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“Okay. I have my moms car and I can come pick you up if that’s okay?”

I’m sure my dad won’t care.

“Sounds like a plan.”

TWO

“You will be back at eight.” my dad says to me as he folds the laundry.

I remember my mom asking him to do that simple chore before, but back then, he claimed that he worked too hard and didn’t have time.

How the tables have turned.

I think of what the flyer said. The haunted carnival started at eight.

“Why?”

He stops folding at towel to look at me.

My mom said we looked similar and that Ryan was a spitting image of her. His blonde hair and light green eyes match my own, and back then I was proud to say I had his looks. Now, not so much.

“Because, it’s going to be getting late.” is all he says.

I fidget with my tank top as I think of what to say.

“I’m seventeen.”

He sets another towel down.

“And I am your father.”

I stop fidgeting and look at him with an “are you serious” face.

All day since I got back from my walk around town, I’ve managed to avoid him at all costs.

Him and Marie went out shopping for our bedrooms, and I got to spend time with Ryan pretty much all day.

I’ve kept our word count to a below minimum since I stepped into this house, and I didn’t want to waste my breath on this conversation.

“Right.” I say and turn to go to my room where I was getting ready.

“Love you.” he says to my back.

I stopped in my tracks.

I knew it was a simple and common phrase that one exchanges with loved ones. I get that, I really do. But, I was angry, and didn’t want to.

But, I knew I needed to say it.

“Me too.” I say, and walk away.

Sliding my phone out of my back pocket, I look down to see Willow has texted me.

“Are you ready girl? I’ll be there in about ten minutes!”

I reply back, and look in the mirror to see if I need to change into anything else.

I haven’t been to a fair or a carnival in two years.