Willa

Chapter 4

Willa sat in the passenger seat and peeked at her father while he was driving.  She was trying to figure out the right way to approach him before getting to dance practice.  "What is it Willa." asked Alex while keeping his eyes on the road.  Willa swallowed nervously.  " Ok, so, my best friend is turning sixteen this weekend and she is having a celebration.  She invited me and I am hoping you will say yes." she rushed out.  Alex stopped at the light and turned to his daughter.  "Now how is it that you have a best friend who is turning sixteen and I have never met her?  When do you have time to hang out with this best friend?  Is she in your dance class?" he inquired.  "No daddy, she is not in my dance class.  I met her two years ago at the mall and you never met her because you are always out or working whenever she comes over." Willa said quietly.  " So your mother has met her? Yet, she never said anything about you having a best friend. That tells me that this is just a friend or associate. I don't think she is a best friend and definitely don't think you need to go to this party or celebration as you put it." " But why! You always do this to me! I never get to meet new people and hang out. I barely have any friends and when I do manage to get close to someone, they end up not dealing with me because I can never hang out or go to their house or let them come to mine! I'm treated like an outcast! It's no wonder people laugh and tease me!" Willa cried with tears in her eyes.  Alex just looked at her skeptically.  " Willa, I highly doubt you are an outcast..." "But I am." she interjected.  " No one ever invites me to anything because I never go anywhere. Yet Jessica is one of the most popular because she gets to do whatever she wants!  You never tell her no but you always tell me! It's not fair!" she yelled as she turned her face towards the window.  " First of all, watch your tone and volume when addressing me little girl!  Secondly, you cannot compare yourself to Jessica." Willa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because Jessica is the golden child and I'm the black sheep for some reason, and I don't even know what I did to be treated so badly."  Alex looked at his youngest and then pulled over into a parking lot of a supermarket.  " No! you are not the black sheep, you are the younger sister who is not an adult like Jessica.  She is twenty one and can take care of herself.  You, on the other hand are only sixteen and don't know anything about this world out here that you live in! There are situations and people that you think you can trust but are only out to hurt you!  You are young and naïve and  could easily get caught up in something that you can not get out of."  " Well how am I suppose to get so street smart if you won't let me! I can't experience life if you don't give me a chance daddy! How is that Jessica.."  Alex got mad, " I don't want to hear another word about Jessica! The difference between you and her is simple. While I love her, she is not my biological. You on the other hand are mine! And I always protect what is mine! Now, not another word. You will go to class and then you will go home. Are we clear Wilhemina?" he roared. Willa looked at her father while rapidly blinking; trying to keep the tears from falling. "Crystal clear father." she whispered as she lowered her head in sadness.  Alex closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.  This conversation went so far left. 

 He wished he could explain himself better but at this point, it was better to save it for another day.  He pulled out of the parking lot and continued to drive her to class.  Soon they arrived in front of the school.  " Look Willa.." Alex started. "No, its fine dad. I get it. I am different from Jessica and I can't compare us.  I'm late so I will see you later tonight ok."  Will gave him a watery smile as she climbed out of the car and walked to the dance school doors.  Alex rubbed his face as he watched he daughter go inside.  He hated how he left this but now was not the time to have this type of conversation. He decided he would sit her down this weekend and better explain what he meant about her being young and inexperience with life.  Maybe he kept her too sheltered?  Alex shook his head and dismissed that thought. No, he is doing just what he promised and he will definitely have a talk with Nadine regarding who she allows in the house. Alex huffed as he drove to work.