Chapter 12
They had just finished eating supper and were now doing the dishes. Jack patted his stomach in contentment.
-That was the best chicken stir-fry I've ever had.
-You like it huh?
-Yah, I'm definitely going to like having you cook. Sure beats TV dinners.
-Ya think?
Jack smiled.
-I still can't get used to how like me you are. It's so...
-Weird, disconcerting, confusing?
-All of the above. Hey, I just had a thought.
-Oh, no. Don't hurt yourself.
Jack rolled his eyes and continued.
-You said Carter's not gonna be back for what...another 2 days?
-Yah...
-So, what say you and I go on a little fishing trip?
-Wow, that'd be great. It's been awhile since I've been fishing.
-Me too. Well, we can buy plane tickets online and be there late tomorrow morning.
Katie smiled.
-I assume we're going to Minnesota.
-Is there anywhere else?
-No.
-Well, come on. Let's go order the tickets.
-Do you even have a computer?
-Of course. How else could I play computer games?
-Computer games. Gotcha. So, where is it?
-In the room next to the spare bedroom.
-The study?
Jack shook his head.
-Why would I have a study?
-Point.
They went into the 'computer room' and ordered the tickets. Jack yawned and stretched.
-Well, our flight leaves at 10:30, so we should leave by 9:45.
-Ok. You look tired.
-Yah, it's been a long day what with learning about the fine points of grocery shopping and all.
-You had a rough day.
-Exactly.
-Well, good night, dad.
-Good night, kiddo. Hey, aren't you going to bed too?
Katie smiled.
-Dad, it's only 11.
-Oh, that's right. I forgot you were a teenager. Well, don't stay up too late.
-Ok. See ya in the morning.
With that she left the room and started to climb the stairs to her haven. It was her haven, because it was the only place she would allow herself to look at her pictures and truly get caught up in memories. Sure, there were many times when Jack did or said something that reminded her of dad and she would be transported to 'another time and another place'. But, here in her room she forced herself to conjure up the memories...so that she wouldn't forget.
Katie grabbed her backpack and rummaged through it until she found her photos. She flipped through them until she found the ones of her and dad on their last fishing trip. Tears started flowing down her cheeks until she was so overwhelmed with sadness that she began to sob. Just when the pain was so great that she didn't think she could take it anymore Katie was enveloped in a giant hug.
-Don't cry, Kit Kat. I'm here.
-Dad. What are you doing up?
-I was just about to get into bed when I heard you crying. You gonna be all right?
-Yah. Yah I'm fine.
Jack looked down at the pictures in her hand. Saw the man that was him and yet wasn't and looked at Katie.
-We don't have to go fishing tomorrow.
-Yes we do. 'Cuz then I'll have good memories of you and not...sad memories of him.
He looked at her in confusion. Katie sighed.
-We had a blast fishing...but the day we got back I got the chicken pox and was forced to stay in bed for a week. They went off on a mission without me...and never came back. The fishing trip was our last time together. I only wish I had known that at the time.
Jack nodded.
-You know, kiddo, this whole...sharing feelings thing is kinda new to me. So...uh... I don't quite know what to say.
-You don't have to say anything. Just be here for me.
-I always will be, Kit Kat.
Katie looked up at him, tears still streaming down her cheeks.
-That's what dad said. He couldn't keep his word.
-Yah well...uh...in a way he did. I mean...in a way, he's still here with you. And I don't just mean me. I mean in your heart, your pictures, your memories, your smile. They will all remind you of your dad. If only you let them. I know it hurts to remember, believe me I know. But it hurts even more to forget.
-Wow, dad. That's really sweet.
-Thanks. I read it in a book once.
-You actually read something?
-Um...I saw it in a movie?
-Come on, dad. Don't be so...macho.
-Me macho?
She rolled her eyes.
-Yes you. Women like a man with a sensitive side.
-And this is supposed to encourage me how? That's the last time I say anything 'sensitive' to a girl. Unless of course it's...(cough)....yah....well. I'll let you get to sleep. Night, Kiddo. Sweet dreams.
-Good night.
He walked back down stairs. Katie set her pictures on her nightstand, turned out the light and lay down on the bed.
