His performance was well worth getting up at the butt crack of dawn. It was hilarious. After cursing his head off when he stepped in the shit, he marched over and bashed on Indiana’s front door. He had no proof it was her, or Larry, but of course I knew he’d blame them.
I couldn’t see the front of her house from my bedroom window, but I clearly heard Mr. Montgomery rip him a new arsehole. I kept my bedroom light off, but Indi didn’t. My eyes were glued on her while I listened to her father going off his nut.
Her ear was pressed up against her bedroom door as she listened to her father tell my stepfather off. A few times she covered her mouth and threw her pretty little head back, laughing at the things he was saying. I could feel my smile growing wider as I watched on. She’s a fucking legend in my eyes for what she did.
I’m not sure what time it was when I finally fell back to sleep, but I know I was beaming when I did. It’s kind of surreal how one person can make such a huge difference in your life. As much as I hate living here with Fuckwit, somehow the kid makes it all worthwhile.
Crazy but true.
Suddenly, I’m jolted out of my sleep by a high-pitched squeal. At first I’m in a daze, but then I remember it’s Indi’s birthday, and going by that scream, she’s just seen her car. Jumping out of bed I rush towards my window, just in time to see her launch herself into her father’s arms.
Sitting there in the driveway is the car her father bought her. There’s a huge red bow tied around it. Seeing her happy like this does something to me. I can’t really put it into words, but I know I’m fucking smiling again. Go figure. I’ve smiled more in the past few months since moving here, than I have in the previous twelve years since my life changed.
I watch on for a few more minutes before I head to the bathroom to take a leak. I want to give her the present I bought her and wish her a happy birthday, but I’ll wait until I go over there tonight. I’ll let her have this time with her father. I know she doesn’t get to see him as much as she’d like to.
For the rest of the day I just hang around the house, mainly in my room. I don’t feel comfortable in this place when Fuckwit’s home. I use this time to put the finishing touches on the drawing I made for Indi. When I’m finished, I place it in the frame I bought for her.
I’m not sure how I feel about giving her this, but fuck me, I want to see the look on her face when she sees it. I drew a picture of her and Larry. It was just from memory, but I’m happy with the way it’s turned out. It was from the first day when I arrived here, when they were playing ball out the front. She’s holding the ball high in the air, and Larry is jumping up trying to retrieve it.
Of course I couldn’t help myself. I’ve titled the picture, ‘My Man Larry and the Kid’. I know that’s going to piss her off. That’s exactly why I did it. Should be good for a laugh if nothing else.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Indiana
My birthday has been wonderful so far. Best part is, it’s not even over yet. Meg and Carter are coming over for dinner and cake tonight. I have no idea why my dad invited him, but I’m glad he did. Not that I’d ever admit that out loud. I shouldn’t love being around him, but I do.
Meg comes over every year to help me celebrate. Usually I’d just wear jeans or something casual, but tonight I decide to make a bit of an effort. It’s not because Carter’s coming over. I just feel like dressing up. Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I find myself smiling as I look out of my bedroom window at my new car sitting in the driveway. I friggin’ love it. I had no idea I was getting one. My dad is wonderful like that. It’s the most extravagant thing he’s ever bought me. I thought maybe I’d get one for my eighteenth or twenty-first. I’m not complaining though.
After my shower, I blow dry my long brown hair and apply a touch of makeup. I’ve decided on an emerald green sundress. It matches my eyes perfectly. I’ve only worn this dress once before, and received a lot of compliments. I hope Carter likes it.
“You look pretty, sweetheart,” my dad says when I walk out onto the back deck.
“Thanks, Daddy.” Making my way towards him, I wrap my arms around his waist. I love him so much. “Do you want me to order the Chinese food?” I ask.
“Nope. Already ordered. I got all your favourites,” he says. Looking up at him I smile.
“You’re the best.” He kisses the top of my head before looking down at his watch.
“That reminds me, I need to go pick up dinner.”
“I’ll drive you,” I offer and he chuckles.