Sunday morning came and I found myself, once again, in bed, whilst everyone else was having fun. Not even Sid or Ellie came to see if I was all right – I guess that's what Dad does. He takes people away from what's important – Mum should have been at work yesterday, Sid should have caught up on all the homework he hadn't done and Ellie should have gone to a friend's party.

Instead, they had played games all afternoon – board games, something we never do or never did when Dad was still (a proper) part of the family. No one asked me if I wanted to join in or if I wanted something to eat. It was as though I wasn't there.

The same thing happened on Sunday, so I sat, looking out the window watching the people go by. A women passed by with blonde hair and fake tan. Even from here I could see she was wearing too much make-up; her long eyelashes looked like spiders legs and her cheeks were a dark brown, which contrasted against her orange skin.

It wasn't that she was particularly odd or familiar that she stood out; it was the fact that she looked like That Woman. It was her fault, just as much as it was Dad's. She knew he had a family, a wife and three kids. She knew but she didn't care.

When I saw her the first time, Dad's arm round her, I thought they were joking around – well, I wanted to think that, anyway. Then I saw them again and again and again and I realised it was no joke. I still didn't tell though.

Then, one new years party, we went to a party, That Woman was there and she waved to Dad.

'Who's that?' I asked, trying not to sound suspicious.

'Just a lady from work,' Dad suddenly sounded uncomfortable and it confirmed everything

Later that evening, Dad had had several beers and had been gone for a while. I went to look for him, and there he was kissing That Woman again.

'Is he th…'? Mum's expression was a picture. It was full of shock, upset, anger and betrayal.

After that, everything was a blur. Mum and Dad shouting, Ellie crying, everything falling apart. A slam of a door. The roar of an engine as Dad disappeared into the distance, never to be seen again. Until now.

At first I thought I would miss him, but surprisingly I didn't. I felt bad, because everyone else was upset, but his absence made my life easier. He wasn't there, looking at me in disdain when I wanted something girlie over something footbally or complain at me for doing badly in maths – he never complained at Sid, mind.

'Toots,' there was a knock at my door 'Are you in there? Come and play?' It was Sid

'No,' I snapped

'Please.'

'No.'

'Please.'

'No.'

'Please.'

'Alright.'

I walked out of my room, for what felt like the first time in days. Mum smiled, Ellie grinned but Dad just glared. The atmosphere was tight and awkward.

'We're playing 'Happy Families,' Dad said, sharing out the cards. Why this game? Why not snap, or snakes and ladders? Any game but this.

We sat in a sort of silence, playing – I don't think anyone really understood the rules. I was in my own world in a way, not really caring about the game. Then Dad began to speak.

'I'm sorry for being away so long and you're probably wondering why I'm back.'

No one said anything so he continued

'Well, my flat in London got too expensive and Mum wasn't going to let me back in the house – then I remembered something – I had another loving family, a family who needed me, like I needed them. I hope you'll be able to forgive me for what I did.'

'Of course we will,' Mum said, hugging him

'Group hug!' Dad laughed and Sid and Ellie joined in.

I stood back and ran back to my room.

You can turn up out of the blue, uninvited, Dad, but you won't get round me. You may have them fooled, but I know all you want is a house and some money – and this is the one place you're likely to get it.

Review please and I'll decide whether to carry on