One
"Maybe I should just stay home."
I fixed dad's collar while he stared into the bathroom mirror. A mist of cologne floated in the air mixing with the humid temperature from the recently used shower. He was taking a long time to get ready. His eyes darting down nervously. I tried to keep it light as I helped him look his best.
"I haven't been out in years. If I meet someone, what am I going to talk about?"
"That's why you're meeting up with Uncle Jim. You'll be fine," I said as I flipped down the back edge of his collar and stepped back.
I gave my dad the once over. The collard black shirt hung from his wide shoulders. My eyes fell on his defined neck and collarbone. His hair was combed back and neat. For a man his age, black skinny jeans looked good on his toned legs. I smiled on how ridiculously cute and handsome he was. He looked like a lost puppy in a male model fashion show.
"Uncle Jim can be a bit of a wild man. That's why I don't hang out with him."
"I think you need a wild night out. You spend so much time at work and home. I think this will be good for you," Jim wasn't really Matt's brother. Everyone called him Uncle Jim because he seemed to be like everyone's uncle.
"Serena, a quiet night at home with you is all I need."
"I know Dad, but you need to put yourself out there. Mom has been gone a long time. Have some drinks and meet a few people."
Memories invaded my thoughts. I was adopted into the Waters family when I was five. I still remember bright smiles and wide eyes when we first met, the image of them blazed forever into my spirit. Matt and Lily were the best parents an orphan could have. They never let work or personal problems get in the way of family bonds. For the three of us it was the only true way to be happy.
I was eleven when Lily disappeared on a cool autumn night. I remember Matt beside himself in tears. It was hard for us to accept that she was gone. The police could not find any evidence of foul play. It was almost like the world swallowed her up. We spent years looking, flyers covered walls and endless drives to see if we could find a glimpse of her. Eight years later the pain lessened, but it was still there like a scar over our spirit.
Dad touched my cheek and smiled. "If you really feel this will help then I will do it for you."
"Dad, do it for yourself. I'm just going to be here watching a movie and going to bed," I kissed his wrist.
"You are so good to me."
We hugged and held each other. I relaxed into his strong arms, taking in his scent. I had a twinge of wanting to go with him but I knew he needed this. If I was there, he would spend the whole time talking to me and ignoring everything else. Not that I minded but I tried to not be selfish.
The doorbell rang and then it rang two more times. We broke our embrace and laughed. Uncle Jim never liked to wait. We left the bathroom together. I went into the living room and plopped on the couch. Dad went to the door and opened it.
A middle-aged man with spiky hair stood in the doorway and grinned. "You ready to get some tail tonight!" Jim laughed.
Dad let out a sigh and glanced over to me on the couch. Jim looked over and his eyes went a little wide. I gave a medium smile.
"Oh, hi Serena. I thought you might be out with your friends."
"Hi Uncle Jim," I said trying to not roll my eyes.
"Just going to take your old man for a night out on the town. Try to not wait up for us."
"I won't, you guys have a good time."
Dad turned to Jim. "Maybe we should do this another night."
"Are you kidding? I got us into this new club. Everyone will be there."
Jim meant everyone he knew would be there. "Dad! Go and have a good time."
Dad gave me one last mournful look and his shoulders relaxed into defeat. Uncle Jim put his hand on his shoulder and guided him out of the house. I waved goodbye as the door shut behind them. The house became still and I let out a sigh of relief. I picked up the remote and turned on the flat screen.
***
Red dreams lashed out in my mind. I could feel myself falling and desperately trying to grab a hold of something, anything. Lily floated into view, her smile wide and teeth sharp. The world spun like a vortex as her image melted into water and rained away. Spiked walls passed. I reached out, only to be cut. Blood poured like water from a vase. I screamed as the pit below me grew darker. I made one last attempt to grab the spiky wall. Black spears jutted out at me. My body was pierced multiple times and I gasped on how good it felt.
I woke up with a start and nearly fell off the couch. My hand reached up and wiped the sweat from my forehead. The dream was so vivid that I couldn't shake it. I rarely remembered my dreams but this one was so clear. My feet touched the carpet. I looked around the dark house. The last thing I remembered before the dream was turning off the TV, laying back and staring at the ceiling. My eyes fell upon the front door and it was slightly ajar.
I sat up straighter. I knew the door was closed. Why was it open? I got up and went to it. Quietly, I closed it and locked it with a click. There was a rustle from the kitchen. Was dad home already? Did he come in and forget to lock the door?
I moved silently down the hall to the kitchen. The light was on but it was dim. A figure stood by the counter, head down and heaving. My eyes focused and the shadows parted. Dad had his hands on the counter with his back to me.
"Dad?"
The figure lifted his head and turned it slightly. "Serena, I don't feel well."
I rushed to him. He turned to face me. Even in the dim light, his skin was pale and wet. His eyes were wild, darting around but not focusing on me. My hands went to his face and he was cool to the touch.
"Dad, have you been drinking?"
"Uncle Jim is a wild man. We were doing shots, laughing and talking. The bartender seemed to like us. She gave us the house special. It was the foulest drink I ever had but it kicked my ass. Jim ordered another and we downed it. I think it may have been bad. I really don't feel well."
My hands went to his shoulders. Muscles tensed at my touch but soon relaxed. "You need to lay down. Come with me."
