Midnight Sun(31)

“Deal,” he says. “Time to get you home. And then tomorrow I’m gonna take you on a real date, okay?”

I nod and drop the bomb on him. “That’s perfect. ’Cause you need to meet my dad.”





14

Charlie drops me off, I walk through the door, and Dad’s right there to greet me. His hair is standing straight up like he’s been running nervous fingers through it all night. His eyes are hollow and haggard. He throws his arms around me and hugs me so tightly I can’t breathe.

“Sorry I’m late,” I say into his shoulder.

He pulls back and gives me a long, hard look. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again, Katie! I thought you were dead. I have no idea who this boy is or what he thinks he’s doing keeping you out until all hours of the night—”

“This wasn’t Charlie’s fault. Breaking curfew is all on me.”

“If you were any later, you could’ve gotten UV exposure!” Dad says, getting angry now that he can see I’m alive and well. “You should know better than anyone what that kind of trigger can lead to!” He’s so worked up now, he’s practically spitting the words out.

“Dad, chill,” I say. “Look at me. I’m fine. No harm, no foul.”

“Only because you were lucky this time,” he says.

I heave a huge sigh. I truly can’t take being coddled one second longer. “Dad! Listen to me. I’m not a child. I can take care of myself. I can make my own decisions. I’m sorry that tonight I chose to stay out later than you were comfortable with, but I’m fine.” My voice rises with my frustration level. “No, I’m more than fine. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Can’t you see that?”

He shakes his head sadly. “All I can see is my little girl ready to throw away everything we’ve worked so hard for on a boy who doesn’t respect our house rules.”

“Will you stop judging Charlie? You don’t even know him!” I yell. “He’s the best, most kind, and most respectful boy I’ve ever met! The only person you have a problem with here is me. Your own daughter. If you hadn’t noticed, I’ve grown up, Dad. I’m not a little girl who can be satisfied with you blowing up photos you took on safari and creating a fake African savannah for me in the basement anymore. I need to get out and really live.”

My dad looks ready to cry. I’m so aggravated now, I might, too. I can’t believe my night turned on a dime like this, from perfect to total disaster in a matter of minutes.

“I knew this might happen once you got to a certain age,” my dad says, almost to himself. “You’re so strong-willed. I guess it’s inevitable that would work against me.”

I step forward, put my arms around his neck, and rest my head on his shoulder. “Dad, I’m fine. I promise. In fact, I’m more than fine. I’m great. Maybe for the first time since I got diagnosed. Please just let me be normal. Please. You have to trust me.”

He relaxes into the hug. “I just want you to be safe, Peanut,” he says. “You’re my girl. I can’t bear to think of anything bad happening to you.”

“I know,” I tell him. “I love you. I promise to text next time I’m going to be late. And I promise you’re going to love Charlie when you meet him. He’s coming to pick me up tomorrow—well, tonight, I guess. And he can’t wait to meet you.” So I might be exaggerating a little… “He’s a good guy, Dad. He reminds me of you.”

“I hope you’re right,” he says. “I hope he takes the news about your XP like the respectful, mature young man you say he is. I hope he doesn’t run away because he can’t handle it.”

I hate that my dad thinks Charlie might ditch me when he finds out about my disease. So much so that I tell him the biggest lie of my life. It’s a whopper. “He already knows,” I say. “And it doesn’t change the way he feels about me in the least bit.”

Dad’s wrinkles relax. He truly seems happy for me. “That’s great,” he tells me. “Really. It’s everything I’ve ever wished for you.”

I feel bad about making up Charlie’s reaction, but not bad enough to take back what I’ve said. I’m fairly certain it will become the truth once I finally get up the guts to actually tell him anyhow.

I text Morgan once I’m back in my room. I’m home. Safe and sound.

She texts back: …

Don’t be mad--my dad isn’t.

Three bubbles appear, then disappear. There they are again. There they go. Finally, a text comes through. Another ellipsis.

I don’t think I can remember Morgan ever getting mad at me before.

I know you’re used to being my only contact to the outside world. But at least try to be happy for me, please.

More bubbles popping up and then leaving. Then this. Are you kidding me? I am not jealous of your stupid boyfriend. Good for you! All I’m trying to do is make sure you’re alive to actually enjoy your relationship with Charlie. Sorry for caring.

Doth the lady protest too much? Methinks yes, I type. I’m not actually going to send it, but then I hit send by mistake and it goes flying out into the world.

Morgan’s reply comes quickly. Get over yourself. And don’t come crying to me when he turns out to be an ass about your XP. Not everyone is as cool as me about stuff like that.