In One Year

Sitting in the side seat of dads kia I watch the trees zip by I could not tell where we were going since I fell asleep for the first half of the trip. All I knew was that I was told to pack a bag for a week. Looking at him, he seems excited and nervous but no matter how much I ask he will not tell me where we are going and why. I just hope it is not camping; this girl does not do bugs. Pulling my earbuds out I try for the 50th time to get him to talk since he brought up this trip. “Dad, where are we going? We’ve been on the road for almost 4 hours!” I must admit my legs were becoming uncomfortable. He looks even more nervous and tightens his grip. “We should be there soon; we can stop for a bit if you would like? I know this was sudden, but I have a surprise for you, and I hope you like it.” “Yes, I do need a break, but I also don’t need a surprise. Please just tell me.” I really was not expecting an answer, I had not gotten one since he woke me up at 5am. Sighing he looks at me apologetically, “You know how I have been seeing Christine?” His face was a mixture of hope and pleading for me to understand. I have known about her for 6 months even met her for dinner a couple of times, but I do not understand why he would be secretive about her, unless… “OMG, don’t tell me she’s pregnant.” I couldn’t help be a little nervous for his answer, I mean yeah he is in his 40’s but so is she. I’m pretty sure I am about all dad could handle. He gets worried when I do not text back within the hour. Any other kid would be smothered. He looked at me confused and slightly amused, much to my relief. “Haha, no she isn’t pregnant… or at least I don’t think so?” “That is not funny, don’t even joke about it.” My dad threw his head back and laughed. “No kiddo. I wanted to ask you first before, but I was a little worried about you answer. Look, I know you haven’t spent a lot of time with her, but it’s been six months since we started dating and I wanted to know if it would be alright if I asked her to marry me?” He looked so worried about my response. All I could feel was shocked. How did I feel about it? I mean she is cool and seems gentle. I liked her enough. It has been a long time with just me and my dad and I, I am not sure how it would be. But I know that my dad is happy with her and if she makes him happy, I did not see a problem with it. Looking at his face, I did not realize I was taking so long to answer. I must hurry and fix this. “Look kiddo, you don’t have to say yes I understand that it’s new for you and you would have a new sibling. I shouldn’t have asked you…” “Dad, stop. I was just thinking. I like her a lot and I like that she makes you happy. It will be an adjustment, but I want you to have someone in your life again and so would mom.” I had completely forgot she had a son. “You really mean it Ivy? I don’t want to push this to fast.” He looked so shocked that I was okay with everything. Almost relieved, but there was still some nervousness I am curious about. “Of course, I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. Just no new babies. But you still haven’t told me where we are going” Dad cut a quick look to me as he pulled into the gas station. At this point we were far into the mountains. Getting out of the car and taking a stretch I threw him the ‘fess up look. “Well, you know Christine comes from a wealthy family. She invited us to their lake house for the week…and we thought that this would be a good opportunity for you to meet Jaiden. Of course, she does not know I am proposing, and I wanted to ask Jaiden first as well since his dad left.” He looked so scared for my reaction. I was just getting one shock after another today. I mean I had heard of him, but we never met. He goes to some rich private school, other than that I have no clue about him. I just hope he is not difficult. “Okay, so new family bonding time, got it.” I meant it as a joke, but it was hard to not be nervous. I did not have many friends and I am shy around anyone not my dad. Wait a minute… “Will I have to go to a new school?!” Just the thought of It. I hate being the new kid. We had moved once before when dad got a promotion, which I guess worked out since he met Christine but still, it is a terrifying thought! Feeling relief that I was taking the news well so far, my dad just smiled. “We will see, lets just get through the week, ‘kay? Everything will turn out fine, promise.” That is easy for him to say…