Loving Dad’s Best Friend

HIS BABY NOW A LADY

CHAPTER 3

I had stepped out of my bathroom after blow-drying my hair and slipped into an oversized grey t-shirt when dad knocked on my door. How I wished he didn't come tonight, he would notice my swollen eyes for sure, and I have no sound excuse to give him.

I wasn't fond of lying to my father. We had been so open with each other, and he knew my every thought except for the ones involving Blake.

“Gracie—“ Dad Liam called when he didn’t hear anything from me.

I breathed in and out soundly several times, thinking about how best to tell him to leave me alone, “I'm bloody tired, dad. Can we talk tomorrow morning, instead?”

“Just a few minutes, sweetie. May I come in?” Usually, if it was clear that I wanted to keep a distance, he would leave me alone but tonight Dad would not be willing to take NO for an answer, I could feel it in my gut. He would insist to talk to me, he has that tendency sometimes.

How else may I refuse him?

“Fine, dad.” I gave in and hollered good enough for him to hear me.

I tucked myself under the sheets, raising the cover, up to my neck, and lay down flat on the bed. The door creaked when Dad opened it slowly, as he stepped inside the room. He stopped and stood at the base of the bed and looked at me. He crossed his arms below his chest as he continued to look at me with a mix of worry and concern in his eyes.

I looked back at his tall figure. Like Blake, dad’s lean muscled frame and stunning height of over six feet were very attractive.

Again--

I didn’t have any naughty feelings and thoughts for my dad, and I wasn’t crazy to eye him differently than he was. Indeed he was attractive, but he was my dad, whom I respected and adored for his many good qualities and even some of his flaws. I didn’t see him any other way. Otherwise, there was really something wrong with me.

When he still didn’t talk after a few seconds, I asked, “What?” I sound irritated but I was not, just a bit disconcerted.

He released some suppressed air from his lungs, and he moved to the side of the bed and sat on it, still looking at me worriedly.

“What, dad? Will you spill out the content of your brain?” I asked again a bit impatient this time. I was not fond of waiting, most especially if under the scrutiny of discerning eyes.

“Blake and I spoke,” he revealed then he released heavy breaths twice.

I narrowed my eyes and I could hear the beating of my heart in my ears.

Did Blake tell him what we discussed?

I hoped not, but if ever Blake did, I would admit everything to Dad. I waited for his outburst but it didn't come. Instead, Dad tried to lighten up the tense ambiance in the room, plastering a smile on his face. He reached a hand and touched my cheeks gently.

“Do you have a problem, sweetie? You know dad would listen, no matter how ugly it is.”

I was not surprised by his concern, we were always close, and he knew me so well. But—at the moment, what was bothering me was something he wouldn’t be able to help me out with, and there was no point in discussing it with him unless Blake did the unlikely and told him everything, but it seemed Blake did not divulge.

“I am okay, dad,” I let out, curling myself in one piece, facing him.

“Listen, sweetie--" he displayed a bittersweet smile. His mouth was upturned but I could see both fondness and regret in his eyes. It was very seldom I saw him give me that kind of smile and in a way, it squeezed my heart.

Then, he continued, "Years passed by so quickly that I haven't noticed or refused to admit that you have turned into a lady. I could still see the toddler I cradled in my arms whenever I looked at you and sometimes the spritely teenager, but I prefer the toddler more," he chuckled, easing more of the tension, "You didn’t give me a headache when you transitioned from a toddler to a teenager, although I admit I was dead scared to see you growing day by day and now...in as much as I wanted to hold on to your toddler years...you are turning into a gorgeous lady. My mind was going berserk just thinking of the boys who would steal you away from me."

Suddenly, the first time I received flowers from a boy flashed in my mind. I remembered that dad paled and was not able to say a word when he saw the bouquet I carried in my arms from school. It was only after dinner when we had a heart-to-heart talk and Blake was with us.

I laughed a bit remembering his reaction and the talk we had after dinner, both Blake and himself took turns giving me ideas about boys. Each of us has a cold one (beer), they talked about boys' ways as if they were modus operandi--a course of ill actions. I remembered how we laughed until our belly hurts.

Oh, my dad!

Right now, he was so close to the truth, but instead of boys, he should be eyeing Blake, because Blake was the only one who could steal me away from him. I smiled at dad endearingly.

"Dad...I can't be a toddler forever--"

Dad Liam laughed with a soft sound as he shook his head repeatedly.

"I know, sweetie. Can you blame me? I’m an inexperienced single dad, but I tried so hard to be the father you need.”

Did I know that? Of course. It was so hard to raise a daughter when you are a single man.

Girls need lots of guidance when their delicate bodies undergo changes, the hassles of monthly periods, the changes in the body itself, the shift in hormone levels, mood swings, cramps, body pains, and many more. All those I only have Dad to rely on. I could imagine how awkward it must have been when he had to buy napkins and tampons and ask the pharmacist which one was best for his daughter. Oh, those days...I remembered how anxious he was days before Aunt Flo was due. He tried to conceal it from me but it was still obvious.

It was extremely amusing now but years back, those were difficult, awkward, and challenging periods.

Dad stroked my cheeks again and I kissed his knuckles.

“I am just here, sweetie. We can talk about any topic under the sun and expect no judgment from me. I will not even pull out my daddy card, and as always, I can be the friend you need.”

“I know that, dad. You’re the best one. Please do not worry about me,” I replied, forming a curve on my lips. I took his hand and confined it with my own, putting both our hands under my cheek.

Dad Liam had given up so much of his youthful years just to make sure I grew up a fine lady. In return, I tried to be the daughter he deserved. I only drink on occasions, never do drugs despite some influence, have no bad habits, attended very few parties and I have been obedient. If ever-- this thing with Blake would be my first terrible offense--a grand one at that.

But--This was me, being with Blake was what I wanted to do. I see no wrong in choosing who I sleep with. Sure, I was still young, but I would lose this V-card sooner or later, with the right or wrong guy, so...why not with Blake?

I will be living an independent life away from Dad in a few weeks.

I wished he could find someone to spend his remaining years with and probably have a second family. At 35, he wasn’t too old; he was entitled to a second chance at love.

“You’ve given up so much for me, dad. Please do not spend the rest of your life worried sick about your dear daughter. As you said, I am a lady now, and I can handle my life from here. I guess you wouldn’t wish for me to depend on you all my life. I am old enough to know what I want and be responsible for every decision I make.” It was a bold declaration but--I spoke of the truth.

“You had made Blake worry too. He asked me to speak with you, heart to heart. He’s like your second father, and he only wanted the best for you.”

I had difficulty accepting what he said. Blake would never be a father figure to me, and he could be anything but that.

“Tell him to stop. I don’t need another father, and I still have one, and so far my dad is the best,” I smiled at him teasingly.

I hoped my tone did not reveal the annoyance I felt each time Blake insisted that he was like a father to me. I wouldn't say I liked that idea, and I hated him for thinking I was his child when I had turned into a woman who longed to own him, even for a short while. Okay! Maybe HATE was a strong word to use, perhaps DETEST was better, but I didn't like the thought of being considered his daughter. That even highlighted the age gap that I tried to place at the back of my mind. It also associated his name and mine together with filthy words such as inappropriate. Impermissible. Illicit.

But what was wrong with the relationship between Blake and me, if ever? We would not violate any human law, even the laws in heaven. Who was to judge us? The society? They should focus on more important problems that judge relationships.

Not that Blake would agree to have a relationship with me, As it was-- to buy a night with him seemed so difficult. But--just the same, I wouldn't stop until he agreed.

"Blake will never stop caring about you," Dad remarked..

“Care for me as a woman and not a child," I implored. "And you, dad. Please let me handle my life from here. Independence could be crushing to parents, but you had to let me go and spread my wings and fly. If ever one day, I would commit mistakes, I promised to own it and blame nobody but myself.” I said clearly.

I could see that what I said, worried him more. How could a person tell parents to let go?

Releasing a deep breath, he responded, “Alright, but always remember that I love you. No matter how old you become, I am still your father,” he whispered and kissed my forehead lovingly, just like he always did all those years ago.

I hugged him tightly. Liam Stanford Smith was not only my dad, but he was also a friend, a confidant, and an advisor. I would love him for the rest of my life.

“Love you too, dad. Now go. I need to sleep.” I pushed him away from my bed.

He chuckled, “Goodnight, sweetie.”

He stood up, but before he left, I told him, “Don’t forget to tell Blake that he’s not my father.”

I would keep panning that to everyone’s mind, most especially on Blake's. So that he would stop killing me with his concern. His concern for a little girl, he considered his daughter. Damnit!

Dad gave me an understanding smile. Whatever he had been thinking remained in his mind, and I let it be.

As far as Blake was concerned, I decided that he would be the first man in my life and no one could stop me.