My Father Can't Find Out

Lanie

I opened my mouth, searching for air, but finding none. I’d been reduced to a frantically gulping fish. All I could do was stare at Andrew as the world around us turned apocalyptic.

Andrew stared back, his face pale and his features tight.

“How have you never met before?” my mother asked from next to me, her voice sounding miles away.

I kept my eyes on Andrew, too aware of the pounding in my ears. Did we say something? As in the truth?

I gulped, squeezing the sides of my chair. What would my parents say once they found out the man I was seeing was none other than my dad’s long-time friend?

Andrew cleared his throat, his eyes quickly jumping to my mother. “I honestly don’t know. It’s crazy.” Again, his gaze slid over to me, the tension in his shoulders unmistakable. “You don’t go by Elizabeth.”

He made it sound like an accusation.

“No,” my numb tongue responded. “Helena is my middle name, so, you know, Lanie.”

Andrew’s chest rose sharply with an inhale. “Right. It’s very nice.