BOUND AND ETCHED

Chapter2:FridayNight

Athena’s pov

I felt a tap on my leg, but I was too tired to move an inch.

And it came again.

"OMG,” I screamed as I jumped up from my bed. I was late again for school.

Whenever dad wakes me up on school days, it means I was running late…because dad is not really a light sleeper. Only my morning noise wakes him up.

He always tells me that I am like mom in everything.

I guess mom was a light sleeper. And so am I.

“You slept late last night?” He asked politely. He had never been good at raising voices.

“I’m sorry dad.” I said as I swept past him into the bathroom, to brush.

And with that he left my little room.

In not less than 10 minutes, I was done bathing.

I’m not even sure I had a proper bath.

But that's the least of my problems right now. Today is Friday, and I’m not ready to miss the first lecture. So I had to hasten my dressing…in order to meet up with the morning bus that would be coming soon.

“Tena! The bus is here,” dad called from the sitting room.

“Just right in time,” I muttered to myself. I was done, thank goodness. Just some little touches.

“On my way, dad. I’m done,” I answered, closing my room behind.

I’ve never been the type that likes doors open. Although they were just three rooms in our small apartment. I always close the doors of the rooms. And with that, I was able to influence dad too.

“love you dad.” I said hugging him.

“Love you too baby,” he replied, as he shoved a food flask into my school bag.

I’ve always told dad that I’m now a big girl. And I didn’t need to take them to school, but he wouldn’t give up.

To him…you’re still a baby till your parents die. But in my case…it’s till he dies. Because my mom had been with God…for fifteen years, without coming down.

Like dad always promised that she’d come one day…when God lets her.

“Thanks dad,” smiling as I found my way to the door.

Just before I got out—

“Tena?” And as I looked back, his facial expressions changed. He didn’t say anything immediately.

“Be careful and safe.” He stated, and politely with the faintest smile I’ve ever seen.

Something was off today. But I can’t figure it out right now. I was running late.

“I’ll dad.” I answered with a smile too.

And with that, I left for the bus.

As the bell rang, I felt relieved. Because I didn’t really concentrate today.

Dad’s mood got me thinking. But I managed to brush it off my mind.

At least I shouldn’t worry too much. It could be that he was under the influence of the weather earlier. And something to be happy with again? It’s that I’m in my last year of high school. So I’m good too.

With that optimism in me, I picked up my school bag and left for the bus home.

By the time I got home, it was already 2:30pm. I had the spare key with me, so I got in, changed my clothes and made myself something.

Dad must have gone to his workplace, because there were no signs of him around.

So I laid down on my bed to rest a bit. I'll be moving out in an hour for my dance class practice.

***

“Up! Down!” The voice of Miss Tovia echoed through the hall.

I hurried to sneak in, not wanting to be seen by Miss Tovia. Oversleeping was not a good excuse to give her for coming late again.

“Up! Down!” Her voice echoed again throughout the hall.

She went round to make sure we were doing it right.

Dancing hasn’t really been my thing. Let’s say I hated it—initially.

It had been dad’s idea, in order to reduce boredom.

But as time went on, It no longer only eased boredom. It became part and parcel of me. It made me. And I liked it.

After my dance practice ended. I headed straight to dad’s work place.

Maybe we could go together, since it’s almost his closing time.

The restaurant wasn’t busy like other days. Maybe they were waiting for late hours, since today was Friday.

But nevertheless, I’m grateful…I don’t like judging eyes. Or perhaps prying ones.

As I approached the counter, the man on the counter was so busy that he didn’t notice me before him.

“I’m looking for Mr Jovan Grayson, please.”

He raised his eyes at me. And if I’m not exaggerating…fear, or maybe what we call awe was written all over his face.

“Come with me.” He mumbled.

And I did, following the route he took.

“You can talk to our boss,” he said as he pulled the door open.

“Okay.” I appreciated him. Even though I wanted to remind him that I come here sometimes. And the other workers don’t put me in an official way—before letting me see dad.

But maybe he hadn’t seen him before. Or maybe the boss could help.

Or had dad suddenly become the new boss?

My legs betrayed me Just before I could decide how to state my mission…taking me to the main office.