Star Pupil
Chapter 8
Katelyn wanted to do something really nice for her parents, but had no money. She didn't want to ask Tom or even her dad for any. Her dad was already very generous. He'd bought her a better car and gave her spending money for when she was at the Academy. She was able to go home every weekend and Hannah reported to her every day, using their new cellphones. She knew that her dad had moved up to the second-floor master suite at her mother's insistence.
Mike had also started counseling with her mom. He was giving her back in her independence and her identity and Katelyn was thrilled. It would take Christine years to recover, if she ever fully did. She had been through unspeakable things and Katelyn had spent the past several years bandaging wounds and comforting her mom after being beat on or raped. The one thing Katelyn wanted was for Brad to be arrested or killed, something she knew her dad was working on. Her roommate, Cassondra was a great planner and Katelyn looked to her for help.
"Can you cook?" Cassondra asked.
"Not as well as my mom, but yeah." Katelyn answered one night as they talked about Katelyn's plans for her parents.
"Maybe fix them a nice meal. Instead of keeping it a secret, maybe tell your dad so he can help you? He can give you extra money for the food and liquor." Cassondra advised.
"Liquor?" Katelyn asked.
"I guarantee; you will want at least to have wine." Cassondra answered.
"I need to find recipes so I know how much to ask Dad for." Katelyn remarked.
"Steak, maybe a twice baked potato, asparagus and a nice dessert. Chocolate." Cassondra said.
"My mom hates asparagus." Katelyn told her.
"Oh…maybe a nice salad then." Cassondra answered. Katelyn wouldn't tell her the part where when Brad found out about her mom's dislike of asparagus and immediately forcing her to eat it.
"Yeah, that would be better." Katelyn told her.
"I'll help you in the morning." Cassondra offered.
"Thanks. I'll text Dad and see if he even wants to do anything." Katelyn said. Cassondra turned the light off and Katelyn got comfortable in her bed, before sending her dad the text. She wasn't expecting an immediate response, but got one.
"I'm wanting to fix you and Mom a nice dinner, for kind of a date night this weekend. Problem is; other then the money you give me; I'm broke. Could you help me out?" Katelyn texted.
"Thanks, sweetheart. Yeah, I think your mom might like that. Why don't you text me what you want to fix and I'll make the grocery run tomorrow? That work?" Mike asked.
"Yeah! Thanks." Katelyn answered.
"No, thank you. Love you, have a good night." Mike answered back.
"Love you too." Katelyn texted back before putting her cellphone on the nightstand, satisfied that her dad was agreeable.
Cassondra helped Katelyn find recipes and Katelyn communicated the grocery list to her dad. Hannah was going to decorate the patio and help Katelyn with the cooking. It had gone way further then Katelyn planned, but from what Katelyn heard, her mom was excited and had a new dress for the evening. Hannah was going to do her make up and hair, to make her feel really special. The only part Katelyn was nervous about was the cooking.
She had all the recipes printed off and when she got home Friday evening, she went over them. It was fairly late, but Christine walked into her bedroom and looked over her shoulder at the recipes. Katelyn could tell something was on her mind, so she turned around from her desk, just as Christine sat down on the bed.
"Everything okay?" Katelyn asked.
"Yeah. I'm really looking forward to our dinner tomorrow night." Christine said as she picked at her hands.
"But?" Katelyn encouraged.
"Just worried he'll expect me to…never mind. He's your father. You don't need to have this conversation." Christine said as she wiped her eyes.
"Has he yet? I know what your referencing." Katelyn asked.
"No. He's been a complete gentleman." Christine insisted.
"Mom; Dad knows what happened to you. He is not going to ask you to do something you aren't ready for. He's been to the counselor with you, yes?" Katelyn questioned.
"Yes. He's been very supportive and understanding." Christine told her.
"But there's a but. Let's just forget that I'm your daughter right now." Katelyn said.
"That's a little hard. Before; if your dad had planned something like this, there would be expectations." Christine answered.
"Such as?" Katelyn continued. She really didn't want to know about her parent's sex life, but her mom needed to talk.
"Honey; we…were pretty active when we weren't arguing. A dinner and evening like you and your dad have planned would have almost certainly ended with sex. And I was totally fine with that, because even when we argued, that was something your dad and I did well. More then not being ready, I don't want us to fall into old habits." Christine answered.
"I don't think you could. You both are different people with different habits and issues. My best answer is to be honest with him. That'll help more then anything." Katelyn said.
"When did you get so wise?" Christine asked with a teary smile.
"Couldn't help but to. Seriously, don't stress too much. And ignore it if the food is bad." Katelyn said.
"I'll help you. Bring the recipes down tomorrow morning and I'll look over them. Love you, honey." Christine said as she stood and kissed the top of Katelyn's head.
"I love you too. Get some rest." Katelyn answered. Her mom left the room and Katelyn got ready for bed, anticipating the next day.