he wrapped his arm around my shoulders . it was the first time i had said this out loud . and once this thing was over , she 'd be with someone else . for some reason my reaction was to rear up and hold my chin high . he folded his arms , his face becoming a work of stone . she had developed into the type of person my father longed for me to be . i chew on my thumb , watching her walk back up the stairs to our room . 