40. Macie

Chapter forty

Macie

" R elic and I are hanging out tonight," I announced. "He'll be here soon."

From the couch, snuggled up tight watching a movie, Mom and Dad glanced up at me. Mom flashed an excited smile and said, "That sounds like fun."

While Dad's mouth flattened. "What are you doing?"

I frowned at his annoyed tone. "He's a good guy, Dad."

"He's up to his ears in danger," Dad countered.

"Danger's everywhere," I pushed. "And I thought you wanted me to be out living my life instead of holed up in the house. Anything I do isn't good enough for you."

"How about this," Dad said. "I'd prefer if you and Relic stayed here."

My spine straightened because this was Dad trying to control me again. "So, you're going to keep me locked up?"

"No," he said simply. "You're free to go wherever you want, but if you're going to see Relic, the two of you need to hang out here. He has complications in his life coming in hot. It's safer for both of you to stay off the streets."

I shot a look at Mom for help, but she shook her head. "I'm with your dad on this one. We're not just saying this to protect you, but to protect Relic, as well. If he's been honest with you regarding what he's facing, you'd understand that it's not safe for him to be out on the streets. While our decisions may seem unfair, they're still our decisions. As you age, our decisions will turn into advice that you are free to take or cast aside. Often, we give you the benefit of our lived experience. You need to trust that your father understands Relic's world better than you do."

They knew about Relic and the gang. During the time Isaiah and Dad spent with Relic alone, they must have discussed his problems. My stomach sank and I dropped into the adjacent armchair, placing my hands over my gut to keep the nausea at bay. I studied Dad and tried to see him…the teen who lived in foster care in the same neighborhood as Relic. Tried to imagine if he'd ever been anything like Relic…hurt, alone, rough, and scared.

Yes, Dad had some jagged edges, but overall, he seemed like any other dad. Responsible, caring, telling stupid jokes, protective. Was it possible that he'd also been lost at one point in his life?

Dad never talked about his past. What he shared in the garage regarding his parents was a rare gem. I thought I knew my dad, but I guess I only saw a part of him. It made me want to weep that there was so much more to him tucked inside. For the first time in my life, I wanted to know him…truly know him. From the hurt flickering in his face, I could gauge now wasn't the time. "Okay. Relic and I will stay here."