Stranger with the Stars

Calling Dad

“Hey sweetie! Nice to hear from you!” Dad sounded excited to hear from me. I know I was texting him updates often, but with our schedules colliding and with his home drama, I didn’t want to bombard him with calls.

“How could I not call my favorite man! What are you up to Dad? Heard you’ve been visiting Uncle Eren more.” I asked out of love, but I knew the answer already. I was currently making popcorn in the kitchen for movie night with Archie. We had picked Legally Blonde, and there was a schedule to keep.

“Yeah..” Dad sighed. I could hear him get out of his desk chair, making his way to the back door where Sparky’s collar jingling was clear.

“Tell Sparky I love him too!” I shouted on the phone, hopefully loud enough for Sparky to hear.

The response was barking followed by some strong whining. Meaning I was heard, missed, and loved by my furry friend. 

“Sparky says he loves you too.” My Dad chortled into the phone. 

“Are you okay Dad? You can be honest, I’ll only tell everyone I know the minute you hang up.” I paused, holding my breath. I needed to know he was okay. 

“I’m fine honey. I’m just going through it. Cheryl and I aren’t doing so good right now, so I’ve been seeing your Uncle more. I’ve been going over a lot.”

“A lot as in…?”

“A lot as in this isn’t something we should talk about over the phone. I’d rather talk in person.” He commanded through the phone. It seemed like it was something he didn’t want to say within hearing distance. Of someone eavesdropping.

“Okay. I was considering coming down for the break. If not, you could always come up here. It’s honestly beautiful. The trees are starting to change colors, that, and Archie met a squirrel. We could always clear our Archies room for you, ya know. It just somewhat smells like a million different body sprays.” I laughed.

“No it’s okay. Let me think it over. I’d love it if we could sit together. Let me sit on the thought. We got some time before you have your break. Uncle Eren did tell me you had a good person with you.” He gruffed the last part.

“Archie is a good person. You could consider him your son. He does dabble in drag, so you’d have to ask him what he’d wanna be called.”

“I’ll think about it. I gotta go though. Be safe, okay? Don’t destroy the truck. I love you.” His sincerity was evident. I loved this man with everything. I hated to hear him so torn.

BEEP BEEP

The popcorn was announcing it wa done and ready for consumption

“I love you too, Dad. I’ll call you again soon, okay?” I held on the moment.

“Okay. Bye honey.”

“Bye Dad.” I smiled into the phone, hoping he could feel the love I had for him.

The T.V was starting to blast some pre-movie commercials, I knew Archie was getting ready. 

“WHERE’S THAT POPCORN!” Archie yelled out.

“Hold on to your d**k, it’s coming!” I yelled back, throwing the popcorn into the biggest bowl we had. I made my way to the living room. Archie had changed into plaid pajama pants and a tshirt. I kept on the same shorts from earlier, minus the heels and switching out the bralette for a big oversized hoodie. I switched the heels out for a pair of knee high socks. Snuggling up on the couch, we watched as Ellie Woods made her way through her life.