The Date

2.

"You look so much like me," Mom ran her hand in my long cascading brown hair a shade darker than hers. I gazed at her fuzzy reflection in the mirror then turned to face her. Her sad eyes searched mine. I could feel how much she regretted her choice for living in the shadows. She wanted to see grandma back in Phoenix.

"Hurry downstairs before those two destroy the house," I gave her a tight smile. Even though we don't always get along, I still love her to death⁠—no pun intended. We took our time to strode to the entrance where neither Jacob nor Dad has moved from where I've left them. They both looked up when I got closer.

"You're not wearing that!" snapped Dad. I ignored him and went to stand beside Jacob, who gave me a timid smile.

"You look gorgeous," he whispered as anger flickered across Dad's face.

"You will keep your hands to yourself, understood!" he glared at us. I chuckled and wrapped my arms around Jacob. He sprung forward ready to pounce. Mom held him by the shoulder. I quickly retrieved my hand to save us from a catastrophe.

"Relax Dad, It's only a movie. We'll be back by ten," his face was a cold marble block.

"Nine! And you keep your hands away from my daughter or I'll rip you to shreds," he hissed through his teeth. Jacob rose his hands up in surrender.

"Yes, Sir," one side of his lips pulling up. I was in love with his crooked smile. It was so cute.

"You're starting to sound just like Charlie," commented Mom, Dad frowned at her. We left them on the front porch and marched hand in hand to Jacob's rabbit. A rusty old car he seemed to cherish.

"Hands!" shouted Dad from the porch. Jacob instantly rose his hands up breaking out warm contact.

"Can't he just die of a dog flu or something!" raged Dad. Mom slapped his shoulder and added a comment I couldn't catch. What a party pooper. Will he stand there to spy on us? Jacob held the creaking passenger door for me. I feared it might fall to pieces if I touch it.

"Princess, your carriage awaits you," he bowed. I giggled at his ridiculous gesture as he bent forward.

"This thing will turn into a pumpkin by midnight," I laughed. His smile dropped as he hurried to the other side. I felt a sting of guilt for mocking his beloved car. Men and their toys, I laughed internally. Mom said I have an old soul. Who knows it might be true.