The Last Goodbye The New Hello

We each sit on each end of the table eating in silence. Today is my dad's birthday so I came to have dinner with him. It’s not like I had much of a choice. Every year he forces me to come spend dinner with him on this day. You may ask why I am forced and why I hate being here. We’ll ever since I was little he never cared about me. He may act like he does but I know he doesn’t. I’ve always been a burden to him and things were always expected not congratulated. He would always make excuses to not take care of me but it’s not like I really cared. He can do whatever he wants to tell me whatever I just don’t care what he has to say anymore. It’s not like he really knows who I am. Suddenly, he breaks the silence and asks “How’s the food Jade?” “Jade! Jade, really? God dad, that's not even close to my name!” I screamed and slammed my fork down. “Sorry what’s your name again then.” He says notlantly. “Really? you don’t even know your own daughter's name?! Wow, of course you don’t. I bet you don’t even know one thing about me.” “Of course I do. You play basketball. You’re the um umm point guard.” I watch him struggle. “See I was right you don’t know anything. I don’t play basketball and definitely do not play the position of point guard. I play volleyball. You would know if you paid attention to what I talk about.” “Well I only see you one day a year.” I felt the rage fill my body and I finally broke. “Well that’s because you never wanted to spend time with me you would always make excuses to leave! You know what Dave!” “Hey!” He interrupts. “It’s dad to you.” I can see he’s starting to lose it too. “Now you know what you were never a dad to me. I think it’s better that we are just strangers, it's not like you care about me anyway.” I stand up getting ready to leave. “Jade, sit down right now!” “Again with calling me Jade my name is Jayla.” “Oh that's close enough.” “It’s not though they’re two different names!” The frustration I feel is just building up with every word that comes out of his mouth. “Why can’t you just listen. I just pointed out so many reasons why it’s better if we just don’t know each other, and yet you still keep holding on why?” “It’s because I lost everything.” “Oh stop with the sob story. It’s your fault you lost it all. You keep making the wrong choices that lead up to where you are now.” “Can’t you see I’m trying now.” “How are you even trying? You think forcing me over once a year is trying? Well you’re so wrong.” “I do not force you.” “Really cause the last time I checked that’s not true.” “Even if I was so called forcing you to go, I have every right to.I am your father.” I thought I couldn't be any angrier than I was before but after he said that he really just proved me wrong there. “First of all just cause you’re my so-called father that gives you no right to do anything and I am 18 now! I’m an adult and you have no power over me! You know what thanks for the dinner and happy birthday I guess. I’m leaving now. Goodbye Dave.” I stormed out of the house fuming.  “Hey get back here I didn’t slave away in the kitchen just for you to storm out.” He yelled and I just kept walking. I can’t believe the things he said in there. Actually I can believe it I should have known dinner would have gone this way. At least I don’t have to go there anymore. I kept walking around still feeling enraged about what happened during dinner and apparently I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings because I didn’t see what was in front of me and bumped into someone. “Oh my god I’m so sorry I wasn’t paying attention.” I said kinda in a daze. “Oh no worries, it's fine. Are you ok?” “I’m fine but I’m the one that should be asking you that.” “I’m ok.” He laughed. “By the way, I'm Alex and you are?” “My name is Jayla” “Well it’s nice to meet you Jayla” “It’s nice to meet you too.” “Not to be too straight forward but something seems to be troubling you. Would you like to get dinner? I know this really good restaurant right around the corner.” “I would actually love to.” “Great. Shall we?” “We shall.” I laughed. We walked together to the place he talked about. When we finally reached, we got a table and sat down. We looked over the menu and after a few minutes the waiter came and took our orders. As soon as he left Alex started talking. “I know this is none of my business but like I said earlier something seemed to trouble you. Do you want to talk about it? Sometimes it’s easier to tell something to a stranger, but we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” I smiled and thought what he was saying was really sweet and I said. “It’s ok we can talk about it.” He smiled and our food arrived. So while we were eating I went on and told him what my life was like and what happened during dinner with Dave earlier that had me so upset. When I was done talking he looked at me and not the pitying look that I get from others when I tell them this. It was a look of admiration like he was proud that I made it through this far. Even through all the struggles. I felt a lot better telling him. Then he said this. “I’m sorry you had to go through that but it made you the strong person you are now.” “It’s ok. At least it’s over now and I don’t have to see him.” “That’s the spirit!” We both laughed at that. The night continued to go on as we talked about anything and everything finishing our amazing meals. This would have to be the best way to end my night. Leaving my past in the past and meeting as well as sharing a meal with someone new too.