“I see why Elise likes you,” My dad says. “You remind me a lot of her when we first met. Strong-willed.”
“I wasnotstrong-willed,” My mom argues. “Just opinionated.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?” I ask, and my mom’s mouth falls open.
“Whose side are you on?”
“I bet your friends love her too,” My dad continues. “Avalon, you seem like you’d fit right in with them.”
“Um, I actually haven’t met them.”
“Really?” he asks. “Why not?”
“It’s never seemed like the right time,” she replies. “I was supposed to meet them a couple weeks ago, but I had some family drama.”
“Oh no, hopefully everyone is okay.” My mom reaches across the table and grabs Avalon’s hand.
“It’s all good.”
“Will we get to meet your parents, Avalon? We’d love to have them over for dinner sometime,” my dad begins. Avalon looks at me as if she expected them to already know about those relationships. Truth is, it didn’t feel right to share that kind of information with them… it wasn’t my place to.
“That won’t be necessary,” she replies. “They aren’t really a part of my life.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
“No,” she holds her hand up, stopping him, “don’t apologize. My dad left when I was little, so that wound healed a long time ago.”
“And your mom?” My mom sits her silverware down and focuses on Avalon. I rub Avalon’s back.
“She’s always been kind of cagey.” She laughs. “Let’s just say I didn’t have a mother like you growing up, Mrs… Elise.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” My mom frowns.
“Again, don’t be. I’ve learned to be on my own.”
“Well, you’re not on your own,” my mom promises. “Not anymore.”
I kiss the back of Avalon’s hand. It’s nice to know she has the official seal of approval from my mom. It’s nice to know they see her as a part of this family now.
“Elise is right,” My dad adds. “I couldn’t imagine walking out like that. You seem like such a great girl; they really missed out.”
I know he means well… and it might seem like a harmless sentence to anyone else, but it’s far from it. He’s been cagey for years, especially when it comes to my mom’s health. He may still be around physically unless my mom’s in the hospital, but in every other way, he’s checked out.
“Zeke?” My mom’s voice pulls me out of my head. “You okay, sweetie? It’s like we lost you for a second.”
“Sorry, it’s nothing.” I force a smile. “I just zoned out.”
“So, Avalon, what are you going to school for?” My dad continues.
“I’m a biology and neuroscience major,” she responds. “And I’m taking pre-med courses. In May, I’ll start applying to med schools.”
“Wow,” My mom gasps. “That’s pretty incredible. Isn’t it a little early to apply for medical school?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “Most people apply the year before they plan on attending.”
“Zeke told me you were nineteen, so I just assumed—”
“What can I tell you, Mom? My girl’s a genius,” I gloat.