My Daughter

299 Words


“No. You can’t go to that party.”

“Why not? All of my friends’ll be there, and I’ll catch a lot of teasing if I’m not.”

“I’d rather you were teased than me having to identify your body.”

“What’re you talking about? Identify my body? What’re you thinking?”

“I’m thinking you’re 16 and most of the attendees are over 21 so there will be a lot of booze and I do not trust drunken adult men and teen boys around underage girls. Besides, and do not deny it, you’ll be drinking too.”

“I’m not going to drink!”

“Sweetie, you forget, I was a teenager at one time too and I remember the parties. I told my parents the same thing and did it anyway. You’ll get as much or more teasing by those that are drinking so, no, you can’t go.”

“I hate you, mom would have let me go!”

“You don’t mean that. I’m sorry we lost your mom, but she would not have let you go either. I love you, Deena, and I worry that I’m not doing a good job raising you.”

“I’m sorry dad, I love you too. I think you’re doing a good job.”

“Thank you. Middle-aged guys don’t understand the needs of teenage daughters very well.”

“I think you do a good job and I appreciate the advisor you found. I like her.”

“Good. You need a woman in your life.”

“You do too, dad, she’s your age and very good looking.”

“My teen daughter the matchmaker?”

“You need some help.”

“What? I am capable.”

“No, you're not. It’s been seven years.”

“I haven’t found the right one.”

“You haven’t found any!”

“What about Tracy? She’s attractive.”

“She’s a Nazi!”

Wait a minute, that’s not nice.”

“Neither is she.”

“You’re quite a daughter.”

“Thanks dad.”