“Dinner is delicious aunt Paula!” said Gary gleefully as he loaded his plate with seconds of everything.
The food really was splendid, but poor Vicky wasn’t able to enjoy it. She was scared and excited at the same time. Adrenaline surged through her veins as she ached to get this night’s events over with.
She looked around at her mother, Jason and Gary seated all around the dinner table, her father’s seat empty. He had to work late that night and she supposed it was a good thing that he didn’t see her like this.
Axky could spot a lie easily, and when it came to Vicky, he knew her like the back of her hand. He would know something was wrong instantly.
But was it such a bad thing if he knew? pondered Vicky. Shaking her head she picked at her spaghetti, the sauce coagulated with the now cold gluten. There was no way her parents would give her permission to go to such a party.
She had never tasted alcohol in her life, or mingled with anyone her age who wasn’t from female and from an affluent family. Vicky knew the reason her parent’s were so protective was because she’d been through many vulnerable moments early on in her childhood.
Vicky had been adopted by Axky and Paula over thirteen years ago. But before that she had spent half her life at an orphanage and the rest at the hands of an abusive, manipulative woman who had only taken her in for her personal gain.
Paula and Axky loved her immensely and showered her with little kisses and words of encouragement. They had given her a home, a family and a place she could call her own.
How could she jeopardize all of that for a boy she was sure didn’t even know she existed? She put down another spoonful of the cold noodles and sighed.
No, she couldn’t do this.
“Vicky, honey, why aren’t you eating anything?” asked Paula concern lining her face. “Do you want to eat something else? We can order some pizza if you like.”
Vicky had to smile at that. She shook her head. “No mum.” she said. “I’m not hungry—“
The front door burst open, just then and Axky waltzed in, a bottle of champagne and a card on his hands.
“Paula, Paula guess what!” he said excitedly. “I’ve got a big news!”
Vicky giggled at his words. After all these years Axky hadn’t changed much. He was still pretty much a kid in a grown ups body.
“Vicky, you haven’t eaten anything yet.” he continued frowning as he looked a Gary and Jason. “And these boys look too happy. Something’s wrong. Anyone care to explain?” he added narrowing his eyes at the children.
Vicky groaned at his words. Yes, Axky was sometimes childish, but he was also very perceptive and excellent detective skills. His many talents wasn’t helping her case.
“What do you mean Uncle Axky?” chimed in Jason.
“We’re always happy!” said Gary taking a third helping of the custard pie.
Vicky didn’t say anything and merely looked down to avoid the pointed looks Gary and Jason were shooting her.
“Vicky, you and me outside right now.” ordered Axky setting the bottle and card on the dining table and walking briskly out into the balcony.
Paula sighed as she stared after her husband. “Go on Vicky.” she said reassuringly. “Tell him whatever’s bothering you. He won’t mind, he dotes on you more than anything.”
Vicky gave a tiny smile, but got up anyway.
Jason and Gary groaned in frustration. Their plans were going to turn to dust, because of Vicky’s crystal clear conscience.
She walked out into the balcony, her hands shaking slightly with nervousness. Was it always so hard to stand up for what you wanted?
Why did she have to think so long and hard about how her decisions would impact her family? Many people wouldn’t think twice before sneaking out for a night of fun.
“Hey kiddo.” said Axky ruffling her hair as she reached him. “What’s troubling you? Is there anyone’s face I need to smash?”
Vicky chuckled. “No Dad, not yet.” she said, before falling silent once more.
Axky sighed as he whipped out his phone and scrolled to a page.
“So is his name Levi Walters or Samthon Cross?” he asked resignedly, though his eyes looked eerily hopeful.
Vicky’s jaw almost dropped to the floor in shock. How the hell did her father even know about these guys?
“Oh come on Vicky, you know I always know about these kind of things.” said Axky putting a finger below her chin and closing her mouth. “You did a pretty good job covering your tracks, but I need to teach you better stealth in the cyber world. Hacking is an art form, you’ll get better with practice.”
Vicky recovered quickly, her tongue finally unsticking itself from the roof of her mouth.
“How?” she wheezed. “How did you find out?”
“Well the State sort of hired me to check the cyber health of their websites and databases a month ago.” he said scratching the back of his neck. “Imagine my surprise, when I saw that my little princess has been happily hacking into everything relating back to these two guys.”
Vicky turned white, her eyes big as saucers by now. “Will I go to jail?”
Axky shook his head. “Of course not. I got a new project to secure everything. So no one will be able to get in as easily anymore. It was quite appalling how lax the security was. I presented your case, a sixteen year old easily hacking into the state’s data, and the authorities agreed not to press charges in exchange of your help in spotting loopholes.”
Vicky let out a huge sigh of relief as she engulfed Axky into a tight hug. “His name is Levi Daddy. I only searched for Samthon because he is his neighbour.” she said, her face buried in his shoulder. “Levi’s my first crush. He’s my only crush. He doesn’t know about me, and I can’t seem to move on—“
“Vicky, Vicky, love look at me.” said Axky pushing back her shoulders slightly to look at her face. “It’s okay. While I’m not thrilled with your untimely interest in guys, you can give this kid a shot. Go to his school, try to get to know him, be his friend and if you still like him then, ask him out.”
Vicky was so surprised she started to laugh. This was all too surreal. Her father was agreeing?
“Also, my sources tell me there’s some kind of a high school germ fest happening at some unfortunate parents’ house. My intel tells me this Levi kid has already reached the venue. Do you want Paula to drive you there? I’m not very confident with my driving skills to be honest, but I could help you pick out something to wear.”
He was rambling and it was adorable how much he loved his daughter. Vicky hugged him again and kissed his cheek. “I love you Daddy.”
Axky smiled as he kissed the top of her head. “I love you too darling.” he said before saying sternly. “But no kissing, sex or unsupervised drinking till you are married, preferably after forty okay?”
Vicky resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Sure Daddy. Let’s go tell the others.”
Paula, Gary and Jason were still at the table, with the boys holding their heads in their hands, when they returned. It was obvious they were bummed out that their plan had fallen to pieces.
“So boys, Paula.” said Axky as he pulled up a chair and sat down. “Vicky will be going to her first high school party today. I have assignments for all of you. Gary, Jason, I need you on standby in case something untowards happens at the party. You will be stationed at Kyle’s house.”
The boys emerged from their depression to look almost shamefully gleeful. They nodded and winked at each other.
“Paula, you need to drive Vicky to 5th Street boulevard, then turn left to house number 45.” continued Axky.
“My research tells me that most girls at this party will be wearing next to nothing under their coats. But our little Vicky will be graceful and she will be dignified.” said Axky sagely. “She will wear what is top fashion and yet be protected from the lewd gazes of hormonal teenage boys.”
Paula laughed. “So that’s what was bothering you?” she said ruffling Vicky’s hair. “You could have told us, we’d have helped you prepare.
Vicky nodded, now realizing that while it was fun to lie to your parents and do stuff secretly, it could be double the fun and less stressful if you just trusted them enough to involve them.
“I want more custard.” came Gary’s voice, effectively ending the conversation.
A/N : I promise we’ll meet Levi in the next chapter. I won’t delay any longer 🙂
Thank you for reading! Do leave a vote and/or a comment letting me know your thoughts.
Your support means a lot to me 🙂
lots of love,
Andy
Next -> Read Chapter 4 here! (link will be live soon)
The Jovial Writer 
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