The next day, I was able to pass in my homework on time. Later, Andy yelled at me for being bossy.
"I am sorry, but I respect my father and stepmother's rules," I said.
"You need to be independent," said Andy.
"You're lucky I was able to help Rick while Sharon was home or I wouldn't be able to, so don't even come and yell at me," I said.
"Don't even think about say anything about me coming to your house," said Andy.
"Watch me. Oh, yeah, just for the record, I don't hide anything from my father," I said.
I ignored him and walked away before adding anything else to the fire. He was getting on my nerves. At home, I was surprised to see Dad home early. He was in the kitchen doing some paperwork.
"You're home early," I said.
"It was a little slow," said Dad. "I'm looking forward to return my normal hours."
"That's good," I said. "I like Mark."
"So do I," said Dad.
"Are you busy at the moment?" I asked.
"No. I'm just about finished," said Dad.
"I just wanted to talk to you, but I can come back," I said.
"I just needed to put paperwork in the briefcase. I'm making some tea. Do you want some?" asked Dad.
"Sure," I said.
He put it in the briefcase. He started to sit down when the tea kettle whistled. He poured some and gave one to me.
"Thanks," I said.
"No problem. So, uh, what's up, honey?" asked Dad.
"Remember when you met those guys?" I asked. "First off, I heard the guys are bad news."
"Really?" asked Dad.
"I didn't know about it until Kayla told me," I said.
"She's a good friend by telling you," said Dad.
"I know. I'll just need to keep tabs on it," I said. "They were just trying to come in while you and Sharon were out, but I didn't let them. They were trying to force me to leave Jeff just to show Jack around, but I said no because I'm responsible for him."
"Good for you," said Dad.
"The girls were here and they told me I did the right thing," I said.
"I agree," said Dad.
"Oh, Andy was part of it, too," I said.
"You mean the one who April kept bringing him over while I'm not home after I told her not to?" asked Dad.
"Yes. For the past several weeks, he kept doing that," I said. "He had just yelled at me."
"For what?" asked Dad.
"He thinks I'm bossy. I told him I respect the rules and he's lucky Sharon was home so I can help Rick or I wouldn't be able to," I said.
"That's right," said Dad.
"I wanted to tell you, but I was not to," I said.
"Why?" asked Dad.
"He threatened to kill me," I said.
"You did the right thing by telling me. He shouldn't be forcing you," said Dad.
"I added I do not hide anything from you," I said.
"That's right," said Dad. "I'm not worried about you. You do make very good choices. If Andy gives you any more trouble, you can come and talk to me anytime."
"Okay," I said. "I could've told Sharon, but I never shared any problems with her before."
"I understand," said Dad.
Two days later, on Saturday, Jeff and I were outside playing some cards after we finished raking leaves when Kayla and Kaylee came over.
"Hi," said Jeff.
"Hi. What are you up to?" asked Kayla.
"Just playing cards," said Jeff.
"Can we play?" asked Kaylee.
"Sure," I said. "I ordered pizza. We can have a picnic back here."
"Sweet," said Kayla.
We were playing cards when pizza arrived. After we finished, the guys showed up.
"Now what?" asked Kayla.
"I want to show Jack your house," said Rick.
Before I could answer, he was about to go in when I stopped him.
"Hold it. Not so fast," I said.
"What's up with you?" asked Rick.
"Let me make it clear: No boys are not allowed in the house when no adult is home," I said. "Plus, I'm baby-sitting."
"Why can't you leave Jeff?" asked Jack.
"Sorry. I can't. I'm responsible for him," I said. "If you can't take no for an answer, I'll throw both of you out of here."
"You can't tell us what to do," said Rick.
"I just did," I said.
They left. I knew they wouldn't like it, but I didn't care. It was getting a little warm, so we went inside for the rest of the afternoon.
"Glad you obeyed your father," said Kaylee.
"We can still hang around until your father and Sharon get back because our siblings will be back around that time," said Kayla.
We did some video games for an hour when Dad and Sharon came home. The girls stayed until they had to go back home. When I was able to talk to Dad alone, I told him about the guys.
"But I stopped them in time," I said.
"Good," said Dad.
"They expected me to leave Jeff, but I said no way," I said.