Chapter 7

I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Then I remembered yesterday's events and sunk back under the sheets. Dad's cancer and girlfriend's cutting aren't exactly what a sixteen year-old guy would ask for. I put my Superman pillow that I got for my sixth birthday over my head and went back to sleep.

When I got up it was almost 1:00 pm. Wow did I sleep the day away! I was starved. It was definitely lunch time. I pulled on some pants and a t-shirt and walked downstairs to the kitchen. My parents were sitting at the table eating cheeseburgers from McDonald's. I have to admit, that is weird. All my life my dad has told me to never ever eat there no matter what. Fatting food is all they serve there.

"Troy. You're up!" My mom said. "Grab some leftovers or something and eat lunch with us."

"I cannot believe you're eating McDonald's." I directed my comment toward my dad, who looked shockingly pale. I guess it's from the drama from yesterday. Ugh. I walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed some chicken from Thursday night.

"Well, I figured since life is short why not live a little. Right?" Don't cry, Troy.

"I guess." I replied, obviously saddened.

"Troy, will you go fishing with me today?" My dad asked me. I knew fishing was his favorite pastime. I had heard multiple stories about how he and his dad had caught fish that were as big as my leg. Each time he asked me before I said no, because I just don't see the fun in sitting on a boat, waiting to hurt a living thing. But today I said yes.

"Sure dad. When are we leaving?" I saw his face brighten with joy. It felt really good to have brought so much happiness to him with just two words.

"I was thinking that we could leave in about an hour and go to Marine Hills Park. I used to love biking there. The atmosphere was so peaceful. I warmed up the chicken in the microwave and sat down next to my dad.

"That sounds like fun. I'll be ready." I said with a mouthful of food.

"Aww, that's great! Father-son bonding time!" my mom said with a smile spread across her face. My dad and I laughed.

"Well," my dad began, "I thought I'd better start doing all the things I've wanted to do now. Before it's too late." I wasn't ready to think about my dad dying, but I guess he already was content with the situation. Maybe he had just thought about it long enough for it to sink in. I finished my chicken and told my parents that I was going to get ready and call Gabi.

I hopped up the stairs and jumped it the shower. As the water was pounding against my back like rain I began to sing to myself.

He said: "I was in my early forties,
"With a lot of life before me,
"An' a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
"I spent most of the next days,
"Looking at the x-rays,
"An' talking 'bout the options an' talkin' 'bout sweet time."
I asked him when it sank in,
That this might really be the real end?How's it hit you when you get that kind of news?
Man whatcha do?

An' he said: "I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

He said "I was finally the husband,
"That most the time I wasn't.
"An' I became a friend a friend would like to have.
"And all of a sudden goin' fishin',
"Wasn't such an imposition,
"And I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
"Well, I finally read the Good Book,
"And I took a good long hard look,
"At what I'd do if I could do it all again,
"And then:

"I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.

"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

Like tomorrow was a gift,
And you got eternity,
To think about what you'd do with it.
An' what did you do with it?
An' what can I do with it?
An' what would I do with it?

"Sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I watched Blue Eagle as it was flyin'."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

I stepped out of the shower, eyes red from crying. I loved my dad so much I wasn't ready for him to leave. It would break my heart. I can't even explain how I feel about the Gabriella situation. I guess I can't put a name to the feeling . I pulled on a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans. I grabbed my track jacket with the silver tree on it and walked downstairs. I should probably call Gabi. I told myself to just remember that no matter what don't break down and let her see you cry. She needs you, Troy. Now go and call her. I picked up the phone and dialed her number. I had it memorized by now. Words cannot describe how nervous and scared I feel.

"Hello?" I said into the phone.

"Oh, Troy. It's you!" She replied in a cheerful tone. "What's up?"

"I'm going fishing with my dad today." I said dully. I can't believe that she can, after last night, act completely normal. I know we talked about other stuff after the cutting, and I feel closer to her now than I ever had, but it still seems odd for her to just talk to me like nothing's wrong.

"That's great!" my girlfriend told me, "Make the most of the time you have together, Troy. I wish I would have spent more time with my dad before he died. I wish I could have told him, I love you, more than I did. A thousand times more. And boy do I miss him now Troy, but I know he's with God looking down on us right now, and giving me the strength and courage to talk to you." I don't think I've ever been so moved by someone's words. Gabi really meant what she just said. I didn't know that she was so open to talk about God. I didn't even know she believed. Not that I thought she didn't.

"Thanks for the advice, Gabs. I promise I will try to. OK?"

"Good." she said, "Troy, I have to go the pizza is here."

"All right. I love you, Gabriella. Buh-bye."

"I love you too, Troy. Bye!" I hung up the phone. I have five minutes before we had to go. I will go find Dad. Make sure he's got the fishing stuff ready.

I made my way down the stairs and to the garage, hoping my dad would be there. Sure enough, he was packing all of the fishing stuff in the back of his jeep. He even took the top off. Hurray, we will get to feel the breeze in our face and the wind in our hair. I can't wait!

"Ready, son?" he asked.

"Yup." I replied to him.

"OK then lets go!" He smiled at me. I ran inside, told my mom we were leaving, and hopped into the shotgun seat of our jeep. And we're off.

A/N: Just so you know, I'm not updating until I get 33 reviews. Ha ha. I promise that the minute I receive the 33rd review, I will update the story. I did the same thing with ch 6. So you guys have fun with the reviewing. Lol. Thanks a bunch to those who reviewed.

This chapter is dedicated to my grandpa. :) (I decided to do dedications cuz I think they're cool)