Free A Penny's Worth by Nancy DeRosa Page B

hips and
declared in mock anger, “I can’t believe you didn’t hear me come in.”
    “Ah.” He touched his left ear. “My
hearing isn’t as good as it used to be.”
    Her father had lost weight. She’d hardly
noticed it before. His always present pop belly was shrinking and his pallor
was a bit gray and pasty. He was a big man, with a nice head of hair that now
held more silver than black. His pleasant face matched his demeanor. He would
be perfect if only for one major flaw. Ron was a coward when it came to dealing
with his wife. Penny would inwardly cringe whenever she thought about his emotional
distance when he should have stood by her. But she put these thoughts to one
side. She realized with mounting alarm that her father didn’t look so good.
    “You look so tired, Dad. What on earth
are you doing these days?”
    “You really know how to make a guy feel
good.” He laughed. “I’m fine Penny, not to worry. I’ve just been working more
at the pharmacy. They had to let Dan Feeley go.” He shrugged. “Dan had been
nasty to a couple of customers and they complained. More work for me, anyhow.”
    “Too bad about Dan.” She had heard he had
a nervous breakdown but she didn’t know the details. I hope they find someone
soon because you do look exhausted.” She sat down facing her father, her feet
up on the next chair. If Dolores saw her do that she would order her down
pronto. She wiggled her toes. “This feels so good,” she declared, closing her
eyes for a second. “I feel like two lakes of water are residing at the bottom
of my feet. I’ve been standing on them all day.”
    “Talk about losing weight, you look like
you’ve lost a few yourself.”
    “Do I? Can’t say that I’ve noticed, but I
have been a little nervous lately. I haven’t been eating so much. I was so busy
today that I barely managed my strawberry yogurt.”
    “Do you like the hospital?”
    “I don’t know yet,” she answered
truthfully. “Dad, the head nurse makes me nervous and everyone seems to know
each other.” She admitted with great sadness, “What if I’m still the person
no-one wants to get to know?”
    She was astonished that she had revealed
her insecurities to her father. She’d never opened up to him with this much
honesty; it was rare to be alone with him. Her mother would always hover around
to make sure she didn’t miss a thing.
    He seemed as astonished with her
disclosure as she was. He began slowly, “Anyone would be blessed to have you as
a friend.” He gently put his hand on top of hers. “I wanted you to come tonight
so we could have some time together. It’s rare your mother ventures out at
night and I didn’t want to lose this opportunity. I am so proud of you. Believe
me, I know how your mother can squeeze the enthusiasm out of pretty much
anything.”
    “Everything, more like.”
    He looked downcast. “I should have
stepped in long ago, to stop her from stopping you. I’ve made so many mistakes
and I live with them every day.” He walked over to the sink to get a glass of
water. He continued with his back to Penny, “I should have supported you years
ago, but instead, I buried my head in work. That was so much easier than
dealing with your mother. I guess I kind of gave up fighting too.” Turning
around, he said almost imperceptibly, “I guess I’m just a coward.”
    She walked over and slipped her hand into
his. “So was I.”
    Her father’s eyes were glistening. “I’m
so sorry Penny. Dolores always pushed the boys to be the best they could be. I
thought she was doing the same with you. I should have been the one to tell you
to go for it. I should have made sure you knew how wonderful you are, and I
should have been your cheering section.”
    “Dad stop, it’s not your fault,” She
didn’t mean a word of it.
    “You must be very disappointed in me.”
    She looked up at him and fought back the
tears. “I don’t think it’s too late to start cheering for me