Go to your Dad

After getting your friends disheartening answers, the only person you feel you can turn to is your father. You might have asked your uncles, but they are already overwhelmed with three older kids of their own, along with their younger siblings. No, it's best that you ask Dad rather than put more stress on Uncle Barron and Derrek. But, since you're here already and Dad won't be home for a few more hours, might as well spend some time with your best friends.

The four of you eventually leave the Reefs and spend the day exploring the gulf. You search the old ship wrecks, chase schools of fish, and simply enjoy each others company. It honestly feels like you're kids again, your only worries about what was for dinner and convincing your dads that a sleepover on a school night was totally okay.

Eventually, the triplets head home and you head back to the shore. You know your dad won't care that you got the injection. He never would **** you to go through the pain his parents put him through. But what can he actually do? Dad... well, he's a bit of a loner. Ever since your father left, he really only spends times with your uncles and cousins. Your grandparents abandoned him when he got pregnant with you and they are long gone now. He might have a few friends at the restaurant he works at, but you doubt that he would want you to shack up with any of them. But he is your dad and he might know some loopholes around breeding. You know that there are some extensions that can be given...

Once back on shore, you grab your stuff from your hiding spot and head back home. It's only a couple blocks from the shore and is a decent size. It's a bit empty, seeing as your dad bought it thinking he was going to have three kids instead of one, but it's home.

His blue pick-up is out front and you can see your dad dancing in the kitchen as he cooks dinner. You smile at the sight. He's always been super goofy, but he does know when to be serious. You decide to hold off asking him until after dinner. You don't want to sour his good mood.

"I'm home!" you shout as you come through the door.

"Welcome back!" your dad calls, poking his head around the corner, "How was your day?"

You know it's a loaded question. Dad knows you got the injection today. "It was okay." you reply, taking off your shoes, "Got to the clinic, hung out with DeMarcus, Leon, and Jamal afterwards. We found this really cool shipwreck, you'll have to come see it some time!"

A glimpse at your dad and you know that he picked up what you didn't say. He's got that sad look in his eyes, but he quickly hides it away. "That's great Vic!" he says, smile still wide, "I'll see if I can go see it this weekend. You ready for dinner?"

"Yeah, just give me a minute to shower real quick."

Dinner is mostly quiet, though your dad does ask how the triplets are doing. Despite wanting to keep him in his good mood, you can tell it didn't exactly work. He's happy to see you, of course, but you're sure he's worrying. He always said that you could be anything, do anything, as long as you learned from his mistakes. You know he's worried about you getting played by a man just like you did.

When you finish, you tell your dad to relax while you clean up. He smiles and ruffles your hair affectionately. "How did I get lucky enough to have a kid like you?" he says before walking away.

You get to work, giving yourself a few minutes to get your thoughts in order. It's going to be okay. Your dad loves you and, even if you fuck up, he isn't going to abandon you. Sure, he probably would be a bit disappointed if you got knocked up and left behind, but you know he would help take care of you and your baby. It's always been you two against the world. Nothing can change that.

Once the dishes are clean, you head out to find your dad on the couch. He's got some oldies playing in the background while he makes a list. You sit down on the opposite end of the couch, giving him a minute to finish what he was doing before you speak.

"So... I..."

"You got the injection, right?"

You pause and nod, unable to find the words. You both were hoping that you'd be bigger.

"You know I still love you, right? Being like me isn't going to change anything."

"Of course Dad!" you say, shuffling closer to lean against him, "You're the best dad in the world!"

He smiles and gives you a side hug. "Ah, still got to check. I know this is a lot to take in."

"Yeah, it is." you say, looking up to him, "Do you have any advice? Or any ideas on what I can do?"

"Don't trust the first casanova who comes your way." he jokes, giving you a small smile. You both laugh for a moment before he becomes serious again. "But, seriously... I've been looking into it for a while. There are a couple of programs that give you an extension for college and I know you already have a scholarship, so that shouldn't be a problem."

"How long would that be?"

"You'd get five years to get stable. Four to graduate, a year to find work. But then you only have a year to get pregnant instead of two. I'm sure it won't be a problem, you'll meet plenty of people at college."

You can't help but sigh. "I wish I didn't have to do it right now. I'd rather wait until I'm thirty."

Your dad ruffles your hair again. "Sorry kiddo, the world still sucks. But, no matter what happens, I'll be here for you."

"But Dad, what happens... I mean, if I go to college and I get pregnant before I graduate, would I still be able to finish? Not like it's what I'm planning to do, but..."

"Don't worry about it Vic. If push comes to shove, I can always work the night shift and watch the baby while you work. I've got your back."

"Thanks Dad."

"And if you..." he swallows, giving himself a moment to collect his thoughts, "If you wanted to get it done now, I know a couple of guys nearing their due dates. You don't have to say yes, but they're good boys. I can't guarantee anything romantic, but they would stay."

You sit in silence for a moment. That has always been the biggest worry; being left behind. You know how much it hurt your dad when your father left and then being thrown out by his parents. "Don't worry about it Dad. I won't be alone, and neither will you."

He says nothing, put plants a kiss on the top of your head. The two of you relax, intent on enjoying a quiet night. You can decide another day, you still have time. For now, you just want to listen to Elvis, read a book, and enjoy some time with your dad.