James's Mom, Julia was kind enough to let me stay with them until my Dad got back.

In reality I think she just felt bad for me. James explained my situation and Julia came and hugged me, even offered to buy a plane ticket to see my Dad. I declined, but the offer was sweet.

"Dad can you drive me to the next town over after school? I have to get a dress for Prom on Saturday." 

Which was true. Except there was more to it than that, "Sure. I have to go to the hospital first and then I can be there." He smiled, "Cool. Can we also take Evelyn?" 

Dad rolled his eyes, yet let out a laugh, "Sure. Now leave, I have to go."

It's been two days since Dad got back. I can't tell if things are worse or better. He seems tense when it comes to Rebecca, talkative yet shy. Secretive yet obvious. 

"Still think he's hiding something?" Mason asked, closing his locker. I nod, walking alongside him. "For sure. He's acting so weird, and I know for a fact that planes can still fly when it's raining, why did he have to wait an extra day to fly?" I frowned.

"He could be scared of flying. It happens." James nudged, I looked at him, "Who's side are you on?" I laughed, "I'm just saying Sof, okay? Cut him some slack. His wife is in a coma, his daughter is well... you." 

My mouth fell open out of offence while James laughed, earning a side glance from me.

"Anyway, he's taking Evelyn and I dress shopping after school so I'll talk to him then."

Just as I turned the corner, the bell rang for class and everyone quickly scurried away. "Bye, see you at break." James said, leaving a kiss on my lips before hurrying off.

"So, hows that situation going hmm?" Evelyn asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

I huffed, "Ask me later." 

+ + + 

I waited for Dad outside school with Evelyn. He texted that he wasn't far off and to wait for him outside. It was getting colder and colder by the day, winter break just moments away.

After prom there was one more week of school left and then we had final exams. Then we graduated... Weird.

I shivered in my boots, my tights apparently doing nothing to keep out the cold.

Cars pulled out of the school parking lot one by one, a few students staying behind to talk. What took me by surprise though, was seeing Zach Blakey sitting on a bench, by himself. 

"Where's his little enterage of people?" Evelyn rolled her eyes. But something seemed off about him. He's not his usual, cocky self.

"Does something seem wrong about him?" I asked.

"Everything?" She added, "No I mean... he seems lonely. Which is surprising."

I watched as a black car pulled up with tinted windows everywhere but the front window. As it pulled away I glanced at the license plate, what is he upto?

"Who knows, maybe he's finally fallen in with the stoners." Evelyn said, which made sense, "But then he'd be friends with Mason. And I don't think either of them like each other." 

I heard a car honk and looked up to see my Dad, quickly waving at him and running to the car, I was relieved to be greeted by hot air blasting my face.

"Hey Mr Holland, how are you?" Asks Evelyn. She buckled her seatbelt in and gave me a side glance. "I'm good thank you, how are you?" 

My phone vibrated in my lap.

Evelyn
He sure looks fine for someone who's wife is in a coma...

I sent her back three !!! as if I was trying to prove a point. Ever since he got back from his work trip, he's been awfully happy.

"So, who's your prom date? Or are you going stag?" Dad smiled. I shrugged, "I might go with Evelyn." 

"Why not James? I like that boy, he's nice and respectful." I snorted, yeah right, "He hasn't asked me yet." Frowning, I kept getting a feeling that maybe he doesn't even like me.

"There's no harm in asking him you know? He doesn't have to ask you." Dad added, "Yes he does. It's boys ask girls masquerade ball. Last year it was girls ask boys night in paris, remember?" 

Dad tapped his chin, "Oh yeah. You asked that weird Tony fella." 

Bingo.

All was quiet after that, swerving down the icy streets of Churchill, finally reaching the other small town of Glenric Cove. They're a fishing town. 

"I'll meet you guys back here in an hour. I'm going to grab a coffee and maybe catch up on some work." Dad said. I nodded, "Ok, thanks Dad."

As he drove off, I pushed open the store door, hearing the bells above ringing. 

I smiled at the lady stacking coat hangers and she gave me a curt nod, "Prissy much." Evelyn whispered in my ear. I snorted, admiring the array of dresses.

"Okay, what color are you going for? I'll try match you with an opposite color."

She pulled out her phone to show me some pictures, "So a light pink or... green?" I asked. Evelyn nodded excitedly, "Yep. Now, get to it."

+ + + 

We had spent at least an hour looking at dresses. I called my Dads phone twice and no response. "Where the hell is he? He said he was gonna wait at the cafe?" I shivered, standing outside the store.

Rain had started to come down slowly, dampening my hair.

I called him one last time, fed up with his secretiveness. 

"Come on." I ushered Evelyn, starting down the road to the small cafe on the corner. When we got there, I stopped in my tracks, seeing my Dad having coffee with another woman.

"Who's that?" Evelyn asked me. I shrugged, "I have no idea." I swallowed the thick lump in my throat, tears filling my eyes. How the hell can he move on so quickly? 

First Mom and now Rebecca? "He's a fucking coward." I sniffled.

I turned around the see Evelyn on the phone with someone.

"Can we go?" I questioned. She nodded, "Yeah, lets go look at shoes. I need shoes anyway." Nodding my head, we crossed the road to the discount shoe shop. 

+ + + 

Hi guys.

So sorry for the late chapter!!

How is everyone? How was everyone's Christmas (if you celebrate)

Xx