Chapter 11: All I Ask For

I head back into my house. Luckily, it's early in the morning, and I can change into an outfit that is more me. The smell of coffee is coming from the kitchen. I grab a mug, and as I'm turning around, I see my dad. He smiles, that big smile of his.

"Good morning, dad," I say.

"Hi, Natalie. Your mom explained everything to me. I'm not buying it. Who is that boy? And what does he want with you?" My dad asks like he's a member of the British Royal Guard.

"It's fine, dad. It's Collin Abernathy, from grade school. We've been catching up this week. I was lost last night, and he found me. His family took me in for the night, and I'm back safely," I tell him half the truth. I can't admit I was drunk last night.

"What does Chad have to say about Collin?" Dad asks.

"Is this a police investigation? Well, I guess you were gone a long time. Sorry, dad. To catch you up, I dumped Chad. He is moving to New York. I had a job interview at Penna Bakery. I start this weekend as a cashier," I say.

"Okay,