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“Fine.”
“Thank you.” He offers me his hand. “Have lunch with me.”
“Don’t you have to work?” I ask.
“That can wait.”
I take his hand, stunned that he’d want to have lunch with me outside the house.
It’s awkward at first with Dad asking about school and all. Then, we both order pepperoni pizzas and talk about his future projects. Apparently, Dad plans to make a school for refugees and I feel kind of proud about that.
His assistant calls, but he tells her to postpone all his appointment for the day.
For the first time in ever, I feel closer to Dad like maybe he doesn’t hate having me all that much.
After lunch, he asks me where I want to go next. I choose the amusement park like how Mum used to take me on my birthdays.
I thought Dad would only watch as I play, but he removes his jacket and tie and plays with me.
We have lots of fun, trying to win stuffed animals. Who knew Dad has an excellent range?
A few people recognise and approach him. He always introduces me first as if it’s important for him that people know about me.
He only drops me home late afternoon when he receives an emergency call.
“I'm sorry for bailing on our date,” Dad says as we both get out of the car in front of the house.
I grin, holding out the stuffed toys we won. “Thanks, Dad. I had fun. I feel lighter now.”
“Remember, Astrid. You’re a Clifford and no one brings us down.”
I try to give him a smile, but at the reminder of how I ran from school today, it comes out as a grimace.
“No one hurts my daughter and gets away with it. Tell me who I have to destroy.”
“No one, Dad.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod.
He takes my hand in his and clasps something around my wrist. “Happy Birthday, Star.”
Before I can say anything, he goes back to his car and disappears down the road.
I look down to find a dainty bracelet around my wrist. There’s a sun, a moon, and a star, like in my tattoo.
My lips curve in a smile, but the weight that somehow vanished in Dad's presence returns.
I go inside the house with a sigh.
Victoria stands at the entrance wearing a scowl and a gown with hideous patterns.
I attempt to ignore her on my way inside but her venom-filled voice stops me in my tracks. “No matter what you do, you’ll always be an outsider.”
“Then why are you feeling so threatened?” I tell her coolly and push past her.
Once I’m in my room, I place my stuffed animals carefully on the table and throw my weight on the bed, closing my eyes.
