Verge of Freedom

“Hey Dad.” Katherine walks towards me, with a nervous look on her face. This cannot be good.

“What’s up, Kitty-Kat?,” she stands there for a second. I continue, “Why don’t you come sit next to me?”

She takes a few steps and plops down on our brand new leather couch, which we had just gotten today.

“I like the couch.” Katherine says, with wandering eyes.

I don’t buy it, “Katherine, just tell me what’s going on.”

She takes a deep breath and begins speaking, “So um, there’s this guy. His name is Hunter. And he, well um, asked me out. This Friday. Can I go?

“Hey Dad!”

I chuckle, “Why so excited Kayla?”

“I was wondering if I could go out to dinner with Derek… Like on a date.”

“Sure, have fun!” I mean, what am I supposed to do? Leave Kayla locked up forever? She’s 16, and gorgeous, of course she would want to date. Kids need freedom anyway, it’s how they learn. I hope Katherine will be as easy to raise as Kayla…

~YEARS LATER~

“Kayla… You’re just  18! How are you expecting to take care of this baby?” my wife asks my newly pregnant daughter, with disappointed eyes.

“I.. I.. I want to get an-“ I cut her off.

“I am not okay with you killing my grandchild. I would never forget it. Please, please consider all your options Kayla.”

“I don’t think you’re old enough Katherine… Maybe when your older, okay?”

She stares at me, “I’m not Kayla, dad.”

My Kitty stand up, and starts walking up to her room. I hate seeing her upset, but I am only saving her from future heartbreak. And from the possibility of pregnancy.

Our house phone rings, “Hello? This is Kevin.”

“Hey Mr. Entz, may I please speak to Katie?”

Great this punk even has a nickname for my daughter, “That depends. Who is this? And why are you calling?”

“This is Jackson Reed… Katie said she might need some help with her Chemistry, and she didn’t pick up her cell.”

I sigh, “Hold on.”

I call up to Katherine and tell her to pick up her line. I hang up the phone.  How does Katherine have so many boys interested in her? At least I know she respects my rules.

**********

“Hey Jackson.”

He laughs, “Hey Katie… I hear Hunter asked you out. What’s the deal with you and him?”

Aw, Jackson’s jealous, “Well I said yes, but my dad won’t let me date. Ugh, it’s so embarrassing.”

“So you like Hunter?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

The line is silent for a moment, “Would you ever consider dating me?”

“Look, I like you Jackson but not like in a romantic way. Plus, even if I did like you like that, my dad wouldn't let me.”

“Oh. I guess that makes sense. See you in Chemistry Katie.”

He hangs up the phone, and as if on cue I get an IM from Hunter.

Hunter67: Hey! So are we on for Friday? :)

I take second to think, then I respond.

Kitty-Kat123: Sorry… My dad says I’m not old enough to date :(

Hunter67:  So, what now?

Kitty-Kat123: Part of me wants to date you anyway, but I don’t wanna go behind my dad’s back.

Hunter67: I really like you Katherine <3

Kitty-Kat123: Meet me at Gina’s house on Friday. She’s having some people over to hang out… Maybe we can see each other on a “date” then?

Hunter67: Sounds good. As long as I get to be with you. Night.

And with that, I decide to go to bed.

**********

Now that Katherine is at school, it’s the perfect time to check her IMs. I want to trust her, but part of me feels suspicious about this whole Hunter thing.

I open her IM history.

Hunter67

Get@meGina

jReed90

MicahScore

MacKenzieeeeee

WomanizerWendell

All her actual messages are deleted.  My little Kitty is smarter than I gave her credit for.

**********

I walk into my dad’s office, “Gina is having a get together, movie thing, at her house tonight… It’ll be the usually crew; Wendell, MacKenzie, Micah, Hunter, Jackson, and of course me and Gina.”

He pauses from his work and looks at me, “Hunter is gonna be there?”

“Yeah.”

“You can go, as long as you promise to be back by 1. And if you promise this isn’t a date with Hunter. Okay?”

“Okay dad, I promise,” I run to give him a hug, “Thanks!”

He gives me a suspicious look, “A little excited, huh?”

“Yeah…” I say as I turn to walk out the door.

I run upstairs to get ready. I have to dress casually enough to get by my dad, but nice enough to impress Hunter. I need help, so I decide to text Kayla.

Me: Hey kay! I need some help with my outfit. Needs to be unsuspicious yet impressive ;)

She responds within seconds.

Sissy <3: Straightened hair, concert tee, jean jacket or a sweatshirt layer, leggings, Uggs with high wool socks. It shows effort without being to in anyone’s face. Don’t have too much fun ;)

I never want to be a teen mom like Kayla became. But it’s times like this I’m glad she has experience with boys. And Dad.

**********

Katherine comes down the stairs. She looks great, but maybe a little too great. I mean, no wonder guys want to date my daughter.

“Alright, do you need a ride over there?”

“No Wendell is picking me up. He’s a sophomore remember?”

“Oh yeah… Alright have fun. And no funny business Kitty-Kat.” I pull her into a hug, and kiss her forehead. Hopefully I’m the only guy who’s doing that tonight.

“Bye dad!”

She walks out the front door and climbs into Wendell’s car.

She’s a good girl. I know, well I strongly believe, she will make the right choices.

**********

I get into Wendell’s car. And we begin to drive away.

“Hey K.”

“Hey Wendell.” I say with a big smile.

“Why are you so happy?” he smirks.

We pull onto the main road, and once we pick up speed I roll down the windows.

“I’M FREE!” I yell.

He laughs, “Well at least until 1.”