Chapter 12
You lead Isaac downstairs and shuffle through some papers in your bag. Your
body starts to tremble as you pick the envelope up and hand it to him. He turns the
letter over several times in his hands. “Are you sure you don’t want to open it?” He
asks one more time.
Grabbing hold of one of his hands, you give a simple nod and pull him down in
front of you on the edge of the bed. You wrap your arms around his waist and rest your
chin on his shoulder.
He takes in a sigh and slowly opens the envelope. You close your eyes as he
unfolds the paper and begins to read it. The letter states that your father is a man by
the name of Frank Hedges that is currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
A few tears form on the brim of your eyes. Mixtures of emotions wash over you in
what seems like an instant. Silence fills the room for a few seconds. Isaac turns to
fave you. You fall into his awaiting arms.
“Do you want me to get the phone book? You know, so you can call him?” Isaac
quietly says to you.
You sniffle a little and then lean back so you can look into his face. “No, I can’t. I
can’t let him know I’m here.” You shake your head and look down at the bed spread.
“Why? Why can’t you? I bet he’s been looking for you for years.”
“Because I’m scared. What if I disappoint him? What is I’m not what he’s
expecting?”
“You don’t have to be scared,” Isaac pauses and picks up your hands, “your a
very special girl. There is no way anyone could be disappointed in anything that you
do, or who you are. You’re smart, caring, beautful, just to name a few. Look at me: we
can to this together. I’ll be there for you.”
“But it’s so hard. I am not strong enough to let him into my life.”
“Christina, you don’t have to be strong. I will be strong for you. I’ll be there for
you. Please believe in me.” he arches his eyebrows. “You can’t let this opportunity slip
by.”
“Can you let me think about all this?” You cautiously ask him, almost like this is
mostly his decision, not yours.
“Of course, this is your decision,” he pauses and then stands up, “I’m going to go
to bed, so if you need to talk, you’ll know where to find me.” He leans over and kisses
the top of your head.
“Good night,” you whisper.
You hear the door close behind him. Picking up the letter, you read over it a few
times before deciding on looking for the phone book.
Your muscles stiffen as you find his name in the phone book, the only Frank
Hedges in Tulsa, and dial his number. Your heart starts to pound as you hear one ring,
then two. “Hello?” An older gentleman’s voice answers.
“Umm.... hi. Mr. Frank Hedges?” The voice responds with an uncertain positive
manner. “I think I am your daughter.”
Chapter 13
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