10. Elijah
10
Elijah
I pressed play on the video again, not believing my eyes.
My dad was actually fighting with another man on the street in broad daylight. What was going on?
“Your dad is a badass,” Katelyn laughed, peering over my shoulder.
“He’s gone nuts! Apparently, half a year without me, and he’s completely lost it.” I said, shaking my head in disbelief.
It was the end of our trip to the UK, spending the holidays with her family. I just saw the newest viral video while out at lunch. The kids are calling it ‘Daddy Gate.’ Apparently, my father is a total “DILF,” and so is whoever the other man is in the video. It made me sick.
Truthfully, I couldn’t see the other man on the ground clearly, so I had no clue who he was fighting or why he was fighting someone on the street.
“I just can’t believe it. Your dad is THE Daddy from Daddy Gate. I can only imagine what publicity like this is doing for the restaurant. It’s probably doing wonders.”
My eyes widened. “The restaurant! I hadn’t even thought about it.” I hope this stunt won’t hurt his reputation at all. Not many people like violence like this.
“I’ve got to call him.” I shook my head.
“Just wait until we get back to the dorms. Your international calling bill will be through the roof over here.”
I looked at her amazed. “I don’t care, Katelyn. This is my dad. He might be in trouble or something. I’ve got to know.”
She held up her hands in surrender. “Fine, fine. It’s your telephone bill.”
I sighed, stepping away from the table and into the corridor. It was a quiet restaurant, so I was thankful for that. I pulled up Facetime on my phone and dialed dad’s number.
"Hey, kid. How’re ya?" he sang through the phone, happy and chipper like he always was. It looked like he was sitting in the living room, red and green lights twinkling on the Christmas tree behind him. It was lunchtime here, but with the time difference, it must have been around 7 p.m. back home.
“How the fuck am I? How the fuck are you?” Okay, I could’ve eased into that a little better.
“Um, excuse me? Want to start again?” He laughed.
I took a deep breath in. “Right. Sorry. I just learned about Daddy Gate, so I’m a little on the edge right now.” I said through clenched teeth.
He visibly took a deep breath. “Okay, I know. That was pretty wild. I should’ve told you sooner about it. I didn’t want you to find out like that.”
“What’s going on? I’m just so confused. You don’t fight like that ever.” I said, concern wavering in my voice.
I could see the faintest scar on his lip and a bruised eye still healing. It would’ve been a month ago, which hurts me that he hasn’t told me until now.
“I got into a fight with Derrick Voss.” He stated.
I looked at him, shocked. “Mr.Voss? W-Why would you be fighting him?”
Dad looked nervous. Something was up. “Dad, talk to me.” I stared at him.
“He’s not a good man, Elijah.”
“I could’ve guessed that.”
“He’s not a good father either.”
This surprised me. I knew he always cared about Tobias, but why would he go out of his way to hurt his dad?
My stomach felt like it twisted onto itself. I swallowed harshly. “Is - Is Tobias okay?”
I hated that I cared. I hated that he still affected me in this way.
Dad shook his head. “I think there’s a lot of pain and hurt that has happened between the two of them. He threatened to take Tobias back to his home, and I just couldn’t let that happen. Not after everything he’s been through.”
“What has he been through? Dad, what’s going on? Talk to me!” I yelled into the phone. I feel like I’m strangling him for answers here. Why can’t he just spit out and say it?
“When you left for school, I found Tobias in a bad way. The rest of the story isn’t mine to tell, but he’s been living here long story short. With me.”
My mouth dropped open. I was speechless.
The man I told I never wanted to see again…was living in my house?
“Tobias Voss…is living in our house…with you?” I breathed.
Dad slowly nodded. I tried to piece everything together in my head—thoughts swirling around so quickly.
“And you got into a fight with his dad? Because he wanted to take him back home with him?”
“Well, kind of. There’s more to that story, but for the most part, yeah. He’s not a good man, Elijah.”
“Yeah, I got that.” I spat out. “I just can’t figure out something. Why do this all for him? Wait…are you two—” This can’t fucking happen.
Dad’s eyes went wide. “What? God no! He’s a son to me.” Dad laughed. Thankfully, understanding hit me.
“He’s always been a son to you.” I nodded.
“Exactly.”
I thought this over. “Okay, I guess I understand that.” I bit my lip. “You’re a great dad, you know.” I smiled.
He smiled back. “I’m glad you think so.”
“There’s something else. I can tell.” I squinted my eyes.
“Well, yeah.” He scratched the back of his head. “I know spring break is coming, and you’ll return home for a week…”
“Yeah…”
“I wanted you to be okay with the fact that Tobias will be here too. You’ll both have to be here. Together.”
I gulped. Me and Tobias. Together. In the same house, just like old times?
On one hand, I didn’t want to see Tobias again. There’s a whole lot of unresolved feelings I’ve got there that I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with just yet. On the other hand, if he did need a place to stay…my house with my dad was probably the safest place he could be.
“Fine. That’s fine.” I stated.
“Seriously? Elijah, you don’t know how much it means to me to hear you say that. I was really worried–”
“As long as I can bring my girlfriend, Katelyn.” I clenched my jaw.
“Girlfriend? You’ve never brought home a girlfriend before.”
“Well, yeah, none have ever been serious. But, I mean, I flew across the sea to be with her and her family. I’d say she’s pretty serious.” I shrugged. “I don’t see why you should care if you have Tobias there.”
Dad thought this over. “Yeah, I mean. Of course. Of course, you can bring Katelyn.”
“Thanks, I’ll see you then.” I smiled as best as I could.
“Elijah?” Dad stopped me. “I love you, goodbye.”
“I love you, dad. Bye.” I said, hanging up. I groaned out loud, leaning my forehead on the wall.
“Elijah? Are you okay?” Katelyn rounded the corner to see me standing there like a mess.
“How do you feel about coming home with me this spring break?” I muttered.
Her face lit up, and she beamed back a huge smile at me, practically bouncing on her toes.