Peace and Love

Chapter nineteen - We have to help them

Abby's POV:

Dad hasn't been in a good mood for the past few days. I don't know what is going on with him. I made my mom talk with the workers. They said everything was fine with the house. The repair is going according to the plan. It needs a bit more time, but it will be ready soon. Then I thought something might have happened at his work. Without my dad knowing, I went to talk with his boss. He told me there were no problems. It's visible that something is bothering him. The question is what that thing is. I can't help him if he doesn't want to talk to me. Honestly, he is not talking to anyone. I was thinking about asking Luke to do it. The thing is that I know what their relations are. I wonder when their drama will be over. I would love to help them, but I don't think I can. That is something they have to solve alone. As I see it, that doesn't matter for my dad anymore. I feel bad for him. He is not sharing with anyone. I know we became distant, but I am still his daughter. I will do anything for him. Even if our relations have been off for the past few years, he is my father, and I love him. Nothing will change that. That's why no matter how many things he says about my boyfriend, I will be next to him if he needs me. Something tells me that everything is coming from the house. I don't know why. His boss was sure my dad didn't have any problems at work. Then, nothing left. Maybe I have to talk to the workers myself. Mom and my dad can stay home as much as it's needed. Luke has no problem with that. Otherwise, he could've told them to pack their bags earlier. I want to know what the problem is so I can help him. Seeing him down is not something I like. Mom too. She is worried for him. Once I understand everything, I will talk to him. I hope that it won't be too late. I'll do everything possible to help him.

The end of the week is my favorite time. We officially finished the website. The man was happy that we did it so quickly. Luckily, he liked everything. That was the idea. For that, our boss got fifty thousand dollars. The money was supposed to be for the offices, but he changed his mind. Instead, he split them between us. I won't deny some bonus. One thing about me is when I am happy, I enjoy spoiling my boyfriend. I bought him a new game for his PlayStation, a shirt, and a new pair of sneakers. He said it was unnecessary but took everything. I will probably steal the shirt one day.

I woke up and checked my phone. It was 9 am. Luke wanted us to have some fun last night. If we continue like that, I have to buy more pills. Honestly, I don't mind. I'm glad that he is happy. I wish my dad had been like that. I plan to go and talk with the workers today. There is something he is not telling us. I want to know what it is. I was lost in my thoughts when I felt a kiss on my cheek. I turned around and got a lip one. Someone is in a good mood.

- Good morning.

- To you, too. You zoned out.

- I'm sorry.

- The mystery will be revealed today. I promise you.

- Why doesn't he want to tell us? At least to my mom.

- I don't know. Maybe he wants to deal with this by himself.

- That won't help him.

- Look, I don't know. We'll find out when we go there.

- Hopefully, it's not something that bad.

- Why don't we have breakfast?

- That is a great idea.

- Your stomach is saying its word. - Luke said, and I laughed

Both of us went to the kitchen when we got ready. I wanted to help him with the breakfast, but he didn't let me. I went to check on my parents. They were still sleeping. I won't wake them up. Luke and I will leave them food. I want to go and talk with the workers before my dad. I don't want him to know I have been there.

- The food is ready. Here you go, princess.

- Thank you, prince. It's delicious. - I said and took a bite

- I'm glad you like it. When we come home, I will take care of the lunch.

- I think we should have lunch with my parents outside.

- Ok, no problem.

Luke and I ate our breakfast peacefully. I have nothing to say. My mind was somewhere else. It was visible. When we finished with the food, we walked out. Luke wanted to drive, so we took the car. My house is not that far away, but he didn't want to walk. I think I know why he did it. Soon, we arrived and saw workers coming out of the house. I don't have a good feeling. Honestly, I don't want to walk in. It looks good, but it's not the same.

- Hey, we got this. The worst thing that can happen is this. Your dad will be in the same room as me.

- There is no way I will permit this.

- See? You have to be more optimistic.

- I know, but I can't. I'm scared it's something horrible.

- Hey, I am here. Nothing will happen. I promise you.

- I hope so.

- Ok, let's go.

Luke took my hand, and we walked in. It's like I'm walking into someone else's house. I went to see my room. It looks so different. The furniture is there, but my stuff is not. My parents probably put them in boxes. I don't have many things, but I want to keep them. I felt two hands wrapped around me. He always knows what I need and when. We walked downstairs. I found the man who I saw when I came with my dad.

- Hello.

- Hey. You are mister Lee's daughter. Right? - the worker asked

- Yes. I'm Abby.

- Hello, Abby.

- How is everything going?

- Good. Hopefully, we'll finish everything in the next three weeks.

- That's great. Are there any problems?

- No, why?

- No reason.

- Luckily, nothing new popped up. We fixed the roof and started working on the rooms. Yours is ready.

- Yes, I saw it.

- Did you like it?

- It's nice.

- I know it's not the same as it was, but you can decorate it.

- It's ok. I don't live here.

- Oh, ok. I'm sorry, but I have to work. Your dad might come soon.

- One more question. - Luke said

- Go on.

- How much will all of this cost?

- Do you mean the whole house?

- Yes. With all the renovations.

- The total amount will be one hundred thousand dollars.

- What? That is way too much.

- Honestly, the materials cost the most. That is the least I could take your dad. My workers won't get as much as at other places.

- Can't you take him less? That is a lot of money. - I said

- I can't. My workers need to get paid.

- Cut off the materials.

- Abby, I could've used the cheapest ones. The problem is after some time I have to come here again. Your dad will pay even more, even if he doesn't call me and hires someone else. I'm sorry, but I can't do much.

- I understand.

- I'll pay my boys only thirty thousand. Everything else was spent on the house. Your dad and I are good friends, and I want to help him. That's why I'm trying everything to offer a better price. I always show the receipts when I go shopping for materials. Things are expensive. I can't do much.

- It's ok. Thank you.

- You're welcome. I have to go now.

- Bye. - I said, and he left

- At least we know the problem. - Luke said

- Things are not good.

- I know.

Luke and I went back home. Only my mom was there. I have no idea where my dad is. We didn't see him coming to the house. Maybe he went somewhere else. I will call him later. I walked up to my mom.

- Hey.

- Hello. Where have you been?

- We wanted to walk a bit. It's a random question, but how much are our savings?

- Why?

- No reason.

- I think we have around a hundred thousand dollars. Do you need money?

- Oh, no. We have more than that. Don't worry. I'm only asking. I don't need anything.

- Ok, then. Luke, do you want us to have lunch together?

- I would love to.

- Can we talk first? - I asked

- Yes, sure.

Luke and I walked into our bedroom. Things are not good at all. If my parents give their money for the house, they won't have anything. I mean, even for food and paying bills.

- I'm listening. - Luke said

- We have to pay for the house.

- What?

- I know it's a lot of money, but they don't have more. If they give everything now, they won't have money at all. Dad can take credit from any bank, but he won't have enough to return it. The money will be way more by the time he should pay them back.

- Abby, it's not about the money. If it's needed, I will give your parents all of them. The problem is that your dad will never take anything from me. I'm sure about it. I can write him a check, but that won't help. He won't take it.

- We won't tell him.

- What do you mean? We can't hide this for long. He will understand.

- I know. We'll tell him after we pay for everything.

- Are you sure this will work?

- It will. Luke, we have more money than them, and I don't count your grandparents' money.

- I know, but I'm afraid he will get mad.

- Leave this to me. I prefer that instead of them having no money. My mom and dad have been saving this since I was ten. Now they have to spend it for a day. I won't let them do that.

- Ok, then. We won't tell him. What about your mom?

- No word to anyone until everything is done.

- Good. When do we have to pay? I mean, will the workers buy more stuff?

- I don't know. I will talk to the man one day.

- Good. Let's go back. Your mom is waiting for me.

- I'm sure she is.

Luke and my mom made a great lunch. Dad wasn't here to try it. I called him, but he didn't pick up. Hopefully, he is not thinking about credit. Even if he is, he won't tell anyone. Since my mom doesn't know about this, he wants to deal with it alone. The thing is that I won't let him do it. I still think that is too much money.

- Do you know when my dad will come home? - I asked, looking at mom

- I have no idea. He didn't tell me where he was going.

- Maybe to check on the house. - Luke said

- He should've been back up to now.

- Mister Lee has friends. He is probably with them.

- I hope so. Lately, he is not much in the mood. I don't know what is going on.

- He will be fine. I promise you. - I said

- We'll see. The house should be done soon. We can go back there.

- Hey, you can stay here as long as you want.

- Abby is right. The doors are always open for you.

- Thank you, kids, but that is more than enough. I want to go home.

- You will.

We talked with my mom for a while. Later, she went to rest. Loren called and invited us for coffee. Since she found out she was pregnant, she has been excited. It's early to know the gender, but my friend has already started with the names and room decorations. The question is who will pay for her ideas. Let's say they are a bit expensive. Also, babies spend a lot of money. I mean, they grow up quickly, so their wardrobe has to be changed regularly. Diapers are a necessity. Our friends will see how much money they will spend on daily things. That's why she has to pause her ideas. I mean, at least for a while.

After our coffee, we walked back home. Dad was in the kitchen, drinking water. Something tells me there is more than just the money for the house. The question is if he will share. Maybe it's not with Luke, but at least with me. I can help, but I don't think he will accept it. I noticed a letter in his pocket.

- Dad, is everything ok? From who is that letter?

- What letter?

- In your pocket.

- Oh, that. It's the bills I have to pay. After all, the workers use water and electricity.

- Why don't you want to share what is bothering you?

- Because there is nothing I have to share.

- It's visible that you have a problem.

- Clear your vision. I don't have any problems.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. - he said and left

I wanted to take my parents out for dinner, but that won't help. We can have the leftovers. I won't make Luke cook again. He was doing it enough. Much food has left. Everyone might have a different meal, but who cares? It's still food. I helped Luke with the table and later went to call my parents. Dad was sleeping. I left my mom to deal with him. Soon, all of us were around the table. I will help him, but first I must take care of this letter. I excised myself, saying I had to use the bathroom. I carefully walked into their room. The letter was in his drawer on the nightstand. That is for credit. I knew it. He was lying. I better hide this. I won't let him take money from anywhere else.

- Did you fall off the toilet? - Luke asked, chuckling

- Very funny. I'm a girl. I can't be that fast.

- Luckily, I don't have these problems.

- Maybe I should make you face them.

- What do you mean? I'm getting scared.

- You have no idea what it's like to be a girl.

- Please don't give me period cramps.

- It will be way worse. - I said, and my mom chuckled

- The boy didn't do anything to you. - mom said

- He complains a lot.

- That's not true. - Luke said

- Are you sure?

- Yes.

- Ok, then. You won't mind.

- Yes, I will.

- Too bad.

The rest of the dinner was fine. Before we went to bed, I showed Luke the letter. I will keep an eye on my dad. After all, I don't want him to get suspicious. He has an eye for some things. I will give it back to him when everything is done. It doesn't matter if I will pay for his house or credit. The thing is that he doesn't need to get one. I will help him. The money is not the problem. His ego is. My boyfriend is not wrong. Dad won't take anything from him. Well, he can't say no to me. I am his little girl. I might use this if it's necessary. I hope that he won't get mad and will accept our help.