Deadline

by Judy McDonough

Time moved in slow motion for the next few minutes. He glided over to the door wearing a shocked, deer-in-the-headlights expression. He stood in front of Caroline, his mouth slightly open as he sucked in a breath. She exercised every ounce of control not to cry, scream, look away—move. This was her father. A male reflection of her own face. She stared back into his eyes as they had a miniature standoff to see who would make the first move. . .or blink.

  Eddie's voice came out as a whisper. "Caroline?"

  She couldn't move or speak. Thankfully, he continued.

  "I can't believe my eyes. Is it really you?"

  She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Hi."

  His face transformed from cautious to elated as he bounded forward to hug her. "Tell me you're not a hallucination that could disappear at any moment."

  He hugged her tightly, held her back at arm's length to take her in, and squeezed her rigid frame again. Caroline, slightly uncomfortable with the sudden contact, let out an awkward, involuntary sound causing him to step back abruptly.

  "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! Please, come in out of the rain! Can I get you anything? Water, sweet tea, Coke." Eddie observed her wet clothes. "Maybe a towel? Delia, go get her a glass of tea and a fresh towel to dry off with, please?"

  Caroline set her dysfunctional umbrella on the porch and stepped inside. She slipped off her wet boots, careful not to smear mud all over, and looked everywhere but at her father. Maybe if she avoided eye contact she could gather her thoughts and wouldn't embarrass herself by saying something stupid. She finally looked at him and her freshly stoked courage dwindled. The admiration on his face caused the lump in her throat to feel like a softball, so she smiled awkwardly and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she bent to move her boots out of the way. When she looked up again, Delia rounded the corner with a giant, sparkling glass of iced tea and a fluffy hand towel.

  "It's sweet, I hope that's okay."

  "Perfect, thank you." Parched, Caroline quickly drained the glass until there was nothing left but ice. Their eyebrows raised in surprise and Delia took the glass from her.

  "I-I'll go get you a refill."

  Eddie hadn't stopped looking at her since she made eye contact with him. She averted her gaze while drinking her tea, and now tried to find the courage to look back up at him. Incredibly nervous, everything about the situation was awkward and uncomfortable, and try as she might, she couldn't face him yet. She chickened out and continued dabbing her face and hair with the towel. She pretended to study the elegant hardwood floors, trying to remember her mother's pep talk and what all she'd planned to say.

  He spoke first. "Caroline? Are you alright?"

  The gentleness in his voice shocked her. Her mother's favorable description of him flitted through her mind. She instantly found the courage to look at his face, pulling her shoulders back confidently. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."

  Delia proudly chimed in as she rounded the corner with a fresh glass of tea. "She looks just like you, Mr. Fontenot. I was completely shocked when I opened the door. She's just. . .stunning!"

  Without removing his gaze, he spoke in disbelief. "I can't believe you're really here." His voice barely audible. He was trying not to cry. He cleared his throat a few times and rubbed his palms together.

  Aww, man. Please don't cry. . .don't cry. My walls are already shaky. I can't handle seeing a grown man cry.

  He slowly reached out to caress her face, and Caroline had to force herself not to flinch away from his touch. She didn't want to offend him, and the gesture seemed innocent enough. Besides, his palms were clammy. At least she wasn't the only one sweating bullets. She needed to move this along before the awkwardness took over and she ended up dashing back to her car and peeling out.

  "Eddie?" She saw him flinch so she quickly recovered. "Oh. W-would you rather me call you Edward, or Mr. Fontenot? I thought my mom said you preferred Eddie."

  His expression turned worrisome. "No, Eddie is correct. Or, if-if you want to, if you're comfortable with it, you can call me Dad."

  Not yet, slick. That's got to be earned. Her mom was right. She did look just like him. They had the same hair color, eyes, face shape, nose, cheek bones. . .the same face! His salt-and-pepper hair was handsome, very debonair, and he was taller than she expected, probably just under six feet. She wasn't quite ready to call him Dad, though. That had been a foreign term her entire life.

  "I am still trying to convince myself I'm not dreaming, and you're really standing in my house right now. You are so beautiful. You've grown into such a lovely young woman."

  Slightly uncomfortable, she studied the antique bench near the door. She smiled and nervously tucked her hair behind her ear again.

  "Thanks."

  "Goodness, where are my manners? Please, won't you come in and have a seat?" She followed him into the formal living area and sank into a big oversized chair. She knew, like her, he must have hundreds of questions for why she suddenly showed up on his doorstep, but for the moment they just sat in silence observing each other. He didn't look like the evil villain she'd always imagined capable of abandoning his family. He seemed very welcoming and friendly, and Delia's presence helped relieve the tension. However, she had disappeared and now the silence had become an issue. Caroline finally broke the trend.

  "So, you're probably wondering why I'm here, huh?"

  He smiled. "Yes, I am. But, honestly, as long as it's not serious and you and you're mother are okay, I don't care about any other reason. I'm happy you're here." That was refreshing. . .and annoying. She was glad things were going smoothly, her unannounced visit hadn't angered him, but a small part of her wanted him to be angry. He was much too happy and polite for an estranged father meeting the child he disowned and ignored her whole life, and how dare he pretend to care how her mom was doing. She could tell he knew she had another shoe ready to drop, and he appeared to mentally brace himself for it.

  "Well, first, I need to apologize for not giving you a heads up that I was coming. That was rude of me, but I honestly didn't know what to say if I called. I just. . .came."

  He nodded, still cautious. "Certainly. No apology necessary. We have—"

  "There's more." She hated interrupting anyone, but if she was going to get this out she needed to get to it.

  His mouth snapped closed and he straightened up with a more serious expression. "Of course. Please, continue."

  "You should know it wasn't my idea to come down here." His shoulders sagged a little so she quickly continued. "I'm engaged, and my fiancé wanted me to meet you and give you the opportunity to come to our wedding. He thought it would be a good idea to start our lives with no underlying issues that may rear their ugly heads in the future."

  He nodded. "That's very mature and responsible."

  What does he know about responsibility? Responsible people don't run out on their families.

  "Yes, well, you should also know I wasn't thrilled with the idea. I haven't exactly been your biggest fan."

  Eddie closed his eyes for a moment and Caroline felt the pain her words had caused. When his eyes opened, his green irises glistened like polished emeralds. "I understand. I gave you no reason to be."

  Just when things were getting good, Caroline's stomach growled. Snarled was more like it, considering she hadn't eaten anything since she left her mom's house.

  "Are you hungry? Delphine is probably finished with dinner by now. I would love for you to join us."

  "Famished. Thank you."

  "Great. How long will you be staying with us?" Caroline's heart twitched. Had he already assumed she would stay in his house? And who, exactly, was us? "That is, if. . .if you'd like to stay here? Did you have plans to stay elsewhere?"

  "I haven't made reservations anywhere. Like I said, I just came. I assumed there would be vacancy at a nearby hotel, but if you have the room and don't mind, I could stay here. Clearly we have a lot of ground to cover, much to discuss, and it would probably be quicker and easier to get to know each
other if we weren't separated by miles to the nearest hotel. That's completely up to you, though. I don't want to impose."

  His relief answered her before he ever opened his mouth, and he smiled as he stood. "Of course, sweetheart. We have more than enough room. How long will we be allowed to enjoy your company?"

  "Let's start with the weekend, and go from there. I have nothing I have to be back for until September, but I don't want to overstay my welcome. Once I fulfill my purpose for coming down here, I'll get back to my life and let you continue with yours. Hopefully we'll both be one friendship richer."

  "I understand your reluctance to stay as I'm sure this is very difficult for you, but I hope to be more than your friend when you leave here. We haven't. . .I mean, I hoped. . ." Eddie sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Look, I realize I haven't earned much right to. . .be your father or claim your time, but I selfishly want to invite you to stay longer. You will not wear out your welcome and. . .I-I really want you to stay."

  She hesitated and glanced at the door, "I don't—"

  He stepped closer, commanding her full attention and weakening her nerve. "Please. Please give me the opportunity to redeem myself." He rubbed his forehead, clearly torn with her hesitation of him. "I know you owe me nothing, but you're here. It's an answer to my prayers that you're standing in front of me right now. I'm asking for a second chance. Please, say you'll stay at least a week."

  Eddie was persistent, she had to give him that, and she did want to learn more about him. "We can discuss it over dinner."

  His charming smile pushed against the walls surrounding her heart. He clearly wanted her to stay, and the joy he expressed just because she didn't flat out reject him was sweet. Her emotions were all over the chart, but she still needed some answers. An explanation. What has he been doing all these years? Obviously something more important than her. Caroline wondered what excuses he would give for his irresponsibility. They'd have to be really good for her to want to stay any longer. He'd better be creative because she already had one foot out the door ready to bolt.

  Delia met them in the dining area with two fresh glasses of iced tea. The mouthwatering aroma that filled Caroline's nose prompted another growl from her impatient stomach.

  "You hungry, beb?" Delia chuckled and winked.

  "Starving." Caroline smiled, amazed how at ease she felt around this woman.

  "Well, you're in for a treat tonight. Delphine's got some blackened tilapia and rice pilaf fuh ya. You like fish?"

  Caroline nodded, not quite sure who Delphine was, and admired the beautifully set table with burgundy placemats, matching napkins, and fleur de lis napkin rings. Delia, who had discretely slipped from the room again, must have used the fine china because Caroline had never seen dishes this exquisite. A long rectangular table with enough seats for ten people filled the room, but tonight it was just her and Eddie eating. Delia and Delphine both ate in the kitchen.

  "Do they always eat in there, or is it just because I'm here?"

  "No, they usually sit at the kitchen table together."

  "So, you would have been sitting at this big table all by yourself tonight if I hadn't shown up?" He stared at his salad for a moment as he knocked a crouton around with his fork.

  "No, I don't usually eat a formal dinner, I mostly snack here and there. Sometimes I'll take a plate up to my office." He obviously didn't want to talk about his eating habits and changed the subject.

  "So, you mentioned a wedding."

  Caroline nodded, trying to read his expression. Was that sadness? Shame? Perhaps for not being around to approve any guys she dated or married. Who knew?

  "Congratulations. What's his name?"

  "Trevor Callahan."

  "Where's he from?"

  "Chicago."

  "Chicago?" His eyebrows shot up. "I thought you and your mom were living in Arkansas?" Caroline bristled from his ignorance.

  "If you'd kept in touch you might have known I received a scholarship to the University of Chicago where I've been for the past four years." Eddie paused for a moment, his fork halfway to his mouth. Caroline immediately felt bad for her outburst, surprised how easily her temper influenced her response. Her eyes fell to her lap as she fingered her napkin, but she refused to apologize. "This fall is my last semester and I'm due to graduate in December."

  Eddie remained silent until she looked up again. Sadness seeped through his mask as he studied her face. Her mother was right. He beat himself up for not being more involved in Caroline's life. However, he didn't address her snide remark.

  "What's your major?"

  "Nursing."

  He nodded with approval. "That's a good major." She didn't necessarily agree with him and he could tell. "Nurses are needed everywhere." Caroline didn't respond. "You don't like nursing?"

  "Not particularly, no."

  "Why'd you choose it?"

  She shrugged, "I like it all right, I guess. It's not exactly my passion, but it will pay the bills. I want to help people, but I think I lack the special untaught skills it takes to be a good nurse. Don't get me wrong, I'm excelling in my courses and completely respect the profession, but. . ." She picked her glass up and brought it to her lips as she mumbled, "It takes a special kind of person to be a nurse. A good one, anyway." The sweet tea was ice cold and soothed her parched throat. Delicious. She forced herself not to smack her lips in satisfaction and added, "I turn green with catheters and I don't do vomit. Can't clean it up without adding to it."

  She smiled and shook her head. "My mom tried to warn me that I wasn't cut out for the profession, but I didn't listen." Caroline held his gaze. "She's usually right about those things. . .and people." Eddie shifted in his seat and wiped his mouth, still avoiding her attempt at confrontation and nodded slightly.

  "Emily was always very intuitive." A reminiscent smile curved the corner of his mouth.

  Why is he smirking? What's that about? The twinge of an unfamiliar emotion coursed through her. Uncertainty? Anger? Hope? Hope? For what? No, certainly not hope. An unexpected wave of chilled air cloaked her skin with goosebumps. She casually dabbed her bare arms with the towel Delia had given her as if she was still damp so Eddie wouldn't notice her discomfort. Despite the incredible aroma sneaking from the kitchen, Caroline felt strange. Like the air around them was electrically charged.

  "But you must be doing alright to be so close to graduating?"

  She sighed and took a drink, chalking up the indescribable feeling to nerves. "It's too late to change my mind now anyway."

  "Life's too short to be stuck in a career you don't enjoy, Caroline. Believe me. I've seen some talented people waste their lives working in the wrong profession."

  Delia refilled their tea glasses and winked as she served the main course. Caroline was thankful for the distraction. A welcome break from attempting to forge a relationship that had never existed and trying to pinpoint the cause of her weird sensations. Plus, it kept her from spouting more sarcasm coming across as a bratty teenager. Eddie's avoidance of her questions unnerved her. Why couldn't he at least acknowledge his dereliction as a father? She struggled to think of a way to bring up the huge elephant in the room. How to ask him why he left. The painful growl from her midsection demanded priority so she dove into the plate of delectable food, taking no prisoners.

  She savored the first bite of the blackened tilapia. Her tastebuds rejoiced as the Cajun spices danced on her tongue. She'd never tasted anything so delicious, and she made a point to chew slowly to enjoy every flavor of that first bite. However, she inhaled every bite after that. Her gluttonous thoughts were interrupted with a surprising question.

  "So, apart from college and a fiancé, what all have you done with your life?"

  Her golden opportunity. Now, to decide the best way to answer such a loaded question. This was her chance to demand answers to the questions that consumed her for so many years. Caroline slowly leaned back in her chair and took a drink to wash down her most recent bite. Then
, she wiped her mouth and took a slow, calculated breath. Time to unleash hell.

  Three