Reunited with the Past

The drive to her father's house was a blur for Kenzy, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions as she sat beside Levi in the car. She hadn't seen her father in years, not until two years ago when he suddenly contacted her, and even then, their interactions had been sporadic and superficial. Kenzy had grown up without parents, living with foster families and later on her own, and the idea of having a father figure in her life was still foreign to her. As they pulled up to the house, Kenzy felt a knot form in her stomach. What would her father be like in person? Would he be warm and welcoming, or cold and distant? She glanced over at Levi, who was watching her with concern etched on his face. "Hey, I'm here with you," he said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. Kenzy smiled weakly, trying to reassure herself that everything would be okay. They stepped out of the car and walked up to the house, the sound of footsteps echoing from inside. The door opened, and a tall, strong figure stood before them. Kenzy's eyes widened as she took in her father's rugged features, his piercing blue eyes, and his chiseled jawline. "Kenzy," he said, his voice deep and rough, as he stepped aside to let them in. As they entered the house, Kenzy's eyes scanned the room, taking in the sparse decorations and the worn-out furniture. Her father gestured for them to sit, and they settled into the couch, Levi sitting close to her, his arm around her shoulders. Her father sat across from them, his eyes lingering on Kenzy's face before shifting to Levi. "And you are...?" he asked, his tone neutral. "This is Levi," Kenzy said, her voice soft. "My boyfriend." Her father's eyes narrowed, his gaze assessing Levi's physique, his build, and his presence. Kenzy noticed the flicker of surprise in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference. Levi stood up, his movements fluid and confident, and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, sir," he said, his voice firm. Kenzy's father took his hand, and for a moment, they stood there, their palms clasped together. Kenzy couldn't help but notice that her father was tall and strong, but Levi's build and presence seemed to dwarf him. As they sat back down, the conversation was stilted, with long pauses and awkward silences. Kenzy's father asked her about her life, her job, and her studies, but his questions seemed superficial, lacking the warmth and genuine interest she had hoped for. Levi, sensing her unease, took over the conversation, engaging her father in discussions about his work and his interests. Kenzy watched, fascinated, as Levi effortlessly navigated the conversation, his charm and charisma disarming her father's reserve. As they sat there, Kenzy realized that her father's demeanor was not as cold as she had expected. There was a hint of warmth beneath his gruff exterior, a glimmer of regret in his eyes. But it was too early to tell if this was a genuine change of heart or just a fleeting moment of sentiment. As they prepared to leave, Kenzy's father stood up, his eyes locking onto hers. "I'm glad you came, Kenzy," he said, his voice softening. Kenzy smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new, something that would bring them closer together. She glanced over at Levi, who was watching her with a knowing smile. As they walked out of the house, Kenzy felt a sense of uncertainty, but with Levi by her side, she felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.