It was finally the day. First, Paul and Carmen saw Win off to the airport. Once Paul and Carmen were alone, she thought of what she had promised Paul. It terrified her. Carmen was going to be the first of Paul's 'friend's who had ever been to see his father at the rehab center. She climbed back into Paul's truck, and off they went.
"Hey, I'm here to see my dad," he told the receptionist.
"and who is this Paul?" she replied looking at Carmen.
"This is my—Carmen." Carmen smiled. Paul was as nervous to show Carmen to his father as Carmen was to meet him.
"Welcome Micarmen. You picked a good day to bring her Paul. It is a good day for him."
"Its just Carmen," Carmen said shyly.
"Go ahead and go back," the receptionist smiled.
Carmen waited outside while Paul introduced her, "Dad, I brought my friend Carmen today," he said. Carmen couldn't tell who was more nervous she or Paul, "I want you to meet her," then he pulled her into the room,
"Carmen, meet my Dad. Dad this is Carmen."
"Hey Carmen, its great to meet one of Paul's friends," he smiled and put out his hand for a shake.
"Hello," said Carmen shyly. She shook his outstretched hand.
"How do you know my Paul?" he asked.
Carmen froze, and the smile that had begun forming on her face went away.
"Mutual acquaintances," Paul supplied.
"Oh. Do you play any sports?"
"I play tennis a lot. I really love it."
"I was more into contact sports myself. Soccer, football, and wrestling were my sports." Carmen smiled. Paul wasn't sure if it was forced or not.
"Please, sit down," Paul's dad offered. There were only two chairs in the room, so he sat on the bed.
"Thanks," replied Carmen.
Paul's dad didn't seem any different than other dads she had met. "How was your last month at school?" Paul's Dad asked Paul. "Some of my finals were pretty tough. I did okay though."
"Only one more year. Are you excited?"
"Yes, but the thought of being in the workforce full time kind of scares me." Paul's Dad nodded. "We won't be able to stay as long this time. I want to get Carmen home tonight before her Dad gets worried," Paul lied.
"I understand," was the reply, "If any guy took Krista out, I would want her home before dawn." Carmen and Paul didn't mention that they were staying at a hotel for the night.
>
"Paul," the receptionist called after him, "May I speak with you about your father?"
"Yeah, Whats up?"
"Do you want to step into the office?"
"Sure."
She saw Carmen following, "Alone?"
"Anything you want me to know can be said in front of Carmen."
"Fine, come in. I meant to tell your mother this, but she so rarely comes in anymore. Your father's liver is failing with all the alcohol he has drank over the years. He is getting very ill, though he wouldn't mention it himself. Your father is starting to get jaundiced. We are going to have to transfer him to a different wing of the hospital to give him more adequate care. This will cost a bit more, so I wanted to let your family know. I will be sending a letter to your mother."
"Thank you for telling us."
>
Carmen set her bag on the bed closest to the balcony in the hotel room which she and Paul were sharing. "This is the hotel I always come to after visiting my dad," he explained, "It isn't much, but I like it." "What do you need in a hotel besides a bed and a bathroom?" replied Carmen. Paul laughed, "Good point. We should call home." "Good idea."
>
"Tibs,
I met Paul's Dad today. He is a nice guy. His health is deteriorating, and has to be put in another part of the establishment he is in. The number here is 555-7605 if you can call. I really hope you can. Hope to hear from you soon. Don't let the guys get you down. You're their equal. You have a say too. Besides, when you get pissed enough at them, you'll yell as well as I can. I know you're not a push over. You just don't have the temper I have (and consider that a good thing). Don't get eaten by any alligators. Love, Carma."