him a goodnight before getting out of the car. "Remember, show her."

He nodded and then watched me walk up to my porch like always. When I got into my house, I got a huge smell of alcohol in my nose. I knew my mom wasn't home nor did she drink.

"Hello?" I said as I walked around. "Is anyone here?"

"I'm here." My dad said from behind me. "Where have you been Kat?"

I looked at me watch and noticed I was a little late. "Practice ran a little later than expected dad. I've been training really hard for the championship meet you know and I've been getting ready for this talent show"

He smiled at me and then took a swig of his tequila. I backed away slowly not wanting to get hurt in any way.

"That's my girl. You're going to be a great swimmer in the Olympics…but I don't know about that talent show. You're a swimmer Kitty."

I sighed, "I know dad, but there isn't anything wrong with participating in other things. Mom said so herself."

He laughed and then threw his bottle at the wall making me jump. "You are not singing in that talent show Katrina…do you understand?"

I wanted to rebel against him, but I knew it wouldn't do me any good. "Yes sir."

"Good, now go on and eat some dinner. Your mom should be home soon."

I nodded and headed to the kitchen in fear. I had no idea why he was drinking so much let alone at all. I did know that this wasn't going to be a good month at all.