Chapter 6: Wishful Thinking

Shayla

The sun had fully set now, and the school was lit up by the football field lights and car headlights as the crowd tried to make their way out of the parking lot.

The night was ending. Both Shayla and Evan were now high school graduates. It was time for the next phase of life and to start thinking about the future and what they each wanted.

But Shayla only had one thing on her mind at that moment. Her father.

She continued to comb the crowd with her eyes to catch another glimpse of her missing father. She hadn't so much as received a card, or text or any form of communication since that letter stating he was gone.

She had known he was already gone though. He stopped being their father the moment her mother stopped breathing. Shayla had no idea what her mother would even think of what her father was doing. That's a lie. She knew exactly how her mother would react. She would be fully disappointed in Seth. She would try to talk some sense into him for their children. Had she never gone, neither would her father.

Though she wanted to be so angry with him, the only emotion she felt was hopeful. She wanted to know if he was okay. She could never stop loving him. He was her father. Up until recently, he had been the absolute best one.

Fate had other plans for Shayla's life though. It would take both of her parents and make sure she never wanted to let love in again. Not a double-edged sword, but a triple one. Would the hits ever stop coming?

"Hey, you all right?" asked Evan.

"Yeah, I am fine."

"What was that on the stage? You said something about your dad?" he asked.

Shayla hesitated. She shared literally every thought and day with Evan, so she might as well tell him.

"I saw my dad."

"What? When? Where?"

"Just as I got my diploma. I looked out and I swear it was him, Evan. I can't be going crazy. Not anymore. I thought I got past all of that. Tell me I am not crazy?" she begged.

"You've never been crazy, Shayla. Just dealing. Anyone in your situation would have to deal too. You went through the therapy, you moved on as best as you could. No one can blame you for wishing your dad was here today."

She sighed. He grabbed her hand.

"I know. But it felt so real."

"You'll probably see him a hundred more times and always at the most important moments in your life. I wish he never did this to you, especially when you needed him the most."

"Thanks. I need to hear that. I suppose I will let go of the thought of him watching me graduate. I'll never stop wishing he would come back though. Especially for Hadley. He needs his father more than he knows."

She wanted to wrap herself into Evan's arms so badly. She knew he held comfort there. She knew she could breathe there.

"I know. But you have done such a good job being there for him. He knows you would never leave him," Evan said.

And she wouldn't. That is why she decided to stay here in Great Falls for college. Hadley wasn't ready to be without her and she wasn't ready to be without him. She hadn't told Evan her plans to stay yet.

They had thought about going to the same school. They had both applied and both got accepted. Big plans were in the works, and she had to break them.

She only hoped he would understand.

***

When Shayla's family planned a party, they did it big. Though they kept mostly to themselves they were well known around in their neck of the woods. Though their closest neighbor was two miles down the road, they still ventured over there from time to time.

Mrs. Shuster had the best blackberry pie in town and every time she baked it, she would invite them all over for coffee and pie. She was so sweet. She lived alone and always welcomed their company.

Then there was Mr. and Mrs. Davis who owned a local restaurant that made the best Rueben sandwiches Shayla had ever had. They always had Sunday lunch at the Davis's restaurant. They quickly became the Davis's favorite customers.

So along with Mrs. Shuster, the Davis family and anyone in a twenty-mile radius, Shayla's graduation party was huge. She didn't complain though. It filled a very empty hole.

Evan's party wasn't planned until the following week so that they could each attend the others.

Evan walked into Shayla's house with a giant bouquet of red roses and sunflowers. Shayla's favorites.

"You didn't have to do that, but I love them."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Her pulse went through the roof, but she played it cool.

"Yes, I did. Who else was going to bring you flowers today?"

"Ouch," she winced.

"Sorry. You know what I mean though," he said.

She took the flowers and put them in the largest vase she could find. They still barely fit.

"I know. I am just playing with you," she said. Though he did really touch a nerve.

Hadley came in the kitchen with chocolate all over his face.

"I am guessing your cake is chocolate?" asked Evan.

"Is there any other flavor to have cake?" asked Shayla.

She lovingly wiped Hadley's face with a cloth and kissed the top of his head.

"There ya go, kiddo."

"Thanks Shayla. I love you! I am getting more cake."

Before Shayla could protest, Hadley ran back out the door.

She caught Evan staring at her, but he quickly looked away.

She had no idea that all he could think about was her being the future mother of his children.

And he had no idea that she was thinking the exact same thing.

"So, wanna get some cake before Hadley eats it all?" Shayla asked.

"You read my mind."