Just Hold Me

Chapter: 19

"What are you doing here?" I ask him, my voice wavering a little.

He doesn't look at me. "It's none of your business," he snaps.

"Right," I say flatly.

I was wondering why they asked for five menus instead of four.

My dad's here.

"So how's your day been, Mr. Jones?" Josie asks.

He sighs. "It's been pretty busy back at the business. Everyone wants the discount."

"Discount?" Carter asks.

He nods. "Family discount. We just manufactured new cellphones. And everyone's going crazy about it."

I try not to say anything at all. Because my own dad doesn't want to listen to me.

So when I got done with my food, I was surprised when he told me we needed to talk.

Adam gives me an encouraging look before I follow him out into the parking lot.

Dad doesn't usually waste time when talking. He goes straight to the point. "I realize I haven't been very fair to you."

I don't say anything. Not wanting to make him lose it.

He continues. "And I want to make it better," he says.

I look at him. "What?"

He holds out a wrapped box and hands it to me after a while. "I got you something. I always end up giving you things. But I know it doesn't prove anything. This is different though. I'm going to try to be a better father to you."

I was already crying. "So you buy me jewelry?"

He shakes his head, cautiously taking a step towards me. "This isn't everything, Emily. I'm not trying to push you away this time. I'm trying. And I don't want you to give on me just yet."

Wiping my cheek, I open the box. Inside, is a bracelet. But it's beautiful. Kind of like the one Adam got me but obviously more expensive.

I've been wanting this bracelet for years. But I don't happen to carry five thousand dollars with me every time I go to the store.

"How did you---"

"It was on your internet history," he says softly. "You were looking do the cheapest one. Well, you should've just asked."

Dad walks towards me, putting a hand on my wet cheek. He strokes it for a second, making me look up at him. Then his hand moves behind my neck and he pulls me in for a hug.

I cry on his shoulder for a while he awkwardly runs a hand through my hair.

"It's okay," he keeps saying. "I deserve this. But I will do so much better."

I shouldn't believe him. Because I just finished saying an hour ago that I would no longer want to have anything to do with him. And now he's... apologizing?

After a long while, I pull away far enough for him to look at me. "What are you doing this for? Is this some kind of joke?"

He looks at me for a while before answering. "No, Emily. This is not a joke. I just feel really bad for how I've treated you."

"Then why---"

"Let's not talk about this now," he says softly. "I have to go back to work. But I'll come over tonight."

I stare at him. "You will?" I say, my coming out flat.

He nods. "I will. I promise you."

I'll believe it when I actually see you, I thought.

But some things are just left unsaid.
• • •
"I'm going to bed," I finally say.

Josie and Adam both look at me.

"It's still nine," she says quietly. "Do you think he maybe got held up?"

I shrug and stand up. "I'm just really tired right now."

We've been waiting for three hours. He hasn't called or left any messages.

And I'm not lying. I am exhausted.

It's really hard to keep myself from crying in the bedroom.

I hadn't really gotten all my hopes up. Part of me knew he wouldn't show up. But some other part of me actually wanted him to be here.

The bracelet he got me is still sitting in the kitchen counter.

It's really pretty. But like everything else he's gotten me, it doesn't mean anything.

I lay across my bed and press my head against the pillow.

"Em? You okay?" Adam asks from the closed door.

I give a shaky sigh. "Yeah."

"Can I come in?"

I wipe my face. "Sure."

He slowly comes in. "I'm sorry," he says softly.

I shrug, sitting up. "You didn't do anything."

He sits beside me, pulling me close. "Maybe something happened?"

I shake my head. "He would've called or something."

He nestles his head in my neck. Placing small kisses behind me ear. "I wouldn't worry about it."

I take his hands and pull them around my body. To where he's holding me tightly. "I was perfectly fine until he showed up earlier."

We kiss for a while. His hands holding me firmly by the waist, pulling me closer.

Sometime after the next half hour, I was too exhausted to keep going.

I lay my head on his chest. "I love you," I say, stifling a yawn.

"Love you too, Em. Good night."

Seconds later, we were both sound asleep.

HEY!!! I FEEL LIKE THIS CHAPTER IS A LITTLE SHORTER.

I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE IT.

I FIGURED HER DAD SHOULD AT LEAST TRY TO MAKE IT BETTER. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED?

DO YOU THINK HE ACTUALLY WANTED TO FIX THINGS WITH EMILY?

THANKS FOR READING!!
PLEASE COMMENT :P