My Daddy's Girl

Short Story by: Texasjane

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I remember once when I brought a boy home to meet my folks. This was a requirement before being allowed to go out with the boy. The guy seemed very nice to me but my daddy did not approve of him. Permission to go out with him was not going to happen. So, what does every brat, who is a teen, do ... I decided to sneak out.

I had made plans to go out with "Possum". That is right, that was the kid's name. I did not know it at the time but my father had known his father in high school. I waited until the house got quiet. I went out my bedroom window. Possum was parked in the alley waiting for me. I thought we were going to go to the movies. Possum decided we would just take a drive instead. All of a sudden he stops the car. He tried to pull me close to him and kiss me. I pushed him back and said. "I don't know you, I don't do that, and I want to go home."

Possum became very insistent on his intentions. He glanced around, "What you gonna do out here?"

Then I remembered my daddy telling me to not panic and think my way out of any situation. He always told me to start talking and don't stop till you can get help. I did just that. I suggested that the steering wheel was in the way and things were clumsy with his jacket on. "Why don't you get out and take off your jacket." Possum was delighted that I might cooperate with him. The minute he got out of the car I scooted into the driver's seat and took off. The door actually hit him on the backside as I sped away. I drove all the way to my house. All the lights were on and my parents were both up. When I came in my daddy hugged me and then glanced outside. He saw a car, but no Possum. Daddy grinned and gave me a hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Don't worry, Honey, I will make sure he gets it back. Now, tell me you will not do this again. Your daddy knows things you do not know. I just want you to be safe." I wrapped my arms around his neck. I had been so scared out on that lonely road. I gave Daddy the keys to Possum's car.

At school, the next week Possum tried to start a rumor that I had cooperated with him out on that road. No one believed him, they had all met my daddy. They knew. It seems Possum's daddy agreed with my daddy that Possum would not go to jail if his transportation was altered somewhat. Possum drove a tractor to school for a week.

I was a Daddy's girl for sure. He has been gone for at least fifty years. His birthday was in

August. He was a Leo. I thought that was funny because he had a burr haircut. That was due to a drunk barber rather than by choice. He eventually let it all grow out and had a goatee in his older years. That did not happen until after I was married.

He gave all of us valentines every year when we were growing up. We stood on his shoes and danced with him. He was a gentle soul. He taught me how I should expect a man to treat me. I expected tenderness. I expected him to open my door and help me with my coat. I expected proper language and someone who would care about me. I expected to respect. I also learned it is okay to stand on my own and to be a helpmate. Being a Daddy's girl is special. I am still his little girl. I still miss him.

Submitted: August 05, 2021

Memoir fathers daughters