The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 24

EllaAre you sure you requisite to do this? I ask Lila for the thousandth time.She piles the last box into her trunk and slides her glasses oer her eyes. Hmmm let me think. Go back to a home where Im nothing but a burden? Or go back to the campus with you and have some drama?I pick some dirt out from underneath my fingernail. Im just making sure, before you get too committed.She considers my hands and nominates them a swing. I want to go with you, okay, so go say good-bye to your dad so we crowd out hit the road.Okay, Ill be right back. I head across the breast lawn for the door when Ethans truck pulls up in my driveway.I walk up to his window and rest my arms on it. So you got my message I take it?He looks like he just came from work, grease on his face and clothes, and his dark hair has some shavings of rust in it. Yeah, I figured Id hang and say good-bye to both of you.I slant my head to the side and pierce him with an accusing gaze. Dont try and pretend that youre here for me.He places his hand over his heart, faking hurt. My heart is breaking and youre making jokes. Wow, you re all toldy are evil.Yeah, yeah, I back up so he can open the door and climb out. Ill give you two a minute.I think youve overestimating whats going on between the two of us.Well, I wouldnt have to if one of you would tell me whats going on.He shrugs and thence rounds the back of the truck. Rolling my eyes, I walk into the house to tell my dad Im leaving and that I plan on coming back in a couple weeks to go steady up with Dean. After a long talk on the phone with him and Im sure a lot of persuading from Caroline we decided to meet up here, when Dean can take off work, and give my dad an ultimatum. Its probably one of the hardest things Ill have to do, because I know there will be things said during the conversation that will hurt me. Im going to push through it, though, because now I understand what I can handle.I find him on the couch, eating a microwave dinner, with a six -pack on the t able-bodied in front of him. Hes watching the television, with a cigarette in his hand, and he only notices me enter the room.Hey Dad, I say from the doorway. Im getting ready to leave.He rips his eyes from the television, startled, and I wonder if he was even watching it or if he was home in his impressions. Oh, okay, well drive safely.I rub my sweaty palms together and walk into the room. Dean and I are going to be coming back in a few weeks.He sets his tray down and grabs a beer. What for?I pat my hands on the sides of my legs uneasily. We want to talk to you about something.He sets the beer down. I thought Dean was still here.I shake my head, feeling guiltier about leaving. He went home a week or two ago but Dad, can you try and take care of yourself a little bit better? I take a deep breath and throw a spot out into the open. And maybe stop drinking so much?He glances at the row of beers in front of him like he just agnise they were there. Oh, I dont drink t hat much, do I?I sigh and sit down on the couch beside him. You didnt used to, but now its kinda all you do.He bobs his head up and down. Alright, Ill try to cut back.I know he wont, but hopefully Dean and I will be able to convince him to go to rehab where he can get the help and counseling that he needs. I give him a hug, even though he winces. so I walk away, hoping hell be okay, but knowing that until he makes the decision to change all I can do is try to help him.