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After visiting Art in the hospital, Christina went back home to pack her bags to stay at her grandmother’s. As she went to her room, she couldn’t help but have a sudden flashback to when she was younger.
…
It was a few years back; Art would only let Poppit be alone with her for only two minutes to brush her hair and fix her dress for church.
As she felt her hair become neater and neater, Poppit stopped in her tracks and sighed very deeply.
Christina glanced back; her eyes filled with curiosity as her mother’s were filled with regret.
“Is everything alright, Mom?” She asked.
There was a moment of silence before Poppit opened her mouth.
“Christina?” She started. “You do love your father, don’t you?”
“Of course!” Christina said through a genuine smile. “I love you guys both!”
“But do you love us equally?”
There, her face dropped, her upcoming tone wouldn’t be so convincing, but she felt obligated to answer anyway.
She knew she didn’t, but that was mostly because her mother’s time was devoted to Block and not her. She guessed that was inevitable of having another sibling, but still… it would’ve been nice to spend more time with her.
But that was where Art came into the picture. He spent time with her, shower her with gifts, and constantly telling her how much he loves her – even as much as God.
As much as Christina hated – no, disliked – the thought, it was hard not to pick a favorite parent.
Poppit noticed her hesitation and let out a small, yet pity smile.
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to answer that one,” she said, putting the brush down on the dresser. “But before we leave, let me tell you something.”
“What is it?” Christina almost wanted to sigh in relief.
A knock came from the other side, scaring both of them for a split second.
“Ten more seconds, girls!” Art happily said, “you don’t want us to be late for the good ol’ sermon, do you?”
“Listen, sweetheart,” Poppit quickly leveled down to Christina’s height, and held her hand, “you may love your father, but don’t ever fall in love with someone like him, understand?”
“I-I actually don’t,” Christina stuttered, “wouldn’t I want to be with someone like-”
“Time’s up! Let’s get moving!” Art opened the door, making the two flinch. “Did I scare you guys?”
“No, sir,” Christina lied as Poppit got up and dusted herself off.
“Yeah, right,” Art laughed as he picked her up, “well, you look beautiful as ever, dear.”
“Daddy, I’m getting too old for you to carry me,” Christina blushed.
“Nonsense,” Art moved her face to where he could kiss her cheek, “you’re never too old for my love.”
Christina couldn’t help but giggle as he put her back down and patted her back.
“Go ahead and get in the car, I’ll be out there in a minute.”
“Yes, Daddy!” She happily went downstairs to the living room. “Come on, Block!”
What she didn’t witness was Art’s change in face when he looked at Poppit, who was about to leave the bedroom. His tender and generous eyes were swept away by ones that were filled with irritation and contempt.
When she walked past by him, he grabbed the back of her collar, which caused her to jump and turn around.
“What is wrong with you?!” She exclaimed, trying to catch her breath.
“What did you say to her?” Art asked, voice matching the harsh look.
“None of your concern.”
“Do I have to strangle you again to get the answer?” He stepped closer to Poppit, but she stood her ground.
“And if you do that again, Christina will definitely be more suspicious of you. You don’t want that on your mind, do you?”
Art simply scoffed at the question as he backed off from her.
“Just get in the car,” he responded, “and from now on, I’ll be making sure she’s ready for church. Got it?”
“I don’t care,” Poppit adjusted her collar, “you’re already not giving her enough breathing room as is… makes me think you’re not seeing her as just your daughter.”
“Should I tell the townspeople that you’re thinking like that?” Art closed Christina’s door and followed behind her as they went downstairs. “Because whatever twisted, sick fantasy you got going on in your head is pretty damning on both of our parts, even if that was the case.”
Poppit rolled her eyes as a response as they went outside, seeing Christina and Block bouncing in the backseat of the car.
“Come on, guys, we’re going to be late!” Christina rolled her window down and poke her head out with a huge smile on her face.
“We’ll be there in a second, sweetie!” Poppit faked one as Art locked the door. “And don’t mess up your hair and dress already!”
“She’s right, you have to look your best for the Lord!” Art approached Christina to slightly adjust her headband and entered the car.
…
Skipping to the present, Christina looked at the newer brush on the dresser before she grabbed it and put it in her night bag.
“‘Love your father, but never someone like him,’” she tried to simplify the lesson to help her understand more.
In a way, she thought she did.
She knew her father meant well but he was the type that was quick to anger if something didn’t go his way.
The type that would push others away if it meant being closer to her.
The type that would put his hands on his loved ones if they said something that he didn’t like.
She couldn’t help but touch her neck and flinch a little.
“Yeah,” she sighed, “I think… no, I know I understand now.”