Dad, how could you?! How could you do this to Mum?
Grace was strolling through Hyde Park with her friend, Molly, when suddenly they noticed a man and a woman beneath the branches of a willow tree. The pair were locked in an embrace, his face buried in her golden hair, whispering words she received with a delighted smile. Graces eyes grew wide, frozen to the spot, unable to blink or look away.
Grace, whats up with you? Grace! Molly snapped, surprised.
Oh, nothing. Lets just go, Grace replied, her voice curiously strained.
They wished each other goodbye, and Grace wandered off towards her flat. Her mind looped the impossible sceneDad, with another woman.
Dad, how could you?! You and Mum
Grace and Molly had just left their lessons at the tutors. Neither felt like going straight home, and so Grace suggested, Lets go for a walk in the park, Molly!
Lets, before it gets dark, Molly agreed with a nod.
It was out of their way, but sometimes one must wander.
They ambled down the avenue, glancing wistfully at the couples, the pairs passing by hand-in-hand, all wrapped in their own moment, oblivious to the two girls existence.
They turned down an empty path, and there they saw hima man and a woman, arms entwined, secrets shared in whispers. The womans face gleamed with happiness.
The mans back was to themhe was unmistakably older.
Molly quickly looked away, but Grace stared as if bewitched.
Grace, seriously, whats the matter?
I nothing. Lets just go. Graces voice trembled as she hurried on, leaving Molly with no explanation.
Once outside the park, Grace walked in silence, lost in some new world of her own. The girls parted and went home, each to their own dreams.
On her way home, Graces head hung as though the cloudy sky had pressed it down, her thoughts churning in disbelief.
She saw again the womans joyful face, the way Dad pressed close, whispering as if nothing and no one else existed, not even his daughter.
Dad, how could you? You were always perfect to me. Do you have a lover? I never wouldve believed it if I hadnt seen it myself, her mind reeled.
Grace arrived very late.
Sit down and eat! her mother grumbled. You two keep me waiting every evening.
Ill just go and wash my hands first, Grace mumbled awkwardly.
She spent an age in the bathroom, then finally returned; her father still hadnt come home. She ate with little appetite, then crept away to her room.
She tried to distract herself with her laptop, but the image persistedthe park, the other woman. It didnt seem real.
Is that really my dad? Is deceit and betrayal simply part of adulthood? What could he be missing with us? Would he leave Mum and I for her? The idea stung, and suddenly another flashed in her mind:
Does this woman have any clue I even exist? Well, shell soon find out.
The door clattered open downstairs.
Sorry, love! Work was dreadful today, her father called from the hall.
You only used to have hard days at months end, now its every week, her mother retorted, the familiar storm brewing.
Jane, it really is just work these days!
As usual, he peeped in to say goodnight to Grace, ready with a kiss, but she turned away sharply.
Go on, your dinners going cold.
Whats wrong? he asked quietly.
Nothing for me. What about you?
He looked hard at her, wanting to say something, but thought better of it, and slouched off to the kitchen.
All evening Grace stayed shut away, hatching her plan to rescue her father from this interloper. With her mind full, she finally drifted off to sleep.
She awoke to voices from the kitchen.
Martin, where do you think youre going?
Work, love. Really must dash.
Its Saturday, you know. You could stay with us for once.
Ill only be gone til lunch. Then we can do something together.
Grace shuffled into the hallway, eyes half-closed for effect.
Where are you off to now? her mother enquired sharply.
Got lessons, Mum. Im already late.
Typicalalways on the go, Mother tutted, as Grace vanished into the bathroom.
She returned, hastily collected her things, and caught her father waiting with half a smile in the corridor.
Ill walk you to your lessons, shall I? Martin offered.
Grace, at least have your coffee! Mum bustled from the kitchen, cup in hand.
Drink up, Ill wait, Dad said gently, the guilt shimmering just beneath his words.
Grace downed her coffee standing up, set the cup down, and called, Lets go, Dad!
They walked together for a few minutes in silence, Dad glancing sidelong now and then.
Are you upset with me? he eventually asked.
No, Dad! Its probably just you know teenage hormones, she said, hesitating, then went on. I love you, Dad.
And I love you too, darling.
Most in the whole world?
He started at that, eyes narrowed, but after a moment replied, Most in the world.
They both smiled, but neither quite managed to look the other in the eye.
Heres my stop, Dad. See you at lunchremember, you promised wed spend the weekend together.
She walked toward her lessons, but then ducked behind a rhododendron, and waited till Dad was gone.
Once certain he wasnt looking back, she began to follow. She still hoped he would go to work, but he headed somewhere else.
On and on they went. He never looked back. At last they reached a block of flats. Dad waited by the trees and rang someone.
A woman emerged after a few minutes. She was beautiful, and Grace caught herself thinking, Shes so lovelyhow could Dad prefer her to Mum and me?
The woman rushed up, kissed her father, and the two strolled off together, arms linked.
The neighbourhood was unfamiliar and lonely. They emerged into a little square, settled on a bench, and spoke in lowered voices. Then, a long, lingering kiss.
Graces stomach burned with betrayal as she watched them.
Finally, they rose and made their way back to the building. A kiss, a smile, and Dad set off, presumably for home, while the woman disappeared inside.
Grace lingered in the shadows, torn over what to do next. She only knew she wanted to be alone with this womanthen shed know exactly what to say.
Suddenly, the woman re-emerged, arms full with bags for the bins. Grace hurried to intercept her.
Hello! Grace blocked her path as she turned from the bins, startled.
Erhello Is everything all right? the woman asked, wary.
Listen! If you see Martin again, youll regret it.
And you are? the woman asked, clearly confused.
Didn’t you get the hint?
What do you want? she replied, edging away.
I think I made myself clear. Graces voice was steely as she added, Get your phone out!
The woman handed it over, and Grace demanded, Ring his number. Tell him its over. Im his daughter, and he loves Mum more than youll ever know!
The woman dialled. Grace heard Dads voice:
Anna, whats happened?
Martin, we shouldnt see each other anymore.
Why not?
Things wont work. You have a family. Im leaving for university soon anyway, wont be in London. Goodbye.
There was a pause. Anna, if but Grace heard a note of relief.
Thats it. Dont call and dont come around anymore! Anna said flatly.
Alright, Anna. Goodbye then, and she ended the call.
Back at home, Grace found her parents sitting at the kitchen table, chatting quietly over lunch.
Arent you in a good mood? Mother grumbled, pushing her chair in. Will you eat?
I will!
Whats with you, so full of cheer? Dad wondered too.
Dad, do you love me? Grace countered.
Course I do!
And Mum?
There was a brief pause. Then, firmly:
YesI love your mother as well!
Good, because I love you both, Grace said, her heart lighter than it had been in days.
