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I stare at my hand with the shallow cut in my palm and sigh as my mind drifts to the madness of the past few days. I touch my troubled leg and see that the pain in my ankle has improved, and the cut in my palm is healing nicely.
Maybe it's raining now, but after that, the sun will come out.
It’s all good!I stretch my bones and crack my neck. The pleasant feeling dissipates immediately as I remember who usually cracks his neck.
Ugh! Since when do I do that?I shudder and take a sip of the steaming coffee, gently shaking my cigarette. I don't smoke regularly, only once in a blue moon when I feel like puffing away this junk will wash away all my problems.
Regarding the sun, maybe it won't come out today because it's getting cloudy, and I realize I should head back to Matlock sooner. Dad probably decided to come home this time. I'll buy some good food now that I've got my share, and we'll eat together.
Yeah, it's a good idea to invite him over for dinner. I'll grab a chicken with potatoes, some spicy tortillas, and a few Heinekens. My dad isn't into fancy food, and neither am I, to be honest. I'm not a fan of restaurants, I prefer eating in the comfort of my home or outdoors. And since I'm in London, I might as well swing by the food truck that serves the world's best raspberry-filled doughnuts before heading to the train station. I have to admit, I'm a street food enthusiast because I'm so bad at cooking.
Food has this way of bringing people together and I… guess I'm just trying to get close to my dad. I pick up my phone and grin. Even the new song playing is a bit less intense -Whispers in the DarkbySkillet.
I reread his last text message, and it brings a smile to my face.
From: Dad
To: Piggy
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Good morning, sunshine. Hoping your studies are going well today and you're having a productive day. Tonight, I'd be nice to have you here for the cleaning after the service. Drink plenty of water and pay attention in class.
Signed, Dad
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I type and struggle a bit to mimic the way he used to send me messages back in high school.
To: Dad
From: Piggy
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Good morning, sunshine! I intentionally type and giggle. I hope your day's been fantastic, and that you didn't stutter too much at service. I wanted to let you know that tonight I'll be stopping by the Godwill family residence, where I'll be bringing a delicious chicken (as long as it's not cooked by me) with potatoes and some Heineken. We'll also have your favorite spicy tortillas, annnnnd... - I insert some shocked emojis - the most amazing dessert, London's raspberry-filled doughnuts. Drink plenty of water and make sure to bring some milk, because the fridge is looking quite empty. Signed...
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I take a break and ponder for a moment. If I write “Rebecca,” it sounds too formal, and if I write “your daughter”, it sounds too clingy. I sigh and take another drag from the cigarette between my lips. If my dad could see me now, he'd kill me. I chuckle and throw it away, making sure Tita or any neighbors don't catch me and tell my mom.
But how can they tell my mom when... I bring a hand to my temple and shake my head gently.
Signed, Sunshine - I press Send and start thinking about what to do with my mom. I know she's doing well there, has the best care, and I can still visit her anytime. However, I'd like to detach her from everything related to Manasseh without causing her suffering. Could I bring her to the nursing house with me? It could be a solution if I continue to blackmail Ford.
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by an incoming call. I look at my phone, and it's an unknown number. My heart suddenly sinks into my stomach, and I feel a wave of anxiety. I'm terrified it could be Manasseh. I keep staring at the screen, unsure.
“Hello?” I mutter cautiously.
“Becca, please! Help me!” A thin and familiar voice startles me.
“Steph?” I jump to my feet in panic, spilling my coffee all over the stairs.
“Me and my boyfriend are in trouble,” she says.
“Where are you?” I rush down the stairs and step out into the rain.
“We're near London Bridge, at La Fleur cafe.”
