Daddy’s Little Girl (Chapter 2)

“Melinda!” Eric called after her. However, she was already out of the house. Now Eric was heartbroken. He was the one that had messed everything up, he thought as his tears began to flow.

Later that evening, Eric tapped on Melinda’s door. He pushed the door open gently when he heard Melinda tell him to come in. She was lying on the bed reading a book. “Melinda, can we talk?” he asked, sitting on the bed, his face tense with thinly veiled emotions.

“Sure,” she answered, putting down and supporting herself on her side with her elbow.

“I’m sorry, Melinda…sorry about…about everything,” Eric said struggling with his words. “I was the one that suggested the date. I’ve thought all day about it and I know it’s entirely my fault. We’re both lonely and we both miss Mom so much.” Suddenly, Eric stopped talking as his voice choked up. Then he began to sob, cupping his face in his hands.

Melinda sat up quickly and moved closer to her father. She carefully put her arms around him and pulled him into her chest, tears streaming down her own cheeks.