My Biological Father Left Us When I Was Three – Then Reappeared on My 17th Birthday to Outshine My Stepdad With His Present

My father's face hardened.

"You think this guy loves you more than your own father?"

I stared at him.

"You don't know what position I play."

"Because I wasn't allowed to."

He opened his mouth.

"You knew where we lived. You knew my birthday. You found me today. So don't tell me you couldn't reach me."

Nothing.

"You could've sent a card."

His eyes shifted toward Mom.

"Then tell me."

"This isn't the place."

"You had 14 years to find one."

He looked around at the neighbors.

For the first time since he'd arrived, he seemed embarrassed.

Then he tried the keys again.

"Take the car, Jake."

I looked at them.

I had wanted a car. Of course I had.

I'd imagined driving to school instead of standing at the bus stop in the rain.