He would hold my hand and look down at me with the biggest smile on his face. I think I’ve outgrown all of that. However, when he takes my hand in his, like he used to do when I was little, I begin to tear up.
I’m such a daddy’s girl. My father has always been my hero. I’ve always had his support and words of wisdom to help guide me.
“I meant what I said, Zahirah. I’m so proud of you. You’ve turned into a beautiful young woman. Your grades have beenoutstanding, and I’m so damn proud of your track seasons. You’re my little superstar, but you’re not so little anymore,” he chokes out.
“I’m still your little girl. That’s never going to change.”
“Oh, baby girl, I wish that were true. It’s already changing. You’re becoming an adult. You have adult situations coming your way. You know it’s not going to be a walk in the park to be on Bentley’s arm.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it. You two are about to face a world of challenges. Starting with him entering the pros while you’re still working on your degree and an Olympic spot. Do you think you’re ready for this?”
“Yeah, Dad. I think I am. We’ve gotten stronger over the last year. Neither of us wants to bring the other drama.
“We’re too focused on our sport and I’ll be focused on my grades. Bent knows and respects that. I think I love him more because of it,” I reply.
“I want you to remember you can always come home when life gets heavy and you need your mother and me. We’re here and we’ll support you in any way we can.”
“I know, Daddy, but thank you for saying it out loud as a reminder. It makes me feel a whole lot better.”
“You’re my baby. I’ve always got your back. Oh, by the way, Bill and I can’t wait for the spring to use those golf passes.
“That was a great gift, baby. Bill had to give up his membership when things were tight. I didn’t see a reason to keep mine without him. We’ve been wanting to get back out there together. Thank you.”
I give him a smile. “You’re welcome. Speaking of Christmas gifts, what’s this gift you have for me?” I ask as we make it back around the block to our house.
He stops in front of our driveway instead of continuing next door to the Coswells’. I look up at him expectantly. The sound of the garage door opening grabs my attention.
When I turn, there’s a brand-new car sitting in the garage with a big red bow on it. I look back at my dad in disbelief. I had no idea my parents planned to gift me a new car.
The car I have is getting older and has had some trouble in the last few months, but I never expected this. I should have known when the state of my car became the first thing he would ask about during our weekly calls. My dad is a protector and provider.
“Oh my God, are you serious? This is mine?” I squeal.
I’m running in place because I don’t know whether to hug the shit out of my dad, run to check out the car, or run to get Erica so she can see it with me. Someone pinch me. I jump into my dad’s arms and hug him tight as I snap out of shock.
Erica, my mom, and Fran come out to see what’s going on. Bill is standing on the porch with a big smile on his face. It’s like the Christmas when Erica and I got new bikes and our dads stood outside to watch us ride them all day.
“Thank you, Daddy. Thank you,” I sing happily.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
“Oh my God. You have to drive us to the field. This car is so awesome. Way to go, Mr. Nickels,” Erica croons.
“Only the best for my one and only baby.”
“Can I take it for a spin?”
“Of course,” Dad says as he hands me the key.
I hug him again. He gives me a big squeeze and kisses the top of my head. Releasing him, I then bounce happily in place.
“I love you guys,” I say to my parents.
“We love you too. Drive safely,” Mom says.
“I will,” I call over my shoulder as I rush to the driver’s side of my new car.
The chrome Mercedes screams fast and elegant. I couldn’t have asked for a nicer car. When I get behind the wheel, I sigh.
