Roommates

Chapter 36

Hannah's POV

I was in complete shock. I was so stunned that I couldn't move or speak.   My dad was standing in front of me for the first time in four years. Amanda stood next to him with her arms out, proud of her big reveal. I wasn't sure if I wanted to kill her or hug her at this moment. It felt so surreal that I felt like I was in a dream.

I glanced over at Cara, who looked liked she had all the color drained from her face. Her eyes were in complete panic mode. I knew she wanted to run. She slowly turned her head toward me and for a moment we stared at each other wondering if the other was going to say or do something. I looked back at my dad and Amanda.

My dad coughed uncomfortably as he stood by the doorway. While Amanda grinned beside him. She was probably proud of herself. Does she not feel the tension in the room? It's like no situation is ever uncomfortable for her.

"Hi," Dad uttered as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Dad came to help me move," Amanda explained. "I said why don't we see Hannah, so here we are."

"Hello, nice to meet you." Dad turned his attention to Cara.

"Nice to meet you, sir, Mr. Bailey... sir," Cara said rapidly.

"Just call me Robert. Mr. Bailey is my father."

"Oh..yes..uh...sir...Mister....sir... Robert," Cara stuttered.

"Um..come in." I moved Cara to the side so that I could let them in.

"Dad, take your shoes off," Amanda said as she tapped him on the arm.

A look of confusion appeared in his eyes. He slipped off his work boots while Amanda did the same with her heels. I closed the door behind them and gestured them toward the living room.

"This is a nice place you got here," Dad stated. He looked around the apartment with appreciation.

"Thank you," I said. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"Water is fine." He took a seat on the sofa.

"I'll get it!" Cara ran toward the kitchen in a hurry.

I gestured for Amanda to follow as we both made our way to the kitchen.

"What the hell, Amanda," I whispered.

"What? I thought it was a good idea," Amanda said with a shrug. "I saw an opportunity to  bring my family together, so I took it."

"A warning would be nice," I said.

Cara nodded as she poured a glass of water from the filtered pitcher. She handed me the glass.

"Would you have said yes to a meeting?" Amanda eyed me skeptically.

"Yes...I don't know maybe," I answered. I didn't even think this would have ever happened since my parents never reached out to me before.

Amanda rolled her eyes. "Let's go." She took the glass from my hand and headed toward the living room.

"I'm going to my room," Cara whispered. "Give you guys some family time."

"Cara, you are my family," I said softly.

Cara sighed as her shoulder sagged in defeat. She grabbed ahold of my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before we headed to the living room together.  Cara took a seat on the armchair while Amanda left a spot for me on the sofa between our dad and herself.

"Where's mom?" I slowly took my seat between them.

"She's back at home." Dad readjusted his hat while he took a sip of water.