After ice cream, Paula drove them home. Amy showed Carl the new video game she got for him. He was so excited to finally have his own ‘Dragons: Dawn of New Riders’ . He immediately went upstairs, to his bedroom, to give it a try.
Chris, Paula’s current husband returned from work half an hour later. Amy finally had the chance to say hello to him as she didn’t get the chance the previous night.
Chris is an engineer, so he usually goes to bed early, that was why Amy didn’t see him the night before. Chris is a nice guy. He’s cool to chat with, and fun to be with. Amy is glad her mom still found happiness after her divorce from her dad.
Her dad, on the other hand was a whole different story. He’s always busy with work and when he’s not, he’s either with his bestfriend, Bryan or they’re having a father- daughter time. His 100% attention has been on her after his divorce with her mom and even though she enjoyed the attention, she sometimes wonder if her dad was truly happy.
“Dinner time!” Paula announced from the dining room, bringing Amy out of her thoughts.
She had no idea what she was doing, until she stared at her phone in her hand did she realize that she has been staring at a picture of her and her dad. She let out a heavy sigh and switched off her phone.
Paula was about to go upstairs and get Carl when Amy offered to do it instead. On getting to his bedroom, she saw Carl still engrossed in the video game, making her wonder if buying it was a good idea.
‘He’s still a kid.’ Her subconscious reminded her.
“Right.” She murmured before clapping her hands to get Carl’s attention.
“Carl, it’s time for dinner.”
“Give me five minutes.” He tried to negotiate.
“Nope, kiddo. Mom and Chris are already awaiting your presence.” She began tickling him to distract him from his game.
“O-okay. Let’s go!” He laughed, taking her hand as they made their way downstairs.
During dinner, everyone shared how their day went, mostly Chris and Carl because Amy and Paula spent most of theirs with Carl after getting some toys for him at the mall. Carl narrated to his dad how Amy surprised him by showing up at his school and everything after that. Chris thanked Amy for the toys she got for Carl and congratulated her on her graduation from highschool.
After dinner, they had movie night, well practically Carl, since they watched all his favorite cartoons until he fell asleep. Amy carried him to his room and tucked him in bed, she turned off his night lamps and quietly left his room. On her way to her bedroom, she saw her mom.
“Do you have some time to spare?” Paula asked.
“Sure. Come in.” Amy replied, opening the door to her bedroom.
“Honey. I don’t want you to take what I’m about to say the wrong way..” Paula began as they sat on Amy’s bed.
“Henry only wants what’s best for you.”
“You’re taking his side?” Amy asked in surprise.
“No, no. Honey, that’s not what I meant… All I’m trying to say is that I understand what your dad is trying to prevent.”
Amy couldn’t believe her mom was taking her dad’s side. Just when she thought her mom understands her.
“I shouldn’t have come here. I should’ve gone to Mandy’s.” She said, already getting up on her feet.
“Honey, please understand what I’m trying to say..” Paula tried to get her daughter’s attention.
“Then, what are you trying to say, mom?!” Amy angrily asked.
“All I’m saying is, your dad is scared you wouldn’t be interested in going to college next year if you lose your focus.” Her mom explained.
“And how would you know that?”
“I know Henry much more than you can imagine… He’s just worried about you. Although, he didn’t express it the right way.”
“And how does he know I’ll lose my focus?.. I always get something done, mom. I’m just not ready for college, why can’t he understand that?”
“I know, honey. I believe in you, and so does your dad… You just have to sit him down and talk to him. Make him realize that you know what you’re doing.”
“Why did you two get divorced?” Amy suddenly asked, taking her mom by surprise.
“Why, mom?” She repeated.
Amy couldn’t understand her parents, they defend each other when they’re apart but when they’re together, they can’t have a normal conversation without yelling and blaming each other.
“Honey, there are some things you won’t understand.” Paula replied with a sad smile.
“Right. Like I’m Carl.” Amy said with a hint of sarcasm.
She was only ten years old when her parents got divorced and until now, she couldn’t understand why they ended their marriage. They were so in love and happy, so what went wrong? She always wondered.
“I’m not a kid anymore, mom. And I’m not going to fault either of you.” She convinced her mom, hoping that her mom would at least open up, since this was the first time she has ever brought up their divorce.
Paula took a deep breath. Amy deserves to know the truth, but at the same time she was scared her daughter would hate her when she finds out the truth.
“I fell out of love with Henry.”