Daddy's Girl

Chapter seven - A day with my friend

Lizzy's POV:

I have been out with Adam almost every day for the past week. In the beginning, he was trying on me. He saw that it wasn't working for me and gave up. Now we are friends. I needed that. We went to the same school for four years, but we never talked like that. This year might be different. I don't know what to expect. He can be unpredictable. For now, he is acting friendly. I will see for how long we can keep this. I think that things might change after some time. Well, I'm not looking for a boyfriend. That is for now. I have too many things in my head. I can't deal with another one. Kevin still has a place in my head. I have to say that he hasn't bothered me for some time. Maybe he finally gave up. I would love it if this is permanent. He is wrong if he thinks this will make me change my mind. I feel better without him. That way, no one is bugging me. I don't mind him, but he keeps repeating the same thing. I got tired of him. Mom and Noah are not helping. They still defend him. It's better if I don't think about this. Otherwise, I will get mad again. No one has ruined my mood in days. I will stick to my friend and brother. They are the only thing I have now. My parents will never leave me alone. I hope that Kevin won't talk to me ever again.

It's the weekend. This means two days without school. Adam invited me to a party tonight. I don't know if I will go. I like parties, but I have seen things that I shouldn't. Some people keep it cool. Others are trying to act like idiots. Sadly, they are doing it well. I have told my mom. She let me go. According to her, it's good for me to go out more. Let's say that most of the time, I stay at home with Ben. Somehow, I got obsessed with him. After all, he is my little brother.

I woke up and went to get ready for the day. Ben was still sleeping. I walked into his room and laid on the bed next to him. He loves snuggling. I wonder from where he learned that. I can see my traces in him. There were times when he was copying everything I did. It was a bit annoying, but I got used to it. Part of me still wants him to do it. I saw him moving, and I pulled him for a hug. He won't escape from me. I love you, little one.

- Lizzy?

- Good morning. How are you?

- Good. Did something happen?

- No, I woke up early and came to check on you.

- Oh, thanks.

- What do you want us to eat for breakfast? We can go out if you want.

- Mom won't let you take me with you.

- Why not? I can be very convincing.

- Good luck.

- Do you want to go out with me and one of my friends?

- Yes. Where will we go?

- We can go to a diner for food. Then we can do something of your choice.

- Awesome. Let's tell my mom.

- What do you want to tell me? - my mom asked

- I'm taking Ben outside with me.

- Ok, but he needs to eat first. You, too.

- We'll eat outside.

- Excuse me?

- Please, let us go. I will be a good boy. I promise. - Ben said and made puppy eyes

- How can I say no to that? Take care of him.

- Don't worry. I won't take my eyes off of him.

- That's what I want to hear. Will I see you for lunch?

- No. You and Noah can take the day for yourselves. I think you need it.

- I won't deny it. Thanks.

- You can go and get ready. We'll do it, too.

- Don't you forget about something?

- I love you. I will hug you before I go out.

- Thanks, but I didn't mean that.

- Then what?

- How will you pay for everything?

- Mom, I have money in my wallet. You don't need to be my sponsor all the time. - I said, chuckling

- I'm only saying.

- I appreciate it, but I can care about myself and the people around me.

- Just like your dad. - she said and laughed

- Mom! Stop it!

- Fine. Go and get ready. I'll do the same. - she said and left

Ben and I went out for breakfast. I called Adam to come. He gave me his phone number. Now, I don't need to text him anymore. It's not like I will stop. I feel more comfortable doing this than talking with someone. All of us had a peaceful breakfast. Ben and Adam talked a lot. I think he would've liked it if he had a sibling. He cares about people even if he will never admit it.

After breakfast, we went to the park. Ben met one of his friends at school. I let them play for a while. I don't want to stay here all day. Also, we have to go back home. I turned around and saw Adam smiling. He has something in his head.

- What are you thinking about? - I asked

- Nothing.

- That is not true. I know you.

- Since when?

- Since we started going out. - I said, proudly

- Why do you think this is enough time?

- I don't need much time to notice some things about people.

- What do you know about me?

- You are happy if something good has happened to you or someone you care about. You try on girls. If they don't respond, you pull out your friend's side.

- That is not true.

- Yes, it is. We both know it.

- So what?

- I didn't say anything. You asked me what I knew about you, and I told you.

- I made a mistake.

- Now, will you tell me what were you thinking about?

- You.

- Me? Why?

- He is lucky to have you as his sister. You don't leave him alone for a minute.

- Because I care. He is the only thing I have.

- What about your parents?

- Mom and I understand each other well. Well, it's not the same. No matter what I do, she will always have my back.

- Ben might be young, but he is not stupid.

- I know. He has proved this many times.

- I think you need to trust him more. He is old enough to do some things alone.

- So?

- So you should leave him alone.

- What if I don't want to do it?

- In that case, he will never learn to care about himself.

- I never thought of that.

- That is your mistake.

- What about the party tonight?

- I won't go.

- Me either.

We stayed in the park until lunchtime. Later, we went to eat. I left Ben at home in the afternoon. He wanted to stay with me, but I told him my mom and Noah needed to show him something. Luckily, she handled this. Adam and I went for a walk. He is right about this. I should leave Ben alone more often. I can't be next to him all the time.

- Hey. Lizzy? Are you ignoring me?

- What?

- You zoned out.

- I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional.

- What is going on in your pretty head?

- Was that a compliment?

- Maybe.

- Thanks.

- Will you answer me?

- I was thinking about what you said. I mean, about Ben.

- I didn't want to offend you.

- No, you didn't. You were right. I can't be next to him all the time.

- I know you want to help him, but he is not a little kid.

- I don't want anything to happen to him.

- This is impossible. I'm sure your parents do take care of him. Also, you are here.

- Is this enough?

- I will answer you with a question. Isn't this too much?

- No.

- Wrong answer. He doesn't realize this because he is only nine.

- Ten.

- What?

- Ben is ten.

- Ok, ten. What I'm trying to say is that he can't understand this.

- So?

- You should be his teacher. I'm sure you have a lot to teach him.

- Mom will be better at this job. I haven't been without her. Well, most of my life.

- What do you mean?

- It's a long story. I don't want to talk about this.

- I see. You can always share it with me. I will listen to you.

- Thanks. I might use the chance, but it won't be now.

- Don't rush. We have enough time.

- You are a good friend.

- Said from you means a lot.

- I mean it. You have proved it.

Adam and I spent the whole afternoon together. I was at home for dinner. Ben was happy to see me. I spend too much time with him. The thing is that I love this. It's not right, but I can't help it. When I finished my meal, I went into my room. I can watch a movie. I was about to play it when I heard the door. It was my mom. I made her some space, and she sat next to me. I believe she wants us to talk. It's not like I mind. I like spending time with my family.

- Hey, mom. Do you need something?

- No, I only wanted to check on you. How was your day?

- It was good.

- Won't you tell me about your new friends?

- It's only one.

- Who is she? I'm sure she has a name. - my mom said, chuckling

- His name is Adam.

- Oh, we have a boy. Maybe I should say a boyfriend.

- You wish.

- I only want to know that he is treating you well.

- He is. We have a few things in common.

- Like?

- He lives only with his mom. His dad left them when he was five.

- It sounds familiar.

- He understands me. That's all I need.

- Well, there is one difference between your stories.

- Which is?

- Your dad didn't leave you. He is trying to talk with you.

- I don't know what you mean.

- Yes, you do. Why don't you want to talk to him?

- He is guilty.

- For what?

- Really? He left you. How can you forgive him?

- Because I moved on. I have a family.

- So?

- He is trying. Give him a chance. You don't know what has happened.

- And you do. I don't care what has happened. He left me.

- Didn't he leave me?

- What?

- You said he left you.

- No, I didn't.

- Lizzy, he made his choice. Your dad was young.

- Can we not talk about him? Please.

- Fine. If you want, you can invite your friend home.

- I will think about this.

- If not for him, do it for his mom. She might like company.

- I have never seen her.

- There is time for everything.

- I know, but I want to take things slowly.

Mom stayed with me for some time. Later, Ben came. He can't stay away from me. I don't blame him. This doesn't mean I will let him do it forever. I love him, but he has to start being alone more often. Maybe my mom can help me with that. I will ask Noah for advice, too. I don't understand why my parents keep defending Kevin. Everyone sees in him something that I don't. No matter what he does, I won't change my mind. Someone else had to take care of me because my dad left me. He didn't even want me. It hurts me, but I won't tell him. I hope that he feels the way I do.