I hadn’t seen him in eleven years … and hadn’t wanted to. But, there he was sitting at the bar about two people down from me.

If only I could just chug this shot and make a run for it. If only I wasn’t sitting in this bar trying to get myself wasted. If only I hadn’t just found out, from the radio no less, that my dad was killed in a car accident.

If only.

“Dawn,â€? a familiar voice asked, “Is that you?â€?

“Yeah.â€? I said, turning around to face my worse fear. It would have been a lot better if I was put together. I wish I had bothered to brush my hair and fix my make-up before leaving the house.

“Hi.â€? He gushed, reaching to hug me. I didn’t give in. “You look … well.â€? LIAR . He always was the best liar.

“You too. How have you been?â€? I managed to inconspicuously fix my face some.

“Good. How’s your life now?â€?

“It’s nice.â€?

“Cool.â€? He nodded and looked away quickly as our eyes met. Then he leaned in and asked, “So was it … was it mine?â€? And that was when I slapped him right across the face in fury.