Chapter 29 - The World to Me

Background color
Font
Font size
Line height

Here is a picture of Kai's favourite chips! Incidentally these are also my favourite. ^^

Kai's POV

Raziel and I came downstairs a few minutes ago and my father insisted on cooking for us even though I'm almost certain that he doesn't know how to cook. Growing up, mom was always the one who prepared the food, while dad and I played trivia games in the kitchen to keep her company.

We used to be a close knit family. Every Saturday night, no matter what else was going on in our lives, we had designated father-son time. It was a sacred time where only dad and I would hang out. He used to build me a pillow fort and that turned into playing video games with me, when I got a bit older.

My parents were my rocks, but that all changed when my mother died. My dad started getting more and more distant and I didn't have the courage to tell him how miserable I was. I simply hid my feelings and pretended to be alright, replying with an enthusiastic 'I'm good, dad' followed by a question about his work. A topic that I knew was safe and wouldn't cause him any more grief.

"I think I burnt the rice," my dad says, pulling me from my thoughts. He scratches the back of his head with a deep frown on his face.

"It can't be that bad," I chirp as I smile up at him before pulling the plate closer to me. Raziel leans towards the food to get a better look at the burnt, sorry excuse for fried rice. How do you mess up fried rice!

Raziel furrows his eyebrows and whispers in my ear, "is this edible?"

Unfortunately, my father hears him and he is immediately flustered. "Does it really look that bad. I shouldn't have tried to cook! My fried rice has come out good a few times, I thought I had gotten the hang of it!" As my father is speaking, he drags the plate away from us. "Let me try making something else!" He finishes and turns around to head back to the kitchen.

From the corner of my eye, I see Raziel grimace and I giggle at the look of horror on his face. "No, I'll make it." I swear I hear Raziel sigh in relief and a smile spreads across my face. My dad returns to the table and sits back down with a defeated sigh.

I head to the kitchen and Raziel follows, bringing the plates with him. About forty five minutes later I put three plates of fried rice on the table. "Now this looks yummy," Raziel says, licking his lips in anticipation. I giggle as I watch my angel dig into the food and moan once the rice enters his mouth. "This is delicious!" Raziel exclaims before shoving another forkful into his mouth. His eyes fluster close in delight and a small smile appears on his face.

"Wow, he wasn't joking! This is great!" My father exclaims while nodding in agreement. My chest swells with pride at his words and I break into a smile. "How did you learn to cook so well?" My dad marvels and my face instantly falls.

Before I'm sucked back into memories of me being alone and fending for myself, I feel a reassuring squeeze on my hand. I turn to the side to find that Raziel has abandoned his food and is staring at me with a soft smile.

The look in his eyes assures me that I'll never be alone again. He smiles before kissing the back of my hand causing me to grin in return. Raziel picks back up his fork and resumes eating but continues to hold my hand under the table. We spend the rest of dinner with my father trying to subtly question us about our relationship.

"Raziel, do you think we can have a moment alone?" My father asks, shortly after we finish our meal.

I nod at Raziel who is giving me a quizzical look. Upon seeing that I don't mind being alone with my father, he ruffles my hair and whispers, "I'll be upstairs if you need me."

Raziel leaves and I turn towards my father. He gives me a sheepish smile while rubbing the back of his neck and clears his throat before he starts talking. "I haven't been a good father. You boyfriend made sure I knew that," he stops and chuckles nervously before he continues. "He doesn't like me but I like him and you two seem really good together."

Over the years I've always told myself that I didn't need his approval, but on hearing his praise of Raziel, I can't help the sense of pride and joy flowing through me.

"Of course I still think you're too young to have a boyfriend," he continues and I pout and glare at him. "But it's obvious that you make each other happy."

The happiest, I silently agree. Raziel has made me feel loved and taken care of for the first time in a long time.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you Kai," my father says, his greenish blue eyes searching mine for any hint of my response. "I'm ashamed to admit that I let grief get the best of me. I should have been a better father and I should have been there for you. Your boyfriend was right. I left you all alone when you needed me the most."

The expression on my father's face speaks louder than his words ever could. His face screams his remorse and devastation. He looks like his world has been crushed and I'm the only one that can put it back together.

While nothing can erase the years of solitude, I know I could never hate him. He was an amazing father when mom was still alive and as long as he puts in a little bit of effort, I'll be happy.

"It's okay, you were mourning as well." My father is hanging onto my every word, like a sponge absorbing water. "Mom meant the world to both of us. I'm sorry I said all of that earlier, I was just upset that you thought I didn't want you to know I was gay or about my life. I did try to tell you about my life but you always seemed busy and then later excited about new work projects that I just didn't have the heart to tell you I was miserable."

I can see that he's disappointed in himself for not noticing that I was lonely and I give him a reassuring smile. "I'm so sorry, Kai," he whispers. "I should have realized, I don't want to be the negligent father I have become anymore. We used to be close before your mom..." He starts to choke up and clears his throat before giving me a sad smile. "That's no excuse for my behaviour. I shouldn't have stopped being there for you. I promise I'll try to be better. To be the father you deserve. I'll call and visit more often or maybe I should stop working. I'll just have-"

"No, I know you don't want to quit," I respond. I also think it would be weird to live with him on a long term basis since we haven't lived together for years. Besides, Raziel is here with me so the house doesn't feel empty! "Can we just talk more often?"

A genuine smile spreads across his face. "Of course! I'll call you everyday!"

I giggle and shake my head. "How about once every two or three days but if something really exciting happens, that we can't wait to share, then we'll call as well!" My dad chuckles and nods. "Are you going to talk to Declan?" I really would like them to have a good relationship!

"I should, shouldn't I?" He responds and my head bobs up and down rapidly in agreement. "Okay, I'll give him a call." He gets up from the table and walks towards his luggage, pulling out several large packs of Yogurt and Green Onion Kettle chips. I squeal as I rush towards him and grab a pack.

They're my favourite chips but unfortunately they are very difficult to find here so my dad always brings some whenever he visits. "Thank you!" I shriek, ripping open a pack. "Raz! Come taste these!" I yell and see Raziel entering the room seconds later.

I wave a chip under my angel's nose and he instantly opens his mouth. After placing the chip in his mouth, I study his face for his reaction. His face lights up and he takes the bag of chips from me and starts munching away, making pleased noises and nodding.

My dad chuckles as he watches our interaction. "I'll order you some more and have them delivered." He passes me another bag of chips and we move towards the living room. Raziel pecks me on the cheek before deciding that he would go back upstairs and give us some more time alone.

"I think we should have a talk. Do you know what consent-"

"Aaaaaahhh! Yes, dad! I know about consent and safe sex and everything! Please can we talk about something else!" I interrupt my dad. Of all the topics in the world, this is the one he chose!

He chuckles and steals some of my chips before talking. "How about you tell me how you two met and your favourite subject? Oh and did you make any friends? How far did you go with Raziel? Do you have a favourite teacher? Do you still like video games? What's your-"

I burst into a fit of giggles at my father's seemingly never ending string of questions. "One question at a time dad!" I exclaim, around a mouthful of chips with a big goofy grin on my face.

My mom was always the calm, rational one while dad and I were easily excited and gushed when talking about things that interest us. I giggle as I realize that my dad really is interested in my life and that means the world to me.

What did you think of the chapter? And Kai's dad's interactions with Kai and Raziel?

The next chapter will find Raziel back at school chatting with Zorander.

Thanks to ani_dn for their invaluable feedback, especially on this chapter! All of their books are absolutely amazing! If you're reading this, you might be interested in the fantasy genre, so I recommend checking out their book 'Forbidden'.

If you enjoyed the chapter, don't forget to vote and/ or leave comments! ❤

You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net