I open my eyes.

"Mia, I'm sorry if this is sudden. Hasn't your mom told you we've been in contact?"

I look at Mom. Her eyes are closed. "No, actually, she hasn't."

Mom sighs and looks at my father. "Don't turn this against me, Mitchell. You always liked to do that. You said you've changed."

I can tell by the way my father clenches his fists and smiles at the same time that he is the same man he was ten years ago. "I have changed, Avery. I was just stating a fact. I apologize."

Mom nods her head, believing him. I feel like I'm seven again, unable to speak up or do anything. Not only has my best friend just kissed me, but I know I have to tell Olivia. But my father is here. My father who has hit Mom. My father who cheated on Mom. My father who is not worthy of being called "Dad." 

But none of that comes out. I feel helpless. 

"Mia, he's going to be staying here. We're just going to see what happens. After all, you could use a male role model in your life," Mom says. 

You call him a role model?