How to tell if a maybe is a yes or no?

A while back my dad broke my phone because he got mad, and i just now asked him if i could get an iphone 5s, and showed him that from the apple store if i get it delivered its only like 50 dollars. He said not today, and i said "well duh not today but" then he said "maybe"-long pause- "next week" because he gets paid next week and i'm not sure if thats a yes or no

It's a no.

I would think he's just thinking about it but most likely leaning towards yes. I reckon you should just ask him again next week though. But don't be bringing it up all the time, every day. Just drop the question once or twice next week and see what he says

In romance maybe always means no ---- with a parent it could go either way

Be good! Obey him and do extra chores! It could go either way.