LET’S GO SHOPPING

Walking back into the house after having such a friendly conversation with her dad, Marie was on cloud nine knowing that she had grown up and earned her father’s trust. Otherwise, there was no possible reason for him to tell her all the things which he did. Somewhere down in her heart, Marie was inquisitive to actually meet this lady who was her father’s friend because never until now had Mr. Jones been this friendly with any female.

She was not even feeling a little like the way that she would feel for her step-mother. Delilah’s vibe made Marie feel insecure, low on self-esteem, somewhat jealous, and every other thing which was not healthy. The relationship with her step-mother was toxic. All this was not because she did not want to see her father happy. It was only because of the nasty things which she would say to her behind Mr. Jones' back.

Delilah not only had issues with letting the father-daughter bond grow, but she also had problems with seeing a smile on little Marie’s face. It was her filthy mind that needed to be fixed. Either it was that or maybe she was guilty conscience about Marie opening up to her dad about the treatment she got at home, and Mr. Jones actually trusting her.

But Marie was a little too mature for her age. She did not let him know the troubles that she had to go through because of her father’s choices. In fact, she happily accepted them, and it did not even seem as if she was faking it because she was genuinely happy for her father. Little did she know that he was not actually happy the way he looked like.

This was another chance to do her best and make him happy. She was overjoyed to have gotten that opportunity. She immediately ran to her room to calm herself down and feel normal again in order to live up to the plan as she discussed with her dad in the car. It was more convenient for her to convince Rebecca to put the demand in front of her mom to go to the market somehow than to convince her step-mother to accompany her to the market.

Cleverly, Marie mentioned about the fun things they could do in the market while Rebecca was tempted to pick up her video game CD, a couple of t-shirts from the shop that had been advertising a sale of up to 70% on the apparels, have waffles from her favorite place, and to spend some time outside than staying at home to meet dad’s colleague.

“To shop for clothes, we are not going to be allowed to go alone,” Rebecca mentioned after listening to Marie’s idea and being convinced to go to the market.

“So, we’ll ask mom to come with us. What say?” Marie said.

“Mom will not come with us. Dad’s friend is coming home.”

“We can convince her, and dad is not a kid. He can manage his friend by himself.”

The two girls instantly ran to the other room to ask their mother. Marie let Rebecca do the honors, and the moment Rebecca told Delilah about the plan those two had made, Delilah opposed and said, “NO!”

“But why, mom?” Rebecca questioned.

“Your dad’s friend is coming home. I have to be here,” Delilah stated.

“Mom, dad isn’t a kid. Let him manage his colleague,” Marie pitched in.

“Marie, no. I am not going to take you both to the market for shopping,” Delilah said and explained, “A female friend from work is coming, which explains why I must be at home.”

Unsure of what she must do now after her step-mother was not willing to accompany them to satisfy her own insecurities, Marie proposed, “Why don’t we ask dad?”

Instead of waiting for Delilah’s answer to the question that she asked, Marie instantly walked to the living room where her dad was seated and was watching TV. Her steps were fast-paced, and she shouted, “Da-aa-ad?”

“Can Rebecca and I take mom shopping or do you want her to stay at home,” Marie asked even before she could reach the living room only because from the other room she would have to scream and her voice would be audible to her sister and mother in the other room. Marie was smart like that.

Actually, she had learnt to live according to her wishes in the house with her step-mother and step-sibling who used to find ways to bring her down. She made sure that whatever she was certain about that her dad would allow, she would have a conversation with him in quite a louder voice. Either she would purposely be away from him, or she would repeat his answer to her question in a louder voice which would be easily audible to wherever her step-mother would be, usually.

"Yes, you can," Mr. Jones replied, and before Marie could say anything to that, Delilah came from behind and asked, "How can I go with them? Your female friend is coming."

"She is my colleague, Delilah," Mr. Jones corrected.

"Whatever she is, I have to be here."

"No, you don't. Please go with the kids."

"But–”

“No, Delilah. You please go shopping with the girls.”

Marie felt slightly accomplished with her dad supporting her in what she was doing. Even though she was doing it for him, but her father being her partner in crime, it was the best feeling she got at home with him. A weird feeling of satisfaction invaded her on seeing the expression on her step-mother’s face because she was not used to seeing Mr. Jones supporting Marie. In fact, she by all means tried her best to keep it from happening, but at the present moment, things had turned the opposite.

She could not get away with it now that Mr. Jones had directed her to go to the market for shopping with the daughters. So, she went back to her room with irritation showing on her face in order to get ready to fulfil her daughters’ demand. Marie walked closer to the couch on which her add was seated and gave him a high five to celebrate the success of the plan which they had made.

“Very good, my Marie,” Mr. Jones appreciated her and continued, “I knew you could do this!”

He also directed, "Stay in the market for as long as you can. Daddy will be busy working on something important with his work partner. Okay?"

"Yes, Daddy. But can I ask you for something in return?”

“Yes, Marie, you can. Please ask.”

“I am scared. You will say no.”

“Marie, ask me. Come on!”

“Can I go for a sleepover to my friend, Jean’s house tomorrow?”

“You are growing to be an adult, and I can see that you are doing it very well,” Mr. Jones replied, and while Marie was looking at him with a lot of hope, she was a lot relieved when her dad said, “I will drop you there if you promise to be a good girl.”

“I promise you, dad,” Marie shouted feeling very happy as she hugged Mr. Jones.