My mouth was agape as I stared at my father standing with a bouquet in his hand.
“F-father!” I stuttered, my face twisted in discomfort, but I tried to keep my voice steady. “What… brings you here?”
My father’s brow furrowed, caught off guard by my question. “Aren’t you… happy to see me?”
Oh, I am supposed to run into his arms and hug him-silly me. I mentally facepalmed myself.
A wide smile spread on my lips as I spread my arms apart. “Of course not, Father! I’ve missed you!” I exclaimed, trying to sound convincing, but my father’s keen eyes narrowed slightly, as if sensing the insincerity. He handed me the bouquet, a mix of red roses and white lilies, his signature gesture.
“I’ve missed you too, dear,” he said, his voice warm but laced with a hint of sarcasm.
We hugged, my embrace tight, but I felt stiffness in my shoulders. I pulled back, trying to compose myself.
Such bad timing! I wasn’t prepared for his arrival. The impending day I and Xavier had been waiting for the last four years was finally here, and I couldn’t shake up the feeling of unease.
“Sarah… Sarah!” The sound of his voice pulled me back to the present, and I stammered in response.
“Y-yes?”
“You zoned off! You wouldn’t even let me come in,” he remarked, his eyes boring into mine. “Is there… a problem? Why do I feel you don’t want to see me?” He added crossing his arms.
Oh boy, that’s what you get when you’re an open book. I still haven’t learned to control my facial expressions; they give me away.
I chuckled, composing myself. “Father, how could you say that when you gave me an early morning shock? You should have called.” Then I smiled and fell into his embrace again. “But I like the surprise.”
He laughed and let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps I should enjoy the moment; I haven’t seen him in years, and I shouldn’t be such a jerk.
“Dad, come in,” I said, stepping aside.
As he entered, his gaze swept the apartment, taking in the sight of the living room. Well, that was what I thought until I noticed the girls were already downstairs, staring at the stranger who had come to visit.
“Sarah, who are the kids?” He glanced at the girls, whose eyes were fixed solely on him.
“There are Xavier’s; anyway, he will fill you in later,” I replied, and just then, Xavier emerged from the bedroom, dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
“William!” Xavier exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face as he raced down the stairs.
“Hey buddy!” My father opened his arms, embracing Xavier in a tight hug, and my father refused to let him go.
“Okay, William, you’re gonna choke me to death!” Xavier laughed, trying to extricate himself from my father’s bear hug.
“You deserve that for not contacting me for the past four years,” Father replied, releasing Xavier. “I’ve missed you too much!”
Xavier chuckled, clapping my father’s back.
“I’ve missed you too, William. It’s been far too long.”
The two men beamed at each other, and that’s when he remembered to give me my gift.
“Here you go,” he said, tossing me a small box and I couldn’t help but chuckle while he turned to the girls, who were watching the reunion with wide eyes.
“And who are these beautiful young ladies?” he asked, kneeling down.
Harper and Hayden giggled, shyly introducing themselves.
My father charmed them with stories and jokes, quickly winning their hearts.
As I watched, my unease began to dissipate, replaced by warmth.
Maybe this visit wouldn’t be so bad after all.
“Dad, can I get you two some coffee?” I asked, trying to sound casual.
“Please, dear,” he replied, settling onto the couch.
Xavier joined him, and they launched into a lively conversation.
I smiled, feeling a sense of normalcy return.
But as I poured the coffee, I tried to brush off the thought of my father finding out about me and Xavier. Even if we did tell him, how would that impact his relationship with his best friend?
As I handed the duo the coffee, I couldn’t shake off the anxiety. Maybe it was because of how happy the reunion was, and I didn’t want to ruin it. They seemed so carefree, laughing and reminiscing about old times. Their banter was infectious, and the girls were giggling along, clearly enchanted by my father’s stories.
I slumped on the couch beside them and forced a smile, feeling guilty for hiding my relationship with Xavier. I had never felt this way at the beginning of our relationship.
Although my father is sarcastic and jovial, he can be unpredictable sometimes.
“Sarah,” Father called, pulling me out of my thoughts, his eyes narrowing at me. “Why do you keep zoning off?”
Xavier locked eyes with me, a questioning gaze, and I just flashed him a brief smile.
“I was just thinking… how time flew and how nice it is to see you again.” My smile grew wider; this time it was genuine. I really do miss him.
“Oh, baby doll,” my father said, his voice filled with emotion as he opened his arms for another hug.
“Father, you might want to stop calling me ‘baby doll.’ I’m twenty-three now,” I countered, and he just shrugged.
“Nah, you still look like the same teenage Sarah I remember.”
What?! A scowl appeared on my face. Is four years not enough to change a person? Do I not look more mature? This man!
Xavier watched us with a soft smile, obviously holding back his laughter.
“You can laugh all you want,” I said, playfully rolling my eyes at Xavier. “But don’t think you’re getting away that easily, mister.”
Xavier chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
“I wouldn’t dare,” he said, grinning.
My father laughed, releasing me from the hug.
“Ah, Sarah, you’re still as feisty as ever,” he said, his eyes twinkling.
I shook my head, smiling despite myself.
“And you’re still as mocking as ever.”
The girls, Harper and Hayden, giggled at our exchange, clearly entertained. Yeah, they haven’t seen anything yet.
My father’s expression turned serious, his voice filled with warmth. “So, Sarah, you need to fill me in on your… you know.” He winked, and I quickly understood where he was going. “How many guys have you dated?”
Shit… I cursed silently and buried my face in my palms.
“Sarah, I know you’re hiding something,” my father continued, his tone playful but piercing.
Xavier intervened, saving me from the awkward silence.
“William, give her a break. We’ve got a lot to celebrate.”
My father’s gaze lingered on me before shifting to Xavier. “I haven’t even begun. And don’t interrupt me; if there’s no awkward conversation, where’s the fun?”
Xavier chuckled awkwardly, and I could guess what he was thinking.
My father wants an awkward conversation; will he be able to handle the one we will give him?
Their banter might have eased the tension, but I knew the conversation was far from over.