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He sighs.

It was hard to look at him and not want to just run in his arms and seek the comfort that I used to have with him.

“What do I have to do Raven?”

I sit up completely in the bed.

“For what?”

“To get you back to my loving and caring daughter?”

Is he serious?

I look at him incredulously.

“Seriously?”

I didn’t want to have this conversation with him. I didn’t want to get in between adults conversations, and I didn’t want him knowing my mom talked about these delicate topics with me.

“Rave, I said I was sorry for how I left, okay?”

“Okay.”

“So, what can I do?”

I wanted to shout at him.

Ask him why he would choose to be with another woman when my mom was right there.

Has been for years and years.

Why would he leave us?

But, I knew I couldn’t.

“I don’t know. I just need time and space.”

Emphasis on the space.

He studies me.

“You will come back next year right?”

I would be eighteen in April. Technically, I wouldn’t have to.

But, then I think of Ryan.

And then, I think of Willow.

And then, I think of the masked man.

“Yeah.” I agree.

“Okay that is great! We can go wherever you want to go or we can do whatever you want.”

His excitement was evident, and it honestly made me want to smile.

But, the brooding daughter vibe was still here to play.