Snowed in with the Dad Bod (Dad Bod Christmas)
1. Angelica
1
ANGELICA
“ D ad, I’m totally fine. I’m twenty-three. You don’t need to worry about me anymore.” I indicate to take the country road that leads to my father’s cabin, the snow coming down heavier the farther north I go.
“I know muffin, but this is the first Christmas we haven’t spent together. Are you sure you don’t want to come to Scotland with me and Lorraine? I’ll even pick you up from London if you don’t want to drive or take a train.”
“Dad. I’ve told you. I’m spending Christmas in London with my flatmate. We’ll have a great time. We have a bunch of friends coming over for Christmas dinner.” I tap my chipped nails against the steering wheel, hoping he believes the lie and doesn’t hear the windshield wipers going as I flick them onto a faster setting to clear the heavy snowfall. “You and Lorraine enjoy Scotland. You don’t need me tagging along like a third wheel.”
“Lorraine wants to know you better, muffin. We’d love to have you with us anytime. I wish you’d give her a chance.”
“I like her, Dad. I really do. And I’m happy for you. I just have plans this Christmas, that’s all.” I slow the car down as I take the winding road towards the lakeside cabin. Snow crunches under the tyres of my little Suzuki Splash. She’s not made for this sort of terrain.
“All right. I’ll have your gifts shipped to the flat.”
“No,” I shout. “I mean, save them for when I see you.” My headlights shine on the trees ahead, dusted with snow like icing sugar sprinkled on freshly baked cookies. Warmth fills my belly, that familiar feeling of home as I drive towards the one place that makes me feel close to my mum.
“But you won’t have them in time for Christmas.”
“I can wait. Really. Plus, I have your gifts too. We can do the exchange in the New Year.” The last thing I need is him sending my gifts to an empty flat I don’t even live in anymore.
“All right, if you’re sure.”
I let out a long breath, knowing I’m going to have to come clean with my father eventually, but there’s no point in ruining his Christmas. If he knew I’d lost my job, and had to give up my flat and was driving to the cabin to spend Christmas alone to wallow in self-pity and binge Ben & Jerry’s while watching cheesy holiday movies, he’d cancel his plans with Lorraine and be there in a heartbeat.
“I’m going to go now, Dad. Call me when you get to Scotland, okay?” The moonlight shines on the snowy road, making it glimmer. The flakes fall like glitter in a snow globe, only this isn’t a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie like the ones I plan on watching. This is my shitshow of a life, and just like the snow that glistens on the outside, it hides a multitude of secrets underneath its crystal white blanket.
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you, Dad.”
The phone falls silent and I’m left alone with my thoughts and my miserable life. Just me, my Suzuki, and all of my belongings.