In the morning, I woke up late and missed the bus which got me an earful from mom. Luckily dad was there and said he'd drop me off.

In the car, we sit in silence until dad says something.

"Soooo, how's jack? "

"Huh? Umm ok I guess "

"It's ok, you can tell me. I used to have imaginary friends when I was a kid too so it's ok. You'll eventually grow out of it " he says assuredly as he keeps his eyes on the road.

I want mom and dad to see him. Stop thinking of him as an imaginary friend. Whenever they say that in front of him I see him trembling.

"Dad, he's real" I declare sternly as I look at him.

He just glances at me and nods.

"I'm serious. Jack. Is. Real. And I've grown very close to him. It's too bad you and mom can't see him, he really loves you "

This causes him to grin "He does? I'm flattered to know. Ok, let's assume he's real. Why can't we see him? And if he's a ghost how'd he die? "

"Well...I don't know. He says he has no memory of it " I see the school getting closer and prepare to get off. After the car stops, I open the door and get off but dad calls from behind.

"Dan. Tell your friend I love him too"

I feel a big smile on my face and nod enthusiastically. The whole time in school I couldn't wait to go home and tell him that. His reaction would be priceless.

_________________________________________

At home, I rushed inside to my room passing my surprised mother. He was standing near the window looking out. He turns around when I enter the room.

"Jack! Today I talked to dad about you in the car and tried to convince him your real. In the end, he told me to tell you that he loves you too! "

His eyes widen for a moment and he starts snickering and then laughing uncontrollably. Not what I expected. I thought he'd be so happy and ask me for details.

"Hilarious," he says at last

"What's wrong? Thought you'd be pleased"

He smirks and looks at me "Dan, the thing is, your dad says that to a lot of people that being included in them just weirds me out "

"What? what are you trying to say? " I don't get it? what does he mean by a lot of people? Doesn't he feel happy that dad said that? I stand there waiting for his explanation looking surprised.

He sighs and sits cross-legged on a chair." You see, your father is having affairs "

Did...I hear him right? Affairs? I felt myself frozen in place. Why would he say something like that about dad? Didn't he love him?

"How could you say such a thing about dad " my voice cracking up.

"Look. Dan. It must be hard to believe but that's the truth. He's rarely home, right? Now you know where he- "

"STOP SAYING THAT! WHAT PROOF DO YOU HAVE! " I yell. There's no way it's true.

He rolls his eyes "Proof? Yeah, I have it. When your mom goes to work and your in school, he sometimes comes home and talks to them. Check his phone, you'll see. I could tell you the password since neither you nor your mom knows "

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My dad would do such a thing? All this time I thought jack loved him and was feeling lonely.

"You're lying. Please, if this is a joke then stop "

He gets up and walks towards me "Think whatever you want I already told you." after patting my shoulder he leaves.

"Oh and today after dropping you off at school, he went to meet with someone " he calls from outside.

I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Tears start flowing. What do I do ?. I can't believe dad would do something like that. Jack must be lying...but why would he do that? He's never lied to me before. This was the thing that was bothering him? There's no way my dad is that kinda person.

At dinner, while mom and dad talk about work and stuff, I silently eat my meal. Jack is sitting on the staircase watching us. We haven't talked since then. After hearing what he said it feels off being around dad. I look up at him and he seems just like always. Funny, caring and understanding. I try to forget what he said but I cant...

"You've been awfully quiet. What's on your mind? " mom asks curiously. The golden light from the hanging lightbulb gleams across the whole dinner table. I gulp hard.

"Oh, umm nothing " I then turn towards dad" hey dad, where did you go after dropping me off at school "I look closely for any suspicious action . He doesn't show any.

"Oh, I went straight to work. Where else would I be going " he laughs. He looks so honest. I glance towards jack and he's just glaring at dad. After dinner, I go to my room and prepare for tomorrow. He's behind me but I really don't wanna talk to him right now. He doesn't say anything nor do I.