He pulled back. “I promise I won’t make you kneel and pray like last time. I’d rather hear the truth, no matter what happened. You can tell me.”
I met his clear gaze, unsure what it meant or how long it’d last. He released me and ushered me inside.
“It was Adira again,” I admitted, taking off my jacket. “She’s trying to manipulate me into making choices I don’t want to make. I understand she’s an adult, and I’ve tried being respectfully obedient, but—”
“Respect is for god-fearing people, not that horrible woman. She fears nothing.”
“I think she fears Mom.”
I followed him to the kitchen where he had already started fixing several things for dinner.
“I find that hard to believe. Your mother told me what Adira is doing. She’s not only manipulating you. Did you know that woman is controlling access to the new club? I can’t even bring your mother any food because I’m not allowed inside.” He gestured to all the dishes then looked at me again. “You got in. Do you know the code for the door?”
“It’s not a code, Dad. Access is tied to your DNA.”
He looked impressed as he handed me an onion to chop.
“I knew your mom was working on some important stuff but DNA encoded security? That’s big. I still wish that I could check in on her. I think she’s getting better. She doesn’t bring lovers home anymore or return from work smelling like sex. That’s a good sign, right?”
“Dad, I really don’t think that’s my place to say. Your relationship is something you need to discuss with Mom.”
Something flashed in his eyes, but they remained clear and focused on me.
“Right. I apologize. I forgot. Tell me more about school. How are your grades?” He went to the fridge.
“Remember, it’s not a typical school. They don’t grade anything. They test on aptitude and skills, instead. Either the students know the materials or they don’t.”
“And do you know the materials?”
“For the most part. I’m finishing up some math and am hoping to graduate after that.”
“You’re so young yet.”
“I’m turning seventeen soon, remember? And I know it seems young by the standards you’re used to, but trust me that it’s not young here. People younger than me have already graduated.” I brought him the chopped onion for the salad he was fixing.
“Well, it seems your mom was right to bring you here, then. Even though it broke my heart to let you go, I’m glad you’re excelling.”
I leaned against the counter and studied Dad’s face. The only reason it had broken his heart was that I’d been his remaining tie to Mom. It had nothing to do with his love for me.
“I love you, Dad. I’m sorry your life didn’t go the direction you planned.”
“I’m not. I have you and your mother. I couldn’t want anything more.”
I managed a smile and asked what else I could do to help. Over the next hour, we talked about Mom and her club and how people were holding him back from being truly useful to her. When I couldn’t take any more, I excused myself, letting him know I still had an assignment from Adira to complete.
“Be careful around her. I wouldn’t trust her with my worst enemy’s soul.”
“Since when do you have enemies?” I asked, putting on my jacket.
“It’s just a saying. But if I had one, I think it would be her.”
I chuckled.
“You and just about every other resident in Uttira.”
“It makes me wonder why the people here put up with her.”
“That’s a really good question, Dad.” And something I’d wondered often during my stay here. I hugged him goodbye and left.
