The Last Laugh novel Chapter 5

***

Once we were both in the room, my father locked the door behind him.

I went straight to sit on the bed. He didn't say a thing but went to the bathroom to change into his sleeping pants and a T-shirt.

On his way out, he came over and joined me.

"Son?" he said in a low voice.

"Yes, dad?"

"Never repeat what you saw this night to uncle Kenneth or to anyone else okay?"

I nodded.

"I think aunt Christina wasn't in her proper senses this night. But I promise that if she tries that again, I'll tell uncle Ken myself." he added.

"Okay, daddy."

"I don't want you to be implicated in this." he hugged me. I hugged him too, feeling tears well up my eyes.

I had the feeling that my father felt very lonely without my mother. He'd loved her with all his heart. And he did not even intend to remarry though he was still a young and strong man.

"Now tell me," he started, "...what was the exact reason you came downstairs."

I looked at him.

"I wanted to tell you something."

"Which is?"

I hesitated at first but then I saw it right to let him know. I told him about aunt Christina and how she was mean to me but acted all nice around them. Surprisingly, my dad didn't seem surprised.

"You don't seem surprised."

"Cuz I ain't, son."

"Huh?"

"Christina has always been quite odd. She hated your mother for no reason."

I looked at him surprised.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Did mom tell you why?"

"Your mother had her own theory about the way Christina behaved. She always told me that Christina was attracted to me. Though already married to Ken. I didn't believe her and that caused a lot of arguments between us."

"Maybe mom was right, dad." I murmured. He looked at me.

"Maybe. I didn't believe until this night. I have doubts now. Her hatred for my wife increased when she was pregnant with you. I think that's why she behaves with you that way."

"S– she loves you?"

"No, son. That's nothing but lust."

"What's– lust?"

"You'll understand as you grow. For the moment keep it all to yourself for your own good."

"Okay, dad. But please is it possible for us to leave this weekend? Like after tomorrow?"

"Sunday?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I think it's a good idea."

***

The next day soon reached. We all had breakfast. I was silent and avoided aunt Christina. Meanwhile, dad acted like everything was normal. He would laugh along with aunt Christina and uncle ken like nothing was wrong.

As we ate and the adults chatted, I noticed Heather was looking at me. I looked at her too.

Quickly and in a discrete manner, she waved a little, hoping I would wave back. I waved back and smiled. She blushed. It wasn't because her mom had stopped us from playing and speaking to each other that we weren't friends anymore.

"What??"

"You heard me."

"Paul, no."

"Yes, Christina."

"Paul, no! You wouldn't dare! Stop! Paul!"

I heard them coming nearer. I ran back to the living room and pretended to watch TV. My heartbeat had increased crazily. I didn't feel okay and I felt a little dizzy.

They came into living room. My dad made his way towards the door. Aunt Christina had stopped halfway, staring at him in a panicked manner. The girls were too concentrated on the TV to notice them.

My dad opened the door to leave when I spoke.

"Dad, you're leaving?"

He turned and came over to me.

"Yeah, son. Catch you later." he held my face and  kissed my forehead, "Remember, I love you with all my heart." he said seriously.

"I love you too, dad. Bye, bye."

He hugged me and left the house. Aunt Christina, looking nervous turned to us

"Heather, where is Rob??" she asked.

"In the barn feeding the horses, mummy."

"Okay." I watched her run out the back door, heading for the barn.

"Who's Rob?" I asked

"One of the employees." she answered.

I felt some certain uneasiness.