The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Chapter Ten

Again thanks to Heather. I really had no idea where I wanted this story to go from the last chapter and I'm sure this wasn't your intention but the tail end of your comment actually gave me an idea.

We were able to go on our first official date later that week. Eric was nice enough to invite the both of us out to dinner with him and Tanya. She came over early with some clothes and make-up and helped me get ready. I wasn't someone who had a lot of friends that were girls for the simple fact that I found most girls my age were catty and fake as hell. I really liked Tanya though and I could see why Eric was in love with her. She sat curling my hair and I felt like I could trust her enough to ask her some questions without her saying anything.



" Tanya how did you handle last year when Eric left to go to the states?" I asked her nervously



" It wasn't easy, especially at first but we managed. We called and emailed each other as much as possible."



" What about other girls? Weren't you worried that some skanky puckbunny was going to jump him?"



She sat on the bed next to me and grabbed my hand.



" I would be lying if I said that I didn't worry. I know that there are a lot of temptations, especially for the younger guys but I had to trust him and I know that he loves me."



" But what if he forgets about me while he's gone. What if he gets smart and realizes that he can have someone better and leaves me?"



" Sweetie he may not have told you that he loves you yet but I saw the way that he looks at you and it was the same way that Eric looks at me. Try not to worry and just deal with things as they come."



" Thank You so much. I really appreciate the advice."



" No problem. Now lets go make the boys drool."



I couldn't help but let out a giggle as she pulled me off of the bed and down the stairs. The guys were waiting on the couch and they both turned around to look at the same time. I liked the look in Jordan's eyes, like I was the only thing in the room that existed. He came to me and pulled me into a short embrace and gave me a quick kiss.



" You look really great tonight."



" You do too." I said as I looked him over. He was in a blue polo short that matched his eyes and a pair of tan khaki pants that showcased his great butt that was a product of years of playing hockey. We both sat in the backseat since Eric had insisted on driving and he threaded his fingers through mine so that we were holding hands. Tanya talked most of the drive over, telling me funny stories about the boys and Eric in particular.



" That isn't how I asked you out." Eric protested



" Yes it was. You couldn't do it yourself, you had to have your friend ask my friend who than asked me out."



" Okay so that is exactly what happened but when you tell people that it makes me sound like such a loser."



" You weren't a loser babe. You should have seen him back than. He was so confident and sure of himself when he was on the ice but the minute that he stepped off he became this stuttering mess. That was one of the first things I fell in love with."



" I can't help it that you made me so nervous." he said with a laugh as he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles

We made our way to a diner that was popular with the tourist and we had a good time. It was starting to get late by the time we were done and we had to head back home so that Jordan and I would make it back by curfew. We were heading home when I spotted a familiar car in the parking lot of one of the local bars.

" Eric stop."

" What's going on?"

" Please just stop."

He did as I asked and I turned around and looked at Jordan.

" Wait here. I'll be right back."

Before anyone had a chance to ask me what was going on I jumped out of the truck and headed inside the bar. I saw a familiar face behind the bar and he nodded his head towards the back of the room. It wasn't the first time that I had shown up to take my dad home from the bar when he had been to drunk to even stand up. I walked over to the familiar figure and tapped him on the shoulder.

" Dad. Dad it's me melany" I said as I tried to get his attention
He lifted his head up and looked at me with bloodshot eyes

" Melany?" he asked me in a badly slurred voice

" Yeah dad. It's me." I put my arms around him and tried to hug him but he pushed me off.

" You left me by myself. Just like that bitch that gave birth to you did."

I cringed at his words.

" Please don't be like this. You agreed it was for the best and I've been really happy. Can't you just be glad that I'm staying out of trouble?"

" Is everything okay?"

I turned around to see Jordan standing behind me. I looked between him and my father and pulled him away so that I could talk to him

" Jordan my dad needs me. Can you please help me get him home?"

He didn't say anything but walked back over to where my dad was still sitting.

" Dad this is Jordan. He's going to help me get you home okay."

He looked Jordan up and down like someone does when they are considering if they can take someone or not in a fight

" I hope that you know that this one is just like her mother. Be careful that she doesn't trap you by getting knocked up and then run off with the first man that comes along after she's squeezed every dime out of you. Stupid bitches." he muttered under his breath

I could see Jordan tense after what he heard my father say and I laid a hand on his arm to convey that it wasn't a big deal to me. It wasn't the first time that he had said things like that to me. I think it was because I looked so much like my mother.

" Come on dad. It's time to go home."

We each threw one of our arms under his armpits to support him as we helped him out. Eric and Tanya were staring at the three of us as we made our way to the van. He jumped out and opened the door without a word. With much difficulty we loaded him in and Eric finally asked what the hell was going on.

" That's her dad."

He didn't need to say anymore. I looked at the man that was squeezed in between the two of us and my heart broke. Despite what he had said to me I knew that he loved me when he wasn't totally bombed out of his mind. I gave Eric directions to my house and when we got there they both helped to get him in the house since he was completely passed out at that point. I followed behind them and told them where to lay him down. I didn't bother leaving a note. He wouldn't remember anything the next day and I preferred it to stay that way. I kissed his forehead before we left to head home. Eric was standing out on the porch on his cellphone and I heard the tailend of what I was assuming was the converation that he was having with one of his parents so we wouldn't be in trouble. I walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder to let him know that I was ready to go whenever he was.

" That was dad. I called to let him know what was going on so you guys wouldn't get in trouble."

" Thanks Eric. I really appreciate it." He gave me a one armed hug and directed me towards the van at the same time.

I got in and took the spot that I had previously been sitting in. The only thing that was said on the way back to the house was my profuse apologies for ruining the night and everyones denial that I had. Jordan pulled me against his side and rubbed my arm. I nestled my head into the crook of his shoulder and laid my shoulder on his knee. Dealing with my dad had always been when he was in that state had always been mentally exhausting and that was translating into a physical exhaustion and at some point in the short drive I must have fallen asleep. I barely acknowledged the fact that he picked me up and carried me into the house. I don't know what time it was when I woke up but I found myself on the couch downstairs in the living room. I stumbled upstairs and made my way into bed.