My Best Friend's Dad

Moving In

Elona’s POV

The little drive to my apartment was silent. My father didn’t ask anything about my visit to my mother’s gravesite. I didn’t even tell him about Tristan. I can’t believe how he can still go back to being friends with the man who broke my heart. I guess my Dad knows him better because they have known each other for years, from college times already if I remember correctly.

We pulled up in front of my apartment. There are apartments with the same designs next to them and stairs on the side leading to the top floor apartments. I kept staring at it even in this darkness, not moving an inch. “Are you okay?” my Dad asked.

I sucked in a breath as I felt hollow inside, especially from the uninvited visitor at my mother’s gravesite earlier. “I just wished that I hadn’t dated Tristan.” I swallowed back the lump in my throat as I looked over at my father. The streetlamp cast a glow against my father’s face.

“I know, and I wish I could’ve been more supportive....more of a father when it came to a man like him. He is a great man, not that I’m encouraging anything. Things had already happened between the two of you before I could even stop you both. The secrets you have both kept from me...but I think during this time, you might be able to move on and heal from this. Just remember that Tristan is a broken man and he hides that pretty well. His protection comes across as being possessive to the ones he loves dearly, and I know he blames himself for not being able to protect Aunt Estelle. I know that he is telling himself that maybe he should’ve done things differently. I worry about him sometimes, especially when he grieves over Aunt Estelle. His work was his everything, and somehow he lit up again, and I didn’t understand why until I found out that you were both secretly dating. You both need time and you are starting a new journey. Focus on your career and, hopefully, with time, you can fully heal on things.” He gave me a reassuring smile.

“I know I will be able to move on. I won’t see him, but...” I let out a heavy sigh. “Seeing him so vulnerable. The sadness etched on his face was adding to things that had happened. I can’t look at him and I think about the baby. I don’t even know how he would’ve reacted if I had to tell him and I just cannot bare the thought of any mean words that he might throw my way. I just can’t tell him....yet. Maybe he will never know.” I shrugged.

“I understand the fear of telling him about the baby, but I do believe that he has the right to know. Tristan is somewhat complicated in reactions and I guess that comes from a place of loss that he had to deal with. But do tell him when you are ready. He needs to know.” He said.

“I will think about it, Dad.” I forced a smile. “I better get settled in because it’s getting late.” I said as I opened the passenger side door of the car and got out.

“Here are the keys.” My father rounded the front of the car and handed the apartment keys to me.

“Thanks, Dad.” I took it from him, and then I walked towards the front door of the apartment. I unlocked it and opened the door, switching the light on. It was a spacious lounge with an open-plan kitchen to my right. I walked further inside, it was semi-furnished already.

“I bought a few things.” My Dad said as he placed a box on the ground, letting out a heavy breath with his hands resting on his hips, studying the lounge and kitchen, “I wanted things to be perfect for you when you moved in.”

“Thanks, Dad. Soon I will be seeing to myself, and you won’t have to spoil me as much.” I smiled.

“I will always buy anything you want because you’re my only daughter.” He smiled, “I better get the rest of your things.” He walked back out. I noticed that my Dad had brought my bag in as it was laying on top of the box he had just brought in.

I took my bag and reached inside for my phone and I saw a text from Spooky and Cris, and there was another text...from Tristan.

Spooky: I will still be working for Luca, but it seems like there is some tension going on. It could be something to do with Tristan, but I might not even have this job soon. Hopefully, I can get something else. All the best with moving into your apartment. I will visit soon. I’m still crashing at the hotel until I get to go somewhere else.

Me: Maybe you can move in with me. It’s a two-bedroom apartment and it looks cool. Let me know if you’re up for the move and all the best with Luca and Tristan. I hope you find something better that doesn’t have Tristan drama written all over it. You deserve better.

I went into Cris’ text and I read it with a smile on my face.

Cris: This place is ridiculously amazing. My Dad has outdone himself with my car and now my apartment. You should come over! Please send me pictures of your place for me. I’m dying to see it!

Me: I’m just settling in, and then you can get pictures, but all the better for you to visit me too.

I hit send and then my thumb hovered over Tristan’s text. I gave in and read it.

Crane: I wish you the best on your new journey. I wish that I was part of it if only you had let me be part of it, but I can’t always fight for someone who doesn’t want me back with all my broken parts and flaws as a man who makes mistakes. Call me a red flag, call me whatever you want. I guess I deserve this. I just want you to be safe and be observant, do not trust anyone that easily, and be careful of the industry. I will always love you and be proud of you. I will let you be and set you free while I work on myself and my healing. Forever yours.

Tears stung the back of my eyes, my heart beat so fast as I read his text and the words that I never expected him to say. Did I expect him to beg me to take him back forever? Did I expect him to show up here and continue to fight for me? There is a time when fighting for something comes to an end. I guess my father was right, we both have to heal and with time...move on and be okay. I won’t lie, but it felt more of a breakup text, and maybe I’m reading it wrong, but he suffered more than me, and who was I to add to his own suffering too? I guess we have to just heal if we ever want to be back together again.