by Cindy Wilder
“Do you have a few minutes?” I asked.
“Of course,” he said, as he pushed the door shut and leaned back into the couch. “What's up?”
“I'm not sure how to ask you this,” I said.
He put his hand on mine and looked me in the eye.
“Just ask, Carrie,” he said.
“I need to know if you can take a couple of hours off this week.”
“For what?” he asked.
I took a deep breath and thought about the promise I made to Kyle.
“I need you to take me to get my license,” I said, as I looked down at his hand.
He took my chin in his other hand and lifted my face.
“What do you mean get your license?” he asked.
He didn't know I heard his conversation with my mom. I knew that was why he had Rosie take me shopping. If he didn't want me to know he had spoken with her, I had to respect that.
“I don't have a license,” I said. “Kyle taught me how to drive this summer. You have to take me to get it. They won't let anyone else do it.”
“Why hasn't your mother taken you?” he asked.
“We don't spend time together. I'm kind of on my own. She wouldn't teach me. Now that I know, I want to get it. If I wait until I get home, I won't be as fresh and I'm not even sure she will take me.”
“I'll take you,” he said. “I'll take an afternoon off. Kyle really taught you?”
“Yes,” I said. “He said I could use his car the rest of the summer. I said I would. He wants you to sell it after that. Who knows when he'll be back home. Can I have the car? I can get a job to pay for insurance and gas. I can drive back home instead of fly.”
“You are not driving home,” he snapped.
“I'm sixteen, dad,” I said.
“I know that.”
“I want you to be honest with me. I want to ask you some things. Will you tell me the truth?” I asked.
“I will answer anything you ask me honestly,” he said. “Hold on.”
He got up and walked over to his desk. When he came back, he had a box in his hand. He set the box in my lap.
“I got you this. It came in the mail yesterday. We were in the bookstore, and you bought some books. I know you have always loved reading. I figured with this it would be easier and take up less space. It's just a tablet.”
My eyes widened as I ripped open the box.
“Are you serious?” I asked.
He laughed and shook his head.
“There's two hundred dollars on the account. You can buy all the books you want, and I won't have to see the covers.”
I burst into laughter.
“The books I read aren't that bad, dad. I'm saving the really good ones for when I turn eighteen.”
“I don't want to know,” he said. “Let me know when the money runs out, and I'll add more. I also wanted to tell you something else. You can ask me anything you want after that.”
“That money will last forever.”
“Get what you want. Read as much as you possibly can.”
I nodded and waited to hear what he had to say.
“I've made some decisions,” he began. “I want you to live here with me, but I can't do anything about that right now. I want you to know that you are welcome to move in as soon as you turn eighteen. I would love to have you here. You can even work in the company if you want. It's totally your decision. We can talk about the car thing later. When you do get a car, it will be in my name. I don't want you to think I'm being mean. I will sign it over the day you turn eighteen. I'll take care of the insurance from here. If you need any work done to it, I need you to let me know. I'm taking you to set up a bank account. It will have both of our names on it. I will deposit money in it every week for you. On holidays, I will put money in as well. You can use the money for gas and whatever else you want. If you need any books, clothes, or anything else, I need you to let me know. You are old enough for me to trust you with your own account. I don't want you giving the passwords or anything from the account to anyone. It has to stay between the two of us. I have something else to say, but I'm not sure how to say it, baby girl.”
“It's about mom,” I said, and he nodded.
“This is your money. You are not to give her a dime. If she needs money, tell her to call me. I'm not sure what's going on with her, but I'm pretty sure your life is nothing like I thought it was.”
“Did you pay all the lawyer fees for her?” I blurted out.
“Yes,” he answered.
“Were you really there for court? Did you really fight to see me?” I asked.
“Yes,” he said. “I fought every single time I could.”
“I thought you didn't want to see me,” I said. “I thought you were embarrassed of me. She always told me we didn't have money. She said you were taking her to court so she would have to spend the money you gave her. You know that suitcase I brought? It's all I have. I don't know why, but she went off the deep end when you got married again. She moves from man to man. We never spend time together. That part isn't new. You know how she is. She makes you sound so horrible.”
I saw his jaw tighten, but he didn't say anything.
“Promise you won't tell her what I say. I have two more years to live with her.”
He nodded.
“I bought you a car. It was beautiful. She sold it. I gave her money to throw you a huge party. She spent it. I have paid every dollar for her fees. I have been to court five times in the last two years. I've put money in her account for your school clothes and every holiday. I've never been and will never be embarrassed of you. I've fought her hard. The only reason you're here is because of the judge. He finally told her he would put her in jail. She had a plane ticket every time you were supposed to come, but she never sent you. I can't do it anymore. I can't give her any more money knowing that she hasn't given you any of it. I am so sorry for what you have gone through, Carrie. I thought she was just fighting me because she wanted to make my life hell. I don't know why. She left me. I never wanted her to take you away from me. I know I work a lot. I do it so you can have a good life. I'm so sorry that I wasn't there enough. I will do everything possible to make that up to you.”
Tears streamed down my face as he spoke. He really did love me. I didn't believe Rosie when she told me he did.
“We will go shopping for clothes while you're here. I'll have them shipped to you. Do you need anything else for school?”
“No,” I said. “I already have enough clothes. Rosie took me the other day.”
“You need more than that,” he said. “Does the laptop still work with what you need it for?”
I looked at him but didn't respond.
“You don't have the laptop?”
I shook my head.
“Mom had one, but I think she broke it.”
“We can get a new one,” he said.
“No,” I said. “I'll be fine without one. They have computers at school and the library. That gets me out of the house. I don't really want one right now. Can I just let you know if I ever need one?”
“Yes,” he said. “Don't feel like you can't accept things from me. These are the same things you would have if you were here. I want to do things for you. I love you.”
“I love you too,” I said, as I moved forward and wrapped my arms around his neck.
He hugged me back a little tighter than usual. We went on to talk for another hour about my life and his business. I liked hearing about his work. He was very successful.
My dad took me to get my license. We did some clothes shopping as well. As soon as I got home, I took a picture of my temporary license and sent the picture to Kyle.
Me: I did it. Look out. I'm on the road. I hope your car makes it through the month.
Days passed. I didn't really go very far. Kyle had given me the address for where he was at. I knew he wouldn't be able to call, email, and text very much until all of his training and stuff was over. It wasn't something I kne
w much about.
I had Rosie make a cheesecake with me. She watched and told me what to do. I wrote it all down so I could do it when I went home. We made two of them. One for dinner, and one for Kyle. It was expensive to ship the darn thing. I was hoping he would get it. After dinner, Rosie took a picture of me sticking a huge forkful in my mouth. I sent the picture with a message.
Me: Mmmm. This cheesecake misses you. More for me. Look for a package or two coming your way.
Kyle: I'm going to kick your ass. That looks so good. I miss Rosie and her food. I miss you too, brat.
I went shopping the next day and bought everything I thought he would need. There was a cool picture frame I found. It gave me an idea of something else I wanted to do. Rosie helped pack the box. We both made him cards too. It was silly, but I knew he would like it. I sent the box with a huge smile on my face.
It had been a few days since I had heard from him when the text came through. A picture came up of him with the cheesecake and a huge smile on his face. There were some other happy guys in the picture as well.
Kyle: Thank you. We are all about to enjoy this. Tell Rosie thanks as well.
It had been too long since I had been able to mess with him.
Me: That's a lot of good looking men in that picture. Maybe you should introduce me to some of your new friends.
Kyle: That will never happen. You can get that thought right out of your mind.
Me: I hope you all enjoy the cheesecake I made. Yep. I made it. Good luck!
We went back and forth. I had emailed him about my dad and the conversation we had. He knew everything about my mom and what she had done. I found it very easy to talk to him. It was even easier in writing. He wrote me about how much harder it was than he thought it would be. We grew closer in that month since he had left.
It was time for me to go home. Summer had gone so fast. I couldn't wait to get back to my dad's. He promised that I would be able to see him the following summer.
Rosie handed me a present on my way out. She told me to open it when I got home. Neither of us wanted to break down right before I had to get on a plane. I handed her a wrapped package as well. She knew the rule was the same for her. I knew she didn't want to wait. My dad rode with me to airport. I gave him the biggest hug. He actually hugged me tighter than he ever had in my life.
“I have so many books to read on the flight. Thank you for everything, dad. I can't wait to get back here,” I said.
We said I love you one more time. Then I walked through the door to the airport. I went through security and found my gate before pulling out my phone and taking a selfie. I had to wonder if Kyle was tired of hearing from me. It made me think that one day I would go to turn my phone on and my service would be disconnected. I laughed at the thought, as I typed my message with the picture.
Me: Waiting for the plane.
Kyle: Be safe. Text when you land.
Me: I'm sitting here alone. You know what popped into my mind? You turning my service off because of all the selfies I send you. The things I think about.
Kyle: I would never do that. I don't know what I'd do without you messing with me. The good thing about the phone is I can just turn you off if I get sick of seeing your face.
Me: Bye, Shithead.
Kyle: Be careful, Princess.
I shut the phone off and waited for my flight to be called. It would only be nine months before I would be back. I could do that.
The flight landed and I hurried to get my luggage. The line for a cab would probably be long, and I was tired. I stopped when I saw a man standing with a sign that had my name on it. He looked at me with a smile. It was one of my dad's drivers.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
He had a huge smile on his face.
“We need to get your luggage,” he said.
I waited with him and grabbed the luggage off the belt. He took it and walked toward the exit. As soon as the glass doors opened, I saw it. In front of me was Kyle's car. He opened the back door and put the bag inside. Then he walked to the trunk and opened it. All of the bags of clothes I bought with Rosie and my dad were there. There were also a few extra bags as well. He closed the trunk and opened the driver side door. I looked up at him.
“Do you know your way from here?” he asked.
“The way home?” I asked, and he nodded. “It's only ten minutes away. I definitely know the way.”
He reached out and handed me the keys.
“All of the paperwork is in the glove. Your dad will get you the new insurance papers when you need them. Enjoy your car.”
“Are you serious,” I yelled.
He smiled and nodded. I heard him gasp when I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him. I pulled away quickly and smiled.
“Sorry,” I said. “I'm just excited. How will you get home?”
“I have a flight in two hours. Your dad wanted you to have the car, but he didn't want you to drive it here. He said you will be getting a new one when you turn eighteen. Go straight home, and call him when you get there.”
“Thank you for doing this,” I said.
I got in the car, and he shut the door behind me. There was a huge smile on my face as I drove my car home. I couldn't wait to call my dad. As soon as I got there, I took a picture of me with the car. There was enough to be able to tell it was Kyle's car.
Me: Check it out! Can you believe it? He gave me your car. I hope you don't mind. You said to sell it. I asked if I could have it. He had someone drive it here for me. I'm so excited.
I called my dad from the phone in the house and tucked Kyle's phone safely into my purse. I could hear the happiness in my dad's voice. All of my bags were in my room. My mom wasn't home. I was hoping to be in bed by the time she got back from wherever she was.
Rosie had given me her number, and I had my dad's too. They were both in my contact list on Kyle's phone. That way I only had to keep track of one thing.
I sat down on my bed and opened my gift from Rosie. It brought tears to my eyes. She gave me a book full of all of my favorite recipes she made. It made me feel so good that she had taken so much time for me to have them. I called and thanked her. She really was so important to me. She thanked me for my gift and said she had it hanging in her room. I had taken the frame and filled it with pictures of me, Kyle, and the both of us. They were all jumbled together like a collage. I even had a couple of him dressed in his military clothes. She seemed very happy with it. I promised to call her often before hanging up the phone. She could call or text me since Kyle had told her about the phone he bought me.
Kyle text me just as I was about to turn off the phone and put it away.
Kyle: I'm so glad you like it. I've been holding that in for days. He called and asked me if it was okay. How was your mom?
Me: Not home. I'm going to bed before she gets home from who knows where.
Kyle: I'm not real happy you're there. At least at your dad's house, I knew you were okay.
Me: Awww. You do care.
Kyle: Of course. If anything happens to you, who's going to send me cheesecake?
Me: You are such an ass. Rosie gave me a book with all of the good recipes in it.
Kyle: That's so cool. Now I can get you to send more than selfie shots and boxes filled with underwear. That one was funny by the way. You know I can't stand them. I can't help but worry about you. Don't let your mom push you around.
Me: You really should wear them there, unless you want the guys seeing your junk all the time.
Kyle: They actually have come in handy.
Me: Don't worry about me. I'll send you a new picture every single day. That way you'll know that I'm okay. It's going to be fun. Do the best you can there. We are all proud of you. I want you home safe. There's nobody else as fun to mess with. It's the highlight of my day. Time will fly by as long as I have you to talk to.
My Stepbrother the Military Man #2
2 Years Later
A smile covered
my face as I packed everything into boxes. I had made sure not to accumulate much more than I already had. My dad put money into my account each week as promised. Most of it was still there. All I paid for was gas and basic car care. He paid for any major repairs I needed done. My car was in perfect shape for the long drive it was about to take.
Graduation was over, I was eighteen, and freedom was at my fingertips. It was the day I had been waiting for. I was about to be on my own.
My mom thought I was going to spend the summer with my dad. I had visited the previous summer as well. It was my favorite place to be. Rosie was there. We sent Kyle boxes with goodies and necessities. My dad was there, and our relationship had grown. He still worked his ass off, but I knew he loved me and wanted me with him. Laura was still there. Nothing had changed with her. She was always off doing her own thing. The most important part was that it made me feel closer to Kyle.
My dad thought I was coming to spend the summer with him as well. He had no idea that I was bringing everything I owned with me. I had no intention of going back to live with her. No court could force me to either. She had been making my life hell those last few months. I knew she didn't want me there. She had no use for me anymore. The day I turned eighteen was the day she quit getting money from him. He followed the courts order until that very day. What she didn't know was that he was still giving me the same amount he was giving her. The only difference was that he was depositing it into my account instead.
I had no idea what she had done with all of the money he had given her over the years. She was broke, and I was paying the price. I knew she went through my stuff when I was at school each day. Things were moved all over the place. I never said a word to her. Anything important lived in the trunk of my car. I didn't need anything that was in her house.
She began charging me rent on my birthday. I didn't tell my dad. He would have paid me back. I didn't want the last couple of months to be any more miserable than they needed to be. When she came to my room to collect, I handed her the money with a smile on my face, as I counted the days until I knew I would be gone.
Kyle was the one that got me through it all. He knew about the rent and promised he wouldn't tell my father. I told Kyle everything. We emailed back and forth and messaged as much as possible. Neither of us ever mentioned the opposite sex. He didn't need to know how boring my love life was. I surely didn't want to know about his. Rosie was the only other person I confided in. Those two were my everything.
