with the same name."
"It's a girl name."
"Says the girl who randomly decided on it," Dad countered with a wink. "I'll be back, okay?"
"Okay." I smiled and watched him head to the door.
He paused for a moment and looked back at me with a hint of worry.
"I'll be right here, Dad. I won't go anywhere. Promise," I vowed.
He nodded in reply and turned back to face the sliding door. Opening it up, he faced Grandma, who looked like she was about to open the door.
They shared a silent stare, but Dad moved off to the side to let Grandma in. He then made his way out and closed the door behind him.
"Hey, Grandma." I gave her a small smile in greeting.
"Oh, Alice. You're alright?"
"Yes. I'm feeling better, and hungry," I replied. The cake was a good treat, but I was still needing some real food.
Grandma walked over to my bed, and gently stroked my head.
"Well, if you're still up for it, we have our reservations at the restaurant."
"We can make it?" I asked.
"Mhm. Our reservation is an hour from now. We can make it in time," she assured me.
"Then, I'd love to go." I grinned, but soon frowned. "Um...does that mean Dad can't go?"
She looked a little annoyed by the mention of it, but she sighed. "I made sure we got an outside table. He and your little puppy friend can come. Only because it's your birthday," she reasoned.
"Thank you, Grandma!" I cheered and reached out for a hug. She smiled and hugged me tightly.
"I talked to Principal Clover and signed the documents. No more school. We'll look into the homeschool method." She pulled back and gave me a tender smile. "I may be a little rusty, but we'll figure something out. This week you'll rest as we wait for the paperwork to go through and figure out what our next steps are."
I gave her the biggest smile and blinked back my tears. Her eyes were already overflowing with tears, and she hugged me again.
"I love you, Alice. I know I sometimes get lost in my own wants and dreams for you, but your happiness should be the priority. I'm sorry."
We both cried at her words that I figured were far harder for her to admit. Regardless of the past, what mattered now was that I'd be able to walk a path that made me happy.
Midnight Invitation
~FIVE DAYS LATER~
* * *
"Have a good work day, Dad." I yawned and waved at him.
My eyes were barely open as I fought not to sleep while sitting. Today was Monday evening, and I'd fallen asleep earlier after Dad decided to read some boring articles to me.
He'd been chilling in my room all evening today to avoid Grandma. During the week, he'd been sleeping in the guest room on the second floor and doing anything to not confront Grandma.
He and Grandpa weren't as hateful to one another and could handle a basic conversation, but dinner was always weird with the four of us at the table.
Five, if you included Cyrus.
Dad had just been called by his boss for an emergency situation. They didn't have someone who could handle it, thus the reason why they had requested his help.
Dad was reluctant to head out, but I didn't mind. I was far too sleepy, and I'd rather he helped save someone in need than stay at home because he wanted to make sure I was recovering okay.
This week had been rather relaxing otherwise. I'd sleep in, then read or study for a bit from the content Professor Daily had sent over to me. He mentioned in a note that he was sad to see me go but wished me the best of luck, and even attached the referral letter he written on my behalf.
It was rather surprising when he'd picked on me all the time, but maybe that was his way of teaching and making sure I was keeping up.
We were waiting for the results of our application involving my homeschooling, and in the meantime, I was forced to rest as much as I could.
My dad called it bedrest, we the exception of dinners, since the company would be good for my mental state as recommended by the nurse and Principal Clover.
I really was going to miss her comforting presence. Usually, principals gave you those scary vibes and were hard to approach, but she was so loving and nurturing, leaving me wishing I could have lasted at that school.
Dad placed his hand on my cheek, and I